Ian's E30 LS1 Swap

[ian e30 318is]

What Camber / toe adjusters do you have?

I have an assortment of ground down wrenches for E30 alignments. They need to be TIGHT.

Were you able to do a compression test hot?

I’m using the serrated camber and toe adjusters. I need to get the car down to a friend’s shop that has the ground down wrenches for the job too.

Compression test was not hot and did not have the throttle body open. Didn’t feel like trying to pull the plugs with a hot engine bay. Results were still decent.

[moatilliatta]

What Camber / toe adjusters do you have?

I have an assortment of ground down wrenches for E30 alignments. They need to be TIGHT.

Were you able to do a compression test hot?

[ian e30 318is]

Performed the compression and leak down tests and both surprisingly came back better than expected. Compression (without the throttle body open because I forgot) was between 170-180 psi on all cylinders. The leak down numbers were between 2-6% on all cylinders. So super happy with the results.

Next step is fixing the PCV/venting system, pulling the fuel hard lines to install 37 degree flare fittings to the -6an lines to get rid of the hose clamps, hook up the Accusump finally, and heat wrap the brake/clutch lines. Also, planning to order some Jongbloed Racing wheels here in the near future. Than back to testing.

[ian e30 318is]

Ian you still post on here?! its Daniel, I just updated my thread too haha

Hey what’s up brother! I try to keep the thread going for information and updates. I’ll definitely need to check yours out! Hope all is well.

[LucidWerkz]

Ian you still post on here?! its Daniel, I just updated my thread too haha

[ian e30 318is]

E30 is officially in hibernation mode. Compression checked the engine last weekend and all cylinders were between 170-180 psi (forgot to open the throttle body during testing). Planning to leakdown test the engine soon as well (hopefully this weekend). Best case scenario is that the PCV system needs to be reworked/vented and the engine doesn’t need to come out.

Goal is to get the interior out, pull the bolt-in half cage, weld in a full SCCA cage, and rework wiring.

[ian e30 318is]

What front splitter is that? Thanks

The splitter is custom cut from a flat piece of dibond that was CNC cut locally with a 2D file that I made in Fusion 360. I’m thinking of going wider with the splitter in the near future.

[hexe30]

What front splitter is that? Thanks

[ian e30 318is]

Did you do compression test or was it just poor crank case evacuation?

I have not done a compression test or leak down yet. That’s the next step when I get time. The crankcase was very positive under high load and I did not have a way to evacuate it on the track. I do have a PCV filter to put on the valve cover and the catch can that I’ll install on the next round.

[moatilliatta]

Did you do compression test or was it just poor crank case evacuation?

[ian e30 318is]

That is such a bummer, I'm sorry to hear man. Fingers crossed it's not an engine-out ordeal. Build is looking amazing though! Would love to see this ripping out at Buttonwillow sometime in the future.

I appreciate the support. It's 100% an engine out ordeal unfortunately talking to several LS guys. That's the chance you take pushing the car to it's limit. It will give me the opportunity to remove the core support for future, connect the Accusump system, fix fuel lines, possibly gut the car (full cage?), work on wiring, etc.

My gut is telling me to go LS3 crate (along with some long time LS race experts) and not mess around with rebuilding the engine. Better platform and off-the-shelf power. Should have a decision in the next few months and will build it back.

[CubbyChowder]

That is such a bummer, I'm sorry to hear man. Fingers crossed it's not an engine-out ordeal. Build is looking amazing though! Would love to see this ripping out at Buttonwillow sometime in the future.

[ian e30 318is]

aw man....sucks to hear that! what are you doing for crank case ventilation currently? I know most local drift dudes swear by the chasebays dual catch can system.

Thanks man. Yeah definitely a bummer. Currently have a Mighty Mouse catch can setup. Was using the non-vented cap, but switching to the PCV vented one when it goes back together. Also purchased a PCV vented oil cap that I'll need to put on as well.

Plan is to check cylinder #7 and #8 first then the rest depending. If all checks out, I'll put the vents on. If not, I'll be pulling the core support and removing the engine.

[s14brent]

aw man....sucks to hear that! what are you doing for crank case ventilation currently? I know most local drift dudes swear by the chasebays dual catch can system.

[ian e30 318is]

Welp the shake down didn’t go to plan…

First couple laps out at Chuckwalla, huge plume of smoke on deceleration and oil pressure dropped significantly into the 10-15 psi range. Was coming off the track and noticed oil all over the windshield. Pulled in to our spot and started investigation. Initially thought I had a loose fitting but found the dipstick popped out. Tightened everything and went back out for another round.

Two laps in and the same issue. Immediately knew the issue was crankcase pressure…but why from the bottom end through the pan…unless it’s pressure past the rings. That would explain the heavy positive crankcase pressure and the oil on deceleration. Decided to park the car for the rest of the day, take a couple rides with others, chat with a few people, then pack up and head home. Super bummed and haven’t touched the car since. Actually, it’s still strapped in the trailer.

Next step is to compression check the engine. Everyone I’ve talked to said they would put money on a cylinder #7 rings or ring land failure. So I’ll likely need to drain fluids and pull the engine. The LS life has been rough. If the bottom end is toast, I may need to look into an LS3 bottom end. If anyone has a hookup let need know haha.

Anyways, here’s a picture…