New Member Starting M30 Turbo Build

[SamE30e]

Why does the M50 weigh so much, I always thought it was all aluminum.

[george graves]

Nope they are steal just like all the rest.

BMW did make a Al block - but very few models in the US got it. I think the Z3 and a few others? IIRC it's 40 pounds lighter. The only person I know that has a AL m50 in a e30 is a Stu McHenery - his dad (a legendary engine builder and mechanic) built it for him.

[ben312]

so vtec was off in saying get the s50 over the m30? thats the only point I was getting at. I was way off in my numbers tho.

[nando]

Nope they are steal just like all the rest.

BMW did make a Al block - but very few models in the US got it. I think the Z3 and a few others? IIRC it's 40 pounds lighter. The only person I know that has a AL m50 in a e30 is a Stu McHenery - his dad (a legendary engine builder and mechanic) built it for him.

I don't think stu's block was aluminum.. maybe he'll chime in, but AFAIK the aluminum blocks really aren't that great from a strength perspective.

[QBANG]

Ok Slight change of plans.......

Me and my brother in law worked out a deal. We are going to have two turbo M30's in the family! He has a 87 535i that he now wants to turbo. The turbo kit he has is from ECARTOYS on the E28 forum. It uses the 745i parts with the reworked K27 and the Warchip. We are going to finish up the extra block and install it in the 535i. So in the end I will end up with the motor and trans out of his car, that he just freshened up by the way for the E30. For $1K I will get the 87 E30 chassis, M30 motor and 260 trans, short shift kit, E28 radiator it will have the right oil pan, new oil pump, M5 flywheel + a whole bunch of mis parts . Not a bad deal at all!

Help me out with my parts list:
Things I have to have...
Motor Mounts
Turbo Mani
Turbo (Holset or GT35R)????
Head Studs
Head Gasket (Stock or ML)
Clutch (What can hold 500lbtq)
EM (Warchip or MS)
Injectors (How big should I go)
Fule Pump (WB255 or Bosch 44) single or twin
Intercooler (How big do I need to go)

Please tell me if I'm missing anything.

[Stu]

I don't think stu's block was aluminum.. maybe he'll chime in, but AFAIK the aluminum blocks really aren't that great from a strength perspective.

Correct, I had a iron block 24v. Pete's last E30 M3 used an aluminum block 2.9, that block was 52# lighter than my iron block. As far as strength, the aluminum block only seems to see occasional problems with 89.6 stroke strictly competition motors, there have only been a few cases of failure in those 7500rpm race-only setups.

[AC Nico]

Welcome to the board.

I have some injectors of an 745i (m30 turbo) left if you are interested. AFAIK they have 27lbs.

[ZM Blue Devil]

did you get email and pm regarding engine mounts? Didnt hear back.

Also have a complete 745i Turbo wiring harness.

[AC Nico]

me?

[QBANG]

Blue Devil,
Yes I did.... I will PM you tonight.

[ZM Blue Devil]

me?

No Qbang...

Blue Devil,
Yes I did.... I will PM you tonight.

Sounds good.

L