540i Swapped Rat rod Build thread

[Bassboy3313]

Yup. That was my thinking too.

[ThatRatRodProject]

Alright first off I'm sorry. There's been a lot of change of plans from my last post.

1st off I stopped posting in wi Bimmers because my 540 I swap wasn't going to go through. the guy I was going to get the car from turned into a real dickhead and didn't want to sell it to me.

So I started exploring other power train routes I ended up picking up an aluminum LS 5.3.

And between all of this I realize making my own frame was not possible to be street legal.

so I also started exploring other frame options.

I was able to find a 1936 Buick touring sedan frame that came with the title. So I purchased it and it is registered with the state and I now have a legal frame.

Progress photos

Currently the car is sitting on the frame and I am fabricating door jams.

During this process I have been designing a front control arm independent suspension.

The purchase items that I will be using with the suspension will be

-mustang style 2 pinto spindles

-5/8 hiems joints

-pinto ball joints

- QA1coil over shocks.

There will be custom control arms.

So the reason I am posting all this is because I finally got the 540 I E 34 from the guy I was trying to purchase it from.

So I have been pondering these ideas for a while and I believe I can make the get rag 420 transmission bolt up to the LS motor.

Therefore I will be able to use the driveline, the rear subframe, Differential, and control arms out of the 540 I

The reason I am not going to using the M60 Motor is because I am concerned about the reliability.

But this morning I purchase the car. Had to tow it to my house put some new gas in it checked all the fluids and a new battery and turned the key and it started right up.

Runs and idles and there's no codes all around it sounds really healthy.

So I still have many plans for it and it will get finished.

[B C]

Love the update and the plans you have!

Steel or alum for the suspension?

I see two points in your design that I would do differently with your suspension design but overall it looks good! Have you calculated Ackerman angle or modeled in the roll centers? Just curious. I know this isnt a racecar but im fascinated with your build

[ThatRatRodProject]

Snap said:

Love the update and the plans you have!

Steel or alum for the suspension?

I see two points in your design that I would do differently with your suspension design but overall it looks good! Have you calculated Ackerman angle or modeled in the roll centers? Just curious. I know this isnt a racecar but im fascinated with your build

The control arms will be tube steel.

I have accounted for some of the angles. I will be running a very stiff spring rate. With low travel. With taller profile tires. So the tires absorb most of the bumps.

This is the look I'm going for.

I will be setting this car up for auto cross.

[Jdesign]

This is sweet!! I am glad you are still hammering away on it even though you hit so many bumps so early in the process. James' F20 powered model A will always be a sweet build, if done right, I see this heading the same direction.

[ThatRatRodProject]

Quick up date. Here is the car I picked up.

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[ThatRatRodProject]

Another update.

I started making the standalone engine management wiring harness out of the oem harness.

Im shaving all the unnecessary plugs and wires off the harness.

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[B C]

I wish you Godspeed

[Jdesign]

What management are you planning on using? Wiring always sucks.

[ThatRatRodProject]

Jdesign said:

What management are you planning on using? Wiring always sucks.

Stock Ecu and custom fuse box. Currently making one right now

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[ThatRatRodProject]

Great progress and success today with my custom wiring box. I have an official standalone engine management system for my M60b40.

After reading a lot of wire diagrams and taking a step out of my comfort zone. it all worked out in the end. This is the first time I've done any really serious wiring on a car.

--Ill let the pictures do the talking

Before

After

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[ThatRatRodProject]

Another update. I recently order a lot of supplies to get my project. This is going to be a picture update. And I designed up some clutch and brake pedals.

Not ordered yet but soon will be the tires

I am looking for a 3.73 or 4.11 medium case diff.

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[B C]

Awesome parts order! All top quality stuff!

[Jdesign]

Break that bank!! Glad to see the parts pile growing!!

[HipMF]

Lame updates. Get back to work!

[ThatRatRodProject]

So it’s been some time but this project is not dead. Updates will be coming. Re-designed front frame section sneak peak. 

[Jdesign]

Nice work! Solidworks?

I have so many questions.(Sorry) Is there a reason you are going with a cantilever set up? How did you calculate the the pivot arm length? Are there any shear concerns with the shock mounted on the top of the tube like that without any linear support? You obviously peaked my interest. I like what I see and I am very glad this isn't a dead thread.

[straight6pwr]

very cool!

Jdesign said:

 Is there a reason you are going with a cantilever set up?

seconded. it appears there is room for the coilover where you've placed that yellow connecting rod. are you using an undersized spring/shock and but increasing its effectiveness with the pivot arm?

what is the connecting rod coming forward from the pivot arm?

[m42b32]

straight6pwr said:

what is the connecting rod coming forward from the pivot arm?

Sway bar link maybe?

Looks great! I'm glad this project is still happening

[ThatRatRodProject]

m42b32 said:

Sway bar link maybe?

Looks great! I'm glad this project is still happening

Yes Sway Bar Link Set up will be coming off the cantilever toward the front of the frame. 

Linked Will Be the Sway Bar I'm Using. Haven't Modeled It in yet. 

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rhc-19-0001