A 4x4 E30... Done right!

[Restoman]

An to think that I'm complaining about an engine swap stock for stock. Bravo man! Bravo! You are an inspiration.

[4bangerfury]

That's epic. I'm gonna build a ramp, let's see how many e36s this thing can jump when it's done.

[Zacm829]

Bump for updates :)

[Spiff325iS]

Updates now!

[mattdk318i]

ok ok ok, Thanks zach. Ive got some pics ill upload when i get home. Progress is being made. Just slowly.
Everything is fighting me. Had to lower the engine so the E30 body would fit lower. So custom mounts were in order.

[LJ851]

Hell yeah! Hurry on home.

[mattdk318i]

Well, progress has slacked some. I decided to install my black headliner and moonroof in the other car. That took longer than expected.

My advice to those who want to do a headliner? DONT!! Ive done 3 and it never gets less frustrating. At any rate back to the 4x4.



I met the guy that i sold the top to and got a spare trans,transfercase, front and rear driveshafts. The transmission and transfercase were retarded heavy.
Adding a few more tons to the already heavy drivetrain.
No worries, ive got a few remedies for all of that weight. LSX swap after i get all of the kinks worked out. I just dont want too many irons in the fire at the moment and i know that the International engine runs.



The tranmission that i removed saturday didnt have any other gears than 1st and reverse. Most of that is my fault...... too many mudholes when it was a scout. Ive been told the 727 trans is easy to rebuild so ill hold onto it for now.

I installed the new to me trans and transfercase. I left them both dirty just for josh, I know thats a pet peave of his.....lol nah. Just left them dirty because normally if i clean something it craps out on me. You have to deserve the cleaning!!!

[mattdk318i]

After getting the transmission situated i found a problem. The engine and trans mounts were too high. They were made for a space plentiful scout trans tunnel.
Obviously my goal is to keep the e30 body as close to the frame as i can. So that means custom trans and engine mounts are to come. You wont believe me until i show you. But it looks like stock M20 mounts will work on the engine. Giving me the drop i need. The transmission crossbrace will have to be notched.

After install i felt like i was missing something... Then i realized i needed a hole for the transfercase shifter! I did the best i could with a grinder. I made the hole the same size as the E30 shift boot, Save for the obvious bend.


That way i can use a MattB shift boot on it. What do you guys say about plaid!!?

[LJ851]

Nice work! Plaid all the way. I really like how you cut through the tunnel and sound pads and carpet all in one go. No fire?

[mattdk318i]

Well, as far as cosmetics are concerned i decided to use the bent up valance i had on hand. Cutting out for the scout frame. Doesnt look too terrible but its got some trim work left to do on it obviously.



I figure i will weld a class 4 receiver hitch on the front so that i can install and remove the winch as needed. It looks like it will also hide the obvious gap missing in the front valance. The thickness of the winch fixture is way too thin. I will reinforce it with several 1/4'' thick steel gussets and a thicker piece of plate where it mounts.
12000lb Warn oughta do!!

[mattdk318i]

Nice work! Plaid all the way. I really like how you cut through the tunnel and sound pads and carpet all in one go. No fire?

Since i was cutting a hole that would drain water i doused it with about a gallon of water. As soon as the hole was cut the water drained out for the most part. Im sure this isnt the last it will see of water in the floorboard.

[mattdk318i]

Here are a few various shots i took for good measure.



This is the dirty30 beside my buddies SE-R

[fiftytakedowns]

dude, this shit is awesome.

[LJ851]

That front shot is awesome, i would love to see that in my rear view mirror!

[MR 325]

It just keeps getting better and better.