late model coolant overflow in early model car?

[haaken675]

Hey everyone,

I am trying to figure out what to do for a coolant expansion tank for my '87 325is m52 turbo swap. I am running an mz3 larger radiator, which is posing it's own hassles, and the turbo/intake and charge piping is essentially sitting where the original overflow tank would have been. I purchased a late model coolant overflow tank to mount on the other side of the engine bay in what would be a stock location for the later years, but I am running into a few issues.

Issue one is that there really isn't anything for it to mount on. The second issue is that where it should be sitting, I don't see how I could use it as the ABS module and brake lines look to be in the way...

Anyone have any suggestions for me? Can anyone see an issue running a universal aluminum overflow tank and mounting it somewhere around where the a/c dryer would have been?

Thanks in advance.

[raj]

Issue one is that there really isn't anything for it to mount on.

You should get the bracket (17111719190). My early car had a provision for me to install the bracket and hold down the tank.

The second issue is that where it should be sitting, I don't see how I could use it as the ABS module and brake lines look to be in the way...

It will fit. It sits up further towards the rear of the car past the ABS..

[haaken675]

I'll have top look again, but I don't think I saw anything that the bracket would mount to in my car. It just seems like when I put it far enough down the engine bay to allow the hood to close it interferes with the ABS system, and when I push it further up it sits WAY to high.

[haaken675]

Just double checked, and there is not any provision for that bracket. That was why I believe I didn't bother ordering it earlier. Any opinions on just getting something like this?https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polished-Al...FX0AbK&vxp=mtr

[AndrewBird]

Here is a good picture of how it is supposed to fit:

http://e30.iamgary.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_9804.jpg

You can see the bracket right on the end. I believe it mounts on a stud that is welded to the inner fender. If your car doesn't have one, you could always just drill a hole and put a bolt through from underneath.

[haaken675]

i'll have to try positioning it again. It just seems like everytime I try and get it to where I think the hood will close, the lower port on the expansion tank interferes with the abs/bake lines.

[CMBusch]

haaken675 I feel your pain. I have an early model 318i that I'm doing a 24V swap in while also using the Z3M rad.
I bought the upper rad mount bracket (17111709347) and associated rubber. I placed the bracket in the same location as a late model and marked where the clips(the things that the screws go through) interfere with the radiator support. I then used a dremel to make slits so the bracket can mount flush to the radiator support. I then marked where the holes are and drilled.
For the lower mounts I used the factory early model radiator mounts on the bottom of the radiator support. I then used a combination of long bolts and two (17111178412) stuck on the ends. Not ideal, but it'll work and it's solid.
As for the coolant overflow tank I'm not much help since I'm using an E36 tank and I don't have ABS.

[raj]

Also, it doesn't look like it will close, but it does. Don't let that part scare you. It sits a lot higher than you'd think.

[haaken675]

Also, it doesn't look like it will close, but it does. Don't let that part scare you. It sits a lot higher than you'd think.

Thanks for that one! It's nice to confirm that. I was thinking that had to be the only logical conclusion, but then again whenever I seam to assume anything...

[ba114]

I added the late model m20 expansion tank in my 318i. There was no provision for it. You want to drill a hole roughly 4" down from the base of the strut tower.

[haaken675]

I added the late model m20 expansion tank in my 318i. There was no provision for it. You want to drill a hole roughly 4" down from the base of the strut tower.

Thank you!