subframes. m52 swap

Post Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:13 pm

Thinking of breaking my e36 and using the engine in my e30. Was wanting to know how you guys would go about it. Been told a couple different things. One being to change the sump and oil pick up to one from an e34 m50 so I can run with the e30 subframe. The other is that I don't need to do that and can just use the e36 subframe, which sound easier? Just looking for a bit advice, pros and cons kinda thing. Thanks.

Post Mon Jul 27, 2015 3:45 pm

I don't believe the E36 subframe bolts up to the standard holes in the E30 rails - it's wider for one, iirc - so that route is a load of extra work. Don't know who told you that....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=271008

E34 or E38 M50/M52 sump, pickup and dipstick tube bolt straight on and clear the E30 subframe. There's just a little bracket that needs to be cut off the baffle plate on the engine to make 'em fit.

Post Mon Jul 27, 2015 7:31 pm

It was a thought that it would have saved me getting the different sump and that. As far as it being wider I don't think it is, put an e30 subframe on my mates e36 to run a v8. Wasnt sure about it in doing my swap. So best thing to do is going down the route of changing the sump to run the standard subframe

Post Tue Jul 28, 2015 9:33 pm

I believe mounting points for the arms are in the wrong positions. There is a pic online of an e30 with a rear bowl sump but no info as far as I know

Post Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:00 am

I think somebody on r3vlimited was doing modified E30 subframes for a rear bowl sump for a time. Doubt they still are.