5.0 Powered 3-series?

So I have been seeing these things all over the internet and have checked out the website of the company that makes the swap kit(www.e36v8.com). I am very intrigued. I just sold my SC so I will be needing to build a new track slut for next season. It seems like I could build a 5.0 powered e36 for a pretty reasonable sum of money. Only thing is, I can't seem to find anybody who actually owns one! Does anybody here own or have any experience with a ford v8 powered BMW, either e30 or e36? I guess what I want to know is how well the swap kit is made? Also, if the 5.0 upsets weight distribution or how they handle after being swapped with a 5.0? I think a good condition 5.0 would be more reliable and cheaper to maintain than a high mileage BMW engine and there are e36s everywhere around where I live with either high mileage or blown motors for around $1000 and 5.0 drivetrains are dirt cheap as well. The swap kit is also reasonably priced and I could definitely complete the swap on my own....So if anybody can offer me some advice based on experience they have with this swap I would appreciate it VERY much!

Thanks,

Josh

keep the six dude. there isnt a bad one, see the straight six thread

I've been looking into this as well. You may have already found these, but there are a few threads on the Bimmer engine swap forum about this: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=208

Lawson4323 finished his using that kit you linked. He deleted his build thread, but he posted some pics in the following threads...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1513071

Fendbass2 is almost complete with his swap using that kit you linked to: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1496109

Paging StrikeZero: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/e36-50l/20170/page1/

Wish had never seen this... (now where did I see that 318ti w/ the blown engine)? Curse your GRM forum!

Yeah, all those links and I totally forgot about this guy on THIS forum going through the swap. Oops.

Ding. . .

A few things about the weight . . . As I was corrected by several . . . 5.0HO will weigh between approx. 420-475lbs (there are way too many variables to tack down a solid number and no I haven't weighed one). So depending on 5.0HO weigh you want to believe, you either gain ~25-30lbs or you lose ~50-60lbs over the M50. The T-5 and Getrag five speed are within a few lbs of each other.

There are guys on the BimmerForums that have running examples and have worked/are working through issues and can offer advice.

So far the kit and Manual are worth its weight in gold!! For the price, the author (Matt) pretty much outlines everything in manual. The wiring diagrams cover the E36 chassis. For the motor side of the equation, it's pretty thorough. This is my first swap and the manual did help build the confidence to tackle it myself.

As with every build, mine does vary from the manual a quite bit. I'm using a Canton RR oil pan (shouldn't cause any issue), SN95 FEAD (it's a few inches shorter than the Foxbody FEAD), oil cooler, and larger radiator. If no other surprises pop up this weekend, I'll be finishing the engine build and at least putting the engine in the chassis . . .

Somebody buy this 318ti in the Northern KY/Cincinnati area so I won't be tempted... http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1881411398.html

Well, since we are posting possible donors. I looked at this one on Sat morning. I decided to pass as there is a rather large dent in the driver's rear door, but someone else might be interested in it:

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/1914217891.html

I'm following all of these builds very closely, I've owned two '92 Mustang 5.0s and an E36 and think the 5.0 would be great in an E36. Plus, I have a T5 in my basement waiting to be rebuilt...

I just ordered the swap kit and guide a week ago, I've got a roller 302 w/ Non-P GT40 heads and cobra intake waiting for the M42 to kick the bucket, it doesn't seem like it will happen soon enough haha

In reply to Blitzed306:

It's gonna take a while to kill that M42 . . .the one in Mrs. Zero's E36 survived a 5 minute trip in the red on the temp gauge according to the PO. So far about 5K miles of service and still runs pretty well . . .

Love your sig

Umm... why not just buy an E36 M3? It's a better engine. You won't need to go through the hassle of make a cross-pollination engine swap. And you'll almost certainly end up spending less money.

If you're determined to spend the time, money, and effort of sticking a V8 under the hood of a 3 series, why not put in an LSx?

Salanis wrote: Umm... why not just buy an E36 M3? It's a better engine. You won't need to go through the hassle of make a cross-pollination engine swap. And you'll almost certainly end up spending less money. If you're determined to spend the time, money, and effort of sticking a V8 under the hood of a 3 series, why not put in an LSx?

S50/S52 engines aren't cheap, and are expensive to mod to significant power levels. The 5.0 has to be up there on the all-time cheapest engines to mod. 300 RWHP/RWTQ is easy to obtain with new heads, a cam, and a new intake. Used parts are easy to find and are very cheap. Short blocks can be had for cheap, as well, and a used T5 in good shape can be had for $250 or so.

The LSx really bumps up the cost considerably unless you can easily fab up your own custom headers. With the 5.0, you can just flip the stock manifolds forward.

Salanis wrote: Umm... why not just buy an E36 M3? It's a better engine. You won't need to go through the hassle of make a cross-pollination engine swap. And you'll almost certainly end up spending less money. If you're determined to spend the time, money, and effort of sticking a V8 under the hood of a 3 series, why not put in an LSx?

I loved both of my e36 M3's, but, as subsequently pointed out, it is expensive to wring more power from them. And they're expensive in general. A buddy paid $2500 for a bone stock s50 with transmission. 5.0's are dirt cheap compared to that.

Perfect scenario? Find an e36 M3 with a blown motor!

Prices for a rat bag E36 M3 are still pretty high.

Pickup a blown up, sub $1K E36 + 5.0 & T-5 + swap kit + suspension goodies will certainly be cheaper than the rat bag E36 M3.

When all said and done, I should have ~5K wrapped up in mine.

Not including the S50 cam'd M50 and trans I sold for $1300 and other bits I have pulled that are up for sale as well.

And the LSx swap . . . I can't weld . . . LOL!!

Strike_Zero wrote: Pickup a blown up, sub $1K E36 + 5.0 & T-5 + swap kit + suspension goodies will certainly be cheaper than the rat bag E36 M3. When all said and done, I should have ~5K wrapped up in mine.

Think it could be done for Challenge money? (asking honestly)

Buy a dead e36, a wrecked Mustang GT then combine?

In reply to dyintorace:

Yes.

Oh my yes . . .!!!

Strike_Zero wrote: In reply to Blitzed306: It's gonna take a while to kill that M42 . . .the one in Mrs. Zero's E36 survived a 5 minute trip in the red on the temp gauge according to the PO. So far about 5K miles of service and still runs pretty well . . . Love your sig

Nice, I'm due some new ball joints now. I'm pushing 200K and she just goes, I've done the rear wheel bearings. what a nightmare. And about the swap, I've got everything already from my Mustang habit. I planned on a 408 windsor and almost sold the 302 and all its go fast goodies, then my wife asked out of the blue if we can get that motor in the BMW. I just learned about all this about a month ago. 400HP at the wheels for cheap on a stock bottom end tells me a 302 is the way to go

Thanks for all the replies. You all have been very helpful! I think I am going to do it..my buddy has a 5.0/T5 that I can pick up for cheap. Now I just have to find the perfect e36 to put it in. I have all winter to buy all the parts and complete the swap so I am not in too much of a hurry. I will certainly make a new thread once I get started!

Thanks again,

Josh

This thread has given me bad ideas. It can't be as cheap and easy as the website says... can it?

Tom_Spangler wrote: This thread has given me bad ideas. It can't be as cheap and easy as the website says... can it?

Right there with you. Considering selling my project car to go do this instead. I always wanted a 4 door M3 back in the day, and this would be a cheap, fun way to get one!

In reply to Tom_Spangler:

Lots o variables. I think with patience and luck to score some great deals, it can be done at challenge price. Heck, I got two sets of GT40P headers for $120.

My biggest expense was the motor. I did a full rebuild on mine and added some factory goodies. I was still under $1K (until I got that shiny Canton oil pan ) with the motor.

If I had the space when I started the build, I would have brought a wrecked Foxbody, part that sucka out for some cash, and layeth the smack down a aluminum headed 302.

I've seen the 302/T5 package go for $600-800 around here.

e36v8.com and e30v8.com, but where oh where is 2002v8.com? I've wondered if a 5.0 would fit. I think the brake booster and the center tie rod might be the same space where the engine wants to go.