M30 3.5 into E30

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:01 pm

Right... just so everyone is aware, I'm going to ask this question for everyone's benefit.

I have a donor E30.

I buy an E34 535i.

The engine, gearbox, engine loom and ECU are transplanted from the E34 as a whole. The loom plugs straight in.

The extras I need are:

Engine mounts (care of Karan)

E28 535i radiator

Electric cooling fan (various sources)

E30 remote gear change

Exhaust of some kind (which connects to the E34 manifold)

M3 propshaft

...and that's it... right?

Easier said that done, I know, but I'm led to beleive it's not actually that much of a job if you've "got the right tools..."

Answers please on a postcard...

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:10 pm

i guess sir toby is the one to speak too.

when i did the conversion, i have to use on of the power steering pipes from the m30. (although i did it on a 4 pot, which may explain why it wasnt long enough)

also had to have the lower radiator coolant pipe from the e28

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:14 pm

sounds good

probably will run into the odd glitch, small things like coolant pipes etc

use the 535i downpipes too, then connect your exhaust system to these (fairly easy)

gearshift is an unknown. andy and i shortened ours to fit, but i'm told it might be possible using standard bmw parts. not sure on that.

you also need me to make you a special cold air inlet for where your RH fog light goes

Giles i've got a 3.64 LSD on mine now and it is a lot better than when you went in it!

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:17 pm

Excellent.

Just that I have someone that may be interested in my track car, but really wants an M30 in it. He's asked me if I would put one in it for him, for a fee, if he were to buy it...

I haven't got the time at the moment to do it, otherwise I would. Anyone else want the job...?

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:19 pm

I am going to follow suit on this when I get the $$$

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:39 pm

geeman

i will do it for him. for a large fee.

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:42 pm

This has got everyone talking about it...........

It's great, getting more and more info by the minute, just wish someone would volunteer to do it, someone that knows what they're doing

The parts/modifications list does seem to be growing as you guys remember.....must be old age!!!

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:07 pm

i've been looking at this conversion...

based on the E30.de info, what engine position are you looking to use?

Post Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:33 pm

Toby, is your engine as close to the bulkhead as mine ?

I'm just wondering as i was thinking weather the M3 prop would fit on an 335 with the E30.de mounts in P3(?) ?

My main rad pipes are E28 535 bottom and E34 535 top. I am using the M20 expansion tank and a plastic T-piece from an E28 535 which connects up from the thermostat housing, expansion tank and goes to the male heater pipe connector on the bulkhead.

Oh and theres a nice 335 in TBMW this month

Post Sat Sep 03, 2005 11:25 am

Andy is tbmw in the shops yet?

still not really worked out what position my engine is in, further forward than yours though i think. you are right about the m3 prop thing though, there's not much slide left to put the engine further back. (although i have had my engine mounted an inch further back than it is now and the prop stil fitted, just.)

it's a much better option though if you want to collect all the parts and fit it in one go - otherwise you have to get the engine and box bolted in, then measure up, then get a prop made which takes ages.

i used mainly e34 hoses, as my coolant res is in the same place as it was on the 535i. e28 lower rad hose though i think.

Post Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:41 pm

Oh and theres a nice 335 in TBMW this month

i had noticed andy,
i read it all last night, a good read.

Post Sat Sep 03, 2005 6:53 pm

Toby_Unna wrote:Andy is tbmw in the shops yet?

Yeah, heres a sneaky preview....

still not really worked out what position my engine is in, further forward than yours though i think. you are right about the m3 prop thing though, there's not much slide left to put the engine further back. (although i have had my engine mounted an inch further back than it is now and the prop stil fitted, just.)

So you think the M3 prop would be ok for the e30.de mounts on P3 ?

it's a much better option though if you want to collect all the parts and fit it in one go - otherwise you have to get the engine and box bolted in, then measure up, then get a prop made which takes ages.

It took about 10-14 days for Recoprop to do mine, a very iritating hold up to my conversion !

glenn wrote:
i had noticed andy,
i read it all last night, a good read.

Cheers Glenn, although they did over do my bhp and as for me being able to see off an Evo 6, in my dreams !

I will leave the Evo chasing to your beast !!!