V8 cabrio? Anyone done it? Updated with video.

[bmk]

Hello guys I just picked up a CHERRY 92 318i Cabby, I was wondering if anyone has done an LS swap into a cabby let alone a 318. I was ready to pull the motor next week in my an 86es, but now that I have this im having some second thoughts.

Does anyone know of an major down sides or possible problems I could run into doing this swap? Are the 318 and 325 subframes the same? Brakes?

I know they are heavy and have body flex etc I dont care about that. This is gonna be a freeway monster not a track car.

[bmk]

After some research it looks like the important stuff (subframe, brakes, and axles) are the same.

Wonder how different the wiring would be.

[Jonsku]

Cabrio is very similar to hardtop. Additional benefit is that the brakes, ABS etc are usually "325-style" - meaning they are the biggest you typically got in normal E30's.

However, it is clear they all need to be updated to increased power.

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

i haven't done it yet but I'm starting to get my 5.3 together for my 92 325ic... maybe next winters project if i can find a 6 speed... cant see it being any different then any other e30.

[bmk]

So guys I pulled the M42 today, went to test fit the drive shaft and noticed that the diff is offset in the subframe. Is everyone elses like that?

My 3'' drive shaft fits in the tunnel no problem but with the weird offset of the diff it doesnt even come close to clearing.

[bmk]

As you can see in the picture the drive shaft would have to be smaller than JTR flange. The top of the flange isnt even visible, and this was taken from a straight on angle. Im wondering if the small case Diff has a different offset than the medium case I will be using. Might have to use some washers to move it down for more clearance.

[JGood]

A medium case will be the same way, otherwise the CSB and the engine itself would need to be in a different position as well. The alignment is critical. Which is why I'd say your idea of moving the diff down isn't a great one. I'd either modify the subframe or find a shaft that fits.

[e30_302]

Our diff is centered horizontally but we did have to space it down a little for the u-joint to clear the opening in the subframe (3" ford aluminum driveshaft). Watch your inclination of the transmission output shaft and the diff input, the angles need to be opposite of each other. I think we're about 3* up on the trans and 3* down on the diff.

[bmk]

On a side note does anyone have the install instructions for the massive booster delete. I emailed Lee last week and still havent herd anything back from him.

[e30_302]

Try him again, he's usually pretty prompt. I'll search through my emails when I had to get it from him.

[bmk]

I sent him out another email. I was hoping to install it and make new brake lines today.

[jalopi]

The diff flange is supposed to be offset, that fucked with me too though. I used the JTR flange and I didn't have any problems with fitment. This is with a 3" steel driveshaft. I also have a medium case diff, though I think everything fits the same.

Also, if I remember correctly, the hole for the new pivot is supposed to be drilled 57-62mm from the center of the top pivot.

[bmk]

What pivot are you talking about?

edit. Oh I'm guessing you are talking about the massive booster delete set up? Already installed it I believe I went 48.5 from the pivot for a 6:2. Also my first time making brake lines and I got a damn leak in one of my joints the bubble flares are hard to get perfectly straight.

[bmk]

The 3" driveshaft fits but the u joint area is quite a bit larger probably close to 3.75"

If it was 3" all the way It would fit.

[Jica06]

May want to add a strut bar if you're going to throw that quick of an engine in that car! Sub'd for curiosity.