Pre facelift engine swap

[choppa7]

I've been offered a bargain price 730 (1990).

Thing is my 316 is a carb engine so none of the funky efi bits are in the engine, would it be a hassle to drop the 3.0 engine in and connect it up or would it be ok since I'd be getting the entire car as a donor?

Cheers people

[Theo]

Would be hassle and a waste of time & money.

You will need loads of extra bits, and the 3.0 M30 is little better than a tuned 2.5.

[snoops]

might as well go for a 3.5, there was a thread on here recently with the complete part list for an m30 conversion.

[e30Alex]

I disagree, Im half way through a m30 3.0 conversion at the moment, the engine etc was cheap and externally the 3 and 3.5 are the same so when the time comes to change it should be a straightforward swap. However you will need an e34 sump and oil pickup, manual box etc. If the 730 is cheap enough though....Alex

[johnl320]

I have converted a 316 carb auto to 3.5. firstly the sump will not need changing e28 use the deeper sump. Secondly check to see if you have the large c101 plug on the bulkhead by the brake servo. Late prefacelift models used this type of loom even if its not there its still fairly straight forward to plumb in.
However its not all roses ,as mentioned in previous posts you 316 will need a lot of other parts to make it a good car. I remember someone mention the main rules of tuning is ' Make it stop, Make it handle, Make it fast, in that order'
So a brake upgrade is a must. Lrager front struts and stronger springs, thicker antiroll bars (your 316 won't even a rear ARB)
Different ratio diff, gearbox clutch and flywheel, radiator.

My advice is to collect all the bits before getting stuck in or you'll end up like me and still have it in your garage 2 years down the line waiting fir a prop and exhaust

HTH

john