M30 Swap confirmation questions.

[E30Brad]

LOL. Haven't heard that in a while.

[Doughnut]

Automatic? Lose.

Nothin' wrong with a slush box!

[E30Brad]

Test fitted motor alone for fire-wall and radiator clearance on goodntight mounts and stock M20 bushings. Doesn't look like it will fit under the hood and putting a puller fan looks out of the question, but I will try and I am running a/c. The motor is tilted forward a little tho and the radiator isn't mounted up all the way. (i forgot the mounting hardware at the house)
https://flic.kr/p/oiqXyn
https://flic.kr/p/ogtK3N
https://flic.kr/p/nZaAxQ

[E30Brad]

Automatic? Lose.

[Doughnut]

Alright, I have a question about an m30 swap. I've found a completely rebuilt m30 for 250 bucks from one of my buddies with wiring harness and ecu to drop in my e30. The only problem is if like to keep my car automatic for the time being but I have no idea what steps I need to take to complete the tranny. What do I need to get as far as auto transmission and wiring and what work will I be doing wiring wise?

You will need an automatic transmission from the donor car the m30's coming from, as well as the auto's ecu and wiring harness to make things as easy as possible.

The auto is physically larger than the manual so I'm unsure of clearance issues through the e30's tunnel.

[Ginger_e30]

Alright, I have a question about an m30 swap. I've found a completely rebuilt m30 for 250 bucks from one of my buddies with wiring harness and ecu to drop in my e30. The only problem is if like to keep my car automatic for the time being but I have no idea what steps I need to take to complete the tranny. What do I need to get as far as auto transmission and wiring and what work will I be doing wiring wise?

[dannyyisntt]

I have some questions about the m30 swap too. Someone please help me!!!!!!!

Posting them is a good way to start

[Ginger_e30]

I have some questions about the m30 swap too. Someone please help me!!!!!!!

[E30Brad]

Sounds right, but I asked several times and you guys all said E28 shaft. Didn't make sense but thats what I've been told. I'll just return the E28 shaft and find an Early model E30 shaft and buy a new big guibo. Sucks to have wasted my time and energy.

And for the record, it took me like 3 solid minutes to successfully spell guibo on this site. Fuck, there went another 3. Gumbo!?!?

[yert315]

Why did you buy an e28 shaft?
The e28 is a larger/longer car, thus the longer drive shaft. Find a "big guibo" e30 driveshaft. You might also be able to swap the output flange on the trans for the smaller guibo and use a regular e30 shaft.
Although position 3 still might require shortening a shaft no matter which route you go with.

[E30Brad]

Getting to the late stages of my M30 swap and I was wondering why the E28 driveshaft I bought today is longer than my E30 shaft? Shouldn't it be shorter?

[LagunaSecaBlue]

For mount information read this and this.

[jesse_e30]

Sorry about the Newb question on this swap but, what is the different engine positions I keep reading?

[E30Brad]

Thanks, seems easy enough, Probably why I didn't think of that.

[nick526]

I slotted the hole on the support bracket with a rat tail file until the bolt lined up. Lots of people just leave the bracket off.

No oil cooler on my swap.