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

[ForcedFirebird]

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.

[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?

[Bimmer_man]

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

[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]

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

[E30 Wagen]

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

[ForcedFirebird]

What's the idea of frame mounted engine arms?

[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]

Did BMW keep the baby six head bolt pattern?

[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.

[nando]

think you could improve on this?


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

[Brad Sindoni]

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

[MR 325]

Really looking forward to this swap!

[325ix]

I really should not have let my ix go.

[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!