Late Model Cooling System Conversion

[Dalejandrino]

Have any of you guys put a late model coolant overflow tank into an early model? I feel like it's better at cooling down the system because it's not only bigger, but its away from the exhaust manifold.
(its not really a conversion I guess)

I was wondering if I could just buy a late model overflow tank and then just buy a different hose from the tank to the radiator and engine and what not.

Or would I have to buy a whole set of new hoses to fit the new tank.

[kamotors]

i believe waterpump changes as well. so you'd need late model tank, radiator,hoses and waterpump

[MR 325]

I've done this on numerous cars.

You will need everything from a late model except the rear cylinder head heater hose and T/B heater hoses. Radiator, water pump, expansion tank, front water pipe, radiator hoses, and spider hose.

[FLG]

There is no difference in cooling. If your having cooling issues look elsewhere.

The coolant in the overflow has no effect on engine temp even if the exhaust is warming up the bottle a bit. It's there for reserve/overflow and coolant does not get circulated in or out of it once the engine is at operating temp (assuming there are no leaks)

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[Dalejandrino]

So I guess it's not worth the time, money, and effort, huh. I just think it looks more aesthetically pleasing.

Thank you all for the help!

[Northern]

I've done this on numerous cars.

You will need everything from a late model except the rear cylinder head heater hose and T/B heater hoses. Radiator, water pump, expansion tank, front water pipe, radiator hoses, and spider hose.

Since this thread is what google brings up when I search for e30 late coolant conversion...

When I converted my iX to use a z3m rad, I found out that the early upper timing cover doesn't have the raised tapped nub for the front water pipe to attach to. It should be right next to the bottom left side dizzy cap mount screw, but there is nothing there. It can still bolt to the late water pump, but the upper mount has nothing to bolt to.

So before you throw everything back together, verify you have an upper timing cover with the extra raised and tapped nub for the front water pipe.

[Calvinepiscopo]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I am currently converting my 87 325is to the late model cooling system. I’m getting the Z3m radiator, all hoses, expansion tank and water pump. The problem is I can’t seem to find a front crossover coolant pipe anywhere. Are there other options? And what is the spider hose mentioned earlier?
Any other advice on what I need would be much appreciated.