335i Conversion questions

[MarkF]

Hi everyone,

For a while now i have been looking into a 335 swap. I have read lots of info and know 90% of what needs to be done. (should be starting in the new year)

I just have a couple of questions which i need answers to please.

1) What suspension is used on the front (51mm struts?, which springs i.e 325, cabby, touring, 335etc?)

2) What brake setup? (325?)

3) What diff does a 335 come with? Which is best for the conversion?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Cheers, Mark

[DRIFTBOY]

These mostly depend on which model of E30 you start with.

A 325i or a Touring are good ones to start with as you get the 51mm front struts and discs on the rear (not sure if all Tourings have these, someone will probably correct me).
I used H&R 60/40mm springs for a 325i and I like the way mine sits.

E30 vented front discs and decent pads are acceptable by most people's standards, but it's always nice to have a bit extra.

I would say the best compromise on the diff would be a 3.64:1 or maybe a 3.46:1.
I used a 3.73:1 and it was a bit 'revvy' when cruising on the motorway and first gear is almost useless!

Good luck!

[MarkF]

Thanks for the reply! Was very helpful. My E30 started life as a 320 so has 45mm struts (i knew i should have put 51mm struts on when i bought my suspension kit lol!)

Am looking forward to getting the conversion underway, have been thinking about it for far too long now!

I have read the sticky and lots of other threads so have a very good idea of whats what, are there any other helpful things i need to know?

Thanks again

[DRIFTBOY]

I can't think of anything useful that isn't in the sticky thread.

You will probably find that you need to ask a few questions as you get on with it, but loads of us have done this conversion now so help is never far away.

[Rav335uk]

What donar car/ engine are you using, and have you got all the relavent parts ready to hand.
Normally the only thing that takes time is getting the prop made, but everything else is straight forward.
I was really apprehensive when i started mine, but really its like a big 3D jigsaw puzzle and all the pieces fit together nicely.
If you need help, like Driftboy said, theres plenty of us on here to help.
Also if you put your location in your profile, you may have someone close by who could lend a hand too.

[FormerMember]

All cabrios and tourings come with "big suspension setup" = discs all around and 51mm front struts.

You need definitely that "big suspension setup", and good springs & dampers. For example H&R Cup Kit is good choice.

As a differential i'd choose something between 3.1 and 3.4. Definitely locked one, otherwise all the power & torque gets wasted.