Aw, here it goes!!

[Jean]

Even with a load-level on the engine hoist, is it possible with the subframe in? I had a hell of a time getting my M42+trans in... I can't imagine you could wedge the M30+trans in.

Damn near impossible, especially with a virgin firewall....

[CorvallisBMW]

Honestly I think the easiest way to do it is to assemble the engine and transmission on to the subframe then drop the car on to it using a lift. speaking of subframes....

I had to drop the subframe about 4" to get enough clearance to get the tranny in. It was a bitch, took roughly 12 hours to get the trans on in total. fml.

[Jean]

Yep, takes about half an hour to drop the subframe with everything on it vs. many hours doing it any other way :)

[Matt-B]

Updates? lol was fun messing with the wiring.

[CorvallisBMW]

Updates? lol was fun messing with the wiring.

Ask and ye shall receive:

Here is the engine in it's final position


I did have to remove some insulation from behind the head. This shot was taken before the trans was put on, so the engine was leaning forward, giving mucho clearance. Now it sits about 10mm from the firewall.


I did not remove the insulation from inside the transmission tunnel which made installing it way more difficult. I didn't want to loose the sound or heat insulation, but now the bellhousing rubs the insulation. So one of two things will happen: 1) the vibrating engine wears away the offending foam rubber and all is well. 2) the engine transmits it's vibrations straight in to the cabin and I go insane. If I start posting on R3v from the looney bin internet cafe, you'll know what happened.

I also got a new PS reservoir, my old one leaked a lot.


With Matt's help we got the wiring harness under the 318is cover and relocated the relays under there too for a cleaner look. Once I relocate the battery I'll get the M3 cover on there too.


Miller MAF installed (excuse the dirty rubber intake, it will be cleaned)


Also got an e36 alternator cooling duct (again, it will be cleaned)

[1987E30project]

Looking good!! I want to see it run.

[MR 325]

Wow, looking great! This car is going to be sweet.

[MacBudd541]

you are hauling ass on this swap. i started way before you and you are kicking my ass. do you have a bunch of free time and money right now? this is one sweet vert!

[CorvallisBMW]

Well I'm working 4-10s currently so every weekend is a 3-day weekend. That helps a lot. I also collected (nearly) all of the parts I needed before starting. And I've had some help from a few R3vers (Ken, Matt, Josh, Jose, thanks guys!!) The only things I needed were stupid little items like the crush washers for the power steering, one of my motor mounts was broken during install, bought the wrong aux fan switch, etc...

[MR 325]

Sorry if I missed it but what arms are you using? Or did you make some?

[CorvallisBMW]

These are the Funk arms w/ m20 mounts. No smashing of the firewall needed, everything fits very well (except the A/C compressor, see my thread in the m30 section for details)

[CorvallisBMW]

It lives! The bitch lives!!!!! BTW the car is downpipes only at this point in the video, not even a collector or cat. Just 2' of strait pipes lol.



Going to the exhaust shop tomorrow to have all the bits and pieces welded up, then off to Pacific Motorsports for the 4-wheel alignment. Then on Saturday I'm swapping the mounts for some from Good&tight so I can run my A/C.

[MR 325]

Fuckin NICE!!!

Congrats, that was fast.

[Matt-B]

what was the deal with starter?

[KenC]

what was the deal with starter?

First start took a little while to pressurize the fuel system. We started it a second time and it fired right up.