The semi-Comprehensive M60b40 into E30 swap Q&A

[Mr Two]

I guess the remote booster will have to be it, then. Can anyone comment on brake feel? I have a fairly stiff pedal right now, and I kinda prefer it that way.

[Jonsku]

Couple of comments, as I've done the swap myself couple of years ago and at the moment I'm in middle of E30 V8 automat - project.. (in case interested, here's a overview-video of my swap; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS2rkSIIz2s)

Yes, it's been done to nauseum over in the U.K...

Let's not forget mainland Europe and Scandinavia! ;)


www.e30.de / "340i" gives you full overview of the swap with couple of full write-ups of the project. Worth checking out, there're also the pinouts of most common donors & E30 models..

3. Cooling- E36M3 or Z3M radiator drops in, Z3M is the preference, since it's 3 row.

Very powerfull fan is required with those radiators, E36 M3 / E28 radiators are not sufficient on hot days (+30c).
Other options;
-E34 stock radiator, requires notches to frame rails, no big deal.
-Custom radiator, best option to avoid the oil-filter housing problem by locating the upper water hose 1/3 off the end of the radiator.

Brake Booster relocate
The most challenging part one could argue is the brake booster, I find the easiest way is to just use a brake booster from a e32/e34, and to mount it behind the left headlight (via welding) and extend the push rod.

I'm very sceptical on the endurance of a "angled pushrod". Much better option would be to use bearings and "offset-shaft" to keep the forces straight.

The 280mm clutch + flywheel setup they offer shouldn't be needed with an NA M6X + e30 weight.

No sense in using the "super-rare" and oversized 280mm clutch, makes your replacement part searching very hard.

Best way is to source a flywheel with 240mm clutch as there're many, many aftermarket clutches of that size.

I didn't include new timing chains as I'm fairly certain the old ones should be fine in whatever I end up getting. Timing chain guides and tensioners add up fast.

... but on the other hand even a half-tooth difference in lenght of the timing-chain can easily make up to 20hp difference in output power as the timing is off.
The timing chains flex with time, especially the one-row chains on M62, and they are a must-replacement.
No idea to start saving with timing chain and tensioners, renew them when you're there!

Can you lighten the stock flywheel?

Basically not, it's a twin-mass flywheel so not much to be done there.

H31 Hydro-boost setup (yet to see that successfully installed).

Those have been used many times in Sweden / Germany along with V8 / V12 (and even M30) swaps so it's not a big deal. Proven old technology, though a bit too heavy and complicated to my liking. Remote setup for street-cars and pedalbox for track-cars would be my choice.

I guess the remote booster will have to be it, then. Can anyone comment on brake feel? I have a fairly stiff pedal right now, and I kinda prefer it that way.

You can custom-make it as you like by variating the "force-arms" on the linkage and stiffen it up as you like. Using the stock E34 force-arms it feels pretty much like stock E30 325 brakes.
Of course the choosen brake calipers affect on this also.





.. and let the talk go on.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Anyone ever checked out this swap tutorial:

http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-bmw-m62-v8-swap-3/

It looks pretty detailed, especially on the wiring.

[Jonsku]

Anyone ever checked out this swap tutorial:

http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-bmw-m62-v8-swap-3/

It looks pretty detailed, especially on the wiring.

That's direct translation from the www.e30.de write-up which I mentioned earlier..

[BruceBe]

What is the goal of this thread?

I thought he OP wanted a comprehensive Q&A on the swap, but it seems like this thread has started to meander into the realm of discussion/re-hash and opinion.

Where are we going with this? I ask, because I was about to reply to a bunch of opinion, but didn't want to further decrease the signal-to-noise ratio.

-Bruce

[Jean]

Bruce - I think the more FACTUAL data the better :)

[Jonsku]

I thought he OP wanted a comprehensive Q&A on the swap, but it seems like this thread has started to meander into the realm of discussion/re-hash and opinion.

Where are we going with this? I ask, because I was about to reply to a bunch of opinion, but didn't want to further decrease the signal-to-noise ratio.

-Bruce

As the swap is pretty complicated and there're many, many solutions to each problem it's good that all the different options people have used are brought out. Thus, the most suitable solutions to each swap can be used.

So please, feel free to bring out your comments also ;)

[Mr Two]

As we add valid data it should be added into the OP, so we can have it all in one spot.

[mkcman17]

i searched forever to finally find a 6spd, but i'm getting discouraged by the increased difficulty of adding that extra gear.

[Jean]

6speed is over-priced / big / and expensive to repair..... i can see wanting one if you are building a cruiser..(why would you even do that with e30 though is beyond me lol)... you can just use 5 and a taller diff.

[Teaguer]

"Semi-comprehensive". Hahahaha! Classic r3v right there! :rofl:

[mkcman17]

6speed is over-priced / big / and expensive to repair..... i can see wanting one if you are building a cruiser..(why would you even do that with e30 though is beyond me lol)... you can just use 5 and a taller diff.

the exclusiveness of the 6th gear is a really lucrative incentive for me. my car is primarily more of a cruiser than a track rat, and i know i'll regret if i give up the 6 for a 5. in a practical sense you're definitely right...but since when is building cars a practical endeavor anywho? ha.

[Jean]

Well, they are easily available :) Just not cheap.

[mkcman17]

if i decided to keep the 6, could a stock e30 driveshaft be shortened to accommodate the longer trans?

[Jean]

If you match the ends for the tranny/diff , then any good driveshaft shop should be able to do this given you take the needed dimensions.