V8 conversion-headaches owning one?

Mon Oct 01, 2012 3:15 pm

Hi guys,

For months now I've been convinced I was going to sell my 325i and get something like an Golf R32 - hassle free but a little boring to look at.

But now I'm pondering the idea of getting a V8 conversion to reignite my e30 passion. However I am not much of a DIY mechanic and don't have tools, garage, time, knowledge etc so I would be paying someone else to do it and hope they did a good job.

Do you think this is advisable or is a v8 e30 one of those conversions that is always going to require attention?

Cheers,

Nick

Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:37 pm

I've driven my V8 cabrio (built it myself) for ~10 000 miles now and so far there has been only two problems;
-propshaft bolts got loose
-coolant hose jumped off

Both were max. half hour fixes so nothing major. Other than these, it's been service as usual.

Anyway, I recommend that at least some of your mates would understand about cars / building them a bit. Otherwise things could get bit nasty at some stage, these custom made cars always have their risks.. Though all can be fixed with sufficient amount of money

Mon Oct 01, 2012 5:05 pm

Thanks Jonsku. I'm not too terrible at DIY car fixes but really don't want to be spending every weekend tinkering - just don't have the time more than anything. I guess it partly depends on how good a conversion is done in the first place.

Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:40 am

I agree with jonsku, they are pretty free of tinkering unless you want to of course.
I have a V8 track slag that's road registered so I give it hell at every track day and the only problem I had was killing my powersteering pump because a hose came loose and the pump went dry.
Other than that engine wise it's tip top

Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:17 am

As ben and jonsku said they are pretty robust conversions.
You will have a few teething issues when you get it going but what engine conversion doesnt.

Iv lost count of the road miles I have done now, but I do as many events as possible and also take it to work, My issues have been snapping driveshafts and a couple of split water hoses

You looking at using it daily?

Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:39 pm

Hi guys, thanks for your comments. The car is currently only used on the weekends and not every weekend at that thanks to the mrs's 106 which is used more often. However if I do go ahead with the conversion I just don't want to walk into a path of wasted Sundays with the car sat on the driveway because it needs something fixing.

Your comments are encouraging though and I guess a more modern 5 series v8 is likely to be more reliable than an m20 but just a case of making sure everythings put together right by a reliable mechanic.

Cheers,

Nick

Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:58 pm

Why not choose something like an S54 which is smaller engine but still with decent power?
Easily servicable, very reliable, perfect as a daily driver. Not too juicy if you're careful with the right foot when pottering about. And guaranteed more fun then a boring R32!!! ;)

Conveniently I can do the kit/conversion and servicing for you

Based in Hampshire so not miles away either.

Wed Oct 03, 2012 4:40 pm

Hi mate, would prefer a V8 for 2 simple reasons really 1. the noise and 2. to say I have a V8. Bit silly I know but thanks anyway!

Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:13 pm

I can also do s62s ;)

Check out my current build thread in the engine conversion section

Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:55 pm

Cool, although I do have another guy in mind but either way would plan to get my bodywork and interior refreshed before going ahead with the conversion but out of interest how much would you charge for an s62? - including everything from the engine to running gear i.e. I hand the car to you as is with some cash and you provide a car that's ready to go... quickly and reliably. PM me if you prefer.

Sun Oct 21, 2012 1:42 pm

1 BIG headache I had was trying to lay off the loud pedal on the M1! And the fuel bill when I couldn't lay off it!

Sat Nov 03, 2012 8:37 am

Hi guys, I've been thinking about this conversion for a while now, but I'm un decided whether to go the m60/62 or s62! What are the real world differences in performance? Will I ever miss the extra 100bhp? It's going to go into a cab, so it's not a track car, but I don't want to fit an m60 and regret it! Seems the difference in money terms is about 2k, plus getting the ecu re mapped. So is it worth the extra hassle?

Any help would be good,
Cheers Chris.

Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:49 am

Go for S62. It's much more expensive, but on the other hand much more fun as well.

You'll always regret it if you don't go for it in the first place

Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:54 am

Am I right in saying you can still use the same engine mounts? I guess you just need to add the subframe spacers? Can I ask why you went with the m60? I'm sure I read somewhere that you had an s62 as well? Have you a pic of the manifolds you used? Just to get an idea as your pics have disappeared on the thread.

Cheers Chris.

Thu Nov 08, 2012 3:35 am

Cabs and tourings lend themselves to this conversion better as the extra tail weight evens out with the V8. Go S62 if you can afford it and can do the electrickery, otherwise M62B44 would be my choice if I did it again.