Contemplating a 7m swap into my e30 Bmw.

[supradan22]

Well I've been out of the 7m supra game for a while, and I miss it dearly. I've been contemplating swapping in a 7m for some time now and have been doing a lot of research and found a 2jz swap kit for the e30 (mid-late 80's 3 series).

If I recall correctly the late model 7m that uses the round mounts are the same as the 2jz correct?

So in theory,

I can use this swap kit for a 2jz with r154, to swap in a 7mgte with a r154 into my e30.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1jz-2jz-Mount-Swap-Kit-bmw-E30-E36-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem41579be29fQQitemZ280642708127#ht_1039wt_911

What are your guys thoughts on this?

Pic of the car, I hope to get the 7m into. If all goes as plan this will be done by mid-late summer of this year.

 

[te72]

I like the idea. Better sounding than most any BMW engine...

 

[supradan22]

Thanks,

After doing some more research I see that it has been done before, it's just not too common.

[video=youtube;Q4DqNsIgw68]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4DqNsIgw68[/video]

I do plan on keeping my stock interior, most likely going with custom gauges for a cluster.

 

[te72]

Oh, and to answer your question, the 89-92 Mk3 used the round mounts, yes. I can't confirm if they're the same as the 2j mounts though.

 

[supra90turbo]

Two words.




HELL YES

That kit WILL work with 89+ motor mount brackets on a 7M.

 

[supradan22]

Awesome, I've sourced a rebuilt 7m with an early harness and ecu with an upgraded, also includes a rebuilt ct26 from an old buddy of mine.

Bolting the 7m with this swap kit will be easy since it's designed to be used with the r154. But finding a good condition r154 locally will not be. As I remember about 5 years ago that being a tuff task when I had my mk3.

Custom drive shaft will not be an issue.

But a new rear end will definitely be needed as I currently have the economy 2.90 gearing.

I for see the hardest part will be matting the 7m harness to the BMW's chassis wiring well that a moving my brake booster over a tad bit, but overall a very doable swap.

250-300 hp in my 2600lbs E30 would be very nice, and I do dearly miss the sound a 7m with full 3inch exhaust.

Pics coming soon.

 

[IJ.]

If it were me I'd use a 2J, just for the newer technology and improvements.

 

[shaeff]

What's your budget? While I love the 7M, and I'm a 7M guy, I too would use a 2j. And before the 2j, I'd probably use an s50 with a turbo hanging off the side. The s50, when turbocharged is a very, very snotty motor and can produce some serious numbers.

However, turbo + BMW motor = $$$

The benefit is that the M5x variant (M50, M52, S50, S52) swaps have been extremely well documented so there would be a lot less guess work. Get TRM to burn you a chip for it and you'll never have to mess with the tune again. Those guys can tune a turbo'd BMW like no other.

PS: you on BF.c?

 

[supradan22]

What's your budget? While I love the 7M, and I'm a 7M guy, I too would use a 2j. And before the 2j, I'd probably use an s50 with a turbo hanging off the side. The s50, when turbocharged is a very, very snotty motor and can produce some serious numbers.

However, turbo + BMW motor = $$$

The benefit is that the M5x variant (M50, M52, S50, S52) swaps have been extremely well documented so there would be a lot less guess work. Get TRM to burn you a chip for it and you'll never have to mess with the tune again. Those guys can tune a turbo'd BMW like no other.

PS: you on BF.c?

That's the thing budget, which is why I was considering going 7m, I no longer live with the parents so my funds have more priority's then vehicles now. lol This swap would run me about $2500-$3000 varying on where I source the r154 and including random intercooler and exhaust pipping. Which is about the price of a s52. (240 hp NA bmw 98 m3 motor) Including the obd1 conversion I would do to it, haha no way I could afford boosting a 24v bmw motor.

And Nah shaeff not on bimmerforums, just e30tech and r3vlimited a couple of e30 specific boards.

hmmmmm decisions,

My options come down to

Boosted 2.7i m20 I have the parts to put an 325I head on the 325e motor (basically poor mans stroker) About 2 grand

S52 98 m3 swap 2.5 - 3 grand

7m swap, no way could I afford to go 2j and I'm just not a big fan of the 1js. 2.5 - 3 grand.

 

[shaeff]

How about boosting an M50? They're stout as fuck, take to boost really well, and they're a dime a dozen/cheap. 2.5L rather than 3L so they've got a bit more wall thickness too. I hear ya on the prices, though. It definitely adds up. And to be completely honest with you, I didn't like the small gains I would get from my s50 in NA form and very, very briefly considered a 7M swap. LOL. Just not worth it though, in an e36. Best option in the e36 is LSx drool or go turbo.

 

[supradan22]

I figured if I'd go bmw 24v Id go for the best available, If only I can get a euro s motor. Such a shame how detuned they are state side.

None the less I will save up and see what becomes available.

 

[Quin]

This thread is full of win. I LOVE E30s.

 

[shaeff]

I figured if I'd go bmw 24v Id go for the best available, If only I can get a euro s motor. Such a shame how detuned they are state side.

None the less I will save up and see what becomes available.

286bhp and 321bhp for the s50b32 and s52b32 respectively. (Euro). We got the weak 240hp s50/52's.

Either way, the euro motors require much more maintenance than the US versions. And for the cost of a euro motor, you could probably find a m5x variant motor turbo it, and make more power than the euros. I forget the exact numbers, but 13-15psi on a s50 usually yields somewhere in the 450rwhp range on a gt35r.

 

[IJ.]

What is the actual difference in the Euro motors?
(wondering if it's not just a tune isse as the V6 in my project car is "Reduced Output" from the factory but is the same hardware as the more powerful engines)

 

[te72]

I figure the tune would be the big thing. Timing matched to suit piss-water US gas quality? But picking up another 46 and 81 extra HP on just timing seems unrealistic. Increased revs and compression would be my best guess, perhaps one less catalytic converter...

 

[87mk111]

i think a 7m in an e30 would be sweet.

 

[shaeff]

What is the actual difference in the Euro motors?
(wondering if it's not just a tune isse as the V6 in my project car is "Reduced Output" from the factory but is the same hardware as the more powerful engines)

Lots.

Euro:
Dual Vanos (variable valve timing)
Individual throttlebodies
3.5" intake/HFM (the air flow meter)
Longtube, tubular headers stock, larger exhaust stock.
Way better flowing head

It's very close to the s54, which comes in the e46 M3 here in the states.

I figure the tune would be the big thing. Timing matched to suit piss-water US gas quality? But picking up another 46 and 81 extra HP on just timing seems unrealistic. Increased revs and compression would be my best guess, perhaps one less catalytic converter...

See above. I probably missed a bunch of stuff, too, as I'm not terribly familiar with the euro motor. However, it's a huge difference, and with full bolt-ons, cams, etc... we here in the US can only reach their stock rwhp figures, and that's REALLY pushing it. (staying NA of course).

Throw a CF airbox, a tune, and other goodies on the euro motors and they're capable of putting down on the high end of 300rwhp easily. No way a US e36 is doing that unless it's a full race motor.

 

[IBoughtASupra]

Do a 2JZ, they belong in there. Why? It is a unique swap, make it nice and powerful.

 

[arizzle]

i would have to agree with shaeff,

it would be alot cheaper running and m5x motor then doing a 7M/J motor, the fab work for a 7M will go over your budget.

if you'd want to do a m5x swap you can get m50 vanos motors for so cheap these days. but if you want comparable power to a S5x motor you can run a m52 obd1 boost. you can just run a WARchipped ecu and you can tune with your stock ECU.

i would love to put a 7M in a e30 it was my past dream but to make it practical for weight distribution and road coarse its pretty over kill. the 7M is a pretty heavy motor for that small of a car.

the weight of a m50 is avg of 170KG and just the 7m is 210KG

the advantage you will with a m5x motor you can use your stock drivetrain! and its complete bolt on. if you are OBD1 you can your your stock harness!

but thats just the facts, its totally up to you. well good luck

 

[mnracer550]

id boost the e30. i might just be me but i have basterdizing cars like that. Why not megasquirt and a small turbo the stock 2.5? you really dont have to go to the 325i
head.