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subframes. m52 swap

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:13 pm
by bob293
Thinking of breaking my e36 and using the engine in my e30. Was wanting to know how you guys would go about it. Been told a couple different things. One being to change the sump and oil pick up to one from an e34 m50 so I can run with the e30 subframe. The other is that I don't need to do that and can just use the e36 subframe, which sound easier? Just looking for a bit advice, pros and cons kinda thing. Thanks.

Re: subframes. m52 swap

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 3:45 pm
by Motorhole
I don't believe the E36 subframe bolts up to the standard holes in the E30 rails - it's wider for one, iirc - so that route is a load of extra work. Don't know who told you that....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=271008

E34 or E38 M50/M52 sump, pickup and dipstick tube bolt straight on and clear the E30 subframe. There's just a little bracket that needs to be cut off the baffle plate on the engine to make 'em fit.

Re: subframes. m52 swap

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 7:31 pm
by bob293
It was a thought that it would have saved me getting the different sump and that. As far as it being wider I don't think it is, put an e30 subframe on my mates e36 to run a v8. Wasnt sure about it in doing my swap. So best thing to do is going down the route of changing the sump to run the standard subframe

Re: subframes. m52 swap

Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 9:33 pm
by mattxr2
I believe mounting points for the arms are in the wrong positions. There is a pic online of an e30 with a rear bowl sump but no info as far as I know

Re: subframes. m52 swap

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:00 am
by Motorhole
I think somebody on r3vlimited was doing modified E30 subframes for a rear bowl sump for a time. Doubt they still are.