m44 in to a e30

[flyingfarrier]

Hi guys need some help. I'm building an e30 2.0 ltr racecar out in Bahrain problem is due to all cars here being auto and fuel is cheap at 13p litre only e30's are 325's so i've struggled to find an engine suitable for the regs, anyway i have got hold of a complete m44 with gearbox and wiring from a z3 but the sumps are different from those in 318 will the e30 version sump fit? or do i need to import another engine?? also what other parts will i need to carry out this conversion ie engine mounts??

many thanks and great site!

[Speedtouch]

Could a 325i not be sleeved and/or stroke shortened to suit?

[tim_s]

you can use the e30 m40/m42 sump and engine mounts dude. other parts will depend on how you wish to install the engine/box, what management you'd like to use etc.

[flyingfarrier]

excellent. now the next question is where can i get them from? as they don't stock any out here.

the engine will be pretty much standard although the rules are very free for tuning, but its a new championship and has good prize money so eventually i will be looking for someone to build me a good unit, but for now i think standard will be on the pace if driven well,

thanks guys i really appreciate your help any more tips are welcomed

[toby]

I had a look at http://www.m42club.com/ the other day and there were a few on there who have done the M44 swap. I haven't seen many posts on here about it other than negative musings.

[tim_s]

you *could* get them direct from BMW if there aren't any e30 318i or 316i cars available, but it will cost you. or get them sent over, they're not rare parts at all. you'll need the oil pickup too (normally attached to the upper sump).

[flyingfarrier]

tried bmw they are expensive and take 3 weeks to get parts, it the problem of being in the middle east, on the plus side this island is crawling with e30's and none of them suffering from rot!!!! shame their all auto's.

would def need to ship them out just need to track some down first, thanks for the input