Some Technical m3 into a 318is swap questions.

[Zanatech]

Hello everyone. Sorry for a post like this to be my first but yeah, my friend and i kind of needed some quick info if anyone had it and there really isn't anything straightforward.

We have a e30 318is in pretty good condition. We came across a 2005 m3 drivetrain (everything in the engine bay to the rear axle, wiring harness, accessories, even the suspension, etc..) for a decent price (no the car wasn't wrecked and yes it is legit). We were wondering what it would take to fit this into the car or what we might not think of.

The back end of the car would be reinforced obviously (saw the thread and but kind of knew it was weak) and the car would also have a roll cage put into it.

We were figuring we would need to custom fab motor mounts (we have a machine shop) and probably need a custom drive shaft to fit the length of the car. Also the steering rack would be changed to an aftermarket quick ratio one.

Is the smg transmission going to fit into the car properly or are we going to have to make the tranny spot bigger and re-enforce it? we know that he will probably loose his ac (due to space) but he doesn't care, its rarely above 90 where we live (in the U.S., yes we are bloody yanks but we hate the french.)

How straightforward would wiring this beast up be?

Last of all for now, is it worth it or would it be better just to spend the @ 5k on a turbo setup and dyno tuning?

thanks for any help and feel free to mention anything else we might need to think about.

[Pal318is]

If I was honest I can't help, but your plans for your car sound superb....Going the turbo route would be an easier option i would think tho' as you obviously would not need to touch any of the drivetrain.

Also Welcome to the Zone, i'm sure someone who knows there stuff concerning this will be along at some point to put you in the right direction.

Do you have any pic too??

Pal

[Gunni]

If you have all the electronics, that is simply a task of moving parts between cars,
I think you still need a M54 E39 oil pan or possibly it can use a e34 M50 pan and pickup ,

I think custom motor mounts, very likely custom headers and exhaust
Otherwise I´d say it´s very much like a S50 swap

[jaistanley]

I agree, IF you have all the electronics it can be done (unless you want to run an aftermarket ECU, then it can DEFINATELY be done but possibly loosing the SMG and going to 6 speed manual).

Engine mounts are the std items with the same rubber mounts as S50 converters use. Manifolds almost fit (possibly the modified S50 ones Ste is having made will fit, but only possibly) so will need modifying the same way as the S50 ones.

Dunno what ratio diff the E46 M3 uses but probably the same as the normal E36 6 speed so you could well be OK on a 3.91 LSD (don't quote me though).

The thing with using the SMG is that you are going to need to do a LOT of head scratching. You need to swap everything from the steering angle sensor (and possibly the steering column) to the ABS sensors etc. You will need the fusebox from the E46 in tandem with your own with all the non-engine stuff removed. You may well also need the E46 clocks which can start looking messy. Perhaps trial fit an E36/E46 style Compact dash so the clocks/wiring/heater from the E46 can be used???

A friend bought an E46 S54B32 to fit to his E36. We had the engine in in no time and all went smoothely until FAB breakers started taking the p!ss by sending broken/incomplete/incorrect engine looms (their service was dreadful and I wouldn't reccomend them to anyone because of it). In the end he sent it all back with a demand for his money back because without ALL of the electronics it's barely worth the effort or the expense.

In my oppinion you'd be much better off getting the SMG, diff, prop, suspension (not front brakes, get E30M3 struts and adaptors to fit the E46 brake disks, the calipers bolt on), etc etc sold off and buy yourself an aftermarket ECU (emerald are supposedly doing a £700 unit this year that can run dual VANOS) and an E46/E36 6 speed manual gearbox. After that it's the same as fitting an S50 engine which has been covered.

Good luck.

Jai

[snoops]

whoaa this is gona be a beast definitly do it

[Zanatech]

yeah, thats what we are thinking. we are also swapping a stage 2.5 2005 sti motor and 6 speed into my legacy, both cars should be sub 4 seconds 0-60.

Thanks for the help you guys, just add more info if you could, we will continue to think about it.

[jaistanley]

www.e46fanatics.com

Search on there. A chap from MIT has done exactly what you are talking about and written every detail.. Its a good read.

Jai

[dan_emaps]

you'd do very well to get a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds dude. E30's aren't the best at launches!

Sounds an awesome project, as Jai mentioned though i would also be inclined to scrap the smg box, run a manual 6 speeder and emerald ECU, alot less work and no doubt alot cheaper in the end.. guess its the easy way out though