The comprehensive DOHC engine swap thread.

[Wishno87]

Im still a noob to all of this cluster mixing around stuff but I think so. Your temp shouldn't pose any problems.

[Jand3rson]

I do have an early gas gauge in the cluster now. I had to swap it in to replace the '88 gauge, because it read wrong.

So from what you're saying, I just need to get an '87 325i tach and coding plug. Temp gauge should be fine?

[Wishno87]

Correct me if im wrong but I think you need an 87i coding plug so you have the early gas tank with the "I" tach. I had an 89 cluster in my swap car and the gas gauge did not read correctly till I swapped the coding plug from my 87i cluster. Not certain but this has been my experience.

[Jand3rson]

As has been mentioned before, it's really hard to nail down specific information in this thread, so I'm just going to ask.

My current cluster is a custom-frankentstein build, but the important part is I'm using an '88 super-eta tach (6k) with the corresponding coding plug. In order to make it work with the new motor, I just need an i tach with the corresponding coding plug, correct? The fuel gauge will be the same, is the temperature gauge going to need to be changed?

[JdmEuroNorth]

Thanks, that's quite helpful.

Although that setup is wrong, I don't see how it wouldn't work unless I want to drive my car in the winter, which I'm not.

[dude8383]

Used an e36 driveshaft with a getrag 250. I got both with my engine.

Fits perfectly.

It seems everything people say won't work for my car ends up working.

Now to run all of those cooling lines and wiring..... sigh..

http://picasaweb.google.com/d.oreshkin/928?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_jqpffjouvTA&feat=directlink

That should help.

[JdmEuroNorth]

You have to use the 328is drive shaft. The rear flange to the diff on the M3 will have a 6-bolt CV style joint and the 328is has the 4-bolt u-joint style.

Used an e36 driveshaft with a getrag 250. I got both with my engine.

Fits perfectly.

It seems everything people say won't work for my car ends up working.

Now to run all of those cooling lines and wiring..... sigh..

[dkbmxer002]

this might be a stupid question but is it hard to run a/c with this swap?

[JRKOUPE]

When changing the differential, which mounts you guys feel is most suitable for street use and where can I get them?

-Thanks

I ran a stock mount on a tracked car for yrs...its fine.

[nando]

stock mount is fine. if you want an upgrade, go with an M-coupe diff cover.

[s1ick]

When changing the differential, which mounts you guys feel is most suitable for street use and where can I get them?

-Thanks

[BonnschE30]

so does the M50 water pump not use a gasket?

[7pilot]

Sounds like a fueling issue.
Either a failing fuel pressure regulator or inadequate fuel volume.
If it gets worse as you increase load, then I'd check that the fuel filter is clear and that the pump is fit.

m

[IanS_in_Oz]

Yeah, street wheels are E46 330Ci 17 x 8

[JRKOUPE]

Hi all, got a couple of questions. I've got the M52 2.8 with OBD II in the E30 and now running, except for a slight drivability issue.
When on a contstant throttle setting, at any speed, it will start coughing slightly and gets jerky. When I lift my foot, it backfires a lot on the overrun.
At idle, it idles smoothly for about 30 secs, at around 600 rpm then it drops to 500, and sounds a little lumpy or fluffy. Like its fueling up.
Any ideas on the cause?

Also I have the E30 A/C fan in front of the radiator. How do I wire it to activate when the car gets hot

Here's some pics of the car:

btw.......car looks very good. Are those oe BMW wheels from an e46 model>