The first step. eta--->3.5 M30

[Doughnut]

Any updates on this swap!?

I'm currently going through the process of gathering parts to do my swap, I too am using the getrag 265 (out of the e24 635csi) and a m30b35 out of a e34, both of which I already have, still not sure on drive shaft, still not sure on wiring harness.
I'm thinking of getting the 635csi drive shaft from asv to see if that will fit... any ideas?

[colombacho]

any updates?

[Garageaholic]

Great update on the project, keep us updated!

If you're looking for arms for the engine, Try e30.de. I'm sure you're aware of it and i'm not sure if Tino still ships to the US, but for $300USD, you could have a set of perfectly fitting brackets...

[SpunkyE30nOk]

hokay, so I have now
Engine ('86 535i)
Tranny (G265)
Flywheel (needs to get lightened)
Clutch
Oilpan (E34 M30)
Mounts arms are still pending.
Driveshaft still pending
I'm wondering about which wiring harness I should use. I have the original harness attached to the engine at this time. Have heard about people using the M20 harness (I have '86 325es) but not sure.
Wondering about which engine mounts (to go with the arms) I should use.
Further build info:
Suspension will be the C3 kit
Upgrading to Z3 steering rack
LSD: from 2.93 to 3.25
VERY tempted to get the Massive brakes, but would like to get Fr and R at the same time.
Rustoleum paint (either Royal Blue or Forest Green)
Finish plastic bumpers (rear + RD apron)
"is" side skirts
CD 43 + upgraded components
That should do it! Any hints, tips?

Aaarrrggghhh YOU SUCK!! j/k but you are a couple steps ahead of me on gettin parts for the M30 swap. so far I have

1. m30 *pulled from a 86 735
2. getrag 265 from 87 635csi
3. engine harness from 635csi
4. Ecu from 86 535i w Dinan Chip :D

I have an extra driveshaft that was sent to me by mistake I believe it is from an eta b/c it has the bigger yolk on it so hopefully I can use that. I want to go with a 533i flywheel but im going through hell finding one. I plan on using the e28 M5 clutch also....oh and I think I may have found a radiator but not 100% sure...after that then its on to the $$$$ new parts.. hoses, belts, rebuilt alt etc etc

[ldsbeaker]

hokay, so I have now
Engine ('86 535i)
Tranny (G265)
Flywheel (needs to get lightened)
Clutch
Oilpan (E34 M30)

Mounts arms are still pending.
Driveshaft still pending

I'm wondering about which wiring harness I should use. I have the original harness attached to the engine at this time. Have heard about people using the M20 harness (I have '86 325es) but not sure.

Wondering about which engine mounts (to go with the arms) I should use.


Further build info:
Suspension will be the C3 kit
Upgrading to Z3 steering rack
LSD: from 2.93 to 3.25
VERY tempted to get the Massive brakes, but would like to get Fr and R at the same time.
Rustoleum paint (either Royal Blue or Forest Green)
Finish plastic bumpers (rear + RD apron)
"is" side skirts
CD 43 + upgraded components

That should do it! Any hints, tips?

[gotKRAUT]

ew @ sig. post teh e30 douche.

NO! E30 is top secret still ;) asscracker

[e30devo]

man this swap is a shit load of work, custom mounts, custom driveshafts lol, big pass for me haha but props to you ;)

ew @ sig. post teh e30 douche.

[euroshark]

Yeah, thats the problem, there's just not enough good info out there!

I used a G265 and had to shorten my stock 6 front driveshaft by 1 3/16". With a 260 it may have worked without modification. I actually considered taking the 260 out of my 533i just for this reason.

[george graves]

I have heard that the 325e Auto drivesahaft will work because it has the big guibo on the front end... I can't confirm this.

I had a 6 series front half shortened for $200 and it fit's like stock.

All the different trannys are different lengths...The G265 w/removable bellhousing is about 3-4" longer than a 260. Just FYI...

[euroshark]

So I'm starting to wonder... anyone know what driveshaft I'm going to need?
'86 325es. M30 in position II or III, G265.
Someone on here HAS to have the same combo.

p.s. a line on some motor mounts would be great, too.

I have heard that the 325e Auto drivesahaft will work because it has the big guibo on the front end... I can't confirm this.

I had a 6 series front half shortened for $200 and it fit's like stock.

[george graves]

Is Joe a distributor for the e30 mounts, or does he make his own? This is news to me. He's 45min from me. Whole lot closer than germany for shipping parts.

I've seen Joe's motor mounts first hand and and they are built like a tank. And look much more factory then the e30.de's mounts.

My are *very* strong (they are custom. Built much like Tino's from e30.de, he has a welder friend make them up) We didn't copy the e30.de mounts, but there is only so many ways you can make mounts out of flat steel ya know?

I swear you could pic up the entire car off the ground with just one of my motor mounts. Ever look at a Class 3 trailer hitch? It's as beefy as that.

With Joe's you could pick up 2 e30's with! Overbuiling these parts are good - it's one less thing to have to ever worry about.

If he is 45min away, I'd say go take a look at them - he's a very nice guy.

Shipping mounts from the motherland is NO fun....Ask me how I know.

...

[ldsbeaker]

Last time I talked to him, (here) he was pretty vague about when he would have some ready to be bought. Believe me, I would rather stay stateside, but I just happen to have someone a little closer to e30.de HQ to be my middle man, that way nothing get's "lost" on it's way over the ocean.
If you guys hear anything different, of course a friendly nod my way would help things out. (read: cash in hand)

man this swap is a shit load of work, custom mounts, custom driveshafts lol, big pass for me haha but props to you ;)

yes, a little bit of extra work... but about half as expensive as my original plan (S50)
especially if I want a 400+hp E30. Hell, the engine swap AND the turbo is probably going to cost less than the AA Twin Screw Super Charger... (by itself...oh, how I wanted it, though...)

I decided that my car is not an ///M, it will never be an ///M.
Now, down the road, E30 M3 + S52... a possibility... provided I ever finish my car.

[browntown]

Joe Funk, or e30.de

Is Joe a distributor for the e30 mounts, or does he make his own? This is news to me. He's 45min from me. Whole lot closer than germany for shipping parts.

[george graves]

p.s. a line on some motor mounts would be great,
too.

Joe Funk, or e30.de

So I'm starting to wonder... anyone know what driveshaft I'm going to need?
'86 325es. M30 in position II or III, G265.
Someone on here HAS to have the same combo.

Besides me - not that I recall - buy maybe someone used a stock shaft/mix-n-match kind of thing. I used a e30m3 driveshaft shortened and rebuilt/rebalanced.

[gotKRAUT]

man this swap is a shit load of work, custom mounts, custom driveshafts lol, big pass for me haha but props to you ;)