M30 conversion problems

[Pembo]

Hello there

I have quitely been doing my own M30B35 engine swap into my 320i E30. I have a late M30 3.5 which I have changed the flywheel to the single mass unit off an E28 M535i with the matching M535i gearbox (not the dogleg box).

Today was the day to fit the engine into the car after I uprated the shocks to the 51mm on the front and fitted a complete 325i rear end with discs and a 3.91 LSD. All the bushes have been changed for new and lowering springs with uprated shocks all round.

I have managed to get the engine in but it is sat on the furtherest forward position as I cannot get the manifold past the steering rack knuckle. I have an E36 steering rack fitted. What is the best way to fit the M30 lump? Will I need a custom manifold? Also in the current position I cannot fit the radiator.

Also I think the engine seems to sit too high. Currently it is sat on the 320i engine rubber mounts. Are there another mounts which allow the engine to sit lower?

Any help would be greatful.

If anyone would like to see my progress then you can add me on Facebook where I have uploaded all my pics from the beginning. My facebook profile is Steven Pemberton

Regards Steven

[charlE30]

I had to cut rotate and re-weld my manifold to fit my E46 steering rack so would imagine yours will need to be altered for the E36 rack. Personally I would take the exhaust manifold off while trying to get the engine in as it'll just give a bit more space.

What mounts are you using as you need to get the engine as far back as possible, mine is in position 3 and I had to reshape (read hit with a hammer) the bulkhead to get the engine back far enough. This is common practice.

If the 320 mounts are the same as the 325 they'll be fine, can you close the bonnet without the top touching the bonnet? mine just about touchs the sound deadening foam on the underside.

Sounds like you've done things right regarding all the suspension/brakes before the engine

Charlie

[Pembo]

Thank for the help. I think my best bet is to remove the manifold as you stated and move the engine back. Do all E30 shells have to reshaped to make them fit back far enough? As I have not done this.

The engine does sit really close the bonnet but I suppose once the engine is moved back further it should give more clearance.

I must say there isn't much room for play with the engine in. I wouldn't like to make a manifold for it. I think a custom manifold and system is the way forward

Regards Steven

[charlE30]

There are some on here that haven't reshaped and there are others that have (me being one)most are using e30.de original or copied engine mounts so I've never really figured out why some do and others don't.

BTB make a six branch and full system for this conversion but it's something like £1,800

What mounts (metal part) and rad are you using aswell?

I wouldn't mind having a gander through your piccies but there are 7 Steven Pemberton's on facebook, do you have a link or could you send me a friend request? I'm Charlie Walker and I'm the only one on there

[leeparkes]

Remove the steering UJ set up completely, then fit the engine, it makes life a lot easier

What mounts are you using?

[Pembo]

Tidy! Thats abit expensive mind. I was told £800 for a manifold and full system as I know the owner of the exhaust company. Is that a good price then? I think I should go for it.

I bought the mounts off here. I had to wait for them to be made. They were bare metal so I painted them black. Hope this gives you an idea. There are two drilled mounting holes for the engines position.

My facebook is Steven Pemberton, South Wales. Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... ef=profile
There are pictures of my other BM's past and present. Selling my E36 M3 Evo Cabrio Monday for a BMW E46 330d. Alot cheaper to run!

So if I remove the manifold as I want an aftermarket one and the steering rack I should have no problems what so ever.

Cheers guys

[charlE30]

£800 for a full system with manifold sounds really good.. dare I say but there is a market for E30 335 systems that the shop owner may well want to tap into after doing yours

When getting the engine in try dropping the front back on the floor and jacking the rear up to get the engine in, it helps getting the engine in with box still attached.

Charlie

[Pembo]

Yes that is very true. I know he has done a few before. That price is because I am a mate. Normally he charges a little more.

I will give that a go! There just isn't much room. LOL!

I am using a E28 535i radiator. I have two to choose from as I was given them when I picked the engine up. Only paid £60 for the engine which runs perfectly. Fitted a new water pump etc Like new now!

The question is what to do about the body work. The shell is mint apart from the two rear arches. The drivers side is almost through to the inside at the bottom right. I am think they will have to be cut out and new ones welded in. Any thoughts?

Regards Steven