Question for the M50 lads

[Duke137]

Just after some advice if possible please?

Background info: Bought a 320i SE for next to nothing and instead of fragging it I've decided to attempt to make a decent motor of it. Bodywork a bit ropey so have bought myself a MIG welder and am going to do a bit of repair work.

A friend of mine has a E34 520i (N plate) which I think is a M50 vanos? (or is this M52)

Before anyone tells me yes I know its only 2 litre but its FREE as my mate is dropping in a 3.0 V8 in his instead.

So far, I have assembled the following:

51mm struts and bilstein shocks all round with uprated front brakes. So suspension and brakes will be fine. I have the exhaust manifold sorted as well.

Do I need to use any parts from my M20 on the M50 swap and what is the best gearbox to use? Also the steering rack is fooked as it leaks so gonna drop an E36 one in (when I get one) as I've seen a thread about this recently. I think I will have to contact DanThe about the linkage mod...

I need to know things like:

What engine mounts do I need?
Which Gearbox?
Which M20 parts do I keep?

Etc Etc Etc

Sorry to sound dumb btw

[Duke137]

Ok thats cool I'll get myself the E36 mounting arms and probably use the M50 box.

Is the rad from the M50 the one I need then?

What is an overdrive box and how do I know if I have one?

Thanks will

[Bob_S]

Sorry mate but please save yourself the hassle of fitting a 2ltr in there.. take the good bits from it and source an e36 m50b25 and atleast enjoy some extra power.

[Duke137]

Sorry mate but please save yourself the hassle of fitting a 2ltr in there.. take the good bits from it and source an e36 m50b25 and atleast enjoy some extra power.

thanks mate but just want a good useable car out of it that doesn't break the bank. Not fussed about the "lack of power"

[Bob_S]

For the arse ache to fit one I would want more power than the 325i puts out.. a 150hp anchor isn't going to be doing anyone any favours

[Duke137]

Ok thats cool I'll get myself the E36 mounting arms and probably use the M50 box.

Is the rad from the M50 the one I need then?

What is an overdrive box and how do I know if I have one?

Thanks will

you will need the M50 rad.

e30 boxes are overdrive 5th (+/-0.81), the M50 box is most likely 1:1 final so your current diff's ratio will be too "short", but check it to be sure.

I do agree with Bob_S in that the 2.0 is gutless, but at least the hard work will have been done when you want to substitute it for a 2.5/2.8 later on when your money tree has grown a bit.

Thanks Will, I appreciate that advice, the E34 M50 Rad will be ok won't it?

Maybe I will get a bigger engine at somepoint but for now the thing is FREE and money talks.

plus the missus will use this as her dailly so will all be in her name. Don't really want her drifting round islands in the wet (she wouldn't know what to do)

[Duke137]

Also, an E30 with a M50B20 is surely better than her buying a ford/fiat/peugeot/other tasteless car gutless or not