Big ///M Motor...small car

[Raxe]

Great work! Really curious to see how you approach the radiator fitting, the S38 runs very hot. I'm not even sure a stock sized radiator would be sufficient. I have an oversized radiator, electric fan and mechanical fan and the thing still gets good and toasty. Not much room for air to flow around the engine.

If you want any pics let me know, I'll do my best to help.

[MR 325]

I'm bringing 3 cans of Grabber Green hi-temp engine enamel and we're going to spray bomb that shit while you're passed out after the party...

I would drive up JUST for this. :D

[James Crivellone]

Great work! Really curious to see how you approach the radiator fitting, the S38 runs very hot. I'm not even sure a stock sized radiator would be sufficient. I have an oversized radiator, electric fan and mechanical fan and the thing still gets good and toasty. Not much room for air to flow around the engine.

If you want any pics let me know, I'll do my best to help.

I would be curious of a few shots of your radiator configuration. I was planning to mock up a cardboard radiator template and mount it where the AC WOULD of been, but if you have any shots of what you are running it may sway me toward a design.

BTW I'm going to guess you did space the subframe a tad?

[Van Westervelt]

Yay! Its finally happening!

[eur04lif3]

so sick! i will follow it religiously..ha

[IminDiegoTriick]

This is gonna be dope when this is finished. fuck the cost of maintenence.. its still gonna be badass

[Raxe]

I would be curious of a few shots of your radiator configuration. I was planning to mock up a cardboard radiator template and mount it where the AC WOULD of been, but if you have any shots of what you are running it may sway me toward a design.

BTW I'm going to guess you did space the subframe a tad?

I believe the radiator is approximately 24" W x 22" H x 1" D, it's fitted inside of the radiator support right behind the grill and held in place by a thick steel tray that protects it from the ground. The real downside to running the radiator where it is in my car is that the factory front valence doesn't clear it as you can see in the pictures. An aftermarket front valence is necessary, thankfully you've already got that covered though. If you figure out a way to fit it behind the factory valence I'd love to see it!!

The subframe is spaced down on blocks. Bumpsteer isn't a huge issue, but I've heard a cool trick from my friend with the S54 E30 about mounting the steering rack differently to eliminate any bumpsteer.

Please excuse the fact that the car looks like a pile of ass in these pics, I took them the first time I started tearing it down right after getting it. It's partially disassembled again for a lot of bodywork and painting/cleaning.





and one for mounting ideas:



You can see where the thermostat is mounted in that last picture, the body was modified slightly for more clearance.

[James Crivellone]

Raxe,

That looks awesome. I am debating the frame notching and I MAY be able to get away without doing it, however at that point I'm running some stronger mounts to prevent any motor...shift.

Is the radiator itself a custom piece or off of another car?

Thanks a ton for the photos, it really helps me gauge this

[Raxe]

No prob, can't wait to see how you make it happen. I'm learning a lot about my car from this thread too!

It's a custom piece, and it's a major PITA to flush as it has no accessible bleed screw.

[10Toes]

I like newmans custom radiator setup. Not sure how thick you can go without having to start cutting up the valence.

[Motorsports]

Cant wait to see you make this happen. One of my favorite cars around these here parts, and one of my favorite BMW motors of all time.

[RainierHooker]

James,

Bryn_P over on S14 used a aftermarket Nissan 200SX radiator mounted in a modified core-support when he built his S38 powered E30 M3. He also used two electric puller fans. It looks very well done and nothing is visable from the outside of the car. I imagine that these borrowed pics may be of help...

[James Crivellone]

I like newmans custom radiator setup. Not sure how thick you can go without having to start cutting up the valence.

Slim I was looking at that as an option. I'll be taking the mtech valance off the car to see how much clearance I can get for a radiator. once I have that I'll make my template

[James Crivellone]

James,

Bryn_P over on S14 used a aftermarket Nissan 200SX radiator mounted in a modified core-support when he built his S38 powered E30 M3. He also used two electric puller fans. It looks very well done and nothing is visable from the outside of the car. I imagine that these borrowed pics may be of help...

I saw that, however he completely removed the stock e30 hood latch and went with hood pins.. not my idea of stock looking =/

[RainierHooker]

Ah, never noticed that as the reason behind the hood-pins. I just figured he was going for the fur-raze look.