1991 318is M62B44 Build
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I figured I would start a build thread that got away from my member intro as I will be really pushing to get this done over the next three weeks.
This started off with me wanting to LS swap a E30. I found though that you can get a running 540i for the price of a LS1/T56 so since this is my first real swap having all the parts was important to me.
I start off by buying a 2000 540i with a M62TUB44 and 6 speed behind it. I then learned that these are near impossible to swap so I parted that out and started looking for a pre 99 car.
I came across a 1991 318is in Indiana with a blown motor for a good price so I bought a truck, drove it down and picked it up. Not 100% as described, but a good clean car with low miles - minimal rust - low miles - etc.
My garage will never look this clean again
Then the tear down of the E30 and part out of the E39 began. Unfortunately I lost a lot of time this summer by not having garage space.
After the 2000 E39 was gone my garage had room for the 1998. The E30 is pretty torn down at this point too. I have the motor/trans mounts, but still need the driveshaft shortened. The motor/trans from the E39 will be coming out this weekend. Wiring will be a pain, but since I have the whole car it should be easier.
And though not BMW related those 275 tires are from my new toy.
Anyway I will use this thread to keep the build updated. I got a new job recently and have a week off in between my old and new. I will be using that time to get as far as I can on the E30. I thought from the beginning I would build this, sell it and try again with a S62, but depending on how much I like driving the car I will likely keep it, paint it, and do my best to make it look like it just drove off the showroom floor... with a V8...
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I am excited to see this thing run!
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Weekend Update:
Subframe spacers added to the E30 for proper alignment. (shiny things on the bottom right and left)
Motor and trans pulled from the E39. I spent a ton of time removing and labeling wires so I can properly reassemble without headache.
And separated.
I still need to:
Pull the E30 driveshaft and get the front end of the E39 one welded on.
Pull the rest of the harness out of the E39 and remove the unnecessary wires.
Clean the motor
Clean the E30 bay
Put the new motor mounts on
Weld the trans mount
Mount the brake booster
Wire, wire, wire, wire and wire some more.
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It is amazing how much time you can save having the right tools. This was less than 2 hours of cutting. Front end is totally off, B pillars, roof all the way to the rear window, windshield, etc. I wanted to get the 540 out so I had plenty of room for the rest of the fabrication. Planning on taking everything to the scrap yard Saturday morning and then I get really get going on hard stuff.
I also decided to make the rad support removable so I can install/remove the engine and trans together instead of having to drop in the motor then add the trans from the bottom. I did it once and it was a pain in the ass.
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This was definitely gnarly to see in person when picking up that m42 radiator from you.
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Not a big caddi fan but.....that CTS-V tho. Yep
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How's the exhaust gonna route with the steering linkage? I'd be all over a v8 swap in my e28 if it weren't for the damn steering linkage!!!
1984 BMW 528e - SETA and manual swapped! M50 to come!!!
1988 BMW 528e - Need parts?
1991 Chevy C1500 (mighty 350 with TBI and Wisconsin weight reduction package)
1996 Mazda Miata (SOLD!!!)
1996 BMW 325i (Donor car)
1998 Chevrolet Corvette (BEAST)
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee (BROKEN)
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How's the exhaust gonna route with the steering linkage? I'd be all over a v8 swap in my e28 if it weren't for the damn steering linkage!!!
With a welder and a dream.
Really though, I've heard you need new linkage and I've heard it fits around it. I won't know until I get my manifolds cut and start fitting it up. That is small potatoes compared to the brake relocation.
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