V8 swap that doesn`t need relocating brake booster?

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Rob_farmer
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Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:16 pm

Guys,

Is there such engine to swap in, but brake booster must stay where it is? If that changes anything - its left hand drive, non UK car.

Why? Because our law prohibits brake booster relocation.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
jmc330i
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Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:34 pm

The left bank of cylinders will be in the way of the brake servo/booster, I don't think you'll find any V8 that will fit without relocating the servo.
James
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Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:40 pm

You probably could if you located the engine further forward but then it would upset the balance of the car.
Then the rad would be an issue.
Cypriotgeeza wrote:I done both my mates in my old 318is
felt so proud,even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place.. :o:
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:51 am

Shame. Thanks guys.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
Driftben
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:37 pm

Are you able to go for a setup that doesn't use a booster?
or does the law state that you have to have one fitted?
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:43 pm

Law says - you are not allowed to modify or remove factory fitted brake system components - no relocating/swapping boosters, no changing of brake calipers(big brake kits) etc.

How it works in our country - if you do any engine swaps, you have to go for inspection and get certified with DVLA kind of agency. Inspectors are pretty smart there and they will see booster is gone won`t give approval. Of course I can go "well it never had traditional booster bla bla bla", but they will then dig up papers. Also, sooo many of the E30`s are swapped and inspectors know them inside out by now. If you don`t get approval, you can`t pass MOT and then you can`t insure your car.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
jmc330i
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:48 pm

Rob_farmer wrote:no changing of brake calipers(big brake kits) etc.
So you can fit a bigger engine to make the car faster, but must leave the brakes standard? 8O :?
James
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:49 pm

agh i see, sounds quite strict on that sort of thing. Hopefully this hole of a country doesn't take the same route.

would you be able to just shift it over slightly so it looks like its still there but not used as such
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:54 pm

Driftben wrote: would you be able to just shift it over slightly so it looks like its still there but not used as such
Still wouldn't give much room for a V8??
If the servo must remain standard and in standard location, that would make even an M50/52 swap difficult.
James
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:55 pm

James, well spotted! You are dead right. We can fit ANY engine, as long as brake booster stays intact. Also you are not allowed to mod/cut into firewall, cut/weld wishbone or any other structural components of the car. If you swap engine/suspension parts, you MUST use only BMW factory made components - for example engine mounts, they can come off E36 or E32 etc, they must have BMW logo or BMW parts number on them. They won`t sign off custom made engine mounts. But some inspectors are BMW fans and will close their eyes on good quality, well made brackets.
Last edited by Rob_farmer on Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:55 pm

Driftben wrote:would you be able to just shift it over slightly so it looks like its still there but not used as such
How much we talking about?
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
Driftben
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:56 pm

well looking at mine even though iv moved it back to the max, i recon you could fit a MK1 golf booster in there maybe with some shoe horning?
doesn't seem right on the ok for the engine conversions but not upgrading the brakes though?
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Twin Turbo M60 in progress
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:57 pm

1 sec i dig you out a picture of mine
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:00 pm

Any mods can be done and signed off, but only for track cars. They have special track car V5. You are allowed on public roads, but driving is allowed to/from track/garage. Being cought daily driving with such V5 will results in very serious trouble.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:03 pm

Driftben wrote:well looking at mine even though iv moved it back to the max, i recon you could fit a MK1 golf booster in there maybe with some shoe horning?
doesn't seem right on the ok for the engine conversions but not upgrading the brakes though?
Shifting booster just a bit or/and fitting a little bit different size one, might do the trick with "right" inspector :roll:

Tell me about it - there is no logic at all.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:03 pm

Image

Image
Image
6pot wilwoods front
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89 E30 stripped running a 6speed V8
Twin Turbo M60 in progress
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:05 pm

anything is possible with some know how 8)
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:05 pm

Hmm, I can`t see brake servo on your photos?
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
Driftben
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:07 pm

because i don't have one me lad, iv gone for the mans setup :wink:

its shows the space you have though
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89 E30 stripped running a 6speed V8
Twin Turbo M60 in progress
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:08 pm

I'm pretty sure you need custom mounts for a V8, so that would also be another hurdle if you must use factory parts... can't be many M30 conversions over there either.

Sounds like a bit of ball ache :(
James
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:11 pm

jmc330i wrote:I'm pretty sure you need custom mounts for a V8, so that would also be another hurdle if you must use factory parts... can't be many M30 conversions over there either.

Sounds like a bit of ball ache :(
I keep trying to find a single road legal signed off V8 in our country, zero so far. But I still hope, there must be a solution. Maybe with some help of right inspector.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:12 pm

Driftben wrote:because i don't have one me lad, iv gone for the mans setup :wink:
Damn, there is no space for servo 8O :?
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:28 pm

broadie
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:40 pm

Can you rework the bulkhead?
Or lower the motor and fit a dry sump.
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:51 pm

broadie wrote:Can you rework the bulkhead?
Or lower the motor and fit a dry sump.
Firewall/bulkhead, tranny tunnel can`t be cut or modified.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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Rob_farmer
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:52 pm

I`m not son of oligarch 8O
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
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S38B38
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Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:00 pm

I am doing a M70 swap,,

the M70 is 60° so the angle is more narrow vs M/S6x that is no problem using the hydro ((E32 V12 system))
Sveinbjörn Hrafnsson

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550 V12 JML Motorsport

http://alpina.123.is/pictures/
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Sat Jan 04, 2014 12:34 am

jmc330i wrote:I'm pretty sure you need custom mounts for a V8, so that would also be another hurdle if you must use factory parts... can't be many M30 conversions over there either.
Ive sent quite a few sets of M30 mounts over there.

What madness though! you can drastically up the power but has to be on standard brakes. :mad:
Cypriotgeeza wrote:I done both my mates in my old 318is
felt so proud,even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place.. :o:
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Laith
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Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:09 am

No v8 has been signed off by a dvla inspector? How am I supposed to insure an e30 with an m60??

Does anyone know anyone that's had a v8 converted then officially put onto the v5?
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Sat Jun 21, 2014 11:39 am

You can insure a V8 powered e30 I think my quote was £230 fully comp.
you can also MOT it and I'm sure all you have to do is update the V5 (if you want to) by ringing the dreaded DVLA cock jockeys and asking them to update the licence. Then they will probably up your road tax because they can!
Might be wrong but that's how I portrayed it
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Sat Jun 21, 2014 12:10 pm

Sweet. What insurance company was that out of interest?
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Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:12 pm

I know people who have told the dvla about the change of cc, but realistically nobody bothers as it can cause more headache than its worth. The dvla will only be bothered if the tax class changes, which won't be a problem for an E30.

You don't need to update the V5 for MOT purposes. All that matters is that your insurance knows.
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