M50 Conversion

[georges867]

Just thought i would start a thread off for my conversion im carrying out, its a E30 318i, as the title suggests im putting a M50 engine out of a E36 in happy days.

Donor car





Engine out



The 318i





Ive been collecting bits so far i have got:

E34 sump, oil pickup and dipstick
E28 535 mounts
Clio servo
M20 flywheel, clutch and starter
E36 328 manifolds

Im undecided whether to use the E30 318 box or the E36's 325 box, which prop would i need for each box, which would you use if you had the choice.

Diff wise the E36 325 that i have has an LSD (dont know the ratio) can i fit this diff in my E30 casing?

Thanks for looking George

[DanThe]

The E36 prop and box will go straight on, you can use the LSD but it will need rebuilding into an E30 case, not a DIY job though.
E36 rack should also follow the engine and get bolted to your E30

[georges867]

Cheers matey, what do i use for the gear linkage if i use the E36 box? I went and got a Flywheel, starter and clutch of your mate Mark the other day.

I need to get this loom to you, how long does it take for you to mod? or have you got any i can exchange mine for?

Rack is going on dont worry, might need a steer linkage off you too

[DanThe]

You should be able to use the E36 linkages depending on which box it is
Loom usually takes up to a week, dont have any to exchange at the moment
Steering linkages have been ordered this week, should be ready next week sometime, will be looking into having them zinc plated this time round

[georges867]

Update time.

I did all this a while ago just haven't got round to posting.

Old 1.8 out for sale if anyone wants it



Clio servo on



Picture of the mounts i used if anyone is interested to see what they look like



Shes in



Room i've got to play with for a fan





New studs, nuts and gasket for the exhaust manifold (not enough nuts or gaskets i know, they didnt send them all )



Interior shot, really tidy inside, one gentleman owner before me but i fancy some sport seats for it



All in all im well chuffed, started on the first turn of the key (thanks again willnz)

Few jobs to do yet:

1. Tidy up the wiring around the battery.
2. Need a gear linkage, im using a getrag 220? (not sure if im right there) off a 318i. Do i need a 320 one?
3. Put the prop on once i have done the gearlinkage.
4. Sort out a fan. What are people using? im using the E36 325 rad, it hasnt got a tapping for a sensor, where else could i stick a sensor, i dont want it on a switch or anything.
5. Put the 51mm struts and 325 brakes i got off town on.
6. Insure it
7. Tax it
8. Rag it

Thanks for looking

[georges867]

What am i doing wrong with my photos guys?

[e30topless]

use the direct link !

[Duke137]

Have you selected "thumbnail" on the pics ?

PM on its way

[georges867]

whats the direct link? not the best with photo shizz

[georges867]

[georges867]

got it

[Baz666]

best box to use fella is the m42 318Is box as it a straight fit and upright, with a 320 gearlinkage, i`m also using the m20 clutch and a lighten flywheel.

[georges867]

the 318i box is a straight fit and is 'upright', im using a M20 clutch and flywheel too. I dont want to go changing the box now as its a right ball ache with the engine in place.

Has anyone used the 318i getrag box?

[E30BeemerLad]

Daimlerman is using a 318i box on his M50 touring I believe. I'm using an iS gearbox with 320 shift rods & 325 prop.

As for the fan, don't think about using a viscous or it will eat your rad. Use an electric fan mounted to the front of the rad. If your E36 has aircon, use the aircon fan from the front of that.

[Baz666]

i just got a 16" fan of ebay (£18) and wired it to the e36 rad with the aircon switch.

[Duke137]

Didn't someone say that the 318is and 318i use the same box?

George what have you done about the fan?

[georges867]

Not to sure on the box.

I should be able to get an air con fan from work, i'll post some pics up once its done.

I just ended up shortening the original 318 aluminium cradle so that the hole centres where 270mm. Again ill post some pics of that too. Just need the shorten the selector rod, put the prop on then i can take it for a quick spin

[georges867]

Right update time,

Here's a picture of the linkages i adapted, the steel link i hadn't modified but the measurement there was the length i shortened it to. Works perfectly.



Once that was done i replaced the clutch slave cylinder, put the prop on and took it for a spin. Goes brilliantly! well chuffed. The diff ratio is a little short and i need to get a LSD sorted. Thinking a 3.73 if i can get hold of one.

What ratio is everyone using? Im aiming to use it mainly for track days so would i be better with a 3.91?

This i my current filter setup.



Not to keen on it, i opened the bonnet and the filter itself was pretty warm so i guess its sucking in hot air. Is it possible to remove a headlight and box it in or is there a better option to go for? I swear i have seen someone using a M30 airbox, are these any good?

As for the fan i've got a 16" spal air con fan and attached it to the front of the rad. At the moment its wired into a switch on the dash.



Not to keen on it on a switch to be honest but my rad (e36 325) hasn't got a tapping for a temp sensor is there anywhere else to mount a temp switch?

Also has anyone got a part no. for a low temp thermostat?

Next job is to move onto suspension. I have some 51mm legs, What inserts do you guys recommend using i was thinking Bilstein B8's or B6's any reviews on these? As for lowering i was thinking 60/40 or is this too low? Anyone got and pictures of a 60/40 drop and a 40/30 drop?

Thanks for lookin.

[E30BeemerLad]

You'll probably get away with a 60 drop but the sump will be more vulnerable to some speed hump action. I'm on a 55 drop and get away with the sump, but some further mods are needed to my exhaust system as that catches on all sorts.

B6 dampers are rock hard, especially if you run lower profile tyres. I may change my setup in due course as it is a bit harsh for my liking.

This is a 55 drop front & rear AVO springs, B6 dampers on the front, Koni adjustable on the rear.

[Cook318IS]

cheap and easy answer to reducing heatsoak - make your own heatshield.



You not still got the e36 airbox?

[e30topless]

I have used the stock e36 airbox.

I like that what was involved in fitting it ?

[DanThe]

It involves binning off the ABS system Steve

E36 airbox FTW boys

[DanThe]

Will, if you use an E36 inlet boot you can mount it further back away from the headlamp, I didnt need to dent the arch, just added the rubber thing to the chassis rail and a support bracket, no rub

[e30topless]

It involves binning off the ABS system Steve

E36 airbox FTW boys

ABS is for wimps ! my car doesn't have it anyway !

any more pics Dan ?

[DanThe]

Just these with the old 2.8

[nickso]

Will, if you use an E36 inlet boot you can mount it further back away from the headlamp, I didnt need to dent the arch, just added the rubber thing to the chassis rail and a support bracket, no rub

thats how i did it. i had to cut the triangular extension off the airbox though. i also need a thin bit of rubber to stop the airbox rubbing on the arch.

[georges867]

Ahh i've binned my E36 airbox. So is using the M30 airbox something i have dreamt up? I swear i have seen someone use it.

Im thinking of making a bit of a heat shield and removing one of the headlights is going to be the best option for now. Maybe when i can afford to insure it on the road (im only 19) I'll find myself another E36 airbox or something equally as subtle. For now its just going to be tracked (suitable suspension pending)

Looking into converting the rear end to a disc setup. Will disc trailing arms fit my rear subframe or not? Or do i need the whole ka-boodle?

Cheers George.

[E30BeemerLad]

trailing arms will bolt straight up dude

[DanThe]

If you have ABS and want to keep it you wont be able to use the E36 airbox anyway, but if you dont the E36 box is the best to use, M30 box intake sits right behind the upright support for the front/slam panel so is obstructed for airflow

[sheebie]

I have just brougt this car, was told there was no build tread for it.

Thought I should keep this going, trying to find out whats been done.
My steering wheel turns lock to lock in about 3.5 turns does this mean its a e36 rack?
Will upload some pics later.

[sheebie]

Here the car as she looks at the moment





Also found an interesting keyring



Plans are to get a e36 airbox and a better ratio diff. Needs some new bushed and then the minor rust bits on the bodywork.