Another turbo M20 build

[Andy348]

Lots of progress! Can't wait to see it finished, I'm contemplating a similar build m'self

Good luck!

[redsubdivisions]

Today, I actually got a handful of things done. While I await funds to get the rest of the things that I need (electric fans, LC-1, and water to air setup), I figured now would be a good time to start wiring up my Megasquirt. Although I didn't fully finish it, I can tell you that having the premade harness is definitely worth the extra 40 dollars. Using various sources online, it wasn't as complicated as one would think. I foresee the rest of the wiring to go smoothly because I purchased the harness. (I will update the rest of it with my next post).

Using the manifold that a friend recently re-welded for me, I was able to bend the AC line just an inch or two. It was sitting very close to where the turbo meets the manifold, so I took some leftover exhaust wrap and wrapped the suction line.

Here's a shot of the engine bay as it sits:


Another thing I would like to note is that if you have the ability to run a wasted spark, do it. Anything beats having to replace a distributor cap and rotor. I will be running a block off plate for the cam belt pulley.

[redsubdivisions]

Awesome start to what looks to be a well planned out build. Looking forward to seeing thing finished up!

Thanks! It is getting there and I have been making some great progress on it. Right now, I have the following left to do:

• Wire up Megasquirt
• Get a water to air setup (STILL haven't purchased one)
• Get the piping for the intercooler setup cut and ready to go.
• Get an LC-1

Those are really the major things to do and it's pretty much done.

[Swanny]

Awesome start to what looks to be a well planned out build. Looking forward to seeing thing finished up!

[redsubdivisions]

While my engine was out and I was waiting for a few parts, I sent off my tach/MPG combo gauge to justrack. What he has for your stock MPG gauge replacement is pretty awesome: it turns into a functional boost gauge. Not to mention the variety of choices he has as well as individual calibration of each one before he sends them out. (check it out here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=291812).

I have a tendency to do things while an area is open. Basically, "while you're in there". As I was waiting for my boost gauge mounted on my tach, I ordered some accelerator and cruise control cables and a few HVAC panel bulbs. I replaced those to give me some sort of satisfactory feeling while I was awaiting other items.

The tach when I got it back:


Mounted into the instrument cluster:


Mounted into the car with boost recall switch:


Not the best picture in the world, but it gives you an idea of how OEM-ish it is going to look. I hate having gauges everywhere in a car, so my goal is to make it a bit of a sleeper. I also plan on running a water to air setup so I can keep my air con and I don't have to hack up my front bumper.

While the trans was pulled apart from my old M20, I went ahead and did the Z3 1.9 shifter conversion and it's the perfect amount of throw reduction. I wish I would have done it sooner!

Once I was done with that, I got the rest of my parts in. Most of it I got at the dealer with my former employee discount. I also picked up a 4-puck unsprung clutch for $0 American dollars thanks to a friend who also has a turbo M52 powered E30. Apparently it didn't hold up to his beast, so he tossed it to me. Should be interesting to see, but it is nice and stiff. lol

Engine and trans ready to go back in!:





It has been a solid 2 years since I told myself I would get this finished, but over the last 3 months, I have made some serious progress and I really can't wait to get it on the road. More updates soon!

[redsubdivisions]

Bringing this back from the dead!

In the year and 5 or so months that this has had no activity, I have managed to go through a small transition from a large house that kept me broke to a small place that would allow me to continue this build. not to mention bringing my X5 back to life from a neglectful owner:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=285917

(that restore ended up halting my E30 build. It is finished and is my daily driver now)


I have since sold my coupe and decided to make my sedan my turbo car. this past weekend, I finally got around to ripping my old M20B25 out:


I have an engine bay to clean and a few things to freshen up while I'm in there.

My goal is to keep A/C and PS....basically, make it a daily driver if need be. Because of the lack of space for the air to air intercooler without sacrificing an auxiliary fan, I will be using a water to air setup. This will inevitably give me more potential for power increases down the road.

I also plan on deleting the fan clutch and running a 16" electric fan behind the radiator to keep this mofo cool. Stay tuned!

[craiggroves91]

Good luck with the project! I am currently working on my 2.8 M20 turbo project

[redsubdivisions]

Well, it's been a solid 4 months since I last updated this, but the good news is that I'm still on track with everything. I came very close to scrapping the whole project and starting fresh, but in a whim, I said fuck that and finish it.

With that said, I have taken my motor to a friend of mine to finish for me. He currently has an M52 boosted E30 and knows his shit. This will give me time to work on replacing suspension, driveline, and body components. I recently removed my sunroof in favor of putting in one that isn't rusted to hell. Not to mention I plan on getting some Bilsteins and H&R's for the coupe. The next post will be more oriented towards these components rather than the engine.

[redsubdivisions]

Well, I am pretty much broke right now, so the only update that I can give is that I am going to try and experiment with some M50 non-VANOS pistons. According to one of my buddies who has an insanely built E30, he says if the bore is the same, they should be able to handle a nice amount of boost (which makes me quite the happy camper lol).

In the meantime, I won't be able to continue this build until December or January. I have a little girl on the way and when she gets here, my priorities will be ended up shifting towards her. Not to mention I have to move pretty soon.

But on another sidenote, I just recently started a job working at Porsche, so I might be able to get even more goodies for this!

[nickflic3]

Love this thread and what your doing man, no 5000000000000 page BS to get the info that you need/are interested in.

Keep up the good work, hope to see this done soon so I can muster up enough courage to attempt the same!

[drutt23]

hahaha ^^^^ agreed.......FTL

[CabrioPunk]

^ not the answer we wanted to hear.

[redsubdivisions]

Where did you get the axles for that cheap?!?!?!!!! Nice work man. Keep it going

I work at a dealership and if we ever need outside parts for any used car sales, I call The Parts House (local company around here) and they hook me up really nicely because we give them so much business.

[TexasTerp]

Good looking build so far! Looking forward to seeing more!

[pantelones]

where did you get the axles for that cheap?!?!?!!!!

+1