engine swap, rwd block into awd car

[e30awd_twincharged]

Hey guys,

Sorry for my english, am from quebec:???:

I want to know if any of you did the swap an rwd engine block into an e30 325ix, I have changed the gear that drive the oil pump and I took the ix oil pump and oil pan from my ix block but i still dont have oil pressure, I dont know what to do.

I dont know how to deal with the big hole from the relief pressure valve on the rwd block

need help

[flyboyx]

you really can't use a rwd block in an ix. i have never heard of anyone doing this successfully. as you figured out, the oil pump is different. i have been told it actually spins the opposite direction. if this is the case, it could explain why you don't have oil pressure.

also, what did you do about a dip stick?

there are actually many threads here and on e30tech about his very subject. you might want to do a search.


i think your best solution would be to find yourself a good running ix engine and start over.

p.s: welcome to the forum. wish i had better news for you.

[e30awd_twincharged]

Thanks, for you're answer

I have changed the gear that drive the oil, so the xi oil pump turn in the right direction, for the dipstick, I put a dowel pin press fit in the old dipstick hole and I drill a new one in the right place on the block with a small fiting

Also, I have oil that goes to the block, but a get now pressure

[nomansland92]

How are you checking oil pressure? and are you priming it with a drill in reverse?

[e30awd_twincharged]

I disconnect the spark plug and the injector and hold the starter for maybe 15 sec waiting the engine oil pressure increasing, but nothing happens. Than i remove the oil filter and its was full, so the oil going threw thw block but no pressure on my gauge

[The Dark Side of Will]

Any oil on the garage floor?

[e30awd_twincharged]

Nope

[nomansland92]

did you use Teflon tape anywhere?

[LJ851]

I dont know how to deal with the big hole from the relief pressure valve on the rwd block

Have you blocked this hole off? I'm pretty sure you won't have oil pressure without blocking this hole.

[e30awd_twincharged]

Thanks for you're help guys

I did several test today and I think I found the problem, when I try to increase the oil pressure without the oil pan, I saw that the oil was leaking from the relief pressure valve hole. I already blocked the hole off, but it's sims that it's was not oil tight enough. I screw a m20x15 bolt with loctite in the hole and cut the head. Need to drill the hole to the pump and try it

I don't use Teflon tape, I use permatex tread sealer

I'll will give you more news soon

[e30awd_twincharged]

Got oil pressure

Thanks for your help

Now have oil pressure!! the main probleme was that the hole for the relief pressure valve on the block was not oil tight enough. I blocked the hole with a m20x1.5 bolt and drill the return hole to the pump and thats it.

How much pressure I should got just with the starter and how much at idle ?

look like it will be alive

[nomansland92]

Mine at cold idle is around 50 then drops to 15-20 when fully warned up

[e30awd_twincharged]

Ok thanks