Hey guys I just bought an m30 last week and want to get it prepped to swap into my e30. Just wanted some suggestions on what I should do to the m30 before I swap it and thought this would be the best forum to ask. I was thinking I would do the upper gaskets (head gasket, valve seals etc) and maybe disassemble the tranny (getrag 265) and do the rear main seal. Anything else anyone can think of would be awesome. Its second gen out of a 85 e28. Thanks a lot

Jesse

I guess I'll bite, fwiw you could check out the fuel injectors and test the spray pattern. If those things are dirty or clogged you'll never get that engine to run well. I've noticed some people upgrade those injectors which sounds like a good idea to me. Just do as much as you can while its out.. sounds like an interesting project - you may have some difficulty getting it to fit?

Oh also you could ask Mr. Project, but that's kind of a blanket answer for anything ;)

If you can, try to get an m30 head out of an e34 or e32. The engine you have is a m30b34 where as the e34/2 has an m30b35. The difference is that the head flows better. If not just change the headgasket and check for wear on anything in the head. Also look at the crosshatching and if there has been any signs of detonation on the pistons.

If you can, try to get an m30 head out of an e34 or e32. The engine you have is a m30b34 where as the e34/2 has an m30b35. The difference is that the head flows better. If not just change the headgasket and check for wear on anything in the head. Also look at the crosshatching and if there has been any signs of detonation on the pistons.

Just out of curiousity, how do you know he has a b34? And what were they used in? I'm still murky on all the M30 variants.

I doubt it will be as hard as it was to fit this in:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/CobraClutch2012/e30v12.jpg
P.S. Anyone know who's E30 this is?

Just out of curiousity, how do you know he has a b34? And what were they used in? I'm still murky on all the M30 variants.

If it is from an E28, it is a B34. If it is from an E24, it could be anything ranging from a B30->B35, but the B35 was only in the very last 2 years of the E24. (88/89) The E34 and E32 always had the B35. The E23 had B34 unitl 87, when it got the B35.

Why would you want to swap a b34 into an E30? That's a lot of work for 182hp.

Hey Jesse, what happend to the M20? especially after all that work you guys put into it.

Ryan, it's a B34 because it's from an '85 535i. (E28)

I agree with Craig, if you're going to do that much work, I'd look for a B35, unless you're getting a great deal on the B34 or something. Cereal, doesn't the compression ratio get really low if you just slap a B35 head on a B34 block? I could be wrong.

Either way, here's the stuff I'd consider doing if you're going to 'refresh' the motor while it's out, this is essentially the list of stuff I did to my M30 before it went into my Touring.

1 - Timing chain and guides - optional but if you're approaching 200k the guides might be worn. If you're going to go through the pain of pulling off the crank pulley nut, just replace all this stuff, it's not that expensive. Do the front crank seal and the timing cover gaskets too.
2 - Head gasket - I would at least do this, along with a good head cleaning, checked for straightness, and pressure tested. Figure new valve seals while you're there, and quite possibly a valve job depending on the current condition.
3 - Oil pan gasket - If you do nothing else, do this. It's a pain in the butt once it's in the car
4 - Pilot bearing and throwout bearings - even if your clutch is good, it would really suck to pull it all back apart to replace this stuff in 3 months!
5 - Rear Main - same reason
6 - Fuel injectors - I wouldn't bother cleaning them. For $100 you can get Bosch Design III injectors as near-new take-offs from a Mustang. If you have any question, just replace them. They basically fit right in on the B35, I expect they'd just fit the same on the B34. (E28 guys correct me here)

I would not tear down the tranny unless there's a specific problem you're looking to fix. Unless you're experienced and have the right tools to handle gearset teardown, you're better off leaving well enough alone on that front, IMO. Do the seals if they're leaking and replace the fluid.

Yes, a b35 head on a b34 will lower compression to almost 7:1.

If it is from an E28, it is a B34. If it is from an E24, it could be anything ranging from a B30->B35, but the B35 was only in the very last 2 years of the E24. (88/89) The E34 and E32 always had the B35. The E23 had B34 unitl 87, when it got the B35.

gracias! :)

Hey Jesse, these guys have you covered on the B34 B35 issues. Here's a link to a very cool site that details (very detailed) installing M30's into the e30 chassis. I think I'd love to have one...it has to be a torque monster. Good luck on your swap, keep the updates coming!

http://www.e30.de/335i/00.htm

I would do what I would do with any other used engine Im not going to avtually rebuild; Replace every accessible seal and gasket, timing chain and all wear components, and that includes pulling the head off, having the valves done, and all of that. Buy the safety wired oil spray bolts.. Port match everything which is a very easy job on that motor. I have maybe two hours in it, dont forget the exhaust manifolds and smoothing out the pipes where the exhaust bolts to the manifold.

Have everything professionally cleaned because thats worth it swieght in gold.

And DO upgrade to stylle III injectors. The only thing youlll change is your clips on the injectors that hold them to the fuel rail will become obsolete.

Replace all rubber lines and put an electric fan and replace your heater core ..okay that was a joke...