e28 Subframe w/S52 Turbo and R&P Steering

[SpongeBob]

Mye28 Crew -

I made some progress this weekend - installing the e36 M3 S52 Turbo engine on a e28 subframe with e39 rack and pinion steering.

I need to pull the pan on the engine due to my impression of a complete idiot - it was very good for those of you that missed it. At the end of the day - I was not happy with the turbo drain anyway, so better now before everything was buttoned up.

Once I determined this could done - the fabrication was not too tough and if I had to do it again - it would take 1/4 the amount of time.

Biggest challenges -
1 determining the correct height (front)
2 getting the engine "clocked correctly"
3 getting a strong setup on the subframe that took into account the angle the motor mounts needed to be at.
4 an elegant mounting arrangement for the R&P

Luckily - I have a good buddy with an e36 and I was able to take alot of measurements off of his rig.

The key was using a e34 M50 sump, like the e30 M50 guys use and an e34 M50 5 spd manual tranny cross member (this "clocked" the engine over correctly allow the use of the standard M3 ZF 5 spd where the shifter will align correctly with the e28 shift hole.

The biggest reason I did the S52 Turbo install - I have already built one M30 - while they are great engines, the newer engines (M50-S52 and on) have the advantage of lower weight, better cylinder head and the cost to rebuild is the same, so why not? I was forced into R&P because the turbo housing the idler arm feature on the subframe wanted to be in the same place.

Any way - here are few images.

http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1160.JPG
http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1157.JPG
http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1161_1.JPG
http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1159.JPG
http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1162.JPG
http://e28-535i.com/upload/HPIM1155.JPG
{IMGs converted to URLs due to size -- learn to crop, folks! -- Shawn D.}

SBSP

[Slaytanic-666]

What time are the steaks served on that fine engine of yours! Man I wish mine was clean enough to eat off of! What is your expected HP when done? DAMN FINE Sponge Bob! Your work BTW not the pic below! heheh


NSFW Image

[SpongeBob]

I think that is Mrs Spongebob...where did you get her picture?

Horse Power target - 400-420 rwhp at 14 psi - which should be reasonable, but until I get dyno time - that is just an estimate.

I have some huge engine management and tuning hurdles to over come...so who knows.

SBSP

[Slaytanic-666]

I think that is Mrs Spongebob...where did you get her picture?

Horse Power target - 400-420 rwhp at 14 psi - which should be reasonable, but until I get dyno time - that is just an estimate.

I have some huge engine management and tuning hurdles to over come...so who knows.

SBSP

Heh heh I googled "spongebob mechanic pants" and that came up! And man that Bimmer is going to sooooo sweet man! Congrats and keep up the wicked updates RIGHT ON!
(btw SpongeBob was my nickname at work!)

[dunnojack]

does anyone know if this was ever completed? I'd love to see the final result!

[mooseheadm5]

Look for spongebob's other posts. There was a considerable amount of effort to find the right rack and make it work, but it is still a work in progress. The E39 rack won't work.

[mooseheadm5]

Found it:

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=63813

[dunnojack]

THANKS!