planning m3 engine conversion

[ti power]

Sup everyone. Iím new here and I need some advice on an m3 engine conversion Iím planning for my '98 ti.

Three initial questions:
Any recommendations on where to get the conversions done? (Iím in the Cleveland, OH area, if that helps)
Since my ti is a '98 would it be best to find a '98 m3 engine?
Would it be best just to find a complete engine kit or to search individually for different parts (i.e. transmission, ECU...)?


As of now my ti has a DINAN stage 1 suspension kit with RACING DYNAMICS front and rear anti-sway bars. Will this need to be upgraded further with the added weight of the 6-cylinder engine?

Is there any chance I could retain my DINAN 318ti exhaust or will I need to go custom?

Also is there anything I should be weary of when looking for a used m3 engine?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!


-Andrew

[J!m]

I just completed instalation of a '98 manufactured (99 model year) M3 (actually M-Roadster) motor into my '98 318ti sport. [by the way, it HAULS ASS]

I kept the OBD-II diagnostics, so the driveaway protection is still active. I also have the Dinan software installed (it came with the motor) as well as a lightweight flywheel. Otherwise, it's stock.

I am compiling a document with photos detailing the "tricks" so you won't spend extra time or money like I did. (it's not completed, and it won't be free, but if you are in a hurry to get the swap done, I can give you advise over the phone.)

Let me know if you are interested.

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"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

[X-nobody]

Hey Guys..

I really need to know if I got all the stuff
I need to BUY AND KNOW...

going to do a 95 OBD-I M3 conversion

out of the M3 I get the engine, tranny, dash, wire harness, ecu...

I can choose to use a 318ti tranny.. but I'd rather do the M3.. so I need to get 97-99 M3 driveshafts?... the differential off the 95 M3 as well ??

I can transfer the M3 brakes fine enough ??
or is it easier to do an E36 (325/328-) brake upgrade.. I can get a friend's brakes off his 328 E46??

An small little items of the M3 to get.. or any small items necessary ?

perhaps some tips for the install..

[myred318i]

ti power.... there is a shop in Cleveland that specializes in M3 conversions. www.koalamotorsports.com (http://www.koalamotorsports.com) maybe since they're right in your vicinity you should go down and talk with them. I'm sure they can answer all of your questions.

[myred318i]

check that... it's www.koalamotorsport.com (http://www.koalamotorsport.com)

Sorry.

[J!m]

To X-nobody:
I'm not sure about the drive shaft thing. I used the ti trans. and the ti drive shaft fits fine.

You don't need the entire dash, just the instrument cluster. Since you don't have traction control in a '95, there is no problem with the module that does not exist. The wiring and ECU are essential, of course. Some of the pins in the engine wiring harness connector where it attaches to the car (by the master cylinder) may need to be moved. I'm not sure about that. To determine this, you will need the factory wiring diagrams for both cars. Koala has these as well.

Koala Motorsport is a good sorce of information. Check his site out. If you need immediate information, he charges a fee, of course. If you can wait a while for an answer, I don't think he charges anything.

Good luck!

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"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

[J!m]

Also: I would get the entire front suspention out of the M3, if it's still useable. To add the brakes, you have to change just about everything else anyway.

The ti sport springs carry the weight of the motor just fine in my car, but I'm planning to change the front suspention to M3 parts.

The 16" wheels will not clear the M3 brakes. You have to go with M3 or other after-market wheels which will clear the big brakes. E36 328 (vented) front rotors are not a bad idea. I think they directly replace the ti rotors. Please confirm this before buying parts... E46 may not fit at all. I have no data on that.

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"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"

[X-nobody]

okay.. i think I can get the m3 suspension for the front...

as for the brakes I'm pretty sure the e46 brakes work.. its listed on a website as an upgrade option.. can't use the 15" rims... need 16"

BTW, I'm in Canada... ontario....
is that near Cleveland ? http://www.happytogether.com/318ti/forum/smile.gif
thanks for the info myred318ti


The drive shaft thing is on Ben Liaw's website..?..

hmm.. guess I should buy Bentley manual for the wiring diagrams?

[J!m]

I have the bentley manual, and it's worth less than dental floss at a Willie Nelson concert as far as wiring diagrams go. All it's good for is basic maintainance, as far as I'm concerned. The pictures are nice, to give you an idea of what you are in for...

I purchased the Mitchell-on-demand software, and it has a MUCH better wiring diagrams.

The ones from Koala would be the best (around $300 if I'm not mistaken)

I'm working on my infamous document, but it's for the OBD-II cars.

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"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"