14 years - 1991 325ix, Stroker/5-Speed (N52 swap?)

[nando]

Yeah, you could easily build it into a good manual tc. How your front output shaft? Mine is ok but not great. I'll also be selling the transmission. I know you asked about the cam - not sure when I will pull the M20. I guess when I'm closer to being ready to install the engine, and/or when I run out of funds lol. I'd like to keep it drivable as long as possible though!

Rabbit hole indeed! M54 would be way way easier. You can use the ix mount arms and build a frankenpan. The issue there is brake booster clearance because the engine sits more upright.

Yeah, the N52 is lighter than the M54. I think until the issues are sorted out though, M54 makes more sense if you want a lightweight 24v motor. although, in a RWD car it would be considerably less complicated!

Still no stand.. But i pulled the flywheel off. FYI, the M20 pilot bearing fit right in, so using a getrag is no problem. On the newer cars, the pilot bearing is in the flywheel instead of the crank.



I was concerned they wouldn't have machined a place for it but they did! I think on newer n55 cars, they use an 8 bolt flywheel.

I could use any 24v flywheel here but i will use an aluminum n52 flywheel so i can use the N52 starter, which is also lightweight. The aluminum flywheel will be way lighter than the stock dual mass!

[Sean]

Chris - if I bought your transfer case that needed to rebuilt, I could use the case on my good VC and convert my IX to a manual, right?

I'm toying with the idea of including almost everything needed for a trans swap when I sell my IX within the next few months.

Oh...and this mention of the n52 inspired me/caused me to head down an engine swap rabbit hole of taking weight more into consideration. Now I want to find an m52tu alum block or consider an m54b30 swap... I bet the N52 is still lighter though? I'd love to do it...but it sounds like it could be tricky. I'm intrigued in how this will work out too!

[325ix]

I really should not have let my ix go.

[MR 325]

Really looking forward to this swap!

[Brad Sindoni]

I want to read more already!! looking forward to some more progress. never seen this swap be attempted before.

[nando]

think you could improve on this?


this is the S54 for comparison.. S54 valves are 1mm larger.

[nando]

Dunno. I could tell if i pull the valve cover?

edit: does it look the same? I have an S52 block I could compare it to.

[ForcedFirebird]

Did BMW keep the baby six head bolt pattern?

[nando]

The ix mounts intefere with the E46 rack. And no 24v mount arms line up with the ix subframe. Rather than trying to fab custom mount arms, i can easily fab up some seats and weld them to the frame. Ill position the engine in the bay and tack weld them. I've seen this done on lots of swaps, and i can use stock n52 mounts and arms.

A side bonus is ill be able to pull the subftame without touching the engine - so if i want to do the E46 rack later, it will be an easy swap.

Btw, are you interested in flowbenching an n52 head? It definitely needs a basic rebuild, but im wondering if there are improvements to be made.. Plus im pretty sure nobody has tested an N52 before.

[ForcedFirebird]

What's the idea of frame mounted engine arms?

[E30 Wagen]

Looking forward to this so I can steal all your ideas.

[Bimmer_man]

Oh damn I can use the brand new vc I need money right now lol

[nando]

also along with my stroker I'll be selling my 5 speed getrag. It has a lot of miles but it still shifts perfectly and I replaced the seals already. I've got a manual transfercase that can be rebuilt too and a brand new VC. I found a great deal on a brand new transfercase last year so I don't need to rebuild this one, and I'm keeping the one that's in my car now as a spare.

[Bimmer_man]

Sounds like a fun project man. Can't wait to see how it pans out.

[nando]

Hey Nando i will be paying really REALLY close attention to that n52 swap. I cannot wait to see how you adapt the e34ix driveline to it. I'm assuming you are going to use the e34 driveline.

No, I actually had a complete E34 drivetrain, but it wouldn't work with an N52 anyway. The shorter gearing of the E30 ix drivetrain works better with what I want - the only thing I don't have is the frankenpan. I'm planning on welding my engine mount supports directly to the frame, using E90 328xi or E60 530xi mount arms. Also, the E30 drivetrain is a little lighter, keeping with the theme of more power/less weight.

When in a pinch without an engine stand, an easy way to disassemble is to stand it up on the flywheel and use it as a pivot to rotate the block and your pistons will move up/down to pull them out. Got the idea from a neighbor who was putting fresh rings and bearings in a Ford Triton.

neat idea, lol. but I'm not that desperate - my dad has a stand that he hasn't used since the late 80's that I'm sure I can borrow. I really want to inspect this thing closely before I tear it to pieces, and there are some things I want to test. also I do need to clear out all the stuff in my garage. E30 garage sale anyone?