attempting SHO v6 in my e30

[agent]

So I didn't realize anybody had been reading/commenting on this thread, as I'm use to forums sending me a email notification when someone comments. Anyway to do that on here?

This forum (thankfully) does not default to that setting. Go here to activate it:

[supermansocks95]

Holy swap, sir! Definitely subscribing to this one! Good luck to you, looks like it'll be an awesome swap!

[jpod999]

Jpod999: What front turn signals are those? I was thinking about making my own out of overhead light panels like they use in schools and offices.

Scroll down to the Turn Signals section: http://www.abrahamsmotorsport.com/e30.html

I bought them from Abrahamas back when they were selling real MHW clears, it looks like they only have kopis (replicas) now.

[hambler]

Jpod999: What front turn signals are those? I was thinking about making my own out of overhead light panels like they use in schools and offices.

[hambler]

Thanks, I actually contemplated the v8 SHO for a little bit, but the cam gears apparently come loose on them and subsequently ruins the engine, which gave the engines a terrible rep. After I embarked on the v6 swap, I learned that you can just weld the cam gears and after that I haven't heard of any major reliability issues. If I had known before hand, I would have more heavily considered it as an engine but I'm too far into the v6 build to think about switching engines now.

[jpod999]

Should be a fun and challenging project, big ups to you for giving it a go! Can't wait to see how this turns out.

I drove a V8 SHO as a lemons car for a few races, that engine blew me away.

[hambler]

So I didn't realize anybody had been reading/commenting on this thread, as I'm use to forums sending me a email notification when someone comments. Anyway to do that on here?

The project is moving slowly, but I believe I am close to having a final adapter plate design. I added a picture of the wooden adapter plate. I ordered an aluminum plate, and hope to make the final part soon. I re-drilled the SHO flywheel for the s2000 pressure plate, but did not realize that the s2000 flywheel is a stepped flywheel- so now I need to machine that step into the SHO flywheel, shouldn't be too hard but the machine shop at my school is backed up right now. It looks like I will be able to get a very thin pilot bushing in my crank, so I'll make that soon too.

The thermostat is on the back of the engine as it will be mounted in my e30, and the thermostat itself closes off a bypass when it opens- something that could be tricky to replicate with a "remote" thermostat. I think I may ignore that problem for now and try to get the engine in the car, then come back to it.

[hambler]

How many degrees is the V on those engines? Looks very narrow.

Great looking inlet manifold on those - I'd seen pics of the V8 before, didn't realise there was also a 6 cylinder version. Should be nice when it's done!

If you find the 6 speed too hard, the Mazda B series pickups supposedly had a 5 speed RWD box that bolts up.

They are a 60* v6, width is not my issue. My biggest issue will be height, which will take some serious modifying of the oil pan/cross member to get the engine low enough.

As far as I know, and I have researched pretty heavily the transmission options for these engines, the only transmission that will bolt right up is the transmission from a ford ranger with 3.0 duratec v6 (the same block as the SHO engine). This transmission is a toploader, which makes the shifter placement very poor, and there is debate about how long they will last being shifted at 8000 rpm. If you can find a '96/'97 manual bellhousing from a ford aerostar (good luck, I couldn't), you can buy an adapter plate from a company to bolt a t5 transmission on.

[hambler]

Any reason behind the engine choice?

I thought about a lot of different engines, including (but not limited to), modifying the m20, s50/s52, ls1, lt1, supercharged cavalier z24 engine, carb's and ITB on a SVT focus blacktop ztec, and the SHO engine. Initially I was trying to find a super light all aluminum 4 cylinder, but I couldn't say no to the cost, uniqueness, redline and power of the SHO engine. The plan is to possibly supercharge the engine down the road if I get the swap to work well on a stock engine.

[agent]

Sho motor might be too wide for E30

Or it might not.



I'm interested to see what happens.

[ForcedFirebird]

Sub'd. We started dabbling with a 60 degree GM engine mating to a Getrag 260 for an e30, but a very side and distant project. Curious to see how this pans out.

[nando]

cool project! the Yamaha V6 is a great engine. I have a friend with almost 300k on his, still original.

Just a word of warning - everything Ford touched on that car is shit. That includes the flywheel - the clutch disk is way too small, it's not going to hold up too well to 250hp, it can barely handle the stock engine. I would definitely consider upgrading it to an aftermarket flywheel/clutch if I were you.

Fortunately you won't be stuck with the transmission that Ford used as that is crap too and has parts that wear out you can't buy anymore..

[lukeADE335i]

How many degrees is the V on those engines? Looks very narrow.

Great looking inlet manifold on those - I'd seen pics of the V8 before, didn't realise there was also a 6 cylinder version. Should be nice when it's done!

If you find the 6 speed too hard, the Mazda B series pickups supposedly had a 5 speed RWD box that bolts up.

[varg]

This is cool, please make it happen, I don't want to see another unique project die and 5 more yawn-inducing DOHC swaps take its place :up:

Sho motor might be too wide for E30

Highly unlikely. It isn't really that wide.

[Art5]

Sho motor might be too wide for E30