Budget for S50/S52 swap

[stormspike]

I was putting together my list of parts/prices for the swap this year. Am I missing something big or do I have any prices/estimates totally wrong. Please let me know so I can have a pretty accurate plan.

Here is my list so far. Some things are extra like tires, etc that do not directly go with the swap, but I want to do them at the same time.

E30 Project Budget estimates.S52 Long Block w/ A/C, Pumps, etc 48k miles $ 3,649.00 Valve Cover gasket $ 30.00 Water pipe adapter $ 50.00 Intake manifold seals $ 50.00 Vacuum lines $ 15.00 Cold Air Intake $ 150.00 Spark Plugs $ 40.00 Coil pack plug boots $ 50.00 Synthetic oil and filter $ 50.00 Engine coolant $ 20.00 New Radiator Hose set $ 250.00 New Water Pump, Thermostat, aluminum thermostat housing $ 100.00 SPAL Electric Fan $ 250.00 AC lines $ 249.00 Rear Diff $ 395.00 Orca Mounting Kit $ 895.00 Orca Cd-rom $ 98.00 Treehouse racing plug adaptor S52/all lights, etc $ 400.00 ZF 310/320 Transmission $ 600.00 E30 M3 Driveshaft $ 250.00 Flywheel, Light weight, Short shift $ 475.00 UUC Tranny Mount Enforcers with cups $ 70.00 Synthetic Trans fluid $ 20.00 New Guibo $ 65.00 New Center bearing $ 60.00 New Driveshaft hardware $ 10.00 New Clutch Slave from E36 325i/is $ 70.00 New Clutch release arm $ 25.00 New clutch release arm spring $ 7.00 New Pilot Bearing $ 10.00 UUC Braided stainless clutch line $ 30.00 Sway Bar/Upper Support-Ireland Engineering $ 450.00 Shocks/springs-Bilstein/Group Buy $ 662.00 Sway bar grommets-Treehouse racing $ 75.00 17" Wheels BBS $ 1,250.00 Tires $ 500.00 Bavarian Autosport shifter knob $ 75.00 Shipping Cost $ 750.00 Exhaust Work $ 400.00 TOTAL COST $12,595.00


I was trying to stay at the 10k mark, but it is not looking too good :)

[BigD]

That's because you're not trying very hard. $400 for the adapter? Make your own for 20 bucks. 1750 for wheels/tires? If you want to stay under 10k how about you wait on the wheels. I got a set of 17" Kosei K1s for 300 shipped and new 235/40/17 RT615 for another 500.

A radiator hose set for $250?

You can buy the spal for 100 on ebay any day, not 250.

Do you really need a new shift knob for $70?

WTF is in the ORCA mounting kit for $900? 30 dollar E28 motor mounts?

What is this:
Flywheel, Light weight, Short shift $ 475.00

A good flywheel will cost you that much alone. Clutch another 250-600+.

[devonjordan]

THe orca kit, which has the oil pan and shit, is a rip off unless your time is money. You can piece together your own for much cheaper.

I did the same thing when I planned for the swap that Im still saving for, freaked out a bit. But if your patient, good deals can be found.

[stormspike]

thanks

Thanks for the reply. I know I can probably find some better deals (ie ebay, etc). I basically wanted to make sure I was not missing something big (I hate budget busting suprises) . $1700 for wheels/tires is a large chunk and that will be the last thing I do on the swap if budget permits (It is my surplus fund-I really like the BBS wheels). And the shifter knob is surplus, but I hate to blow 10+k and have the inside look crappy :). I should have her back from the shop with the new M-tech 2 front and rear installed/painted. This will be a great 2008 for My 89 325i. I have owned it since new.

Again, I will start collecting mounting stuff (from the mounting kit) and other odds and ends and start updating the cost list as the project moves along.

One last question, how long should I plan on this taking? I am not a mechanic but have done all the work so far and have a huge set of tools, engine hoist, etc. I was going to take a week off work to get it done. Will this be enough time?

Thanks,

[devonjordan]

I have a friend who could do this in 16 hours by himself, engine out to head swap to engine in and running, but he is a cert tech, and an amazing person when it comes to knowing these motors.

[etxxz]

yeah...i spend under 4.1k (more like 3.6k actually) including a nice exhaust and the sale of my old engine/tranny/4.10/parts.

FIRST though. Read the 24v thread and DO NOT put oil/coolant in your budget that shows you're nowhere near close to knowing what you really need. i see nothing about brake booster, p/s, a/c, wiring.... cold air intake $150...yeah, who's? and orca mounting kit costs more around $200 in parts if just research around man. its an appreciable effort, but nowhere close. good luck on the swap, i'll help in your future threads if they are pointed in the right direction.

blahblahblah d:



A good flywheel will cost you that much alone. Clutch another 250-600+.

i'm having a real good time with that chromoly flywheel on ebay. we'll see how it holds up to the drifting. 16lbs and real revvy. i have a sachs clutch kit since i really don't make enough power to need upgrading. total ~ $450 new