Hello all!
I have decided to start a project thread for my V8 swap into my formally m20 turbo e30. The swap is currently
in its infant stages, but I wanted to keep a record for my sake and to help others along the way.
The Car:
1987 325i which was previously running an oringed m20 with MS management at 14lbs. A fun setup but I became tired of the constant problems that a home built turbo setup involves, I became a professional at changing m20 headgaskets.
With what I swore would be its last breakdown in October 2012, I began to look at other options.
The Motor:
I had previously owned an M30e30 and had a lot of respect for that swap, but I felt I would eventually want more power and end up turboing that setup as well. After a ride in my friends E39 M5 I was sold on a V8 swap even if it wasn't an S62. LS1 crossed my mind but the entry level price and extensive swap modification scared me away.
I got in touch with Robert K who I have known for years from the SE Brodeo. I told him I was looking for a swap motor for the e30 and to keep an eye out. About a week later he and the boys at Kadunza had found a hail damaged 1997 e39 540i for cheap and I put a deposit on the 150k mile motor.
Made arrangements with Robert for the complete engine/wiring harness/ecu from the e39 and the
clutch/flywheel/transmisson from an m60 car. Luckily I was in Tennessee last weekend for the annual Brodeo at the
Tail of the Dragon and swung by Kadunza afterward to pick her up!
I plan on refreshing the V8 while it is on the stand, recently ordered top and bottom end gasket kits,
timing chain guides and tensioner, water pump, and valley pan gasket/cover. The car and motor will then
travel to a friends house (mattdk318i) where we will be making motor mounts and new body mounts to avoid having to space the subframe. Brakes are going to be a modified e32 system. Currently looking for a tuner that can delete ews and make a tune for a b40 manifold.
I will be updating this thread as the build progresses, let me know if you have any questions/comments.
This sub-forum has help me get this far so I would love to give back!
I have decided to start a project thread for my V8 swap into my formally m20 turbo e30. The swap is currently
in its infant stages, but I wanted to keep a record for my sake and to help others along the way.
The Car:
1987 325i which was previously running an oringed m20 with MS management at 14lbs. A fun setup but I became tired of the constant problems that a home built turbo setup involves, I became a professional at changing m20 headgaskets.
With what I swore would be its last breakdown in October 2012, I began to look at other options.
The Motor:
I had previously owned an M30e30 and had a lot of respect for that swap, but I felt I would eventually want more power and end up turboing that setup as well. After a ride in my friends E39 M5 I was sold on a V8 swap even if it wasn't an S62. LS1 crossed my mind but the entry level price and extensive swap modification scared me away.
I got in touch with Robert K who I have known for years from the SE Brodeo. I told him I was looking for a swap motor for the e30 and to keep an eye out. About a week later he and the boys at Kadunza had found a hail damaged 1997 e39 540i for cheap and I put a deposit on the 150k mile motor.
Made arrangements with Robert for the complete engine/wiring harness/ecu from the e39 and the
clutch/flywheel/transmisson from an m60 car. Luckily I was in Tennessee last weekend for the annual Brodeo at the
Tail of the Dragon and swung by Kadunza afterward to pick her up!
I plan on refreshing the V8 while it is on the stand, recently ordered top and bottom end gasket kits,
timing chain guides and tensioner, water pump, and valley pan gasket/cover. The car and motor will then
travel to a friends house (mattdk318i) where we will be making motor mounts and new body mounts to avoid having to space the subframe. Brakes are going to be a modified e32 system. Currently looking for a tuner that can delete ews and make a tune for a b40 manifold.
I will be updating this thread as the build progresses, let me know if you have any questions/comments.
This sub-forum has help me get this far so I would love to give back!
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