m30 swap

gervs · 08-26-2009, 09:05 AM

I'm getting an e28 delived to my place, and I know this is an m30b34 (goal is a m30b35), but i just want to make sure I have all the parts I need.

From the e28, what parts and I using for the swap?

I know I will be re-using the following with modifications
-DriveShaft (cut)
-Ecu, wiring harness
-Rad

*EDIT - Tranny, found out it's the Getrag 260, should be fine, now just trying to get the gear ratio and see if I should match the grag260 with the 4:10, or stick with the e28 diff.

And one last thing, Engine Mounts, I've seen 3 types for different mounting points. I want what is called 'type 3'. Does anyone know where I can get these?

Duct_Taper · 08-26-2009, 10:15 AM

If you want a B35 eventually, you're better off getting one to start with. From what I understand, the swaps are significantly different (B34 uses different mounts, has a different head that requires you to modify the firewall, and you have to use a B35 oil pan and pickup anyway).

Getrag 260s pretty much all have the same gear ratios (also pretty much the same as the G240 in the 318is) so I wouldn't recommend sticking with the 4.10 unless you want to rev the shit out of the M30. The most popular ratio from what I've read seems to be 3.73.

As for the mounts - I believe there are a couple of guys on r3vlimited that sell them (Good&Tight and funkmasta I think).

dannyb · 08-26-2009, 12:39 PM

yeah if you want a B35, you should get one from the start. What are your plans for this car anyways?

gervs · 08-26-2009, 02:19 PM

Well, the thing is from what I read, I'll need the drive shaft, tranny, ecu\wiring and rad from the e28, and the b34 is going in the garbage, along with the rest of the car, I'm just picking it up for the rest of the stuff I can use with the b35.

The guy looks like he might bail on me now so i might still be on the hunt for the b35 donor car instead.

The purpouse of the car is not really much for daily practicality, but more for track purpouses. From what i'm reading, the 4.10 ratio and getrag260 make a good couple for acceleration, albeit bad for traction, it's not meant to be a drag car though so.

Duct_Taper · 08-26-2009, 02:26 PM

You'll also want to keep in mind that the 4.10, if it's the stock diff, is probably a small case. With the power of the M30, you're much better off with a medium case diff.

dannyb · 08-26-2009, 03:18 PM

why not S50 or M52B28 swap instead?

Duct_Taper · 08-26-2009, 03:24 PM

For most people it comes down to power for money. To get equivalent power to the M30 you have to go to an S50/52 which are way more $$$. M30 swap can be done for the same or less cost than the M50/52 and make more power & torque.

e30_kid89 · 08-26-2009, 05:55 PM

To the OP, Get yourself a B35 you'll be happy you did!

Mister · 08-27-2009, 07:41 AM

read this then make up your mind.Mister
http://www.e30.de/index.html

335i/english version/rebuild description

no sense reinventing the wheel right??

msinger · 08-27-2009, 01:21 PM

correct me if im wrong but you cant use the e28 wiring harness because it is wired for motronic 1.1 and the b35 runs off of motronic 1.3 which also means the ecu from the e28 wouldnt do you any good. the only parts you could use off the e28 is one half of the driveshaft and the getrag 260/5 tranny which some people argue is better than the e34 getrag 260/6 tranny.

The head on the B34 does require more firewall manipulation because a coolant hose runs out of the back of it, which is plugged on the b35 head.

definitly worth doing for the power to price ratio, mine is a blast to drive, i just destroyed my stock motor mounts from all the torque! urethane is on the way!

gervs · 08-27-2009, 01:25 PM

I know, Ryan told me about the mounts the other day, insane, I want! lol

Duct_Taper · 08-27-2009, 02:14 PM

Just to be clear - you do NOT want the 260/5 - it's the shittier version of the 260/6 and it was also used in M20 cars.

The 265/6 is the good one with the removable bellhousing. Supposedly a bit stronger than the 260/6, but also ~2 inches longer I believe, and uses different trans mounting points - means you need an E30 M3 or custom crossmember.

e30_kid89 · 08-27-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duct_Taper

Just to be clear - you do NOT want the 260/5 - it's the shittier version of the 260/6 and it was also used in M20 cars.

The 265/6 is the good one with the removable bellhousing. Supposedly a bit stronger than the 260/6, but also ~2 inches longer I believe, and uses different trans mounting points - means you need an E30 M3 or custom crossmember.

Guys in sweeden and the US have thrown over 500hp and tons of TQ at the G260 in both its m20 and m30 variants and it takes it well, not to mention they are quite easy to find.

For the swap using the G260 is also a better option, I personally didn't have to get the driveshaft shortened, just slapped on the e28 front on the e30 rear and got it balanced for good measure with new u-joints.

For the average m30 swap the G260 is way more than enough.

/My $0.02

Duct_Taper · 08-27-2009, 09:03 PM

Yeah, I agree. I'd definitely go for the 260/6 over the 260/5 though - not much harder to find and apparently much stronger.

The 265 is just a bonus if you happen to find one - the removable bellhousing is a nice feature IMO.

e30_kid89 · 08-27-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duct_Taper

Yeah, I agree. I'd definitely go for the 260/6 over the 260/5 though - not much harder to find and apparently much stronger.

The 265 is just a bonus if you happen to find one - the removable bellhousing is a nice feature IMO.

Coming from somebody who has removed/installed a transmission in my own M30-E30, I agree x100000.