The first step. eta--->3.5 M30

[ldsbeaker]

Yesterday I went to get my engine. I know I've been talking to a lot of you about doing an S5x swap, but I decided that the $$$ just isn't worth it. My car isn't an M, never will be. I drove to Raleigh, drove the car ('86 535i) and about 4 hours later, the engine is in the truck. I think I'm going to have a thread for the swap, maybe a DIY. What do you think?
Here's some pics.



You like my transporter?


My wife loves to take these kind of pictures. You know, right when I'm doing something.


Oh my goodnessssss!! 3.5 liters!!


Big E-thanks to my neighbor Greg who isn't racing bikes this season. It's so cool to have another "motorhead" as a neighbor. He helps just about any time I ask.
Stay tuned!!

[bmw335isturbo]

well you have the motor that is a start get the e34 pan & pump and your ready for motor mounts
good job.

[Mastrcruse]

Looks good and keep us up to date. I like the DIY idea, DO IT!

[euroshark]

lol, Mastrcruse, I think everyone with an M30 swap does it themselves...? I'm pretty sure at least... :p

lds, nice to see another 335i coming to life! I just sold mine, but I am already regretting it...

[JasonC]

I'm not a big ford fan, but i do like those trucks.

[MkRespke]

How much did you pay for the engine (if you don't mind me asking)? There is a 3.5L sitting at the junkyard I'm thinking about picking up right now. What kind of power / torque are you looking at once the swap is complete?

[george graves]

Nice nice nice....

That's a '86 m30? I thought they all had them annoying stamped steal brackes up top???

Keep us posted. And post when you get stuck (god I wish I had someone to help me along the way...)

PS - Did you have fun getting the m20 out? A m30 with trans is 10x more fun!

...

[ldsbeaker]

FYI The engine was $500, and the PO really took care of it. ALL of the stuff that you should replace at least once a car lifetime has already been done. Head and new cam done 10K miles ago.. new thermo housing, it's ALL good.
I think I got a great deal.
Hp is 182?
Tq is 210?
something like that. Really responsive to a chip. (something like 30+ hp)
and being that it has such large displacement, a turbo will REALLY wake it up.
I will be asking for help, don't you worry.
Thanks, guys.

[Mike325]

Nice score. I just picked up my m30 on friday. 92 735i motor with all acc. and wiring harness for $600 from the Euro Depot. Went to get it myself. Nice place. Can't wait to do the swap.

[FredK]

Mike, didn't you tell me you were gonna swap in an M50!? Hahahaha!

[Mike325]

Mike, didn't you tell me you were gonna swap in an M50!? Hahahaha!

I was but the engine turned out to be a 92 and I wanted vanos, sooooo, I went with my original plans:p

[FredK]

haha awesome Mike!

Anyway, back on topic, that's a clean motor! Usually the valve cover gasket is leaky and the engine is covered in a nice layer of grime, but it looks pretty dry.

LOL at your wife taking pictures right when you're doing something! You're pretty patient.

[ldsbeaker]

haha awesome Mike!

Anyway, back on topic, that's a clean motor! Usually the valve cover gasket is leaky and the engine is covered in a nice layer of grime, but it looks pretty dry.

LOL at your wife taking pictures right when you're doing something! You're pretty patient.

Head was done about 10K miles ago.... along with a new camshaft.

[ldsbeaker]

Step 2.
GETRAG 265 tranny.

[Mike325]

Whore;) Looking good man!