Hello all. I am semi new to the forum. I’m not that new to cars. But I have been in the Nissan game for a while (Pulsar NX, rb20 s13 & TT 300zx) but I have a soft spot for e30s. I have been looking at getting an e30 for about 3 years now. I have also tossed around the idea of what engine I would like to swap. This thread is not intended on me asking someone which swap I should do or flame me & say this motor over the other. I was seriously thinking of the idea of a S50 clone swap made with m50b25 long block with m54b30 rotating assembly, m3 cams and ecu. The m30 swap has also caught my eye also. I know it’s old, and “heavy”, but the simplicity of the engine has me salivating. I DD a TT 300zx & it is a PITA to work on.
With all of that being said, I plan on getting an e30 sedan, maybe a 318i or 325i. Before I get to my questions & points, let me just start by saying I have been researching this swap off & on for 3 years. I am knowledgeable about cars, turbo & na, and I am far from being a noob. I have done swaps on all of my cars, & I have owned 6 that I have swapped.
*I have done swaps before & the best thing you can do is research instead of being surprised & getting discouraged with the swap.
Engine: refreshed m30b35 from e34 with Arp studs & a new stock HG
Mounts: I’m looking @ “good&ight’s” mounts. Ottis knows his ish & is my hero when it comes to m30s & turbos
Tranny: rebuilt M10 5 speed (got for $50 drooped off to my storage unit)
Drive shaft: I have been told m10 auto/manual. But idk, no confirmation….
Wiring: modified stock m20
Tuning: chipped 179 dme for cam
Rear end: the car that I am looking @ has a 3.93 lsd
Exhaust: Stock manifold, stock exhaust with no cat
Fuel: stock injectors
Head work: 284 regrind from IE, refreshed valve train
A/C: stock m20 compressor converted to r134a with modified m30 bracket. The car I’m looking at has A/C …..I am not clear on the AC part
Power steering: not sure if I use m30 goodies or m20
Cooling: e28 radiator with spal 16” fan
I plan on doing the build in 2 stages. The 1st stage will be “refreshing” and swapping the engine in and having a nice DD. Working ac & power steering. A car suitable for me to drive my kid that’s on the way. GF doesn’t like the idea of the kid riding in the Z. The 2nd stage is HX50 & goodies!!! Now I think I have everything down as far as the swap. I am just fuzzy on a few things.
1. If I want to retain ac and have an electric fan & still have plans for boost, what would the condenser/aux fan/ efan & intercooler set up should I go with? It is hot in Atlanta & I don’t want to overheat on i20 in rush hour.
2. With using the M10 tranny, is the 318i auto/manual shaft a direct fit?
3. What is exactly needed to get the m20 ac compressor to work with the m30 bracket?
I plan on doing the swap in late May early June. And stage 2 next summer, I am just trying to get all the info I need before I spend a penny more or turn a wrench.
P.S. Thanks for your time
With all of that being said, I plan on getting an e30 sedan, maybe a 318i or 325i. Before I get to my questions & points, let me just start by saying I have been researching this swap off & on for 3 years. I am knowledgeable about cars, turbo & na, and I am far from being a noob. I have done swaps on all of my cars, & I have owned 6 that I have swapped.
*I have done swaps before & the best thing you can do is research instead of being surprised & getting discouraged with the swap.
The meat and potatoes:
I’m looking at a 1987 325i 5 speed with working ac &ps. I started life as a 325e, but was swapped to an m20b25 & 3.93 rear end.Engine: refreshed m30b35 from e34 with Arp studs & a new stock HG
Mounts: I’m looking @ “good&ight’s” mounts. Ottis knows his ish & is my hero when it comes to m30s & turbos
Tranny: rebuilt M10 5 speed (got for $50 drooped off to my storage unit)
Drive shaft: I have been told m10 auto/manual. But idk, no confirmation….
Wiring: modified stock m20
Tuning: chipped 179 dme for cam
Rear end: the car that I am looking @ has a 3.93 lsd
Exhaust: Stock manifold, stock exhaust with no cat
Fuel: stock injectors
Head work: 284 regrind from IE, refreshed valve train
A/C: stock m20 compressor converted to r134a with modified m30 bracket. The car I’m looking at has A/C …..I am not clear on the AC part
Power steering: not sure if I use m30 goodies or m20
Cooling: e28 radiator with spal 16” fan
I plan on doing the build in 2 stages. The 1st stage will be “refreshing” and swapping the engine in and having a nice DD. Working ac & power steering. A car suitable for me to drive my kid that’s on the way. GF doesn’t like the idea of the kid riding in the Z. The 2nd stage is HX50 & goodies!!! Now I think I have everything down as far as the swap. I am just fuzzy on a few things.
1. If I want to retain ac and have an electric fan & still have plans for boost, what would the condenser/aux fan/ efan & intercooler set up should I go with? It is hot in Atlanta & I don’t want to overheat on i20 in rush hour.
2. With using the M10 tranny, is the 318i auto/manual shaft a direct fit?
3. What is exactly needed to get the m20 ac compressor to work with the m30 bracket?
I plan on doing the swap in late May early June. And stage 2 next summer, I am just trying to get all the info I need before I spend a penny more or turn a wrench.
P.S. Thanks for your time
Comment