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318is 24 valve swap

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    318is 24 valve swap

    I bought this 1991 318is earlier this year and have now started the 24 valve swap. I flew up to NJ and drove the car home to Georgia, over 15 hours and it never missed a beat. Overall, the car is in decent condition, especially being a NY/NJ car until now. I've found a few rust spots here and there, and they will get repaired during the swap. It has been repainted, and there are areas where the clear is failing. It will get another respray, just down the road a bit. The PO had the sport seats redone, and they are in great shape. I really enjoyed driving the car with the M42, but I know it will be so much better with the M54.


    Last edited by rms; 12-06-2021, 07:21 AM.

    #2
    For the donor engine, I bought a wrecked 2006 330ci from Copart. It has a M54b30 with 134k miles. I was able to start and drive the car a little to verify the engine was good. After pulling it out, it needed a thorough cleaning, gasket resealing, and I rebuilt the VANOS just in case.



    Last edited by rms; 12-06-2021, 07:23 AM.

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      #3
      The M54 is all back together, now with the front sump E34 oil pan and OBDII E36 exhaust manifolds. I also have a M50 intake manifold, which supposedly frees up a few ponies and definitely simplifies things. I'll be using the original G240 transmission for 2 major reasons. One, I have it and it's in good shape; and two, I want an overdrive. For the differential, I found a 3.64 Torsion diff from a Z3 locally, and picked it up. Coupled with the overdrive, this combo should be a nice compromise for both local and highway driving.

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      Last edited by rms; 12-06-2021, 07:43 AM.

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        #4
        Now that it's getting cold outside, I decided to retire the M42 and pull the car inside my basement for the swap. Until this point, the car was still complete while I sourced parts and worked on the M54. I pulled the M42 out, and pressure washed the engine bay. I also have now removed the entire front suspension and steering. Here's a quick list of the suspension/steering mods I'll be doing:
        • E46 rack (yellow tag 712)
        • 5 lug conversion using the Elhart spindle adapters and Z4 rear hubs
        • E46 M3 front brakes, E46 325i rear brakes
        • H&R Super Sport springs and most likely Koni Sports
        • Poly bushings most places
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          #5
          I got unbelievably lucky and scored a near mint dash, with zero cracks. The current dash has many cracks and looks terrible. I'm not looking forward to swapping this out, but know it will be well worth it.

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            #6
            Hell of a start on the project. You're going to love the M54
            Simon
            Current Cars:
            -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

            Make R3V Great Again -2020

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              #7
              as someone who's done 30+ e30 24v conversions, do not use the Getrag 240. it cannot hold the torque of the 3 liter engine. find a Getrag 260 from an e30 325i, if you insist on an overdrive gearbox.
              '72 2002 pickup | '88 M5 | '89 330is | '89 M3 | '01 Z3M | '11 328xi-t

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                #8
                What pickup tube did you use for the front sump pan?
                1990 Brilliantrot 325iS Build Thread
                1989 Zinnoberrot M3 Build Thread

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                  #9
                  Thanks guys, I’m excited about it.

                  As far as the G240, I guess I’ll learn the hard way. I have everything for it, and if it craps out I’ll look to the 260 or better.

                  For the pickup tube, I used the Euro E38 one, 11417503261. Had to pay up the nose for it, and from Lithuania too!



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                    #10
                    If you can keep the DISA M54B30 intake, do it.
                    You might lose a few HP up top over an M50 manifold, but you pick up significant power everywhere else.
                    Originally posted by priapism
                    My girl don't know shit, but she bakes a mean cupcake.
                    Originally posted by shameson
                    Usually it's best not to know how much money you have into your e30

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                      #11
                      Welcome to R3v and good looking car. Seems you have a nice space to get the work done which should help immensely.

                      Sounds like this will be a fun project, looking forward to your progress.

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                        #12
                        Interior is out and fenders are off to assess the rust issues. Several patches are definitely in order. This is my least favorite part of a project, so I'd like to get it done soon.
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