E30 Zone

Well, finally decided.
Maybe you'll remember I flooded my M42 engine last summer and wanted to change the engine, but didn't know what to put in. Finally my brother gave up and I've got his M5 3.6. You can imagine the rest, big engine small car. I really like how the M5 drives, superb and solid, but a tad big for me (and considering the prices of M5s these days, I can buy another when I want!!!).
So, some questions. Electronics and wiring no problem. Engine mounts? Gearbox mounts? And can I fit the M5 rear diff? Hubs for the 5 bolts???
I'm relatively new to BMWs (been a VW freak for some time now) I just want it as an everyday car, as the Rallye just drinks too much and I get pulled by the blue boys every 20 kms...

m5 powered e30 as the daily, rallye for the wkend? you jammy git! ask karan about the conversion as he's doing/done one.

Yes, but a 20VT Rallye with 330hp. And its 330hp+1100kg+4WD+noise+unconfy seats!!!
And I love that big six noise...

330bhp, thats cool. how does the rallye 4wd cope with the power? what is the rallye system, quattro basically or what? sounds like a lovely car mate. what do you need to do to get to 330bhp, is it still on the 225bhp turbo? sorry, not helping much on the m5 conversion! i know nothing about it, karan does though - pm him mb

The std rallye drivetrain takes it quite well.. I've seen a 450 brake car do 60 in under 4 secs time and time again at gti international.. (goldy coloured MK2 with rallye floor pan and TVR seats).

It was a toss up between doin the rallye drivetrain/1.8t to my already quick golf, or getting an E30. After buying the 318is I'm glad I bought the e30 for it's handling but I always wonder, what if?? Plus I miss the 6.5s to 60, it was a 2.016V MK2 with headwork and stuff. Went from that to the 318is which feels very lazy in a straight line now but is so much fun to drive everywhere else. The M3 running gear I've fitted made it so much better as to be a different car completely (I did all poly bushes and springs at same time though so not surprising).

Anyway, back on topic...

Karan is definately the man you need to talk to. When I saw his 318is with Hartge H36 (I think thats it, M3 with M5 engine??) running gear and M5 engine last summer, it was already 75% finished. He'll have ironed out all the big bugs and I'm sure he'd like to help a fellow Zoner.

Make sure you get the engine in the farthest back position. I'm not sure what this entails, maybe buying some mounts from Karan if I recall, but the handling rewards are well worth it. It's a heavy engine and you need to be mindful about weight distribution. Things like re-locating battery to boot will help if it's not already there.

Good luck man..

Jai