The comprehensive DOHC engine swap thread.

[WADE30]

This is a protective cover that covers up flywheel. You can run your engine without it, but it is a very good idea to have it on. It protects the clutch from dirt, water and body parts from getting there while engine is running.

Does it have to be the M50 cover plate? Or M20 since I'm using the Getrag 260? Will the M20 cover plate even bolt to the M50, hole locations considered.

[asubimmer]

Does it have to be the M50 cover plate? Or M20 since I'm using the Getrag 260? Will the M20 cover plate even bolt to the M50, hole locations considered.

you can use either. Common sense will tell you this since your 260 fits on the m50. I just did a m50 swap in a friends car and used the 260 plate because it was 1 foot closer to me than the m50 one. It doesn't matter.

[TerribleONE]

If I am planning on the S50B32 and using the ZF tranny, i know i could use an E30 M3 driveshaft but i already have an 89' 325i driveshaft from my previous E30 and i am wondering if i could use this one. Thanks in advance!

[e30s52]

/\ No you cant. You would have to cut it and then reweld it. You can use a e36 m3 driveshaft with the 4 bolt rear and the e30 csb turned around backwards

[TerribleONE]

/\ No you cant. You would have to cut it and then reweld it. You can use a e36 m3 driveshaft with the 4 bolt rear and the e30 csb turned around backwards

ok thanks, yea i had a feeling it wouldnt because of the length difference. oh well..:x

[e30s52]

Also you can use a e36 328i one too.

[TerribleONE]

Also you can use a e36 328i one too.

cool that might actually be easier for me to source, would i still need to use the E30 CSB turned around backwards for the 328i driveshaft?

[Jimmy Lewis]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of sourcing parts for an m50 swap into my 318is and I have a quick question regarding the shift linkage. I plan to use my stock 240 trans with the m20 single mass setup. I know that I can use my stock trans brace and a 5sp e36 325i driveshaft to make up for the trans being pushed farther back. As far as modifying the shift linkage, do I simply need to shorten the shift rod or is there more involved? It seems like I should just have to cut out enough material to match the different length in the driveshafts and reweld it. I know the answer is out there, but it seems there are few guys running the 240 and even fewer who modify their linkage. I just want to eliminate having to buy the e36 linkage if all I have to do it cut and modify what I already have.

Edit: Well I answered my own question. The carrier is also shorter in the 325i's and I'm not too keen on welding cast aluminum. I guess just disregard the above unless anyone has any further insight on the matter.

[WADE30]

Hey guys what fuel filter would I use on an M50 swap into an E30? M20 or M50? Thanks! Sorry for the noob question, I tried searching but I am at work and can't browse properly.

-Wade

[FredK]

I just used the stock E30 filter.

Early M50s had a fuel filter right next to the starter, but later ones had it underneath the car just like in an E30.

[WADE30]

Do some E30's have the fuel filter in the engine bay rather than under the car by the tank?

I've been working on the swap for 4 months now and I have the filter sitting in a box and can't remember whether I pulled it off by the engine or by the tank. I'm thinking in the engine bay.

1989 325is btw

thanks for the info

[FredK]

I'm pretty sure your car should have the fuel filter on the driver's side of the car, right in front of the rear subframe underneath the car.

[Naplm00]

some early models do ahve thwe filter in the engine bay next to the charcoal canister

[johnwoo]

hey guys i've been reading as much as i can about this swap and i have been able to source a motor. the only problem is no ecu

so my question is: what ecu do i need to make the swap work? the motor is a 95 m50 vanos out of a e36 auto obd1

which ecu matches up to this? any late model 413 red label ecu? any help would be much appreciated.

[e30s52]

413 red label will work or the silver but then you would have to get the ews delete