24V AWD Swap Knowledge Base

[nando]

hmm.. that sounds like a nightmare lol. well, I think I'll keep looking into using the E30ix parts. It's just going to be really tight to the radiator. I might have to pick up the motor sooner rather than later so I can settle on the oil pan & diff.

[Nisse Järnet]

Thinking about this some more. I'm still considering trying to use some of the E34 parts. I'd have to push the engine into the firewall by about 2", but that would actually help some as the radiator clearance will be super tight otherwise. I did some measuring last night and there'd be maybe 1/2" clearance to the stock E30 radiator. I'd like to run a Z3M radiator for some more cooling, which I don't think will fit with the engine in the stock M20 position.

I still wish there was something shorter than 3.38 but at least it would be better with the Getrag 260 than the ZF. And I'd get to use the stronger E34 CV shafts that I already have. It's possible I could have a different ring and pinion machined into the E34 diff case. I just can't do it myself.

who's pushed an engine into the E30 firewall? Nisse? how hard was it and how many things did you have to modify?

Also, I think I might be able to keep the stock ix booster but only if I go with the custom intake manifold I'd like to build. I might just go for it rather than wasting time/money coming up with a manual setup or hydroboost etc. I'm not sure I'd be happy with either one. I'm still going to run the MK60 DSC setup though.

Yeah the space between the engine and radiator is great :) Its ~10cm between the M50 valve cover vanos bulge and the rad. (M535 E28 )

Im in on a diffrent gearing solution in the front diff!

Its not that hard, but its really tight! I think you have to use really hard rubber engine mounts or delrin (like i do)
You have to beat the firewall a bit behind the head and above the gearbox, cut and weld behind the valve cover and mod heater fan cover. This is one of the tightest parts if you want to keep the stock heater core and fan. (which i wanted)
Then you have to beat up the trans tunnel around the TC a bit, mostly to the sides and cut and weld on the drivers side in the tunnel.
This is also right up against some floor reinforcement that i dont think you would want to cut into too much because the TC is heavy :P

Then off course custom rear drive shaft, motor/trans mounts and modified outer front CVs.

Im using the stock ix booster but i modded the spacer bracket a little so it mounts a little lower to clear the intake. (which is custom aluminum btw)

I can send some pics if you want, might have more than i have posted.

[nando]

boost - meh. I'd get an N54 :p

no, MSS54 is positively ancient. MSV70/80 piss all over it. the S54 powered Z4M used MSS70 which is the same as MSV70 without valvetronic.

anyway, this isn't a motor vs motor thread. I just want to hear from Nisse on modifying the firewall! :)

[King Mufasa]

must consider s54 has extras;)

even without its itb and intake it is still a beast. Besides all roads lead to boost and s54 is solid. I'm sure the s54 ecu is just as fast too.

[nando]

uh, no, the weight reduction is *significant*. the N52 is even lighter than the M54 - it's like 150lbs less than the S54. the cams alone weigh 1/4 of what the S54 cams do (they are hollow!). Magnesium aluminum block, aluminum bolts, everything is optimized for weight.

plus, it pisses all over any M5x motor in power/torque.

I already have a CF hood..

even if I did stick to the S54, I would have to use the E34 parts and I'd have to modify the firewall. and the booster would definitely not fit.

[King Mufasa]

^^ should also stick with an m50 variant motor as you were with the s54 :D. e90 motor are a bit lighter but negligible as the weight reduction is mostly from its manifold, you can always lighten other things like a hood or whatever.. The power band is from its valved intake.

I think if you really want that motor it can be have in the future but I think its time for you to put this thing together already, should be real cool to see!!:)

[nando]

Thinking about this some more. I'm still considering trying to use some of the E34 parts. I'd have to push the engine into the firewall by about 2", but that would actually help some as the radiator clearance will be super tight otherwise. I did some measuring last night and there'd be maybe 1/2" clearance to the stock E30 radiator. I'd like to run a Z3M radiator for some more cooling, which I don't think will fit with the engine in the stock M20 position.

I still wish there was something shorter than 3.38 but at least it would be better with the Getrag 260 than the ZF. And I'd get to use the stronger E34 CV shafts that I already have. It's possible I could have a different ring and pinion machined into the E34 diff case. I just can't do it myself.

who's pushed an engine into the E30 firewall? Nisse? how hard was it and how many things did you have to modify?

Also, I think I might be able to keep the stock ix booster but only if I go with the custom intake manifold I'd like to build. I might just go for it rather than wasting time/money coming up with a manual setup or hydroboost etc. I'm not sure I'd be happy with either one. I'm still going to run the MK60 DSC setup though.

[Nisse Järnet]

Just checked the cars weight, without driver, 15-20 liters of fuel and no spare tire it was 1290kg. (~2845 lbs)
I thought it would be heavier :)

[Nisse Järnet]

Turned out pretty nice :) Should have put on the hood and skirts though :P

[stonea]

^Now thats a great photo.

[Nisse Järnet]

Thirsty :)

[Nisse Järnet]

Thanks :) Hurry up guys ;)

BMW E30 325ix M50 turbo test launch 0-160km/h: https://youtu.be/aCMIbW2RZrA

[nando]

Even in peices it looks great! :)

So, who will be done next? Will, or me? lol

[Nisse Järnet]

Thanks!
Haha cool :D Tc lock will probably be more useful with the 2,8 motor :)

Almost back together

[The Dark Side of Will]

Just took the car for a spin, seems to work great :D Just have to finish the exhaust and fix a vacuum leak..and put all the body parts back on :P

Awesome! Congrats!

Yeah, even with a blown TC, an iX leaves hard. I dropped the clutch on my totally stock 190+k mile '88 with blown TC VC from about 5000 RPM and it just left three 6" long black marks and moved.