S50 Conversion requirements parts and where to buy?

[Z2TT]

Hello.

I am looking for info on what exact parts are required to put an S50 into an E30, I can't find a definitive guide so I'd like to know what parts are required and more importantly shops that sell them as I'd rather buy things that are pre-made rather than custom make too much stuff.

From what I understand

1. E34 525i Pan, do I need more than just the Pan itself?

2. Custom wiring plug and play harness for the big round plugs

3. Modified or Custom headers, is there anything off the shelf, or how much cutting and modding needs to be done if existing S50 Euro header can fit?

4. Custom brake master Cylinder, where to buy, I see VAC Motorsports has one or is there cheaper alternative?

5. Modified Bellhousing to fit G260 gearbox on correct angle, or use S50 Gearbox. If using S50 Gearbox how can I get shifter to fit up, I have a Z3M Short shifter with UUC Link.

6. Engine fan, Re-use M20 Viscous fan or Use S50 Fan?

7. Engine Mounts - Which mounts will clear everything and will the engine sit in proper spot for prop shaft to bolt on.

8. Steering rack, can I re-use stock E30 rack?

9. P/S Pump Hose, What will work and screw onto what, will M20 or S50 hose be needed or one off a totally different car?

10. Linking up the Throttle Cable, which cable to use?

Is it fine to use the G260? Some people say they have had no issues with 400hp while others say it wont last 10 minutes.

Thanks.

[oilburner88]

I am breaking a complete E36 3 litre M3 with very good engine gearbox loom ecu running gear etc

[Z2TT]

Thanks, I will send you a PM.

[age]

I can only help with some of the issues.
1. You will need the dipstick, pan , and pickup.
3. Btb are the only people who sell a manifold for an e30 s50 conversion that doesn't loose power
5. I would use the s50 box if possible ( a 328 gearbox is the same) but there is no need to modify the bell housing but you will need to bend the linkage. As regards strength of the box. After shelling out for an m3 engine I'd go as far to pay the extra 100 quid for a gearbox.
6. Neither a viscous van wont fit. You'll have to go electric.
7. The original s50 engine mounting arms and e28 m5 engine mounts or akg solid mounts.
8. With the added power you really want an e46 rack.
9. Custom pipes from danthe with e46 rack
10. I dunno anything about sorry.

[jmc330i]

Hello.

I am looking for info on what exact parts are required to put an S50 into an E30, I can't find a definitive guide so I'd like to know what parts are required and more importantly shops that sell them as I'd rather buy things that are pre-made rather than custom make too much stuff.

There isnt a definitive guide as there is no definitive way of doing the conversion - everyone has done it slightly differently.

1. E34 525i Pan, do I need more than just the Pan itself?

2. Custom wiring plug and play harness for the big round plugs

3. Modified or Custom headers, is there anything off the shelf, or how much cutting and modding needs to be done if existing S50 Euro header can fit?

4. Custom brake master Cylinder, where to buy, I see VAC Motorsports has one or is there cheaper alternative?

5. Modified Bellhousing to fit G260 gearbox on correct angle, or use S50 Gearbox. If using S50 Gearbox how can I get shifter to fit up, I have a Z3M Short shifter with UUC Link.

6. Engine fan, Re-use M20 Viscous fan or Use S50 Fan?

7. Engine Mounts - Which mounts will clear everything and will the engine sit in proper spot for prop shaft to bolt on.

8. Steering rack, can I re-use stock E30 rack?

9. P/S Pump Hose, What will work and screw onto what, will M20 or S50 hose be needed or one off a totally different car?

10. Linking up the Throttle Cable, which cable to use?

Is it fine to use the G260? Some people say they have had no issues with 400hp while others say it wont last 10 minutes.

Thanks.

1. As above, E34 M50 (520i/525i) oil pan, oil pick up pipe and dipstick.

2. I think you can buy these from the USA, but the price is (or was) stupidly expensive for what you get - I made my own for about £10, plus a couple hours with a soldering iron. Contact Zone member Danthe, as he maybe able to help with a loom.

3. BTB, off the shelf, but very expensive, made good power on mine. Predator seems a good manifold and system (Im still using one of their prototype backboxes) - PM will be sent shortly.

4. I used an Audi master cylinder. Its shorter than the E30 one to help with clearance to the inlet elbow - this may not be needed if you use the Clio brake servo and move it over, but Im not 100% on that.

5. You can use the M20 260 gearbox (no bellhousing modifcation needed), but you will need to modify the gear linkage and gearbox mount as the gearbox will sit at a different angle.
Personally, I used the S50 (328i) ZF gearbox with a mixture of M20 and S50 gear linkage to suit (sorry, I cant remember what I used). I used the E36 M3 gear lever, but any that can be fitted to an E30 will work. The only bending that may be needed is to the shifter rod to clear prop vibration damper - you can always remove the vibration damper!

6. Electric fan only here.

7. E36 alloy mounting arms and E28 M5 (S38 engine) mounts or the AKGs.

8. You can use either the E30 or E36/E46 rack - IMO, it would be worth upgrading to the E46 'purple tag' rack.

9. These depend on the rack used - as above, contact Danthe about an E46 rack and pipes to suit.

10. No off the shelf cable will fit. You can either shorten the S50 cable or move the mount on the inlet runner to take up the slack in the cable.

[Z2TT]

Thanks for the Replies. I've decided on few things but have added questions.

1. I have decided to go S54 Gearbox, now will just have to find out what shift linkage to use, anybody know exactly what they used? I currently have a Z3M Shifter and a UUC link in my car so will that work with the S54 box, if not what is my best bet?

2. Which Driveshaft will fit up if I chose to use the S54 Gearbox? rather than go custom I'm wondering if there is any driveshaft off a bmw that works well?

3. Has anybody been able to fit a Pusher fan and retain the A/C Condenser?

4. Which trans mounts to suit S54 box?

[randomspeedfreak]

1. I have decided to go S54 Gearbox,

what is the difference between s50 and s54 boxes?

[alpina123]

S54 is 6 speed unless it's off a late z3m which have an s50b30 gearbox anyway

[jamie-o-connell]

There's a bit of work involved getting the s54 box matted up to the s50, custom clutch and flywheel will be needed, linkages will need to be shortened and prop needs to be shortened 100mm

Have a read my father done it latley
http://www.e30owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22551

[madkiwi]

Thread revival
The btb manifold. How much in 2014 were they

[jo325]

Following...

[mattrs]

I've got a complete s50b32 conversion package for sale genuine 110k with proof and service history. Pm me for more details.