S54'd e30 (FLORIDA)
Moderator: martauto
- GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:00 pm
Hi,
Use the original holes as the 'datum' point.
But you should really 'dummy fit' everything
so that you have everything, in line and
at the correct height etc.
You can space down the prop centre bearing
to make sure every thing is correct etc.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
Use the original holes as the 'datum' point.
But you should really 'dummy fit' everything
so that you have everything, in line and
at the correct height etc.
You can space down the prop centre bearing
to make sure every thing is correct etc.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
I have gotten it back a bit further. Still can get a finger down the back tho. its defo gonna need to be drilled and dropped further back. shouldnt be an issue when i have some time. I having electrical issues at the mo tho
I will eventually get this bastard started!
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Can only speak for the S50 but there isn't much room to move the engine back a significant amount IMHO.
And for 10-15mm I can't see myself messing up the rest of the assembly starting from redrilling the mounts to shortening the shifter linkage, gear box mounts and whatever is involved.
Do you really believe that you will feel the difference of engine position of 10mm?
If I am going to move the engine back it will be by 1 cylinder or nothing. (read 100mm)
And for 10-15mm I can't see myself messing up the rest of the assembly starting from redrilling the mounts to shortening the shifter linkage, gear box mounts and whatever is involved.
Do you really believe that you will feel the difference of engine position of 10mm?
If I am going to move the engine back it will be by 1 cylinder or nothing. (read 100mm)
2 cylinders or go homeUweM3 wrote:Can only speak for the S50 but there isn't much room to move the engine back a significant amount IMHO.
And for 10-15mm I can't see myself messing up the rest of the assembly starting from redrilling the mounts to shortening the shifter linkage, gear box mounts and whatever is involved.
Do you really believe that you will feel the difference of engine position of 10mm?
If I am going to move the engine back it will be by 1 cylinder or nothing. (read 100mm)
M42 rightness above 6500rpm, nobody can hear you scream
- GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:00 pm
Hi,
I think to a point UWE is right, 10-15mm
will not make any difference to a road car.
I altered the engine mount arms, the bulkhead,
gearbox tunnel, heater box/ cover, steering linkage,
propshaft, etc on the S54 in the Track Car, and
although cussing at the time, think it was worth it.
On the S50 B32 road e30 m3, now sold, I just got
it back as far as I could, and did not notice for
road use, any real major differences in handling over
the S14.
The car if anything felt more planted at straight line speed.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
I think to a point UWE is right, 10-15mm
will not make any difference to a road car.
I altered the engine mount arms, the bulkhead,
gearbox tunnel, heater box/ cover, steering linkage,
propshaft, etc on the S54 in the Track Car, and
although cussing at the time, think it was worth it.
On the S50 B32 road e30 m3, now sold, I just got
it back as far as I could, and did not notice for
road use, any real major differences in handling over
the S14.
The car if anything felt more planted at straight line speed.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
everytime I drop the engine in for a check I think about moving it BACK, but as soon as I compile a list of tasks required I back off and think sod it.
If I could just move the engine 50mm back, it would solve a lot of small problems I have based on the fact that I want to run with the E36 sump. Not even speaking of the weight distribution.
But everything more than 10mm and the BIG work is unavoidable. I will give it one more good look/thought when I drop the engine in next time........
If I could just move the engine 50mm back, it would solve a lot of small problems I have based on the fact that I want to run with the E36 sump. Not even speaking of the weight distribution.
But everything more than 10mm and the BIG work is unavoidable. I will give it one more good look/thought when I drop the engine in next time........
-
DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 28641
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Staffs
- Contact:
Just do it Uwe, plonk the engine on an E36 crossmember and get to work on the bulkhead. A couple of guys near me have done this to a RHD car and the only 'tight bits' were the servo which is the E36 type mounted on the RH side and the steering column on the manifold that didnt need any mods. In a LHD car it would be a lot easier, the only difficult part I can think of is the heater box
E36 cross member won't fit, has different dowels.DanThe wrote:Just do it Uwe, plonk the engine on an E36 crossmember and get to work on the bulkhead. A couple of guys near me have done this to a RHD car and the only 'tight bits' were the servo which is the E36 type mounted on the RH side and the steering column on the manifold that didnt need any mods. In a LHD car it would be a lot easier, the only difficult part I can think of is the heater box
Sure this can be overcome. I will have a look.
I haven't got a servo
I've had alittel poke around on an E30 with a b32 and E36 subframe fitted that was in at a place I pop in to from time to time and the engine fitted alittle further back and it still drove like shite to be honest.
I have my engine sitting on the E30 subframe with all the 3.2 sump gubbins and it only took a few hours work.
Haven't tried fitting it to the car yet however as I want to finish the cage before I chop a sizeable chunk out of the bulkhead to shift it back the guts of 200mm.
I won't be using a heater box or a servo so I'm fine there and I can move the steering column around to suit the manifolds anyway when the bulkhead is getting put back together.
I have my engine sitting on the E30 subframe with all the 3.2 sump gubbins and it only took a few hours work.
Haven't tried fitting it to the car yet however as I want to finish the cage before I chop a sizeable chunk out of the bulkhead to shift it back the guts of 200mm.
I won't be using a heater box or a servo so I'm fine there and I can move the steering column around to suit the manifolds anyway when the bulkhead is getting put back together.
M42 rightness above 6500rpm, nobody can hear you scream
- GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:00 pm
Hi,
Quote-
''Haven't tried fitting it to the car yet however as I want to finish the cage
before I chop a sizeable chunk out of the bulkhead to shift it back the guts of 200mm.''
You will be altering a lot more than just the Bulkhead
to move a 6 pot back 200mm in any E30 Shell.
Anymore than 60mm and its bulkhead, gearbox
tunnel, including the floorpans at the
sides of gearbox tunnel, heater box recess,
and if not jigged when your cutting, it will
spead quicker than butter on a hot day.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
Quote-
''Haven't tried fitting it to the car yet however as I want to finish the cage
before I chop a sizeable chunk out of the bulkhead to shift it back the guts of 200mm.''
You will be altering a lot more than just the Bulkhead
to move a 6 pot back 200mm in any E30 Shell.
Anymore than 60mm and its bulkhead, gearbox
tunnel, including the floorpans at the
sides of gearbox tunnel, heater box recess,
and if not jigged when your cutting, it will
spead quicker than butter on a hot day.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
I would like to see a picture of this please. From what i found the 3.2 sump is in the way to fit on the e30 subframe. on not by a small margin.Dave_M3 wrote: I have my engine sitting on the E30 subframe with all the 3.2 sump gubbins and it only took a few hours work.
EWS all wired in? Is the black box connected to the signal loop clicking when you turn the ignition on / start the car?turk wrote:So getting back to the s54 progress; She very nearly started tonight! I cant figure out why she wont keep running. Video for those interested (excuse the profanity)![]()

I dont know, I can hear the fuel pump priming etc. How can I tell??? Im fairly sure theyre the right way round... I thought I had i figured when i had the engine out.
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

-
glenn
- Engine Transplant Services

- Posts: 2198
- Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: blackwood, south wales
the s54 fuel rail only has one connection.turk wrote:I dont know, I can hear the fuel pump priming etc. How can I tell??? Im fairly sure theyre the right way round...
the fuel lines on the e46 m3 come along the underside, to approximately under the passenger seat area, through the filter, then through the regulator back to the tank. there is then only one pipe to the engine. this was to stop the engine bay warming the fuel that was going back to the tank
- GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:00 pm
Hi,
You require min 5 bar fuel pressure for the S54.
If you have not got a constant 5 bar at the
fuel rail it will not run.
The fuel regulator as Glenn has already stated is
located way before the engine on the E46 M3.
So as your in an E30 -
What fuel pump are you using ?
Bosch O44 or eqv will be required.
What Fuel pressure regulator do you have ?
Standard E46 M3 one ?
Is it an adjustable one and what is it set to?
Regards,
The Gorilla.
You require min 5 bar fuel pressure for the S54.
If you have not got a constant 5 bar at the
fuel rail it will not run.
The fuel regulator as Glenn has already stated is
located way before the engine on the E46 M3.
So as your in an E30 -
What fuel pump are you using ?
Bosch O44 or eqv will be required.
What Fuel pressure regulator do you have ?
Standard E46 M3 one ?
Is it an adjustable one and what is it set to?
Regards,
The Gorilla.
I have an 8 Bar walbro pump, and im usung original m3 pressure regulator, though I have it in the engine bay, and only one pipe feed to the engine. im using the original e30 hard line as the return from the regulator. I dont know of any valve on the rail, but I check in the morning.
I will also try build up the pressure by giving the system a constand feed.
It has also been suggested that without the plenum on the air fuel mix can easily cause it to stall, just like a massive air leak.
so will try all that and update
Thanx
I will also try build up the pressure by giving the system a constand feed.
It has also been suggested that without the plenum on the air fuel mix can easily cause it to stall, just like a massive air leak.
so will try all that and update
Thanx
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

I have this wierd pipe connected to the fuel line return, it goes across the bulk head the flows into an A/C pipe near where the battery tray is. I have this connected as the the return pipe because it come back and returns to where the the hard lines are. Im not sure why they are there and what benefit it has to the a/c :s
On the pressure regulator this is how i have it connected, Professional photoshop skill at work as u can see

Engine ran ALOT longer with some of the breather pipes plumbed in and some blocked up. MAHOOOOSIVE thanx to Ian Haynes, This man is a god for those who dont know yet
Still stalls after a while tho
Click for vid...

On the pressure regulator this is how i have it connected, Professional photoshop skill at work as u can see

Engine ran ALOT longer with some of the breather pipes plumbed in and some blocked up. MAHOOOOSIVE thanx to Ian Haynes, This man is a god for those who dont know yet
Still stalls after a while tho

S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

OK!, my Plenum is really getting in the way of the engine running properly, i need to reshape it to fit over the servo.
Anyone know how to heat weld, or willing to do it for some $$$???
I have extended the wires from plug 3 today, for those of u who have s54's where did u hide all the relays and fuse boxes? I dont know if i wanna use an 318 wire tray as I have them studpid aircon fuel cooler pipes to contend with
How structural is the area behind the batt tray? if I was considering making a little hatch into the area behind the glove box where they could in turn easily be accessed....... hmmm what have u lot done?
Anyone know how to heat weld, or willing to do it for some $$$???
I have extended the wires from plug 3 today, for those of u who have s54's where did u hide all the relays and fuse boxes? I dont know if i wanna use an 318 wire tray as I have them studpid aircon fuel cooler pipes to contend with
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

ahh, I know. I was just simplifying it rather than going into detail.GermanGorilla wrote:Hi,
Quote-
''Haven't tried fitting it to the car yet however as I want to finish the cage
before I chop a sizeable chunk out of the bulkhead to shift it back the guts of 200mm.''
You will be altering a lot more than just the Bulkhead
to move a 6 pot back 200mm in any E30 Shell.
Anymore than 60mm and its bulkhead, gearbox
tunnel, including the floorpans at the
sides of gearbox tunnel, heater box recess,
and if not jigged when your cutting, it will
spead quicker than butter on a hot day.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
Its a track car so I don't mind butchering it anyway.
Will have the cage fitted and the shell braced and jigged before I cut anything substantial too.
Will send you on a picture or two of the subframe and mounts the next time I get a chance Uwe
M42 rightness above 6500rpm, nobody can hear you scream
-
ian332isport
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 5380
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Adem,
I think you should remove the servo for the time being and get the plenum fitted. This way you can ensure the engine is running properly before going any further.
The servo is going to have to come off at some point anyway, so now seems a good time.
Cheers,
Ian.
I think you should remove the servo for the time being and get the plenum fitted. This way you can ensure the engine is running properly before going any further.
The servo is going to have to come off at some point anyway, so now seems a good time.
Cheers,
Ian.
If it aint broke - Modify it...
I have the Clio servo on and managed to get the plenum on too. It's extremely tight but all in there. Unfortunately still only runs for that same amount of time. Maf on but no filter as yet.
I can hear the fuel sloshing around in the pipes going across the bulkhead. Might take them out of the equation.
I can hear the fuel sloshing around in the pipes going across the bulkhead. Might take them out of the equation.
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

-
ian332isport
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 5380
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Have you fitted all the breather hoses and idle control valve as well ? Not having the filter fitted shouldn't make much difference.
Cheers,
Ian
Cheers,
Ian
If it aint broke - Modify it...
Yes breather hoses all coonnected bar the oil return pipe from the plenum as I need to do some welding on the dipstick tube, but i have blocked it off for now to prevent air getting in.ian332isport wrote:Have you fitted all the breather hoses and idle control valve as well ? Not having the filter fitted shouldn't make much difference.
Cheers,
Ian
i have also found the ecu will not let me control the trottle when the engine is cranking and trying to run, so i presume the ecu is not getting a signal of some sort which is preventing the throttles from working, might be wrong tho...
im thinking there might be a fuel issue. When I got my new fuel pump the was a tiny valve on the output which looked like it needed a special attachment, so i swapped it with a blank threaded sleeve I happened to have so as i could coonect the fuel lines, dont think this is causing an issue but it may be.
Ian, when u retrofitted your aircon did u have the pipes going across the bulkhead to cool the fuel or did u just bypass them???
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

-
ian332isport
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 5380
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Nothing like that on my car. Must be an E46 or S54 thing.turk wrote:Ian, when u retrofitted your aircon did u have the pipes going across the bulkhead to cool the fuel or did u just bypass them???
Ian.
If it aint broke - Modify it...
its an e30 thing, poss Us spec :
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=16&fg=15
I may try removing it from the loop see if it make a difference.
im fairly cetrain the engine revs arent getting to where they need to be to allow the throttle to have functionality, i think the ecu stops signals from the pedal therefore it wont let me move the throttle until its stalled.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=16&fg=15
I may try removing it from the loop see if it make a difference.
im fairly cetrain the engine revs arent getting to where they need to be to allow the throttle to have functionality, i think the ecu stops signals from the pedal therefore it wont let me move the throttle until its stalled.
S54, S62, S65 & S85 Plug & Play loom/Ecu Kits
Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays

Sump Baffles
Engine Conversion Kits/Parts
TrackDays




