E30 Zone

I have an early A reg 316 just on putting a 1.8is engine in, ive got the loom and ecu for the engine but theres one plug that i think is for the dash loom. I think it goes in through the passenger side bulk head (just what ive been told) but cant find anything that looks similar behind the dash. Whats the best thing to do? and will the prop shaft need shortening it looks like its to long?

Could do with a pic to identify which plug you are talking about.

There should be 2 coming off the engine loom, one is a long rectangular plug, which is where the ecu plugs into. This goes through the bulkhead near the battery on injection cars, the ecu mounts up under the dash to the right of the steering column.

The 2nd plug is the round "C101" plug near the brake servo on the bulkhead, which twists apart to release your old loom and accept the new one. However, before connecting this read the important "Wiring warning for anyone swapping E30 engines!" thread on the main engine swaps page.

As for the prop, what gearbox are you using? (your original 316 box wont fit) You would need M42 box and prop or M40 box and prop, you cant mix and match as the lengths will be wrong.

Your early A reg 316 will have the earlier body to engine loom plug and the IS loom is the later C101. Sounds to me like you have a lot of reading to do to familiarise yourself with all aspects of converting your car.

For example, You need differnet clocks, and fuel pump and tank amongst other things. Your 316 M10 gear box won't be compatible with the IS engine either AFAIK