A possible engine swap?

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Orangecab
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 2:17 pm

I have been offered a e46 328i manual and was wondering if this would be the m52/28? I have done some digging and seems that it could be a tu, does this matter to anything with the swap or not?
Is this swap pretty easy to do or is an e36 2 8 easier?
Cheers rob
B7
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 2:39 pm

It will be a twin vanos TU lump Rob. You need an M52B28 single vanos from an e36.

I have a steel liner one on the stand right now if your interested.
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Orangecab
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 4:23 pm

Is it not possible to fit the twin vanos engine?
I wasn't going out my way to do a conversion at this time, just trying to get it on the road but eventually I'll be putting a v something in it, may not be for a year or 2 tho!
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Orangecab
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 4:24 pm

But seeing as this e46 is cheap i thought it might be worth a punt!
B7
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 4:55 pm

Danthe is you man on this but he advised me on the following:

The ECUs are all can-bus on the M52tu and M54 which means they are not compatible without loads of software mods.

Hence the premiums on M54B30 cranks for 3.0 conversions.
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HairyScreech
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:07 pm

You can run M52Tu and M54 engines on the OBD1 management using the DISA and VANOS controller from
http://www.seattlecircuit.com/default.htm

I think if I eventually M5x the touring the future will be M54B30.

Quite a few yank threads about doing it now.
2.8 development thread http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=170822

m3.3.1 m20 thread - now running, chip needed - any volunteers?
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... =viewtopic&
B7
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:21 pm

Well there you go.

Good man.
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Orangecab
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Post Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:06 pm

ok thanks for your help on this, glad I didn't just buy it and start the conversion! Seems a bit too much work if I'll be taking it back out again in a couple of years!
Grzesiek325i
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Post Sat Sep 12, 2015 3:43 pm

If that car is cheap engine swap its not a big deal.