I got the engine in the e30 finially, and I have done things much different than Jared Squires method, and different from the e30.de ways also. Car is an 87 325iS BTW.
1) DRIVESHAFT- When I found out that some used the 325e shaft, I figured the length was different from the i shaft. Nope, just a different size flange. So, I made a steel adaptor plate from steel stock pretty easily. Pics are below. Since the shaft joins the trans output shaft relatively tightly, it keeps everything centered. The only thing I am worried about balence wise, would be unsprung weight, but I managed to balence it in a way by seeing which way it wanted to fall to, and adding a little metal via welding on the other side.
2) ENGINE POSITION- I dropped in the engine and tranny as one piece. I then just bolted up the trans crossmember and driveshaft. Thus, you get the engine positioned where it needs to be to use the stock shaft. I was also able to use the stock gear linkage w/out modding. Its centered, and I can hit all gears like stock. Now, with everything attached and hooked up, I lined up the engine in front, pretty much checking steering rack clearance, and making sure its not crooked. Not that it even has much play, as with everything hooked up in the back, it lines up everything for you :) Easy, HUH?
3) BRACKETS- Once it was lined up, I just took the brackets which were flat on the engine, and tack welded a rod from there to the plate on the motor mount itself. Removed those, and HEAVILY reinforced and put together those. No measuring required, just as you go remember to keep things out of the way of the front exhaust manifold. Not too hard to do so far, Huh? :) I just used a cheapo Sears MIG welder and used angle iron and 1/4" thick flat steel, and 1/2" thick steel rods. Came out great, and they weld very well. pics are below. I don't even know the angles, but its easier to just tack weld them, and then pull them and weld away, no measuring and trying to use blueprints to make them.
4) RADIATOR- I maybe be pushing it, but it also appears that the stock 325i radiator will fit. Its close to the distributor, but other than that, looks good. We'll see in a few days, but I think it will. I will put up pics tomorrow, but I have no idea what engine position it is! Yeah, I really don't, its the position in which everything came together good :)
I have to still deal with the wiring, and fuel lines and such, but I hope this will help out anyone looking to do the swap. It went along much easier than I thought it would, and I found my own way, and it went pretty well.
1) DRIVESHAFT- When I found out that some used the 325e shaft, I figured the length was different from the i shaft. Nope, just a different size flange. So, I made a steel adaptor plate from steel stock pretty easily. Pics are below. Since the shaft joins the trans output shaft relatively tightly, it keeps everything centered. The only thing I am worried about balence wise, would be unsprung weight, but I managed to balence it in a way by seeing which way it wanted to fall to, and adding a little metal via welding on the other side.
2) ENGINE POSITION- I dropped in the engine and tranny as one piece. I then just bolted up the trans crossmember and driveshaft. Thus, you get the engine positioned where it needs to be to use the stock shaft. I was also able to use the stock gear linkage w/out modding. Its centered, and I can hit all gears like stock. Now, with everything attached and hooked up, I lined up the engine in front, pretty much checking steering rack clearance, and making sure its not crooked. Not that it even has much play, as with everything hooked up in the back, it lines up everything for you :) Easy, HUH?
3) BRACKETS- Once it was lined up, I just took the brackets which were flat on the engine, and tack welded a rod from there to the plate on the motor mount itself. Removed those, and HEAVILY reinforced and put together those. No measuring required, just as you go remember to keep things out of the way of the front exhaust manifold. Not too hard to do so far, Huh? :) I just used a cheapo Sears MIG welder and used angle iron and 1/4" thick flat steel, and 1/2" thick steel rods. Came out great, and they weld very well. pics are below. I don't even know the angles, but its easier to just tack weld them, and then pull them and weld away, no measuring and trying to use blueprints to make them.
4) RADIATOR- I maybe be pushing it, but it also appears that the stock 325i radiator will fit. Its close to the distributor, but other than that, looks good. We'll see in a few days, but I think it will. I will put up pics tomorrow, but I have no idea what engine position it is! Yeah, I really don't, its the position in which everything came together good :)
I have to still deal with the wiring, and fuel lines and such, but I hope this will help out anyone looking to do the swap. It went along much easier than I thought it would, and I found my own way, and it went pretty well.
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