The complete repair, rebuild, repaint, and v8 swap of my early model sedan

[MR 325]

I know nothing on these swaps but I assume it uses some sort of stock driveshaft?

[JGood]

Yup. The trans is a ZF320, same as e36 328/M3. The front casing is different then the e36 version, as it has the m60-compatible bell housing, but the internals are the same. Sooo, everything is the same as if it were an s52 swap... e30 trans mount, 328/M3 driveshaft, etc... Transmission placement is about 1/2" further forward then it would be with an s52, so I did need a longer shift linkage to have it nicely centered in the console.

[Mr. Tasty]

damn, that fits nicely in there.

[OoPEZoO]

Chrome belongs on Harley's and muscle cars, not bad ass E30's.

[Jean]

Nice progress dude! Tell me about the m6x water pumps, I am doing that on the 01 x5 currently, waiting for the valve covers to come back clean from the shop and doing those as well at the same time. I was surprised to see the m62tu on the x5 has the oil separator at the back and not insider behind the timing cover like the m62tu in 540i.... same engine but slighly different config...

[DEV0 E30]

I've been keeping an eye on your updates via the book of faces.

Seriously, this car is really something to be proud of, great work.

[RobertK]

Don't know how I missed this thread before but all I can say is you have inspired me to purchase a welder and possibly pursue a V8 swap.

[White325is]

Any reason that you didn't use the coolant tank that fits behind the engine cover?

[kennyg18]

Wow... I just read through all 31 pages, and I'm speechless. All of this work has been a huge inspiration. Major props to you sir, that is one awesome fuckin project.

[Garageaholic]

Wow Justin, This is really coming along. I'm looking forward to seeing it in August. Excellent job.

Using the coolant tank that sits behind the engine cover, while presenting itself with a very stock-looking image, is difficult and requires hood modifications to fit properly. It's worthwhile IMHO as I did it that way, but there are many different ways to skin a cat.

[JGood]

Thanks guys!

Got the engine running much better. The coolant sensor for the DME wasn't connected, so it was stumbling and wouldn't idle (you can hear it in the video). Now, it runs amazingly smooth. That's a big load off my shoulders. Now I just need to reassemble the interior, exterior trim, put the glass back in, build the exhaust system, etc...

I'm hoping to have it 99% complete and on the road in about 3 weeks. I'm getting really excited!

[slammin.e28]

Bimmerfest East?

[JGood]

Bimmerfest East?

No doubt. I busted my ass for the past 3-4 months to make sure it's done in time, and will continue to do so!

[slammin.e28]

No doubt. I busted my ass for the past 3-4 months to make sure it's done in time, and will continue to do so!

I will have to make sure I am there.

[JamesE30]

Keep the trim chrome!! Great colour, loving this thread! :up: