Project E30

[Beej]

I don't want to do a transmission swap, but if it's a manual trans I don't mind an E. It's probably got a broken TB, which is just an excuse to convert to an I or even a "big block" six.

But yes. The DSM will be on the block as soon as I buy fluids to put in the transfer case. I'll need a replacement. A proper wheel drive replacement.

Ha, you don't want to do a transmission swap but you want to swap to an 'i' or (bigger HA) an M30? Those motors are HUGE. Broken TB's aren't really a common issue anyway, so I don't think you'll have to worry about it.

I did a manual swap on my e30 and it's a pretty smooth process...but it still sucks.

TB can and DO break on E30 motors. They are destructive failures as it is an interference engine. Cam seals leak oil on the belt and.......bad ju ju

What difficulties did you run in to on the manual swap, Bill?

Ahh...TB = timing belt. I'm not used to that acronym - I thought he was referring to the throttle body (which can sprout those coolant leaks, but that's about it). Ha, didn't mean to say that at all - and I'd be particularly wary on a car in this situation. But I'm very thankful for my timing chain.

As for difficulties during the tranny swap, there really were none. Everything bolted up right the first time...there were some annoying things (one hard clutch hydraulic line is in a VERY annoying spot - up above a bunch of brake lines), but I took my time. One day to pull everything, the next to put it all back in. I did plenty of research and made sure I had all of the correct parts though. Benching the transmission up into place was a pain too, but only took 15 minutes or so.

EDIT: And the starter bolts (and other ones at the top of the bellhousing). Those are a B.