E30 Zone

Hey guys, I know there is a specific conversion threads section on the M30 stuff, but just posting up in tech-help for a little guidance.

My question is simple (I think )..... If you were to have an M30 converted donor car already set-up and running,but decided to put it into another shell how long would this process be expected to take?

Details:

New shell will be recieving all running gear of the existing M30'd car, including gearbox, diff and rear beam with disc brakes.
New car has m10 lump in currently.

The existing converted car is 100% complete at present and has all required exhaust/manifold mods for clearance, correct engine mounts and ecu/wiring ready to just swap across.

If this was done in a fully equipped garage with all necessary equipment/tools available, how many working hours should it take to swap one into the other? Assuming this is being carried out by competent mechanic with reasonable knowledge of bmw's.


Any input, experience on this matter would be greatly appreciated (especially if you have gone about it personally)

Thanks

CJ

Having removed the M30B35 engine and box from an e34 535i, that took about 2 hours or so - the first time I'd ever removed a big six-pot lump.

I think the trickiest bit is deciding the position of the engine, finding/making a suitable propshaft and sorting out the cooling and wiring to it, plus the exhaust system.

I gather you can use the M10 gearbox if you wish.

I would expect a competent mechanic to be able to do such a conversion in a few days, maybe less if all the parts chosen are suitable and fit straight in.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M30

Speedtouch wrote:Having removed the M30B35 engine and box from an e34 535i, that took about 2 hours or so - the first time I'd ever removed a big six-pot lump.

I think the trickiest bit is deciding the position of the engine, finding/making a suitable propshaft and sorting out the cooling and wiring to it, plus the exhaust system.

I gather you can use the M10 gearbox if you wish.

I would expect a competent mechanic to be able to do such a conversion in a few days, maybe less if all the parts chosen are suitable and fit straight in.

Thanks,
Both donor car and the new car are E30's already.

So all the fiddly bits of the conversion to get an m30b35 sorted in an e30 have been done already, so in theory it is just a swap into the new engine bay and then just change rear beam and swap in gearbox/diff and prop to go with it.

When you say a few days do you imply 2-3 working days of 8hours work?

Thanks for the quick response

Yes, if the parts are known to fit already, it would be a matter of 2-3 days work. I suppose you could even do it in one whole day if you were really dedicated/able, or had some good helpers.

Speedtouch wrote:Yes, if the parts are known to fit already, it would be a matter of 2-3 days work. I suppose you could even do it in one whole day if you were really dedicated/able, or had some good helpers.

Yep all parts already in and working, exhaust has all clearances dealt with, rad and cooling system is all done and ready to go.

Has prop and gearbox ready to go etc etc.

So we're looking at around 20-25 hours total in labour time?

Thanks
CJ

Any other responses/ opinions or experiences would be really appreciated on this one guys.

CJ

could be done in a day no problem if all the bits come out clean and there's no major drama.

+1, assuming both donor and M10 cars are pre-facelift, as there may be possible differences between pre- and post-facelift mounting points...

If the garage is using wheel free ramps, then it would be easy to drop engine and box out the bottom, complete on the subframe with front struts etc and then swap it complete to the new shell.
Even this way, doing it in 1 day would be a push if they need to remove both engines.

Unless the M30 is a recent conversion with proof that cambelt, water pump etc etc etc have been changed, I'd consider getting it all done while the engine is on the floor.

Working on my driveway, I usually say 1 day out 1 day in, including belt and pump change. I'd add another day for the rear beam and front suspension etc.

M30 engine has a timing chain, so no cambelt to worry about.

I agree with JMC, 1 day out (both cars) 1 day in (m30 only) 1 day trouble shooting, tarting up, setting to work etc. 3 days and it will be long days.

Good call... I've been thinking M20s again.

Awesome response guys . Thankyou.

I was hoping that was the sort of timeframe expected for it.
Gives me a bit of knowledge so I can know what sort of labour charge to be expecting getting my mechanic to do the job.

Last thing I want is a shock when the bill comes in for it haha

Really appreciate everyone's input
Cheers
CJ