BMW E30 SR20DET

[f0xy]

Well, thought I would but a bit of a thread up about the new project considering some members seem interested/keep asking. Quite a number of you saw my previous car on here (http://www.cliosport.net/forum/show...Car-Project-Year-3-Engine-and-Chassis-Rebuild), at track days or elsewhere - Eventually got bored even though it was a very fun, quick and solid car. Got a fair whack of money back in parts and the shell went to good use (hill climb) so happy days.

Continuing on from that, I wanted to build something a bit more 'custom'. I've had a few E30's in the past, so knew the common places for rust/problems with them etc. I'd seen a few other people who had done DIY 325i Turbo conversions and got good results, but I didn't want a heavy BMW lump up front.

Spent some time looking for a solid shell without a sunroof, then heard of a LHD one local to me which was still french registered and had the M-Tec2 kit fitted. Went for a look at it and it was solid, no rust whatsoever and a sought after engine (318is). I had a good think and eventually decided to buy it even if it was LHD, something different and unique for a start.

Picked it up a couple of weeks ago and stripped it down to a shell the same weekend...

Pulled the 318is out...

Then got removing the interior..

Removed the windows all round...

 

[f0xy]

As mentioned earlier I didn't want to go with a BMW engine and a home brew turbo conversion. I knew the SR20DET had been done before but not much, nothing was really documented anywhere and only a few very vague project threads. The info wasn't really there but it didn't put me off as I wanted something that would need some thought putting into! I decided to look for an engine and picked one up that had been removed from a fresh import S15 on 30,000kms.

At the same time I picked up a GReddy Profec II Boost Controller, Remote Oil Filter Kit and a couple of other bits. I didn't want to run the S15 box as it is 6spd, not to mention it being a lot longer. I sourced an S14 box with quick shift and a few other bits. I will need to change the S15 flywheel for the thinner S14 item to allow me to run the box. In the meantime I had picked up a 3.73 BMW LSD to use with the 5spd Nissan box.

The priority was to get the engine sat in place and mounts made up so I could see how it sat. I had a couple of days of research to get an idea but got nowhere really. After a bit of reading I decided on using some Land Rover V8 rubbers for the bottom of the mounts - readily available, dirt cheap and very stiff.

These were bolted to the E30 chassis as so..

Removed the S15 flywheel before fitting the S14 box for trial fitting..

Then lifted the SR20 into place..

Before making the engine mounts I wanted to get the gearbox mount out of the way. It consists of a Nissan gearbox rubber and the standard E30 transmission mount.

Marked out the center of the transmission mount and drilled the holes for the rubber..

This was then fitted to the box so the back end was mounted and the jack could be used to get the engine in the correct position instead of the crane. After looking at the mount once fitted I decided the transmission needed raising to bring the prop shaft up level - and more importantly clear the ARB. Two pieces of 5mm plate were welded to the E30 transmission mount to give it 10mm more height...

Resulting in a much better height. A quick check inside confirmed the engine/box were as far back as I could get them without cutting the exhaust tunnel up..

Then the real work could begin making the engine mounts - The engine could physically go back another inch to an inch and half as that's how much room is available between the bulkhead, but then I would run into issues with the gear shifter hole and sump hitting the steering rack. I was happy with the position so carried on.

Started with the passenger side mount first. Began with four pieces of 60mm square 5mm plate and drilled them to 10mm...

Then bolted them to the chassis and rubber on both sides..

Had a quick measure of the engine in the bay and got it to the correct height, along with being bang in the middle of the engine bay...

Next, used a piece of scrap to tack both plates together in the correct position so I could make the mount off the car..

Made plates for either side, then the back..

and bolted it upto the engine..

Checked the position of the engine once again and cracked on with the drivers side. Same method, tacked some scrap in..

Then some of this, and that..

Resulted in getting somewhere near..

Then the finished piece..

Bolted both sides up solid and let it down off the jack for the first time. The weight difference between this and the 318is seems to be quite a bit, as the front of the car has lowering springs on and its now higher than standard would be! Had a quick check of the steering rack and ARB clearances..

Its pretty close to the standard ARB (which is going to be significantly larger), and clears the steering rack nicely. Its about as low as it will go without modifying anything else, especially with how much clearance there is on the ARB! Looks about right

 

[Matt Cup]

Awesome build!

 

[Jason_E]

Hero status.

Love it, keep us updated!

 

[guysy]

Looking forward to the continuing progress!!

 

[172CupAdam]

Looks mint, great engine/car combo. looking forward to the updates, am hoping to eventually own an e30 myself in the future.

 

[Djw John]

This'll be interesting

 

[f0xy]

Few bits from the other day. E30 Prop (Front Section) vs S14 Prop (Front Section)..

Chopped them up so they could be sleeved, then adjusted to length under the car and bolted a new center bearing up to be sure of the length..

Tacked it under the car then removed it to put a bit more weld on to hold it at the correct length..

Dropped it off at a local prop shaft manufacturer a few days ago so I should have a nice new prop at the correct length next week

After that I decided to make up a couple of lower radiator brackets. I am using the S14/S15 radiator as it fits perfectly between the chassis legs on the E30 (with about 5mm to spare either side!).

The standard BMW radiator mounts look like so..

So those were promptly chopped off and the lower metal cleaned up..

Bent a couple of brackets to shape in the vice..

Drilled them to the size of the S14/S15 radiator rubber and rounded the edges..

They sit on the radiator like..

Which I was happy with. So after a bit of messing I managed to get them tacked in the right place and then fully welded them on..

Then sat the radiator in place..

The lower hose from the S14/S15 fits perfectly, although I'l need to find one for the upper..

Then finished by undersealing the brackets..

The whole bay will be properly sorted and painted once I've got the bigger jobs out of the way. Still got to make a pair of upper radiator brackets over the next few days but nothing major!

 

[Scadden182]

I love it.

 

[jenic]

Awesome :approve:

 

[Jon.G]

Been waiting for this for a while. I'll be keeping a proper eye on this, bloody love e30's!

Great work as usual.

 

[Fletcher]

Great project!

 

[maynard]

Always look forward to reading your threads mate, proper effort that!

 

[Sanders]

This is gonna be sweet

 

[Chris n nic]

Awesome Jord...can't wait to see this finished!

 

[jamie rigby]

Sweet Jord, good to see some of the work you've been telling us about, shame the cars about 40mins from mine lol!

If you havn't found an upper hose yet i have Loads of spare hoses, including that 172 lower hose i got that could maybe have the correct bend init that'd suit you? also got a few other random hoses, could bring them out tmoz all the 40mm(?) hoses i have for you to try if you want...

 

[Gaz.]

Been waiting for this build thread to appear I'll have a good read when I'm off the phone.

 

[wilky19]

this is looking awesome mate. can't wait to see it.

is it going to be road legal or trailered everywhere

 

[f0xy]

Always look forward to reading your threads mate, proper effort that!

Cheers - I'l drop you an email tomorrow regarding those bits as I will be needing them this week

Sweet Jord, good to see some of the work you've been telling us about, shame the cars about 40mins from mine lol!

If you havn't found an upper hose yet i have Loads of spare hoses, including that 172 lower hose i got that could maybe have the correct bend init that'd suit you? also got a few other random hoses, could bring them out tmoz all the 40mm(?) hoses i have for you to try if you want...

Il have to have a look, not in any rush just yet. Its got to be an S and drop height wise

this is looking awesome mate. can't wait to see it.

is it going to be road legal or trailered everywhere

Trailiered, I wouldn't have bought this one if I wanted it on the road, as its got no V5 and never been registered in the UK

 

[Gray]

Looking good Jord!

 

[TimR26]

Great project, looking forward to seeing this progress

 

[Alex H]

Amazing!

 

[Gaz.]

You tried a standard SR top rad hose? If not, I should have one lying around you can try.

 

[f0xy]

I didn't get one with the engine but I had a feeling one my fit with a bit of 'adjustment', let me know if you come across it..

Cracked the back casing on the LSD earlier removing the old bush to replace with a poly, so I need to source a new back plate now sigh.

 

[Gaz.]

I'm about 99% sure I'll have one and where it is, so I'll look for you tomorrow dude.

 

[Jewson172]

Epic build. I love e30's. All credit to you.

 

[Firas]

Brilliant work. Always admired your project threads.

 

[Daz.]

Ooooo about time you played around with something else - I'm afraid I'm going to require regular updates

 

[Cup_Phil]

Hero thread! Bookmarked!!

 

[Budgie]

Try a Ph1 172 top rad hose. you must have one lying about!

 

[chrispy.clio]

It's a really interesting read. I look forward to reading more when you update it

 

[Spark]

Class! Subscribed.

 

[Christopher]

Awesome as ever mate.

 

[Scrooge]

Love it!!

 

[Englebert]

Great write up and photos!

 

[Sir_Dave]

Will keep an eye on this!!

Great project

 

[dalla]

Great project. Iam really looking forward to updates.

 

[Ollie82.]

Another epic Jord build project begins! Looking forward to see this one progress.

 

[Hixle]

Fantastic mate. You really don't fcuk about!

 

[mat-nos]

nice work as per usual