I thought I start a thread. I Couldnt find much hit when I searched and I just wanted to share my story.
Internet forums disappearing thanks to social groups which are rather chaotic & disorganized and nearly impossible to search within... I found R3vlimited is one of the last stand where I was able to source answers to many of my questions throught my build.
I had a BMW E21 when I was 20. I just loved it and I thought I build my dream car out of it one time. Im 44 now... The car was moved to several locations, stored when 2 years ago I decided to take on this build. I had several E30s in the past but I never understood the hype around them. It is just not my thing. So after 24 years Im about to finish my project which is:
M20B27 turbo, fully forged engine. 24td crank, chinese H-beam rods, and JE forged pistons. 8.5 ETA compression ratio. 885 head, Z45 turbo cam, PULSAR PSR 5455G aka G30-660 0.70A/R. E36 M3 EVO LSD and tons of mods.
I bought a VEMS 15 years ago but things evolved and I realized it doesnt offer what I need. I sold it and bought a Maxecu Race. When I bought Maxxecu my gearbox was a 6 speed manual on my M20 off E46 320d, GS6-37DZ.
Maxxecu was in the development (still is) of the 8HP gearbox control added as an additional feature (FREE!) to their Mtune software (still beta). 8HP gearboxes came on many many vehicles, Jags, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Dodge and they have many variants.
Then I decided I change my project again and fit a 8HP45 off an N55 (same gearbox is on N52). Starter location is the same as on M20, M50 and has the same bolt pattern that requires NO adapter plate at an extra cost.
Unfortunately M20 engines are slant in 20 deg whereas other newer engines 30 degs. I decided to cut the bell housing and weld it. Wasn't easy as it seemed like AlMg alloy which is not as easy to weld as AlSi.
I used the 8 bolt pattern automatic flywheel off N54, part number 7553157. They become rare on Ebay as everyone wants them for their 8 bolt PCD. Newer cranks have 6 bolt pattern.
My Instagram account is here with videos and pics: https://www.instagram.com/bmwe21turbo/
I made a huge mistake and after cutting up the bellhousing I clocked the gearbox at 20 deg. This has proven to be a huge mistake as M20 engines do not sit exactly at 20 degre. They are about 18.5 degs and I did not measure it. I just relied on the 20 deg info.
When we mounted the new tranny I realized that it will not sit in the right angle so we had to play a lot with various engine mounts to turn the engine to the correct position. The proof is in the pudding. Lessons learned.
After removing old pilot bearing from the end of the crank the automatic torque converter slides straight inside the old M20 (M21) crank.
What I needed for this conversion:
* F10 LHD selector: 9296904 (confirmed, working with Maxxecu)
* Brake pedal switch
* Maxxecu
* Starter adaptor ordered from here: https://shop.zedperformance.co.uk/8H...tarter-adapter
* Custom propshaft
* N54, 8 bolt flywheel
* Maxxecu 8HP harness (you can build you own if you want)
* Custom made 8HP oil cooler. I used a 1.9 TDI fuel cooler. Part number 1K0203491A, mounted under the car.
* Other mods. You will certainly need fabricating skills.
What you DONT need:
* Turbolamik
* CanTCU
* In some instances Gearbox-Engine adaptor plate
I know... many says that going to automatic is a mistake. I Dont see this way. 8HP can be driven in manual mode too and much more fun to drive. They are cheaper and provide smoother gear change than expensive DCT gearboxes. Maxxecu currently controls 8HP45 and 8HP70 gearboxes by flashing a firmware onto them. You can either rent a flashing tool and do it on your own or you can buy already flashed 8HP TCU control unit.
You don't need to cut & weld anything if u want to mount this gearbox onto M50, M52, M54... they will just fit straight on... you only need to enlarge 2 of the top bolt holes on the gearbox just like I did.
I plan to hit the Dyno with 20 psi in the next month. Currently Im waiting for the new cooler and charge cooler.
I want to say a big thanks to Revlimited througout my build. Plenty of advices from experienced users.
Internet forums disappearing thanks to social groups which are rather chaotic & disorganized and nearly impossible to search within... I found R3vlimited is one of the last stand where I was able to source answers to many of my questions throught my build.
I had a BMW E21 when I was 20. I just loved it and I thought I build my dream car out of it one time. Im 44 now... The car was moved to several locations, stored when 2 years ago I decided to take on this build. I had several E30s in the past but I never understood the hype around them. It is just not my thing. So after 24 years Im about to finish my project which is:
M20B27 turbo, fully forged engine. 24td crank, chinese H-beam rods, and JE forged pistons. 8.5 ETA compression ratio. 885 head, Z45 turbo cam, PULSAR PSR 5455G aka G30-660 0.70A/R. E36 M3 EVO LSD and tons of mods.
I bought a VEMS 15 years ago but things evolved and I realized it doesnt offer what I need. I sold it and bought a Maxecu Race. When I bought Maxxecu my gearbox was a 6 speed manual on my M20 off E46 320d, GS6-37DZ.
Maxxecu was in the development (still is) of the 8HP gearbox control added as an additional feature (FREE!) to their Mtune software (still beta). 8HP gearboxes came on many many vehicles, Jags, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Dodge and they have many variants.
Then I decided I change my project again and fit a 8HP45 off an N55 (same gearbox is on N52). Starter location is the same as on M20, M50 and has the same bolt pattern that requires NO adapter plate at an extra cost.
Unfortunately M20 engines are slant in 20 deg whereas other newer engines 30 degs. I decided to cut the bell housing and weld it. Wasn't easy as it seemed like AlMg alloy which is not as easy to weld as AlSi.
I used the 8 bolt pattern automatic flywheel off N54, part number 7553157. They become rare on Ebay as everyone wants them for their 8 bolt PCD. Newer cranks have 6 bolt pattern.
My Instagram account is here with videos and pics: https://www.instagram.com/bmwe21turbo/
I made a huge mistake and after cutting up the bellhousing I clocked the gearbox at 20 deg. This has proven to be a huge mistake as M20 engines do not sit exactly at 20 degre. They are about 18.5 degs and I did not measure it. I just relied on the 20 deg info.
When we mounted the new tranny I realized that it will not sit in the right angle so we had to play a lot with various engine mounts to turn the engine to the correct position. The proof is in the pudding. Lessons learned.
After removing old pilot bearing from the end of the crank the automatic torque converter slides straight inside the old M20 (M21) crank.
What I needed for this conversion:
* F10 LHD selector: 9296904 (confirmed, working with Maxxecu)
* Brake pedal switch
* Maxxecu
* Starter adaptor ordered from here: https://shop.zedperformance.co.uk/8H...tarter-adapter
* Custom propshaft
* N54, 8 bolt flywheel
* Maxxecu 8HP harness (you can build you own if you want)
* Custom made 8HP oil cooler. I used a 1.9 TDI fuel cooler. Part number 1K0203491A, mounted under the car.
* Other mods. You will certainly need fabricating skills.
What you DONT need:
* Turbolamik
* CanTCU
* In some instances Gearbox-Engine adaptor plate
I know... many says that going to automatic is a mistake. I Dont see this way. 8HP can be driven in manual mode too and much more fun to drive. They are cheaper and provide smoother gear change than expensive DCT gearboxes. Maxxecu currently controls 8HP45 and 8HP70 gearboxes by flashing a firmware onto them. You can either rent a flashing tool and do it on your own or you can buy already flashed 8HP TCU control unit.
You don't need to cut & weld anything if u want to mount this gearbox onto M50, M52, M54... they will just fit straight on... you only need to enlarge 2 of the top bolt holes on the gearbox just like I did.
I plan to hit the Dyno with 20 psi in the next month. Currently Im waiting for the new cooler and charge cooler.
I want to say a big thanks to Revlimited througout my build. Plenty of advices from experienced users.
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