1991 318is M62B44 Build

[patsbimmer1]

I am excited to see this thing run!

[YoungCR]

Been waiting for this build thread! Hope you give us lots of details on the fab work.

[CMart]

Weekend Update:

Subframe spacers added to the E30 for proper alignment. (shiny things on the bottom right and left)

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Motor and trans pulled from the E39. I spent a ton of time removing and labeling wires so I can properly reassemble without headache.

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And separated.

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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.

[YoungCR]

Are the spacers to get the proper alignment on the trans to driveshaft?

[CMart]

CYoung said:

Are the spacers to get the proper alignment on the trans to driveshaft?

Correct.

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[jc43089]

Very nice!  that looks like it fits nicely.

[B C]

This is exciting stuff! Have you seen JGood's V8 swap thread on R3V?

Are you planning on having it done by spring?

[CMart]

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.

[YoungCR]

I was gonna chop up the last E28 but when I realized it fit on a uhaul I ditched that idea. In 4 engine installation pics.

[CMart]

CYoung said:

In 4 engine installation pics.

In for a test fit.

[Bassboy3313]

This was definitely gnarly to see in person when picking up that m42 radiator from you.

[HipMF]

Looks good. I can't wait to see this thing at Gefrorenfahrt!

In the unlikely event that the car's not ready it would be still be cool if you brought the CTS-V

[CMart]

Thanks guys - It is definitely coming together.

When is Gefrorenfahrt?

Someone was telling me about an E30 meet mid-May. If I can stay motivated through the cold I should have no problem getting it to that.

[REKIII]

lol

[michael1972]

Not a big caddi fan but.....that CTS-V tho. Yep

[RamRod E28]

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!!!

[CMart]

Ramze46 said:

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.

[Earl]

http://store.garagistic.com/ocart/e30-m60-m62-swap-headers-exhaust-manifolds

[CMart]

I have the manifolds they use to do this, they came with the car. I am just going to cut off the manifolds at the cat (like they do) and weld on the flange when I do the rest of the exhaust. $350>the $40 it will cost to do it myself.

[CMart]

BMW 540 for sale - some assembly required...

Finally cleared up some much needed garage space this weekend. Onto removing the radiator support and filling the garage space with some things needed for the fab work that needs to be done. Welder, band saw, vice, press, and bench grinder are up there on this list.

I am also looking for a M62B46 (4.6L motor from the X5). If anyone comes across a wrecked 4.6 X5 or a decent deal on a running or non running motor please let me know.