My Project E30 - S52 Engine Swap - More!

positiveions · 07-28-2009, 06:08 PM

Mario, well deserved post. I enjoyed reading every update. years ago, I drove an E30 M3 with an S52 motor; completely redone. Talking about Light pistons, connecting rods, headers, exhaust. Car is bad ass. 1st gear was a complete: the hand of God was upon your chest, pushing you back. 2nd gear: hold on tight, cause this puppy is not joke. Handling was amazing. I can't recall the suspension setup, but it felt so: oh, ,my ass must be dreaming.
Good job Mario. GL man.

TWSnow · 07-28-2009, 06:52 PM

SICK! Congrats bro!

Spec 1 · 07-28-2009, 07:25 PM

I F*ing hate you... so you know.

<--jealous.

TestShoot · 07-28-2009, 08:15 PM

I would love to see the beast in person, I am always at Mulberry on south Bev all the time

Vanderfan · 07-28-2009, 09:29 PM

Hey, you can better than hammering on the thing. Check out these people:

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/s...egory_Code=CKE

They have done all the work for you as to which pan, mounts, Brake Booster, cooling system, etc.

You will have a blast with it when done. Had mine running for 8 years, always impressive what a lightweight car can do with a little extra power.

Sniz · 07-29-2009, 11:53 AM

goin w a VF s/c huh!

nice work man, keep it up.

I just ordered an Aquamist HFS6 meth injection kit for my s52 and a gt35r is on the way to replace the sc61 turbo.

500whp on pump or bust!!!

Mote · 07-29-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

goin w a VF s/c huh!

nice work man, keep it up.

I just ordered an Aquamist HFS6 meth injection kit for my s52 and a gt35r is on the way to replace the sc61 turbo.

500whp on pump or bust!!!

Wow good stuff, Sniz! I'm still in between SC or turbo. Turbo will require a bit more attention/maintenance so I'm considering just throwing a blower on the motor. If I can squeeze 400whp from it, I'll be more than happy!

Mote · 07-29-2009, 03:40 PM

UPDATE 7/29/09 Intake finished and Coilovers are on the car!

Hey everyone. So today I went to the shop and took a look at the car and I gotta say, I'm more and more impressed each day with the quality of work these guys do. Today I was treated to a new cold air intake setup. Complete custom fabrication which consists of an intake arm to a custom cold air box with a cone filter completely enclosed and blocked from the engine bay! The filter resides in the box with tubing from the brake ducts feeding and pushing cold air into it. This piece is amazing and I haven't been this impressed with a CAI in a long time. Here's some pictures...

This is a front view of the cold air box with the headlight removed so you can see into it. You can see where the filter will reside. Just awaiting the new MAF to be installed then the cone filter can attach to the rest of the plumbing. The box is completely enclosed!

Also on today's menu were my new coilovers and M3 sway links. I ordered the sway links from Pelican Parts and they arrived yesterday. This will be the links which hold the OEM M3 front sway bar to the suspension.

Here are the coils installed!

Well at this point the only thing keeping me from driving this sucker out of the shop now is my registration and a smog check.

Hopefully the next update will be video of the car on the road and sitting on my driveway.

javito50 · 07-29-2009, 04:40 PM

This car is INSANE! Congrats it must be FAssssssssssst and too fun to drive!

bigslick82 · 07-29-2009, 08:28 PM

So awesome!

Berduderunner · 07-29-2009, 11:49 PM

sickkkkkkkk.

Mote · 08-01-2009, 09:18 PM

UPDATE 8/01/09The beast is home!!

Well pending a few minor tweaks on the motor, we finally took her out on the street for some testing and finally drive her back home!

All I can say is that it's a totally different animal (obviously)!! It went from a spirited little sprite...to a fire breathing animal! Currently the car is geared for very low end torque. Basically we have 0-100mph monster. The car tops out in 5th gear at around 120mph but that will soon change as I will be changing the gearing ratios drastically. Naturally I will lose low end punch but will gain top end speed plus ride comfort. The car reaches illegal speeds VERY quickly as it is currently and highway cruising constantly feels like i'm stressing the engine too much.

The gear changes from the new tranny and short shifter are extremely short and precise! It is a bit notchy but this is personal preference, really. I like it this way.

Handling is amazing! The coilovers really did step things up! The M3 sway bars have yet to be installed but that should be coming this week. Also, there is an issue with the throttle response that could be caused by the injectors or the MAF. Currently the throttle response is a tad bit laggy as well as seems to be sputtering in 1st gear a bit. We'll work these gremlins out this coming week as well.

Here is the car happily sitting in my driveway!

I will update again this week with some new things. This project is FAR from over and really, only beginning!

Paint and body are next...

1º · 08-02-2009, 10:57 AM

wow man i wish there was a good shop that could work on e30s here in miami...

how much did that motor cost you and where did you find it?

spec 123 · 08-02-2009, 11:42 AM

HOLY MOTES... man i still remember te day she was spittin oil now shes back to life!!! good stuff makes me want to pu a e30 there was one for sale for $500 but i got no space for a project car

Mote · 08-02-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spec 123

HOLY MOTES... man i still remember te day she was spittin oil now shes back to life!!! good stuff makes me want to pu a e30 there was one for sale for $500 but i got no space for a project car

Haha! Remember that?!

She's not spilling oil anymore! She's a happy little panda now!

mtechnik3 · 08-04-2009, 12:37 PM

Congrats Mote!

She is beautiful, and I'm sure just joy to drive. Looks like a little sleeper rocket...I'd hate to be the poor bastard that tries to take you on! haha

I look forward to building somthing like this in the future.

AlpineG05 · 08-04-2009, 05:43 PM

damn i hate you Mote

DrunkOnJ20 · 08-05-2009, 04:31 AM

Nice!

joseph328 · 08-07-2009, 03:35 AM

Any Vid coming soon ?

Kinda excited man ...

t0eknee_C · 08-13-2009, 12:32 PM

looks great man.. throw some bbs rs on there, roof rack and you are good to go.

Beso · 08-15-2009, 03:17 AM

you should race that Dodge in the back of you driveway pic

turbo ready · 08-30-2009, 11:33 PM

Mote, that e30 looks awesome and I am sure, literally a blast to drive.

I have an original 89 Euro M-Technic II e30 which we brought in to Canada three years ago. The car had 60,000 KM or 37,000 miles when I got it, since then I have put 13,000 miles on it.

I have turbocharged another original 87 e30, a 325is which I pulled apart to rebuild with plans to stuff an m30 B35 (e34 535i 3.5L) engine into it with a turbo, but then I scored this one. I will build a full track car out of the 87 this winter.

I wanted to turbocharge my Euro e30 m20 engine but was toying with the idea of dropping in an s52 and then turbocharge that. I cam across this thread and was quite impressed with your car and the job done.

I have since done quite a few mods to my 89, did a complete Ground control coil over set up with adjustable Konis, converted it from an auto to 5 speed manual with a Z4 3.0 shifter (love it), installed a stage 5 Bully race clutch, IX booster and master cylinder with stainless steel braided lines all around. Installed an intercooler and all the gauges for the turbo along with a megasquirt stand alone system, fully rebuilt 3.0:1 95 e36 m3 steering rack, HID conversion, etc. Oh yea, has a kick a$$ sound system with two 12" subs

I might have to modify the plenum to accommodate the IX booster from the looks of it. Did your guys have any major issues with the swap Mote?

A few pics of my Euro e30

07-28-2009, 06:08 PM	#67
positiveions Lieutenant General 976 Rep 11,725 Posts Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upland, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2016 VW Golf Sports ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW 325is [0.00]	Mario, well deserved post. I enjoyed reading every update. years ago, I drove an E30 M3 with an S52 motor; completely redone. Talking about Light pistons, connecting rods, headers, exhaust. Car is bad ass. 1st gear was a complete: the hand of God was upon your chest, pushing you back. 2nd gear: hold on tight, cause this puppy is not joke. Handling was amazing. I can't recall the suspension setup, but it felt so: oh, ,my ass must be dreaming. Good job Mario. GL man.
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07-28-2009, 06:52 PM	#68
TWSnow Lieutenant 29 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2009 335I xDrive coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UpState, NY iTrader: (0)	SICK! Congrats bro! __________________ http://upstateclothingco.com
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07-28-2009, 07:25 PM	#69
Spec 1 Faster in the Corners 58 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: '91 E30, '05 ZX6-R, '06 300C Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I F*ing hate you... so you know. <--jealous. __________________ '91 M42 E30 - All sorts of goodies.
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07-28-2009, 08:15 PM	#70
TestShoot I1, I won 8 Rep 97 Posts Drives: E71 M, E60 535i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Beverly Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	I would love to see the beast in person, I am always at Mulberry on south Bev all the time
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07-28-2009, 09:29 PM	#71
Vanderfan New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2002 M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	Zionsville Orca Hey, you can better than hammering on the thing. Check out these people: http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/s...egory_Code=CKE They have done all the work for you as to which pan, mounts, Brake Booster, cooling system, etc. You will have a blast with it when done. Had mine running for 8 years, always impressive what a lightweight car can do with a little extra power.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-29-2009, 11:53 AM	#72
Sniz Lieutenant General 679 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	goin w a VF s/c huh! nice work man, keep it up. I just ordered an Aquamist HFS6 meth injection kit for my s52 and a gt35r is on the way to replace the sc61 turbo. 500whp on pump or bust!!! __________________
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07-29-2009, 03:40 PM	#74
Mote Colonel 143 Rep 2,162 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 - 1991 E30 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Beverly Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	UPDATE 7/29/09 Intake finished and Coilovers are on the car! Hey everyone. So today I went to the shop and took a look at the car and I gotta say, I'm more and more impressed each day with the quality of work these guys do. Today I was treated to a new cold air intake setup. Complete custom fabrication which consists of an intake arm to a custom cold air box with a cone filter completely enclosed and blocked from the engine bay! The filter resides in the box with tubing from the brake ducts feeding and pushing cold air into it. This piece is amazing and I haven't been this impressed with a CAI in a long time. Here's some pictures... This is a front view of the cold air box with the headlight removed so you can see into it. You can see where the filter will reside. Just awaiting the new MAF to be installed then the cone filter can attach to the rest of the plumbing. The box is completely enclosed! Also on today's menu were my new coilovers and M3 sway links. I ordered the sway links from Pelican Parts and they arrived yesterday. This will be the links which hold the OEM M3 front sway bar to the suspension. Here are the coils installed! Well at this point the only thing keeping me from driving this sucker out of the shop now is my registration and a smog check. Hopefully the next update will be video of the car on the road and sitting on my driveway.
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07-29-2009, 04:40 PM	#75
javito50 Private First Class 12 Rep 135 Posts Drives: M3 E92 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Spain, Canary Islands iTrader: (0)	This car is INSANE! Congrats it must be FAssssssssssst and too fun to drive!
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07-29-2009, 08:28 PM	#76
bigslick82 Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 209 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: - iTrader: (0)	So awesome!
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07-29-2009, 11:49 PM	#77
Berduderunner drk one 38 Rep 797 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tampa/Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 e90 335i [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	sickkkkkkkk. __________________ Jet Black \| Coral \| HighGlossBlack \| Steptronic \| Premium \| Sport \| Comfort \| ActiveSteering \| Navi \| HiFi \| HD \| iPod \| SAT BMS JB3 v2.0 \| BMS DCI \| Berk Tech Sport Exhaust \| UR * DPs \| CoolingMist Meth Kit w/ CMGS \| H&R OE Sport Springs \| Breyton GTS-R \| Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs \| GP Thunder 8000K Low Beams/Angel Eyes/Cornering Lights \| LED Interior Light Kit \| Window Tint \| Smoked Tail Lights \| Smoked License Plate Cover
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08-01-2009, 09:18 PM	#78
Mote Colonel 143 Rep 2,162 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 - 1991 E30 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Beverly Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	UPDATE 8/01/09The beast is home!! Well pending a few minor tweaks on the motor, we finally took her out on the street for some testing and finally drive her back home! All I can say is that it's a totally different animal (obviously)!! It went from a spirited little sprite...to a fire breathing animal! Currently the car is geared for very low end torque. Basically we have 0-100mph monster. The car tops out in 5th gear at around 120mph but that will soon change as I will be changing the gearing ratios drastically. Naturally I will lose low end punch but will gain top end speed plus ride comfort. The car reaches illegal speeds VERY quickly as it is currently and highway cruising constantly feels like i'm stressing the engine too much. The gear changes from the new tranny and short shifter are extremely short and precise! It is a bit notchy but this is personal preference, really. I like it this way. Handling is amazing! The coilovers really did step things up! The M3 sway bars have yet to be installed but that should be coming this week. Also, there is an issue with the throttle response that could be caused by the injectors or the MAF. Currently the throttle response is a tad bit laggy as well as seems to be sputtering in 1st gear a bit. We'll work these gremlins out this coming week as well. Here is the car happily sitting in my driveway! I will update again this week with some new things. This project is FAR from over and really, only beginning! Paint and body are next...
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08-02-2009, 10:57 AM	#79
1º Captain 37 Rep 976 Posts Drives: 991TTs Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	wow man i wish there was a good shop that could work on e30s here in miami... how much did that motor cost you and where did you find it?
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08-02-2009, 11:42 AM	#80
spec 123 Lieutenant 29 Rep 589 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: LOS ANGELES iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335 [0.00]	HOLY MOTES... man i still remember te day she was spittin oil now shes back to life!!! good stuff makes me want to pu a e30 there was one for sale for $500 but i got no space for a project car __________________ steve
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08-04-2009, 12:37 PM	#82
mtechnik3 Colonel 421 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (23)	Congrats Mote! She is beautiful, and I'm sure just joy to drive. Looks like a little sleeper rocket...I'd hate to be the poor bastard that tries to take you on! haha I look forward to building somthing like this in the future. __________________ 2020 /// M2 Competition Past: 2016 435i ZHP Edition \| 2013 335i \| 2011 135i \| 2008 328i \| 2006 325i
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08-04-2009, 05:43 PM	#83
AlpineG05 hi 207 Rep 1,200 Posts Drives: Alpine White G80 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bakersfield, Cali iTrader: (1)	damn i hate you Mote __________________ 2022 M Sport G05 Jb4, CTS catless dp, M performance exhaust, bms intake, IND goodies, Maxton kit
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08-05-2009, 04:31 AM	#84
DrunkOnJ20 Major General 67 Rep 6,146 Posts Drives: RIP E90 :( Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West Coast iTrader: (0)	Nice! __________________
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08-07-2009, 03:35 AM	#85
joseph328 Private First Class 20 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 992 Turbo S , E92 M3, Audi SQ8 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bratislava iTrader: (0)	Any Vid coming soon ? Kinda excited man ...
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08-13-2009, 12:32 PM	#86
t0eknee_C Fasshole / Ew Hai Crew 62 Rep 2,973 Posts Drives: sahm sham mmm i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ham sup island iTrader: (0)	looks great man.. throw some bbs rs on there, roof rack and you are good to go. __________________ hellaLOWdotCom
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08-15-2009, 03:17 AM	#87
Beso New Member 0 Rep 28 Posts Drives: A small thing on 4 wheels Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Amman,Jordan iTrader: (0)	you should race that Dodge in the back of you driveway pic
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08-30-2009, 11:33 PM	#88
turbo ready Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Many BMWs Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Mote, that e30 looks awesome and I am sure, literally a blast to drive. I have an original 89 Euro M-Technic II e30 which we brought in to Canada three years ago. The car had 60,000 KM or 37,000 miles when I got it, since then I have put 13,000 miles on it. I have turbocharged another original 87 e30, a 325is which I pulled apart to rebuild with plans to stuff an m30 B35 (e34 535i 3.5L) engine into it with a turbo, but then I scored this one. I will build a full track car out of the 87 this winter. I wanted to turbocharge my Euro e30 m20 engine but was toying with the idea of dropping in an s52 and then turbocharge that. I cam across this thread and was quite impressed with your car and the job done. I have since done quite a few mods to my 89, did a complete Ground control coil over set up with adjustable Konis, converted it from an auto to 5 speed manual with a Z4 3.0 shifter (love it), installed a stage 5 Bully race clutch, IX booster and master cylinder with stainless steel braided lines all around. Installed an intercooler and all the gauges for the turbo along with a megasquirt stand alone system, fully rebuilt 3.0:1 95 e36 m3 steering rack, HID conversion, etc. Oh yea, has a kick a$$ sound system with two 12" subs I might have to modify the plenum to accommodate the IX booster from the looks of it. Did your guys have any major issues with the swap Mote? A few pics of my Euro e30 Attached Images
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