Project

[jimmy20282]

Evening All,

I'm Matt from Leeds... Sounds like the start to my aa meetings ha.

I am a track day goer... well I've done 4 all at the same track in my 170bhp 600kg MK Indy...

But I have a plan... I was over this autumn - spring try accumulate parts for a e30 build...

I fancy a M50 engine conversion... No I have read the wiki pages etc. But looking for advice.. So I'll run down the plan and please comment/rip it apart/thumbs up or whatever is needed

Engine
So I have figured a e34 M50 2.5 engine as this has the correct sump.
I was planning on stripping the engine and checking and rebuilding as I like to know what I have before I put it all in... I must stress I have never done anything like this and so far all my spanner wielding has come from you tube vids...

Rebuild wise... should I rebuild the engine with standard parts or should I replace with upgrades or from other models... read somewhere about 328 rods, new head gaskets, standard pistons and new rings, then there was talk of cams.. and head work?? but with the right map should be pushing 235-250.. not sure on how much is pub talk.

I do like the sound of turbo charging the car at some point in time.

Gearbox: again from reading 96-00 328 5spd? with uprated clutch? which clutch? will the 328 box just bolt up to the m50?

Diff: ideally I want an lsd.. what are my options?

the scary world of electrics: which ecu do I use the one fro mthe e30 or one from the m50? I have read on this forum there is a chap Dan who produces some sort of plug and play solution.

Suspension: was going to go aftermarket coilvers or is there a cheaper m3 option that would fit? same for the brakes.


Lastly..... on a serious note how difficult is all this? are there any companys that will do the swap and or build.... I would love to do it my self but worried having 3 children on how long it would be sat in my garage unloved.

Sorry for the extremely long post.

[Cypriotgeeza]

Welcome to the Zone

AA ? Oh you're about to embark on something ALOT more addictive than alcohol!

The zone wiki is your friend!

Most (if not every possible) combination has been done to an E30 so there is a lot of info both on the internet and in the project section of this website!

Set yourself some time aside from the little ones and have a good read through the members section and project sections and I'm sure you will find the answers your looking for!

Good luck!

[ross_jsy]

If you weren't thinking of turboing I would choose an m52b28 with an m50 inlet. More powerful and lighter. Since you are thinking of a turbo, an m50 makes sense as they have the stronger iron block.

You could rebuild the m50 with m52 crank, pistons and rods giving you a 2.8. You could also go down the m54b30 crank/pistons/rods to make a 3 litre. DanThe has had some good results with that route with cams. Somewhere around 265hp and lots of torque iirc.

Diff depends on what box you use. If you use a ZF box you will want something around the low 3's. Although for a track car a 3.65 would probably work well and are more common.

Dan makes a plug and play loom. I have one and they are great, well made at a good price. He can also supply you with modified exhaust manifolds to clear the steering.

Suspension wise, at the lower end BC coilovers have a good reputation. Also don't discount a good shock and spring combo such as Bilstein GrpN inserts.

I wouldn't say any of it is difficult. If you buy the bits off Dan it's a drop in conversion that's doable in a weekend easily

[corkie]

Welcome hope you have deep pockets !! Good luck with whatever you do!!

[cherjaim]

I have a complete m50 2.5 non vanos engine from an auto e34. runs like clockwork and comes with the loom, ecu' manifolds, basically everything you need except flywheel.. I have a short video of it running and can deliver to you in Leeds next day. £575 including delivery.