A few questions - getting ready for an S52 in a TI

[campaiar]

Originally Posted by Artem

Thanks guys! I already got a complete set of purple powerflex bushings for the rear end (T/As, subframe, diff), so I think I will put those in.

So the plan will be, the 'rebuild' the rear end using powerflex bushings. Adapt E36 M3 rear brake calipers to the rear TI Trailing arms and run with it, as i don't believe I will overload the rear end using a med case 2.93 lsd diff.

Does anyone know anything about the sway bars that you should choose in an S52 swap? Should I use a stock Z3M rear one and front E36 M3 one? Or just leave them TI M-sport? I'm using the E36 M3 front end with OEM springs, and rear springs off a Z3M, is that the standard?

I think the plan is to redo the subframe with bushings, redo the axles to make them into the 'e30-318ti hybrid' and adapt the E36 M3 brakes in the back.

Midnight - I might take you up on that offer, I will definitely want the EWS delete/align off my E36 M3 ECU if the shop which is swapping the engine in will be incapable of realigning the EWS's to my car. As the engine with all the pieces (minus the driveshaft) will be coming in tomorrow, pretty psyched for that.

Speaking of the driveshaft - if anyone has an E36 M3 driveshaft lying around or knows someone who is, please sell it to me!

Thanks guys! This is happening!

Couple suggestions from lots of experience:

325/328/M3 brakes in the front, TI/MZ3 brakes in the back so bias isn't disturbed.

Get the matching cluster, ECU, EWS and key and save yourself tons of time and alignment issues if you can.

M3 driveshaft first half, TI/MZ3 driveshaft second half, have them balanced after mating.

[Artem]

Thanks again guys! So far I have most of the parts and stuff together. Sent the head out to get cleaned/inspected, motor is in pieces ready to go back together. I think I'll get the EWS deleted from the DME altogether so that shouldnt be an issue.

One minor question - what do you all do for heat shields in these swaps?


Cheers,
Artem

[Artem]

And did anyone get their ASC working right with the S52/M52 swap?

[Artem]

Originally Posted by erikerikerik

DUUUUUUUUUUUUDE, Your a 17 min drive for me and I'm sort of building the same thing. If you ever need a helping hand or another 318ti guy to stand around and drink while you work let me know!

Hah, just saw the thread response... I'm doing it at my friend's place so I doubt I'll get to touch a whole lot of it, just mostly overseeing the whole deal (on the plus side - my GF sont kill me for being away like 100% of the time). Part of the reason im trying to unload as many pieces as possible (to offset the labor costs).

[Artem]

Question for you guys, should I do a complete rebuild of the motor when I'm here - its completely bare now, there is a bit of play at the top of each piston, but I heard from a machine shop dude that it may be normal. If I should, should I replace all of the bearings and piston rings (and if so - which parts should I use?)

Thanks y'all! Pics to follow now.

[Artem]

Sorry about the quality - they seem to be taken with a vaseline-covered camera while a photographer was being launched into outer space by a rocket.. but you get the idea. new engine is bare - just the crankshaft and the pistons on there...

Donor motor had 150k miles, compression numbers were 180 across, which is why I am really not in the mood to screw the damn thing up by doing a bad job of a rebuild.

[Artem]

old motor pics... everything is for sale by the way.

[erikerikerik]

Originally Posted by Artem

Donor motor had 150k miles, compression numbers were 180 across, which is why I am really not in the mood to screw the damn thing up by doing a bad job of a rebuild.

180 across the board? dont touch a damn thing. SUPER tight engines hit 210. Good engines will push 170's.


Also, in that case, I'll have to get you out to me. I can promise beer and what ever food you might eat for compensation!

[Artem]

Sounds like a plan!

In the meantime I got this back: engine should be getting back together next week

[Artem]

MOTHERF$$$$$

One of the studs in the head got stripped as we were torquing the cams on....


Anyone know a quick solution for that? Is it ok to helicoil into these things?

Pics to follow

[MINIz guy]

Helicoil works. A Timesert is stronger.

[Artem]

Timesert, got it! Thank you!

-Artem

Pics to follow... S52 beauty awaits

[Artem]

PICS!

[Artem]

PICS 2!!

[Artem]

(everything is in reverse order as you may have guessed...) But yea, its coming together!