My Engine Swap Thread: 1984 325e w/ S52

[matt]

Why do you guys take the hoods off? WHat a PITA.

It takes like 5 minutes with two people.

How do you do your motor swaps?

[browntown]

not that I have direct experience, but it would seem that an engine crane would have a whole lot easier time picking a motor out of a car and putting a new one in without the open forward e30 hood in the way.

[///Mpressive]

not that I have direct experience, but it would seem that an engine crane would have a whole lot easier time picking a motor out of a car and putting a new one in without the open forward e30 hood in the way.

You're right, it is easier without the hood in the way.

After thinking about it, I think it may be downright impossible to put in another motor without the hood off...

[matt]

You can do it from the bottom, like the Orca CD shows.

[///Mpressive]

You can do it from the bottom, like the Orca CD shows.

Bah, you got me..

First off, go to sleep dude. You gotta work tomorrow..:p

Second, they had the whole front end off and the whole front subframe removed. Impractical when comparing to the 6 hood bolts.

Also, they had the hood off as well.

[trent]

You're right, it is easier without the hood in the way.

After thinking about it, I think it may be downright impossible to put in another motor without the hood off...

I completely disagree. I load leveler also works better from the side. Very easy with the hood on. I have done multiples, and do not remove the hood. Little do you know.

[matt]

Seems like a lot of extra work to avoid a little extra work.

[///Mpressive]

I completely disagree. I load leveler also works better from the side. Very easy with the hood on. I have done multiples, and do not remove the hood. Little do you know.

I hear ya. But, it's one thing to take out a dinky little M10, than to put in an S52 w/tranny and not make a mess of the engine bay in an e30. But hey, if you can do it, more power to ya. I would be interested in watching that. We had a bear of a time putting my motor, but an easier time with Matts. Both with the hoods off. I just stick to K.I.S.S. Work smarter not harder.

Also, don't insult me, you don't even know me. It's E-rude.

[trent]

I hear ya. But, it's one thing to take out a dinky little M10, than to put in an S52 w/tranny and not make a mess of the engine bay in an e30. But hey, if you can do it, more power to ya. I just stick to K.I.S.S. Less work = More productivity

Been there done that on the M5X.

I also agree with KISS. That is why I do not take hood off, possible paint damage, re-aligning, large piece to store, etc etc, no reason to take it off.

[FredK]

Nice load leveler you got there. Mine is a POS, and the D-ring started to bend as I angled it towards the vertical. Scary. I saw what I thought was a crack, but instead it was the paint flaking off the D-ring.

I certainly agree it's a lot easier to use the leveler coming in from the side; I just wish I had thought of it BEFORE I went in from the front. I figured I'd keep the car on the ground also, so I could maximize the stability. Good thing I had the stock 325i 4x4 ride height springs on. :mrgreen:

Oh ya, I took my hood off. I'm a swap n00b so I figured I'd rather not F up my hood in the process of removing/reinstalling engines. Ya know, being inexperienced and all.

It will be pure joy to realign it. :(

[///Mpressive]

Engine fired today. Now... Beer.

[browntown]

vid clip after the beer break please.

[e9nine]

Giggity giggity When is it gonna be road worthy? I want a ride!!!

[matt]

It was a funny moment when it fired up. We replaced the fuel pump relay and cranked it once (Ben's cranking, I'm standing outside the car holding a fire extinguisher)... nothing. I ask Ben "Did that sound different to you?"

"No."

"Try again."

Motor cranks.... fires... runs... it's loud. Shut it down.

Ben: "Did that sound different to you?"

Not sure when she'll be driving. Lots of variables there.

[///Mpressive]

It's Alive!!

I drove the car for the first time today. The maidan voyage was great. I had a few complications holding me up, but now it's on. I drove around 45 miles tonight. There are a few small issues to address, but overall I am pleased and it's ready for duty.

This thing is a beast!!

Thanks to everyone who helped along the way:

Matt (who was invaluable)
MIke
Randy
Taylor
Chuck



:rofl::rofl::rofl: