M52 Swapped E30 Build - SPANNER RASH

**Panici** · 01-24-2023, 10:17 AM

Thanks for starting a build thread here. I skimmed through your e30zone thread just now and it looks like you're doing some good work on the car!
I think you'll enjoy the M52 swapped E30. The extra power wakes up the car and it's manageable with very few supporting mods needed.

Here's a video of mine when it was N/A. It's not fast by modern standards, but it certainly feels quick and is engaging to drive, which is more important then outright power/speed in my opinion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSng0EAeJXQ

I made a note to check out your youtube channel tomorrow morning; I typically watch some car shows with breakfast.

As an aside, I love that you have your own website. In this age of social media I miss personal websites like the internet of old. I'll be sure to give it a read when I have some time.

**SPANNER RASH** · 01-24-2023, 12:13 PM

Cheers pal, yeah on paper the M52 sounds like the ideal swap for me, I'm certainly not after big power as tempting as a turbo sounds. I'm hoping for something that's simple, fun and responsive - without requiring high speeds to feel like you're driving it hard.

I just checked your video out, seems like ample performance to me, the raised rev limiter appears to add to the N/A enjoyment too, thanks for sharing that, your E30 looks sublime.

**SPANNER RASH** · 02-20-2023, 01:04 PM

I've got a bit more progress to share on the E30 build - I got the front wheel wells repaired and ready to take a new underseal coating which I'll be on to next.

I also discovered how handy a little copper block can be when welding thin sheet metal, would have been handy to have known about that one sooner!

**benfidar** · 02-20-2023, 01:56 PM

Spanner Rash! Great to see you here. I have marveled at your vids on Youtube. I have an M52 swapped touring and I think that it is just the ticket. This is especially so since you will no doubt put a ally block m52 in yours as I did mine (from a Z3). Not much heavier than the m40. Can't wait for the updates. Great work so far.

**SPANNER RASH** · 02-20-2023, 02:33 PM

Hey man, how are things going with the purple touring?

I feel like I'm getting ever closer to getting the M52B28 in, I can't wait, the engine has been sitting on a stand for far too long. I hope it's in good health, but I guess we'll find out when I properly inspect it!

**QuiqueUy** · 02-23-2023, 06:15 PM

Hey spanner , will def take a look at your vids . I started with a modest 316i with slicktop and a naughty m10 from 1988 haha , swapped the engine for a m52 with s52 cams , m50 manifold and light flywheel , with the zf and a 3.64 it goes really hard for sure hahah

**SPANNER RASH** · 03-07-2023, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by QuiqueUy

Hey spanner , will def take a look at your vids . I started with a modest 316i with slicktop and a naughty m10 from 1988 haha , swapped the engine for a m52 with s52 cams , m50 manifold and light flywheel , with the zf and a 3.64 it goes really hard for sure hahah

Awesome that 1988 E30 must've felt much brisker after that swap! Sounds very similar to what I'm going for but you've taken a step further with the cams and manifold. The jury is out on whether I'll be able to resist those type of mods once the car is together. I usually can't help myself with these things!

I'm planning to use the 4-cyl gearbox and in theory, it should work and hold with the 24v engine, but again we'll find out for ourselves!

**SPANNER RASH** · 03-07-2023, 11:24 AM

Well, I got the seam sealer, underseal and cavity wax on! I really rate this Dinitrol stuff, but the 447 in particular is tough to work with. I was dealing with a blocked schutz gun yet again, just like when I did the rear!

I think I'd recommend buying a second gun to switch out to while the first one sits in thinners to try and unblock it, as the stuff thickens up very quickly and has a limited working time.

Needless to say, the stuff seems mega and I'm extremely confident in the underside of this car now. As I'm not planning to drive it on salted roads ever again, I'm reckoning this being a permanent rust protection.

**SPANNER RASH** · 03-28-2023, 10:52 AM

Feels like another big milestone on the E30 build here, I got the scary job of converting the front end to a removable core support done! I was right to be fearful of starting this job, it took way longer than I anticipated to get it to fit up just right. I know I'll be thanking myself down the line when I'm needing to take the M52 engine in and out, which is probably inevitable!

While I was at it I managed to sort out some cosmetic issues with the OE core support I had and avoid the need to buy a brand new one (which don't look that great to me). The most important thing though is it feels absolutely solid with my M10 and M8 bolts and rivnuts, and it can all be in and out with 8 bolts.

I took it upon myself to make the most detailed video on how to do an E30 removable front core support out there, hopefully it helps some fellow enthusiasts out!

**Northern** · 03-30-2023, 05:06 AM

I think I saw you post this on facebook. I'll check it out

**benfidar** · 03-30-2023, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by SPANNER RASH

Hey man, how are things going with the purple touring?

I feel like I'm getting ever closer to getting the M52B28 in, I can't wait, the engine has been sitting on a stand for far too long. I hope it's in good health, but I guess we'll find out when I properly inspect it!

Brilliant! Tires next week, Nitto Neo Gen 205/50 r15, $89+$13 mounting and balancing on Amazon; Next month Bilstein B4 and H&R 50406 springs (I want a 'sporty' but OE comfortable cruiser). May, I am planning on driving to Asheville NC to attend "The Vintage". Paint, next year.

**Mike36** · 03-30-2023, 09:38 AM

Thanks for all the links!

**SPANNER RASH** · 03-30-2023, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by benfidar

Brilliant! Tires next week, Nitto Neo Gen 205/50 r15, $89+$13 mounting and balancing on Amazon; Next month Bilstein B4 and H&R 50406 springs (I want a 'sporty' but OE comfortable cruiser). May, I am planning on driving to Asheville NC to attend "The Vintage". Paint, next year.

Awesome sounds like you're making it your own, the suspension should be a good upgrade especially if you're running original items currently.

**SPANNER RASH** · 03-30-2023, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by Mike36

Thanks for all the links!

No worries pal, I figured it might be easier for people to catch up as I'm a bit late to the party sharing the build here. :D

M52 Swapped E30 Build - SPANNER RASH

M52 Swapped E30 Build - SPANNER RASH

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