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Rb30 Powered 318i E36

samoan

By samoan,
in Engines & Forced Induction

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Dale FZ1 Veteran

Dale FZ1

Posted
Posted

Overall engine height may be a problem, as BMW run their engines canted (leaning over to one side) to enable lower bonnet lines.

I know that many blokes in the US shoehorn 6 cylinder BMW engines into the smaller chassis for a pretty potent result. Try searching here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php

Having said all that, run a tape measure over things. An RB might just fit with no real dramas - as far as engine conversions go. :laugh:

Guilt-Toy Grand Master

Guilt-Toy

Posted
Posted

id think that most things external to the engine will need to be modded, you might need to make a plenum that sits closer to the engine and make a custom exaust manifold for the car.

who knows ive never done it before :laugh:

kristafa Proficient

kristafa

Posted
Posted

i've got a rb20 in my e36 at the moment, just bought an rb25 to build up and put in it, rb30 would have been nice too but a little outa my price range.

some things to consider when putting rb motor in e36:

- convert sump to rear sump, i went with a new custom sump to clear the bmw crossmember

- custom single piece tailshaft (hardy spicer for around 220)

- definately upgrade diff for rb30 (M3, i've heard someone running 528i diff in theirs)

- remove ABS unit because i found the dump pipe sat right on it, i reran all the brake lines to tidy it up

- for using the tacho from the 4 cyl, no problem, just get one of those 'jaycar speedo signal converter' kits.. works great on my setup.

- oh, and buy one of those haynes manuals! best asset i own

I loved the idea of using rice in the beema.. its still going strong, the most reliable car i've ever owned..

Here is the official build thread that my mate maintains (he did the fab work).

http://forums.performanceforums.com/forums...614244#poststop

I've since wire-tucked everything and repainted the engine bay.. looks heaps better than before.

chris.

  • 4 weeks later...

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