Motorswaps.. wtf m8?

[loonibab325i]

I've spent 10k + and that doesn't include my motor, transmission, or drive shaft.. and my swap still isn't 100% done. Although, I'd like to say I'm doing things "the right way" no cutting corners as you would say, that is mainly why my price list is high, and partially why it's taking forever.

Anyway I know i'm young, and i don't have the most experience working on cars (2 years ago i didn't know how to change my own oil).. but shit, it has been 3-4 months of non stop work, ordering parts, waiting on parts, installing parts.. blah! it's a different headache EVERY day!

Now, i'm not saying I don't like this swap, or I wish I never did it, because that is definitely not true, I don't regret this swap at all, and I would do it all over again if I had to. Also, by no means am I trying to discourage ANYONE from doing this swap, but I believe if you are not mechanically inclined and do not have the right tools, funding, patience, or time this swap may not be for you. FFS, i did this swap on borrowed tools, a $15.00 autozone jack..

Ok so... To my question. How long have you guys been working on your swap? and how much has it cost you? and my main question, after you got your car drivable, how much longer did it take you to get it all touched up or uhh.. how do i say this, fine tuned? and running perfect? Cause now.. my car is driving great, but for now.. this is after i blew a diff, blew fuel relays, replaced the clutch, and a bunch of crap just to get it drivable.. Has you all felt discouraged any time throughout the swap? Cause that's how i have been feeling lately, not regretful but discouraged, just kinda want it to be done with already.

This swap cost me a more than i expected and has taken up all my time.. Laugh, i thought i could do this swap in 2 weeks. Even though it has been a huge headache, the only thing that makes it all worth it is driving the car.. I can't wait to get the TMS cam kit installed and get the car tuned correctly.

Here is the price list of my current project, it is by no means complete but most parts are there.


+S52 $0.00
+ZF Transmission $0.00
+97 M3 Contours$0.00
+97 M3 Front Brakes/Rotors/strut assembely - 5 lug$0.00

+Spec Racing Clutch $635
+E34 M50 Oil Pan $90
+E34 M50 Oil Tube/stick $free
+OBD 1 Wiring Harness $125
+413 DME $125
+OBD1 fuel rail $20
+OBD1 crank position sensor $20
+OBD1 cam position sensor $20
+OBD1 ping/knock sensors $20
+OBD1 throttle boot $20
+AKG wiring Adapatar $200
+THR brake booster $200
+Headers $110
+E34 Oil Pickup $20
e21 tranny mounts $70
e28 motor mounts $50
+Euro HFM $250
+Chip $250
+Shrick Cams $1000
+Dr Vanos stage 2 Vanos unit kit $500
+Ground Control Coilovers/ koni yellows $1000
+e36 318ti Rear Brake/suspension assembly - 5 lug (pretty much brand new) $750
+New rear subframe $30
+Rear Subframe Bushings $120
+THR Eyball Control Arms $200
+Kosei K1 17x8.5 - 235/40/17 Falken Azenis RT-615 - insatlled, warrenty. $1600 new
+e36 B-caps $50
+Spray paint, fluids, etc etc.. $400+
+Misc maintinance parts, gaskets, etc... etc... $300+
+TMS OBD-I 3.2 Coolant Hose Adapter $40
+Water Temp Sensor Wiring Adaptor $50
+2 tie rods $40
+obd1 spider hose $72
+spark plugs $35
+thermostat housing $25
+Clutch line $40
+e30 Temp Sensor $12
+power steering lines $30
+HEX BOLT WITH WASHER M6X60-Z3 2 07119913001 $1.00
+HEX BOLT WITH WASHER M6X95-Z1 2 07119912701 $2.00
+TRIM PANEL WIRE HARNES ENGINE 1 51711380392 $20.00
+COVERING WIRE HARNES ENGINE 1 51711380391 $20.00
+SUPPORT WIRE HARNES ENGINE 1 51711380390 $20.00
+INSERT WIRE HARNES ENGINE 1 51711380888 $6.00
+HEX NUT WITH PLATE 7 07129902630 $4.00
+ACCELERATOR BOWDEN CABLE 1 35411163228 $30.00
+GASKET RING A14X20-CUSN 4 32411093596 $1.00
+Cooling hoses $67
+water pump pulley $25
+Driveshaft nuts + bolts $16
+E30 CSB $45
+Battery $85
+Spacers $85
+Exhaust setup $500
+Extended bolts $30
+Relays $73
+3.25 LSD $250
+Silicone throttle boot $25
+Slimfan $85



Sorry for the rant...

-Abe.

[Teaguer]

I hear a Civic calling your name . ;)

Oh and if it ever gets finished it'll be r3v'd before the year is up . :D

[equate975]

Dr Vanos? Never heard of it, looks pretty cool though. Might go down that road eventually.

[loonibab325i]

Dr Vanos? Never heard of it, looks pretty cool though. Might go down that road eventually.

Yeah, the owner (chris) has done his research, it's a great kit if you ever need to replace your vanos, or wish to do so just for prevented maintenance, like I.

[loonibab325i]

I hear a Civic calling your name . ;)

Yeah, I need a daily.. I'm thinking of getting either a e46 323/325 or an e36 318 for one.

Oh and if it ever gets finished it'll be r3v'd before the year is up . :D

I would hope not :(

If I drive this car anything like I drove the m3 there's a big chance that could be true.

-Abe.

[dougsic]

Abe,

Hang in there! I feel your pain.

I'm past the $10k mark, though that does include the TMS Schrick kit.

I just did the Dr. Vanos - not really sure how the polished washers help but it did take all the vanos noise away.

When you get the car sorted (it has taken me two plus years) it will be worth every penny to you.

I have an e28 M5 that I thought was the most fun car ever.

It hasn't moved in three years, so what does that tell you?

May the force be with you.

[mitch500]

you didnt actually spend 10k on the motor swap, you did have suspention and wheels in that list

[Jean]

Lawl, it's not hard to get 10k into car before even doing a motor swap.... do it right mang!

[loonibab325i]

you didnt actually spend 10k on the motor swap, you did have suspention and wheels in that list

yeah, but my price list didn't even include the motor or trans, or driveshaft, and lots of few parts here and there.

This swap is also nickle and diming me to deathhhh.

-Abe.

[golde30]

maybe you went for too many mods before getting it running correctly. i spent about 10K including a rebuild, and it took me 2 honest months work. however i decided to go all mods later, and get a good stock running s50 in there first.

[BDSax]

wow. i think im happy with my $2k m50 swap and having it parking in MY OWN garage.

[m4tt]

Hang in there, I've done a couple of swaps, all took longer than expected. Pics look good.

If you have not resorted to zip ties and duck tape you will be happy when you started. mine took 5 weeks and i have all tools and most parts were in stock.

[Teaguer]

Hang in there, I've done a couple of swaps, all took longer than expected. Pics look good.

Not bad ...even with the extra doors . :D

[equate975]

What airbox is that?

[Drew325is]

Loon, I'm well past $10k and still haven't turned the motor over yet. The swap started late December '07. Just last week I was having a major "why the hell did I start this" moment. It's getting there though. Every small step forward is a great moment, lol. Someone remind me how worth it this swap is???? :p