Kamotors E30-Turbo to ITB M20

[ak-]

FWIW our NA M30 runs at 180 with an e28 radiator, and around 200 with a e36 one. It's possible that the e28 unit just has more cooling capacity.

WAT.

What is this wizardry? How different are the dimensions?

[kronus]

Is the e36 a 3-core?

it was a 2-core i think


ak, the e28 radiator definitely takes more water.

[ak-]

it was a 2-core i think


ak, the e28 radiator definitely takes more water.

I researched a bit and see that people are using them in their m30 swaps.
You reckon they can be used in m20's? Looks like there is just a lower passenger hose problem as well as an overflow tank issue(?) from my google detective work.

[kronus]

Their inlet/outlet setup is the same as late model e30, upper left and lower right. you might need to improvise a lower hose, but the radiator itself drops right in.

[Good & Tight]

So the coolant res. tank definitely sits a bit lower than the bleeder screw on the M30. I unhooked and raised the tank a good 3-4 inches and started squeezing hoses and had a ton of large air bubble come out so I have hope it will run a bit cooler this time around.

What temp gauge are you using?

Mine runs in the 188-89 range, 200 when in boost then settles back down. Have one large pusher fan in front of the radiator, I think it's 2300cfm, it's the largest one from Discount Auto.
As long as it's not overheating you should be fine.

[kamotors]

PROBLEM#1
soo tired of this cooling issue, I worked on this car ALL day. I dont even think any of the original coolant is left I've bled so much. Running on water wetter now and its EXACTLY the same. 198 on freeway, 200-205 cruising, 215+ driving sporty.

NO amount of airflow cools this down, I cruised at 100mph for a couple miles lowish rpm and it only dropped down to 187.

I have done every bleeding method I've read and heard of, its not a bleeding issue, I'm starting to think my thermostat is messed up or something.


PROBLEM #2
LOTS of overboosting, when running a 10.5psi spring it hit 20+ and kicked on overboost protection. I swapped to a 9psi spring and deleted the boost controller and its exactly the same. Even upped the vac line to a huge 8mm I.D. hose still the same.Not motivated to pull the exhaust off for the 3rd time today and put a softer spring in.

[Dj Buttchug]

what temp gauge are you using

[kamotors]

using tunerstudio and the stock gauge. Both show the same. this is with a 71c thermostat

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Kamotors 325i Turbo build+M30 build

Need more cooling capacity? Lower temp thermostat? Just throwing shit out.

Nvm see you are already running low temp therm

[Dj Buttchug]

Interesting. Had issues with my tuner studio temp reading 10-14 degrees hot constantly as well however my OEM gauge never read past half way. I installed an aftermarket temp gauge which reads correctly.

Not sure if there is coincidence here but you can tier temp readings in TS to compensate for variations. ????

[barbierij]

Possibly an ignition timing problem?

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[kamotors]

Possibly an ignition timing problem?

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how so?

[barbierij]

It might be advanced too much under boost

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[LJ851]

Sounds like you need more radiator. Do you have a temp gun? I'd be curious to know what kind of temp drop you are getting from inlet to outlet on the rad.

[delamaize]

ditch the thermo, see if that makes a difference.
I'd also pull off the bumper and lip, see if that makes any kind of significant difference.

you might think about having a custom rad built for it. it will be expensive, but probably worth it.

Also, is their an aftermarket water pump that flows more fluid? maybe a overdrive pulley system? or an electric water pump, a la Nascar?

My gut feeling this is a flow issue, both coolant and air, eliminate one at a time, and see what happens.

As for the overboosting, I'm not really up on forced induction, Frankly most of what I have learned, came from this thread. but I do know a little about metals, and I wonder if the location of the BOV is too hot, and maybe effecting the strength of the spring? Like I said, I'm kinda stabbing in the dark here.