Advice please

[golfman]

Hi all!

I'v got a high mileage tech 1 sport so have bought an e34 manual 535i. I have 2 questions. . .

First of all, what do I need to collect to make the conversion do-able, as in engine mounts, exhaust etc.

Secondly, what can I take off the e34 and fit to the e30 that has nothing to do witht he conversion? Things like suspension with hubs and brakes, headlights etc?

Thanks for any answers!!

[ImysE30]

All you need is a pair of custom engine mounts. Leeparkes on here sells them, £100 posted to your door IIRC. Custom prop is around £80 or get a E30 M3 prop which is a straight fit. Use the rad and just get an electric fan added to it.

You can use the 2.5 exhaust or go for a E30 M3 scorpion one if your feeling flush

Not much, steering wheel if it's a Tech 2 and you can use the steering UJ's to make use of DanThe's steering linkage.

[golfman]

thanks for the info, What size fan is best?

I think i'll get a custom exhaust made up and proptech are very close to me so they should eb able to sort the prop.

Sorry for all the questions but whats the benefit of the steering linkage?

[ImysE30]

It allows more room around the manifold area of the bay.

I think you have to do a little modification to the exhaust manifold but can't remember what it is now

[leeparkes]

Being as your starting with a 325i this will be very simple

Use your 325i prop by swapping the gearbox flanges,325i linkage is perfect too,
you can use your 325i exhaust by cutting & shutting it onto the M30 downpipes,
You may need to think about the radiator though as iirc pre face lifts had a different M20 rad to later ones, E28 535i is the best to use.
Use the M20 temp sensor,
Swap two wires in the loom,
Sort the plumbing out for the heater matrix using M20 pipes,
And your done, well apart from needing a set of mounts *cough* see sig

IMO an M30 is like a big M20 so it makes it a very easy swap

No need for a slim steering linkage Imy, it clears fine even with a standard linkage

[golfman]

Lol I was already going to come to you for the mounts mate, just reading your build thread now!

Is there a big difference in driveability/performance from a 2.5 to 3.5?

[TouringTash]

blooming eck I assume so.

[leeparkes]

Is there a big difference in driveability/performance from a 2.5 to 3.5?

Yes, the only way i can explain is the kick you get in second gear with an M20 you get the same kick in third with an M30.
You gain around 40hp and about 60 ftlb of torque. yes you gain about 60kg but its not really noticable
Its a worthwhile swap and people who slag off the M30 have never been in one let alone driven one.