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Thread: Build Thread: 1991 325ic Restoration + engine swap

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Build Thread: 1991 325ic Restoration + TURBO!

    PROJECT PROGRESS - What we've done so far

    - Interior stripped
    - Stock engine removed
    - Front suspension removed
    - Rear suspension removed
    - Engine bay cleaned
    - Brake booster repainted
    - New brake master cylinder & reservoir installed
    - Clutch pedal installed w/new clutch master cylinder
    - Front strut housings, valve cover, intake manifold, brake dust shields, swaybar, engine crossmember, engine mount brackets, rear subframe powdercoated; exhaust manifolds ceramic coated
    - Front wheel wells cleaned & painted with Rustoleum bedliner paint
    - Remanufactured E36 steering rack installed
    - Front Bilstein Sport shocks, H&R Sport springs installed
    - Lemforder front suspension components installed w/new bolts and nuts
    - Block, crankshaft, flywheel hot tanked & machined
    - Intermediate oil shaft gears replaced & installed
    - New oil pressure relief valve & oil pump installed
    - Wiseco forged pistons, Eagle forged rods w/ARP hardware ordered & installed
    - Bimmerheads performance M20 cylinder head (+ welded water jackets) ordered & installed
    - A/C blower motor housing repaired
    - New A/C blower motor installed
    - -12AN fitting welded to front right corner of oil pan (turbo oil return) and temporarily capped
    - Rear trailing arms, rear dust shields, differential cover, oil pan powdercoated
    - Engine longblock assembled w/ACL rod & crank bearings, ARP rod bolts/head studs/main studs
    - Ireland Engineering timing belt kit installed (stock Contitech belt)
    - Fuel tank Red-Koted & painted
    - 4.10LSD Differential resealed & painted
    - Rear wheel bearings pressed in
    - Rear trailing arm bushings pressed in
    - Rear axles rebuilt & installed
    - Rear subframe assembled w/ new bushings
    - New brake & fuel hardlines & braided stainless flex lines installed
    - Rear subframe assembled
    - Fuel tank installed w/ new rubber hoses
    - Subframe, axles, differential, rear wheel flanges installed
    - Rear shocks, springs, Rogue Engineering shock mounts, new sway bar links installed
    - New parking brake cables, shoes, springs, pins installed & adjusted
    - Rear brake rotors & reman calipers installed w/wear sensor
    - Diff filled w/Liqui Moly 75W140 oil
    - Front Brembo rotors, reman calipers, ATE brake pads, FAG front hubs installed
    - Ireland Engineering stainless steel brake lines installed
    - Brakes power-bled
    - ESM 002R 15" wheels installed w/Yokohama tires
    - Bosch AL49X reman alternator and Ireland Engineering billet alternator pulley installed
    - Bosch SR443X reman starter ready to install
    - Oil level sender installed
    - Injector "plug board" ready to install - a.k.a. the "injector harness," or the mini-harness that connects to the injectors and then to the main engine wiring harness
    - Brake calipers painted w/Eastwood red caliper paint kid (w/hardener ordered separately)
    - Bosch 42lb Green Giant injectors procured & ready for install
    - Stock fuel rail modified w/AN fittings & painted gold, separate extruded aluminum rail ordered as a backup
    - Aeromotive #13129 fuel pressure regulator & Marshall liquid-filled fuel pressure gauge mounted to rail
    - Screw-on 90 degree remote oil filter relocation adapter received
    - Polished throttle body received
    - Distributor hole block-off plate received
    - New engine wiring harness received
    - Preparing engine bay for paint
    - Fuel rail w/injectors & plug harness installed
    - New crankcase/head breather pipe installed
    - Intake manifold & polished throttle body installed
    - Polished distributor blockoff plate installed
    - Polished valve cover ordered
    - New BWD/Intermotor auto TPS ordered (#EC1086)
    - Polished valve cover & distributor plate installed
    - New shifter bushings, selector rod join, dual shear selector rod (DSSR) ordered & installed
    - Short shift lever ordered & test fitted
    - Engine bay cleaned & repainted in rattle can Regal Red (very close to zinnoberrot)
    - Headlight mounts disassembled, cleaned, painted
    - New headlight adjuster screws installed
    - Engine bay wiring wrapped in new wiring loom
    - TCD / Southbend Stage 1 clutch kit ordered
    - New motor & transmission mounts ordered (stock rubber)
    - Remanufactured driveshaft with serviceable u-joints ordered (Bimmerworld)
    - New guibo & bolts ordered & installed
    - Stainless braided fuel hose & fittings ordered
    - Fuel pressure regulator mounted at intake manifold/valve cover bracket
    - Preliminary fuel hoses run
    - New heater core installed
    - Megasquirt PNP, Innovate LC-2 wideband O2, open-element inlet air temp (IAT) sensor kit, serial-USB adapter, QuadSpark ignition module ordered from DIYAutotune
    - MSPNP, LC-2, IAT sensor, QuadSPark received
    - ENGINE & TRANSMISSION INSTALLED! OEM rubber motor mounts, trans mounts, guibo installed
    - Driveshaft installed, shifter linkage installed
    - AC condenser, evaporator, dryer, lines installed
    - Power steering pump & lines installed
    - Clutch master/slave cylinders connected & bled
    - Stock fuel rail adapted for AN connectors with 5/16" hardline to -6AN adapters
    - Braided stainless fuel lines connected to fuel rail; fuel pump hotwired to 12V+ & system checked for leaks
    - Lower control arm brackets & bushings installed per Bentley installation instructions
    - Battery relocated to trunk using Taylor battery relocation kit and #1AWG battery cable
    - AFM delete adapter flange mounted to stock airbox
    - New intake air boot installed
    - Inlet air temp sensor bung welded to aluminum pipe, pipe installed between stock airbox and intake boot w/IAT sensor in place
    - IAT sensor wiring adapted to AFM connector wiring w/MSD 2-pin weatherpack connectors (pins #1 & #4, non-polarity)
    - New Mishimoto radiator adapted to fit E30 & installed
    - New cooling fan, fan clutch, & shroud installed
    - M20 turbo intake manifold ordered from RSI / Good & Tight
    - Battery fusible link installed
    - Coil pack mounted to battery tray & plug wires connected
    - New washer fluid & radiator overflow tanks ordered & received
    - QuadSpark ignition module wired to coil pack & MSPNP auxiliary 26-pin connector
    - Innovate LC-2 wideband O2 module wired to MSPNP auxiliary connector
    - Magnaflow 14221 stainless muffler (3" inlet, dual 2.5" outlets) ordered
    - Magnaflow 3" universal catalytic converter received
    - Flowmaster 3" mandrel-bent universal stainless exhaust pipe kit received
    - Used stock E30/M20 manifolds & downpipes purchased off eBay (for temporary use until turbo setup is installed)
    - Megasquirt Plug & Play (MSPNP) connected to engine harness, powered up, connected to laptop; initial sensor readings tested & confirmed good
    - Variable TPS wiring modified to add ground connection, TPS reading confirmed good at MSPNP
    - MSPNP and wideband O2 controller mounted in passenger cabin, wires routed via grommets in firewall
    - New coolant expansion tank and windshield washer reservoir installed
    - Front headlights/foglights/turn signal lights connected & tested functional
    - Coilpack & ignition module wiring complete
    - Magnaflow OEM-fit downpipes and cat ordered
    - Heat shielding painted & installed under body
    - Magnaflow downpipe, ball flanges, 3" catalytic converter welded - exhaust fabrication begun
    - A/C wiring confirmed good
    - Oil temperature & pressure gauges & senders being installed
    - Stock cluster sent to Bavrest for refurbishment
    - Creative Options reupholstered dash ordered
    - Magnaflow baffled muffler installed midstream
    - Royal Purple 30W break-in oil added, PS fluid & coolant added
    - ENGINE STARTED!
    - Tunerstudio initial VE fuel table dialed in using VE Analyze Live
    - Acceleration enrichment (TPS based) in progress
    - AC vacuum tested - passed
    - VE table rough tune complete, accel enrichment dialed in
    - Idle control valve feature enabled in MS
    - Valve adjustment completed
    - VE tune dialed in
    - AC idle-up feature enabled in MS using stock wiring
    - Flex fuel sensor wired (GM unit)
    - Knock sensor wired
    - Raamaudio sound deadening materials installed (large kit)
    - New MTech 2 front spoiler ordered
    - New plastic bumper cover ordered
    - Interior accent color chosen - SEM Color Coat Camel
    - Roadworks Auto cut-sewn carpet kit ordered (black) & installed
    - Leatherseats.com sport seat covers ordered (leather w/perforated center section) - Camel
    - Windshield washer jets replaced, tank/pump/hoses installed & tested
    - Radio antenna assembly replaced
    - Auxiliary indicator panel (between visors) refurbished
    - Installed throttle idle-up solenoid to compensate for A/C (triggered via interposing relay)
    - Replaced Ireland Engineering oversized alternator pulley w/stock pulley


    Unresolved project decisions:
    - Turbo: Which brand/model? Borg Warner EFR7163
    - Intercooler: Need one? What size, how to configure and retain A/C? Water/air?
    - Interior: Who in Atlanta can reupholster seats/cover dash/door panels? N/A - ordered Leatherseats.com seat covers, self-painting & installing interior trim
    - Electric power steering: Should we? If so, we'll use the ezpowersteering.nl kitt Holding off until future
    - Turbo manifold & turbine housing - coat or thermal wrap? Swaintech White Lightning
    - EVAP/fuel tank vapor plan? Deleting purge valve, need to re-work vapor vent setup
    - Exterior paint & body work vendor? Tentatively Spotlight Custom Cars of Dahlonega, GA

    As it sits today (4/25/15):


    Vendor Feedback

    Using this section to provide comments on individuals, parts suppliers, machine shops we've dealt with:
    1. Brad's Auto Machine, Gainesville, GA (engine machine work) - Cleaned & machined our block, polished the crankshaft. Overall decent work. However, they didn't correctly mic the crankshaft rod journals, so we had to reorder undersize bearings as they incorrectly told us the rod journals were within factory specs when they'd been turned to .25 under.
    Score: 7 out of 10

    2. Eagle Auto Machine, Auburn, GA (intermediate shaft installation) - Eagle Auto was able to correctly install the intermediate shaft and bearings, which is apparently a dying art. Kudos to these guys. Very pleased!
    Score: 10 out of 10

    3. FCP Euro, online vendor (new parts) - FCP hasn't missed a beat with our parts orders. Thus far, they've accurately reported their stock on hand, haven't delayed shipments, and haven't shipped any mixed-up parts. Sometimes eEuroparts is a little cheaper and a little quicker, but no issues with FCP.
    Score: 9 out of 10

    4. eEuroparts, online vendor (new parts) - eEuroparts lists great prices and, when they have the part in stock, have shipped to us quickly. However, on a couple of occasions they've listed a part as "in stock" when in fact it was backordered by several weeks. We've had to cancel or modify a couple of orders. On the bright side, they didn't charge us for shipping when we shipped our brake caliper cores back to them. Overall pleased.
    Score: 8 out of 10

    5. Bimmerheads, online vendor (cylinder heads) - Bimmerheads sent us a quality performance cylinder head. Machine work appears to be well done, including water jacket welding on the head. Turnaround was a bit longer than expected, but apparently a couple of race cars and/or parts expos took higher priority.
    Score: 9 out of 10

    6. Shane Morin, independent parts dealer (reman parts) - Shane, aka imwhyteyo on r3vlimited, offered to trade us our new convertible top and a jug of adhesive in exchange for a batch of parts that he would sell in "remanufactured" condition. We ended up settling on a reman alternator, power steering pump, rear axles, and starter in exchange for our top and adhesive. The top, glue, and shipping came to about $600, and since the parts were advertised as being the same remanufactured condition as we'd get from a parts retailer, except for a "personal touch," we thought it sounded good. Unfortunately the alternator appeared to have a used voltage regulator and the windings were tarnished. The axles came back with nice new boots, but the axle nut threads on one were galled and had to be re-tapped. The power steering pump had a lot more resistance when turning the pulley than the other ones we've dealt with, and the starter never showed up. We did send him a used starter as a core, which he received. The whole transaction has taken about 7 months, and I eventually got a partial refund from Shane in the amount of $65, which at least covers the starter we sent. Overall, we didn't get the quality (nor quantity) of parts that we agreed on (retail-quality reman). On the bright side, Shane was generally willing to communicate and was slowly working on refunding us more money. But apparently he has/had a lot of personal stuff going on that prevented him from fulfilling our order in a timely manner, and he doesn't sell "reman" quality parts - at least not if you're expecting the sort of thing you'd see at an Advance Auto parts counter.
    Score: 5 out of 10

    7. Turner Motorsport, online vendor (new parts) - We ordered a pressure relief valve from TMS, but they only shipped us the valve housing. When we contacted them, they insisted that the valve housing was a separate part number from the valve itself and refused to send us the valve. We pressed the issue, and they said they had to consult with BMW. After two months of back-and-forth, the valve just randomly appeared in the mailbox one day with no notice from TMS. Then, they called and asked for the valve housing back (we footed the bill on shipping). They were friendly enough when communicating, but communication was sparse.
    Score: 4 out of 10

    8. ECS Tuning, online vendor (new parts) - We've ordered several things from ECS Tuning without issue. Prices are generally good; availability seems on par with the other major vendors. One nice feature with ECS Tuning is getting to see the estimated turnaround time on backordered parts (e.g. "Backorderd two weeks" as opposed to just "Backordered").
    Score: 9 out of 10

    9. Ireland Engineering, online vendor (new parts) - We've also ordered a handful of parts from IE. As many of you probably know, IE is more of a homegrown provider than a big-box retailer, which has both pros and cons. John seems to know his stuff when we call and ask about part functionality and suitability for certain applications, but it can take a while to get a communication back from him. He does carry a few neat pseudo-custom parts that the "big box" guys don't (like colored silicone cooling hose sets, custom gasket/ head stud kits, performance oil pumps, etc.). Not a huge selection, but some neat and unique parts when you need them.
    Score: 9 out of 10

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I'm a longtime participant in the E34 subforum, where I have another thread for my turbo 535i. But my father and I are taking on an E30 restoration + power upgrade project, so I'd like to share our progress and solicit feedback. I'll be doing plenty of research on my own, but feel free to chime in on the following restoration plans:

    Our build plans:

    1) Replace convertible top DONE
    2) Rebuild spare engine on stand to high-boost spec: Complete block refresh, MLS head gasket, Bimmerheads performance M20 head, forged pistons & rods, coated bearings, the whole deal DONE
    3) Rebuild/replace front/rear suspension components (control arms, bushings, tie ends, etc.) DONE
    4) Add Bilstein Sport / H&R spring kit DONE
    5) Refresh Getrag 5-speed transmission & install DONE
    6) Reseal and paint 4.10LSD DONE
    7) Replace brake hoses, hardlines, calipers, rotors DONE
    8) Add Enkei or BBS mesh wheels DONE
    9) Install rebuilt engine w/ new wiring harness, new sensors DONE
    10) Install turbo kit
    11) Repaint body
    12) Reupholster interior: new carpet, reupholstered heated leather sport seats, custom interior trim (thinking black/tan two tone)

    Long term goal is a fast, pretty car that looks and feels better than new.

    PARTS PURCHASED
    1. Power steering delete block ($40) www.condorspeedshop.com
    2. Eagle forged rods ($520) part #CRS5313B63D www.maperformance.com
    3. ARP head studs ($219) part #201-4305 www.maperformance.com
    4. ARP main studs ($139) part #201-5020 www.racetep.com ***NOT A STANDARD ARP PART #***
    5. Cometic MLS head gasket ($172) part #C4394-070 www.maperformance.com
    6. ACL Race rod bearings ($100) part #6B1490H www.maperformance.com
    7. ACL Race main bearings ($200) part #7M1532H www.maperformance.com
    8. Convertible top ($490) part #10-04-E30-001 www.autotopsdirect.com
    9. Intermediate shaft bearing ($3.74) part #11111264196 www.eeuroparts.com
    10. Intermediate shaft bearing ($13.24) part #11111280863 www.eeuroparts.com
    11. Freeze plugs ($0.99 x11) part #11111714712 www.eeuroparts.com
    12. Laso oil pump ($169.24) part #11411720898 www.eeuroparts.com
    13. Elring head gasket set ($66.99) part #11129059240 www.eeuroparts.com
    14. Elring bottom end gasket set ($38.99) part #11119063134 www.eeuroparts.com
    15. Intermediate oil shaft ($102.94) part #11351716095 http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/
    16. Oil pump drive gear ($37.08) part #11411713218 http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com
    17. Oil drive gear needle bearings (x2) ($7.20) part #11111265412 http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com
    18. Oil pump drive shaft (11.96) part #W0133-1631400 www.carparts.com
    19. Bimmerheads performance M20 cylinder head w/coolant jacket welding & 280/274 turbo grind ($1620) http://bimmerheads.goodsie.com/rebui...-cylinder-head
    ....
    List got too long, but hopefully at some point I'll have time to list everything.
    Last edited by E34DIYer; 10-02-2015 at 11:01 AM.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Northern VA
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    5
    My Cars
    1987 e30 coupe
    Welcome!

    This looks like a good project. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress.

    For e30s the typical suspension to go for is H&R sports or race springs and billy shocks. I have sports and there great for dd and a little drop. Race springs I have heard are very hard. But that's your choice.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    Buford, GA
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    Thanks! I saw that Turner Motorsport has a B12 Bilstein/Eibach shock/spring kit for $750. Might go with that. Also... I think he's about decided to turbo the M20 instead. He likes the classic engine look with lots of exposed doodads and hoses everywhere, and the S50 looks a little too clean for him.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    292
    My Cars
    1989 325i and 1984 318i
    Hi. Welcome.

    What are your plans for the car? My e30 is a track car so I have H&R race springs and billy shocks. I don't think they're too bad on the street, but I don't drive it much. An e36 steering rack swap will give you a tighter turning radius and wasn't too difficult to do. Replacing all the bushings will tighten things up a lot as well (control arm, differential, trailing arm, rear subframe). I went with delrin bushings and Treehouse control arm bushings, but like I said, I have a track car.

    If you decide to do a swap, let me know. I'm looking for a new M20 engine, preferably one where I can see it running and get compression before its pulled.

    Good luck and post pics

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Northern VA
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    1987 e30 coupe
    Yeah I'd go with the turbo too. M20 is a good engine. Plus keep that weight distribution right.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    Buford, GA
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    Plan is now to rebuild and turbo an M20 out of a parts car. Now hunting for a spare parts car with 5-speed so we can swap that in too. Car will be a show car and weekend cruiser. :-)
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
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    Thinking about going with this replacement convertible top: http://www.autotopsdirect.com/1987-1...04-e30-001.htm

    And this turbo kit: http://www.dedericms.com/products.html

    Appreciate any educated opinions or feedback.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Frederick, MD
    Posts
    9,693
    My Cars
    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    Drop an M30 in. Classic looks, more power, and no timing belt.
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    San Jose, California
    Posts
    1,717
    My Cars
    E21 320i, E30 325i
    M20 Stroker.

    Also, if you're going to make it go faster, don't forget to think about making it stop faster.
    Last edited by amarino; 03-26-2014 at 12:07 PM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Omaha NE
    Posts
    924
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    89 325is, 84 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by E34DIYer View Post
    Thinking about going with this replacement convertible top: http://www.autotopsdirect.com/1987-1...04-e30-001.htm

    And this turbo kit: http://www.dedericms.com/products.html

    Appreciate any educated opinions or feedback.
    Have you heard of the Kamotors turbo kit? It's 3k+ shipping but can make 350+ hp on a stock m20 at 12psi and with some head studs and other bits can be over 400 around 19 psi.
    1989 325is new DD
    1996 328i slushbox (daily driver)sold
    1984 320i euro (project/build, build thread below)
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post27290455

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    Nothing interesting
    I haven't heard of any M20 kits other than the DMS & TCD kits. Got a link to the Kamotors kit? Brake upgrade will also be in the works - is there a more affordable alternative to the Wilwood big brake kits?
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Frederick, MD
    Posts
    9,693
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    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    Quote Originally Posted by E34DIYer View Post
    Thinking about going with this replacement convertible top: http://www.autotopsdirect.com/1987-1...04-e30-001.htm

    And this turbo kit: http://www.dedericms.com/products.html

    Appreciate any educated opinions or feedback.
    on the turbo kit - hell no. That looks like a china charger & no name everything (except the LC-1 which is a piece of junk). You can't halfass a turbo setup and expect it to be reliable.

    TCD is one way to go and they're fairly reputable.
    http://turbochargingdynamics.com/?wp...t_category=m20

    Otherwise I'd go custom for the m20. You want a genuine turbocharger, none of the eBay/China crap that's floating around. The m20 can spool a Holset HX35 w/ 12cm housing pretty well... you need to figure out what you want for your application. Garrett (now a division of Honeywell), Holset, and Borg-Warner are good brands. Precision builds off of Garrett, but some of their more recent turbos seem to have issues. For wastegates, TiAL is the way to go. BOV/recirc brands are less critical, but TiAL and Bosch are both quality. I run a WyntonM (eBay seller) BOV and to be honest, it's been perfectly fine. Tuning is your choice, but be warned MegaSquirt is VERY reliant on solid wiring practices and generally harder to get to run "factory good" than some other EMSs. I'd avoid the LC-1 wideband but I believe most others are good.. I'm currently running an AEM UEGO following two LC-1 failures and I'm happy with it. If you get an ebay turbo manifold, expect it to crack - so buy a 666 fab or Otis (good n tight on the forums) manifold if you can find one. 666 made a "turbo adapter" that will also work for your application. The TCD or euro diesel log manifolds are yet another option.

    Anyway, expect to burn some serious money to get a GOOD turbo setup. Cheap/fast/reliable - pick two (or maybe one )
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    Buford, GA
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    If I don't go with a Microsquirt-based kit, I'll go custom. I'm running a Turbonetics T3/T04B on my E34 M30. I know it wouldn't be too complicated to upsize the injectors and bolt on a top-mount manifold and turbo. I could install an LC-1 and use an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to tweak fueling. Or maybe a W.A.R. chip + MAF? conversion, so I could fine tune the fueling and timing.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Omaha NE
    Posts
    924
    My Cars
    89 325is, 84 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by E34DIYer View Post
    If I don't go with a Microsquirt-based kit, I'll go custom. I'm running a Turbonetics T3/T04B on my E34 M30. I know it wouldn't be too complicated to upsize the injectors and bolt on a top-mount manifold and turbo. I could install an LC-1 and use an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to tweak fueling. Or maybe a W.A.R. chip + MAF? conversion, so I could fine tune the fueling and timing.
    here the kamotors kit watch the video and youll be sold on the kit trust me.. http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...light=kamotors
    1989 325is new DD
    1996 328i slushbox (daily driver)sold
    1984 320i euro (project/build, build thread below)
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post27290455

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    Does he make one for the M30? I'm thinking of going with an M30 swap instead now, so we don't have to mess with a timing belt.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Omaha NE
    Posts
    924
    My Cars
    89 325is, 84 320i
    Quote Originally Posted by E34DIYer View Post
    Does he make one for the M30? I'm thinking of going with an M30 swap instead now, so we don't have to mess with a timing belt.
    nope just m20. He made the kit him self and found it to be really good and lots of people wanted to know what was in it and wanted one so he jut started making the kits and selling them. I'm planning on doing a m30 swap aswell I just need to source one. If I was you I would join r3v and go to the m30 swap section an buy the step by step guide for swaping in the m30. It's 15 bucks but is extremely detailed. You'll fin out every little problem that you'll run into the price of every part and what to replace on engine before swap.
    1989 325is new DD
    1996 328i slushbox (daily driver)sold
    1984 320i euro (project/build, build thread below)
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post27290455

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    Good idea...
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Frederick, MD
    Posts
    9,693
    My Cars
    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    there's plenty of information out there on boosting m30s (which can put down GIGANTIC numbers on a stock bottom end btw). The m20s not really worth messing with imo... you'll start breaking parts early, it's wired for batch fire, no coil on plug support, the timing belt is annoying, the cams are hard to mess with, has an antiquated two valve head (the m30 makes up for it in displacement), etc. Either go with an M52 (stock forged bottom end and plenty of meat between the cylinders) or an M30 for boost.
    Last edited by Cyrix2k; 03-27-2014 at 10:23 AM.
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    I know, got a boosted e34 535i myself :-)
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    Picked up SicStang03's old E30 325i coupe, primarily for the engine and trans. The obvious next question is: which of the body parts & panels are interchangeable between the E30 coupe & convertible?
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    Damaged passenger fender removed, hood replaced w/parts car hood. Replacement fender on the way.
    New top ordered, old top removed. Ordering new steel bolts & nuts for the top. Next up: begin rebuilding spare engine. Need to start sourcing the following parts:

    - Engine rebuild parts: piston rings, stainless steel valves, top & bottom end gaskets, MLS head gasket, ARP rod/main/head bolts/studs, bearings, timing kit, water pump, oil pump
    - Suspension rebuild parts: control arms, bushings, tie rod ends, etc. Would like to buy a high quality complete kit as opposed to piecing together
    - Shock/spring kit: going with a balanced performance/comfortable setup, so probably Bilstein Sport + H&R



    Last edited by E34DIYer; 04-03-2014 at 06:57 AM.
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Omaha NE
    Posts
    924
    My Cars
    89 325is, 84 320i
    For suspension If you go to ecs tuning they sell a complete suspension refresh kit for 500 it has everything you'll need.
    1989 325is new DD
    1996 328i slushbox (daily driver)sold
    1984 320i euro (project/build, build thread below)
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post27290455

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buford, GA
    Posts
    2,220
    My Cars
    Nothing interesting
    Any recommendations on a good source for the engine rebuild parts? I know Ireland Engineering has most of the parts. Wonder if they'd bundle them for a discount...
    E30 325iC turbo convertible project in progress (updated 12/23/15):
    Car fully tuned on completely rebuilt M20 w/forged internals, MLS head gasket
    Suspension, brakes, exhaust fully installed
    New carpet, custom reupholstered seats installed, door panels painted to match
    Custom center console gauge panel installed
    Plastic bumper conversion complete, MTech2 front spoiler installed
    Rear bumper conversion in progress
    Build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...on-engine-swap

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    204
    My Cars
    89 325i Vert, 90 Corvette Vert
    If you're still doing the top here's some tips that may help you.

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...t-fix-up/page4

    Good luck on the project. Turbo stroker is on the board for mine once I do the suspension.
    Last edited by braddammit; 04-05-2014 at 11:13 PM.
    e30 Vert project

    "The two loudest sounds a gun owner hears is a bang when he expects a click and a click when he expects a bang"

    Recently heard - "The shear number of people who have made me wish there was a hell for them to rot in has forced me to re-examine my atheist beliefs."

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    860
    My Cars
    95 M3, RIP 95 ACS S3 M3
    "currently running an AEM UEGO"

    Bout to install a bung for that unit, thinking GT35R on a 666 low
    X-brace, ACS fr strut brace, RSMs/Z3, RTABs, TMS sways, eibach springs, MM underpanel, UUC lt fly, 3.5 Samco elbow & MAF, JConforti chip, AA pipe, Al coolant bits, SS brake & clutch lines, LTW seats & door cards, GT intl CF trim, no center console, UUC EVO3, M5 lit knob

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