Skip to content
  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Tags
  • Popular
  • Users
  • Groups
Skins
  • Light
  • Brite
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
Collapse
WIBIMMERS logo

WIBIMMERS

  1. Home
  2. General Discussion
  3. Members BMWs
  4. the one and only e30 s52 engine swap

the one and only e30 s52 engine swap

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Members BMWs
521 Posts 25 Posters 1 Views 1 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • B
    B
    B C
    wrote on last edited by
    #234

    Right. In my brain, I cant determine why a DSSR wouldn’t work with a sheetmetal carrier (i also lack a lot of familiarity with the sheetmetal carrier)

    The ultimate shifter, though, is the UUC Evo III. It is expensive but man it feels incredible!

    https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-339053-uuc-evo3-short-shift-kit-e30-e36-e46-z3/?pdk=AQEB

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • P_RoloffP
      P_RoloffP
      P_Roloff
      wrote on last edited by
      #235

      If I remember correctly, @m42b32 did a custom short shifter awhile back, that’s always an option. I’ll link the thread if I can find it.

      Edit: Here’s the thread

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • jc43089J
        jc43089J
        jc43089
        wrote on last edited by
        #236

        Any shifter with a DSSR would be excellent.  I have UUC EVO3 with DSSR and wish I had gotten just the DSSR.  I also have the UUC aluminum flywheel with Sachs e34 M5 clutch.  Amazing upgrade, the best thing I ever did.  Driveability like stock, my wife didn't notice, but rev matching and quick shifting out of this world.  Best upgrade ever IMO.

        2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
        3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
        '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

        '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

        '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
        '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
        '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • KaiserRollsK
          KaiserRollsK
          KaiserRolls
          wrote on last edited by
          #237

          FWIW I run gripforce stuff

          Haven’t had an issue yet

          1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • Bassboy3313B
            Bassboy3313B
            Bassboy3313
            wrote on last edited by
            #238

            You should contact garagistics and have them make you a blue diff cover bushing mount to match. :D

            CHECK OUT >>> RAGE DRIFT DESIGNS <<< FOR DECALS AND MORE!

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • GunMetalGreyG
              GunMetalGreyG
              GunMetalGrey
              wrote on last edited by
              #239

              snap said:

              Twin disk are noisy and unsprung are bog-or-burn

              Everyone says this, but I ran an unsprung disc on a 11lb flywheel in my m52 setup with an aggressive clutch, and never had an issue. It engaged smooth, shifted smooth, and seemed just like normal. Not that all experiences will be the same, but just throwing that out there.

              In regard to the sheet metal carrier, I find them to be more of a pain to install / put motor in with them on, but other than that I can't determine a solid reason to remove it. Though I don't know if the shifter bushing is removable, and that would certainly be a reason to ditch it. 

              The car is looking great!

              ...

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • AsparagusMikeA
                AsparagusMikeA
                AsparagusMike
                wrote on last edited by
                #240

                Thanks for all the feedback guys, I very much appreciate it.

                Steering rack showed up today!

                Like I said before, I picked it up off eBay. Payed $150 for it plus shipping. According to the seller its out of a 2000 non-m z3, unknown miles. Both tie rod assemblies are pretty much shot but that's fine cause I got a brand new pair of oem e30 tie rod assemblies sitting in a box anyways that I was gonna put on the old rack a while back.

                20180418155325.jpg

                Pulled the old tie rods off and spun the rack back and forth to see how she feels. This thing is gonna be awesome!

                20180418165303.jpg

                Also received a whole bunch of different size tech flex split loom rap today for my wiring. Hopefully will get a chance to work on that tomorrow or Friday.

                20180418165817.jpg

                Couple questions sway bar related

                Do I need to grind down this tab so the blue spacer sits flat on the washer and sub frame bolt hole?

                20180418170004.jpg

                The rear sways aren't working out real nicely either. The way it is right now pretty much just maxes out the joint on the link and its adjusted to the smallest length it will go. The only way to fix this issue is to turn the U bracket the other direction of course. Well yets just say the trailing arm reinforcement doesn't really let you.

                20180418161747.jpg

                20180418161810.jpg

                20180418161856.jpg

                I'm thinking of probably welding the hole up on the U bracket and re drill it off-set so I can turn the U bracket the other direction and it lines up with the bolt hole on the reinforcement tab. Any one have similar troubles with this particular thing? I suppose a lot of you probably used the reinforcement triangles that came with the ST kit which in that case you would not have had this issue. Sigh...<<

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • B
                  B
                  B C
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #241

                  Yes, grind that peak so that the spacer sits flat.
                  I thought I remember having to use regular E36 tie rod ends on my rack swap... or was it E36 inner rods andE30 outers....

                  I just remember that the Z3 rack does not have locking tab provisions foe the inner tie rods like the e30 and e36 rack do, so you just use loctite.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • P_RoloffP
                    P_RoloffP
                    P_Roloff
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #242

                    snap said:

                    Yes, grind that peak so that the spacer sits flat.
                    I thought I remember having to use regular E36 tie rod ends on my rack swap... or was it E36 inner rods andE30 outers....

                    I just remember that the Z3 rack does not have locking tab provisions foe the inner tie rods like the e30 and e36 rack do, so you just use loctite.

                    I just looked quick and I think all you have to worry about is using the same for both inner and outer rods, so either inner and outer e36 or inner and outer e30.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • KaiserRollsK
                      KaiserRollsK
                      KaiserRolls
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #243

                      FWIW I think e36 outers are a tad thicker than e30 tierods

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • KaiserRollsK
                        KaiserRollsK
                        KaiserRolls
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #244

                        Is that at full droop?

                        Should be setting the swaybar endlinks with the car on the ground

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • KaiserRollsK
                          KaiserRollsK
                          KaiserRolls
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #245

                          Found this pic, I didn’t use the st reinforcements - can’t remember what you bought - but I think (??) I went with garagistic reinforcements. This is the orientation of my mount on the RTA
                          a711a26a9020e0d87f21b30f9a335278.jpg

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • AsparagusMikeA
                            AsparagusMikeA
                            AsparagusMike
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #246

                            KaiserRolls said:

                            FWIW I think e36 outers are a tad thicker than e30 tierods

                            I think you may be right. I actually have a set of worn out e36 tie rods from the m3 rack laying in the scrap bin so I'll dig them out when I get over there later on and do a comparison.

                            KaiserRolls said:

                            Is that at full droop?

                            Should be setting the swaybar endlinks with the car on the ground

                            Ya. I knew I wouldn't be able to adjust pre-load tell the car was on the ground. I just wanted to get the links bolted up.

                            KaiserRolls said:

                            Found this pic, I didn’t use the st reinforcements - can’t remember what you bought - but I think (??) I went with garagistic reinforcements. This is the orientation of my mount on the RTA
                            a711a26a9020e0d87f21b30f9a335278.jpg

                            I am running the garagistic reinforcements. It looks like you are as well. Did the holes line up for you or did you have to do a little modifying? I think I may just try notching out the hole on the U-bracket so that it lines up correctly like yours and probably just fill any gap up with weld so there's no slop with the bolt.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • KaiserRollsK
                              KaiserRollsK
                              KaiserRolls
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #247

                              Gotcha on the links, just wanted to make sure there wasn’t preload on them in the air defaultsmile.png

                              Holes lined up after a touch of modifying if I remember correctly

                              I’m not at all surprised that something from garagistic needs to be modified

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              2
                              • AsparagusMikeA
                                AsparagusMikeA
                                AsparagusMike
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #248

                                Welp, looks like I won't be using the e30 tie rods after all.

                                E30 outer tie rod diameter... (measurement is slightly large because of the packaging)

                                20180419185554.jpg

                                Aaaand E36/z3 outer tie rod...

                                20180419185447.jpg

                                obviously that's quite the difference and it seems even larger when looking at them side by side. Threw e36 tie rods in the cart for my next order.

                                On the other hand got a few more small things finished up/fixed.

                                My rear sway bar links are looking better now.

                                20180421232035.jpg

                                Went ahead and slotted the hole out with a tungsten/carbide rotary bit till the U-bracket hole lined up and faced the correct direction. Worked like a charm and sense its tight againest the reinforcement it won't slide anywhere and no welding will be necessary.

                                20180419192048.jpg

                                Also got around to grinding down the tab that was in the way for the front sway bar bracket. After grinding it down I touched up the exposed metal with por-15.

                                20180419205458.jpg

                                Also finished up stripping the blue paint off the oil pan. Before installing I did go ahead and replace the oil pan gasket and applyed rtv to both sides. All 25 Bolts cleaned up and torqued to 89 in lbs.

                                20180419222341.jpg\

                                Clutch kit and flywheel ordered. Hoping to get some time tomorrow to go over to the shop and take the pressure washer to the transmission housing and get it cleaned up a bit more.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • GunMetalGreyG
                                  GunMetalGreyG
                                  GunMetalGrey
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #249

                                  AsparagusMike said:

                                  Clutch kit and flywheel ordered. Hoping to get some time tomorrow to go over to the shop and take the pressure washer to the transmission housing and get it cleaned up a bit more.

                                  What did you end up going with?

                                  ...

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • AsparagusMikeA
                                    AsparagusMikeA
                                    AsparagusMike
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #250

                                    GunMetalGrey said:

                                    What did you end up going with?

                                    I went with a kit from gripforce. The kit includes a lightweight billet aluminum flywheel (10.6 lbs I believe) and a stage 2 sprung hub clutch disk and pressure plate rated for 342 ft/lbs of torque.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • KaiserRollsK
                                      KaiserRollsK
                                      KaiserRolls
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #251

                                      AsparagusMike said:

                                      I went with a kit from gripforce. The kit includes a lightweight billet aluminum flywheel (10.6 lbs I believe) and a stage 2 sprung hub clutch disk and pressure plate rated for 342 ft/lbs of torque.

                                      If it comes with a pilot bearing and throw out bearing, toss them in the trash and never look at them again - go OEM for those parts

                                      Good time to replace the pivot pin on the clutch fork as well

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • AsparagusMikeA
                                        AsparagusMikeA
                                        AsparagusMike
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #252

                                        Update...

                                        Did a few little things while waiting for parts to show up.

                                        Swapped out connectors on the engine harness. After ciphering through a good amount of shitty pin out charts I located one from mega-squirt that literately couldn't have been more helpful. link below for others:

                                        http://www.megasquirt.325ix.com/MS_to_Motronic/C101 to X20.html

                                        Used a c101 connector off I snatched off an e30 at Gibson's salvage yard.

                                        Only wire I had a little confusion but I think I got right was pin #20 abs relay wire. After some digging I found the popular choice was to wire it back on to pin# 6 which is a switched power wire on a 15 amp fuse. Only extra wires I did not hook up was pin # 2, #10, and #16. 2 and 10 are oil level sensors for the m20 and don't even exist on the 318is c101 connector and #16 is airbag related which of course will be unneeded as I removed the entire airbag system in the car. As for all the wires I did not hookup on both sides, I shrink rapped the ends of each one to avoid any hot wires short circuiting with each other.

                                        20180423195043.jpg

                                        Once the connector was complete I started cleaning up the harness and wrapping split loom around everything. Haven't finished the harness yet as I need to pickup some better electrical tape then the junk I have.

                                        Also was able to snatch up a pigtail for the diff sensor at the salvage yard. Soldered in the wires, covered it with shrink rap and split loom, good to go. The wire or tab that held the sensor were broke and I wanted to be original so I did something a bit more creative with it 😉. (notice I used blue zip ties to go a long with the powder-coated pieces.)

                                        20180425193615.jpg

                                        Went ahead and started dissembling the injectors for a rebuild. Purchased a kit on amazon coming with all the filters and o rings needed to refurbish them. Used a wood screw to pull out the old filters...

                                        20180425184808.jpg

                                        As some of the injectors had some minor surface rust and the paint was wearing off the only right thing to do was to put a fresh coat of paint on them. I did apply a light coat of primer before the paint.

                                        Finally got myself a brake booster that was much needed. Picked it up out of a salvage yard in fond du lac (diamond auto parts). The booster is from a 86 Porsche 944 turbo and I was very pleased with the condition of it.

                                        20180429111452.jpg

                                        As it did have some surface rust and what not I got to repainting that as well... A lot of bare metal was showing after I went at it with a wire wheel and scotch brite so I threw on a coat of primer first. Gonna head over and throw a coat of flat black paint on it in a bit. Injectors should be dry by now and ready to be installed.

                                        20180501202429.jpg

                                        As that was drying I dissambled all the shifting linkages off the trans and took the pressure washer to it one more time to see if I can't get any more grim off. I was very unsuccessful.

                                        After a half hour of 3500 psi of water on a 0 degree tip I gave up, shit ain't comin off. Blew the thing off with a air hose and put in some fresh trans oil. Quick tip: I used MT-90 as it is recommended to be used on all getrag trans with a green tag. If yours is not green taged it is recommended to stick with redline MTL.

                                        20180429164205.jpg

                                        Quick question: On this particular trans, it came with a harmonic dampener on the flange. This was in particular is not like the one's where the dampener is on the driveshaft that I'm familiar with. Was gonna remove it but I failed miserably as none of my sockets would fit correctly. I'm thinking I'm probably just gonna keep it, any reason to be rid of it?

                                        20180429111307.jpg

                                        Received some headers in the mail from amazon the other day. Pretty cheap ones but should do the job well.

                                        Snapchat-1233431098.jpg

                                        Plan is to ceramic coat them so the following day I threw them in the blasting cabinet.

                                        20180501105537.jpg

                                        I will be using the ceramic coating from eastwood (same stuff @snap used) which should hopefully be here in the next day or so.

                                        Clutch kit showed up! as well as many other things greatly needed to get this car a few steps closer to being finished.

                                        20180501184701.jpg

                                        Parts above:

                                        Gribforce clutch kit with aluminum flywheel

                                        CSS clutch line

                                        Oem control arms

                                        Oem E36 tie rod assembly's

                                        Oem tie rod boots

                                        2 liters of ate typ 200 dot 4 brake fluid

                                        oem clutch fork pivot

                                        oem clutch release arm spring

                                        oem throw-out bearing

                                        oem pilot bearing

                                        2nd bosch knock sensor

                                        2 oem grommets for brake master cylinder reservoir

                                        vdo oil pressure gauge I picked up on r3v

                                        custom ashtray gauge pod a friend of mine designed and cut out for me (will be wrapping it with oem vinyl)

                                        1 lb of black nylon flocking fibers

                                        Stuff hoping to see in the next day or so:

                                        IE front adjustable sway bar links

                                        IE poly steering coupler bushing

                                        eastwood ceramic coating

                                        UUC EVO III short shifter

                                        Right away I ripped open the clutch kit and did what needed to be done.

                                        20180501200255.jpg

                                        Now that that's done, on to the next thing of business... steering rack.

                                        20180501195049.jpg

                                        Applied red loctite to threads before tightening and applied some grease around the inner tie rod joint before installing the boots.

                                        I was so very pleased with the gauge pod my buddy made for me I feel a need to post a more justified pic of it.

                                        20180501200418.jpg

                                        As u may of noticed above I did end up getting the UUC shifter. After looking around a bit I noticed a guy selling one hardly used and in nice shape for less then half of what they are new also including the aluminum shifter carrier and a weighted shifter . It was posted as an auction so for my very first time I played the bidding game and Won! For only about 5 dollars more then the starting price. Hopefully gonna be seeing it here sometime Friday.

                                        Got myself a lot on my plate to get installed. Plan is to start getting the rear end assembled and get the trans and harness installed on the motor this weekend.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        1
                                        • KaiserRollsK
                                          KaiserRollsK
                                          KaiserRolls
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #253

                                          Nice trash pic Lol! 

                                          Might want to test fit those headers in the car before going through all the ceramic coating. They will most likely need some coaxing with a hammer to clear the subframe/engine mount. Might have to widen out the flange holes as well

                                          awesome progress!

                                          1 Reply Last reply
                                          0

                                          Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.

                                          Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.

                                          With your input, this post could be even better 💗

                                          Register Login
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Login or register to search.
                                          Powered by NodeBB Contributors
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Categories
                                          • Recent
                                          • Tags
                                          • Popular
                                          • Users
                                          • Groups