engine and drivetrain M20 Swapped 2002's - Roll Call!

[kid2002]

"Is it a must to fab a mount for the e30 center support, it won't bolt up to stock spots ?"

 

Yes, the E30 Driveshaft CSB WILL NOT bolt into the 2002 Driveshaft CSB Mounting points. It's necessary to figure out a way to mount it, leveled, in line with the transmission.

 

"Also are you going to cut up the front end to fit the radiator would like see what people have done as far as making room for the rad ..."

 

Yes, I plan to cut up the front end of the car. Nothing too crazy but I definitely plan to create some space up there.

[13]

For those who don't know, you need to cut the front rad support, the majority of the transmission tunnel (from the firewall back about 2-3 feet), than you have to fabricate a transmission bracket (I just picked up an e30 one that I might adapt to the 02), than you need to fab up a carrier to mount the driveshaft bearing to (shouldn't be much harder than just welding a few bolts to the car, tracking down an e30 325(I, or E) manual transmissions cars drive shaft and the rest is all basically Fabbing your engine mounts, doing wiring, and plumbing it all. I'd suggest to buy a 325 compete engine (with wiring harness, water pump, alternator, starter, vac lines, maf sensor, computer, etc) with a transmission (with a clutch, etc), and a driveshaft, those are the big things you will need. Hoses, belts, spark plugs, etc can be purchased later on.

[kid2002]

Also as far as cutting up the transmission tunnel goes. It really just depends on how much time you want to spend "test" fitting everything to see if things fit. If do what 13 did you won't have any issues getting the trans in but you better have some skills to close it all back up when its all said and done. I think most of the cutting/massaging has to be done at the top and bottom of the forward part of the trans tunnel. I'm thinking the bell housing is where most people are making contact with the tunnel. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[13]

The issue with the 260 is it's very very tall and very wide at the bell housing. It gets very close to the pedal box. I will post pics soon of how tight it is

[AceAndrew]

^andrew I have a 5 speed in my m10 now .. But I'm not sure what it is a 240 or 245 .. It's the common 5 speed upgrade in 2002 , question is can I still use that tranny that's bolted up to my m10 on the m20 so I won't have to cut up my tunnel just to fit a 260 which I have also ..

 

Easy way to tell the difference ... a 245 will have 3-sections while the 240 will have 2-sections. 

 

You can use your M10 245 tranny, but you will need to find the forward M20 bell-housing section from an E21 323i or 320/6 4 speed (242) or 5 speed (245) and have someone swap them over.  It is relatively easy for a qualified transmission specialist.  I've actually got an extra M20 242 4-speed for sale.

 

Explained a little more here....

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/137856-m20-swap-tranny-question/

 

As for cutting the front radiator support, consider cutting a radiator instead for a little extra clearance.

 

Edited January 17, 2014 by AceAndrew

[kid2002]

There was a 242 local to me that I really was considering picking up but I didn't want a four speed behind an M20 and I didn't want to spend the extra dough on the four speed as well as getting a drive line shortened or made.

 

I'm curious as to how much bigger the AT transmission tunnel is than the STD Transmission 2002's. 

[13]

I'm almost certain ice read that it's wide enough but not tall enough for the 260

[tonybeemer]

Are you guys removing the m10 with tranny out the top and installing the m20 with tranny in through the top again or does it not fit and the subframe Needs to be dropped ?

[13]

I took out the m10 with the tranny through the top. I drop my m20 in from the top but I will most likely be installing my transmission from the bottom before sealing up my trans tunnel. I wouldnt doubt that if you had room you could pull and install the M20+trans together from up top, with the room in my garage I have to open the garage door and doing so limits how high I can raise my engine hoist.

[dasfrogger]

Are you guys removing the m10 with tranny out the top and installing the m20 with tranny in through the top again or does it not fit and the subframe Needs to be dropped ?

I've seen an m20 with transmisson slid in thru the top onto an existing installed subframe. Wasn't there for the operation, but it didn't sound terrible - especially with the nose cut.

 

I feel like if you have any reason to have the front subframe out it would be easier to drop the car over the engine/tranny/subframe. Ofcourse lifting the body high up and then lowering it again presents it's own unique set of challenges and saftey concerns.

 

I plan to drop the body over mine, partially to prevent scratching up my fresh paint. but i'm sure either method i'll find a way to mess something up on the body.

[kid2002]

Yeah, I plan to do the same. Finally got the bay pretty much rid of the stuff that I don't need anymore. It's actually starting to look clean in there!

 

Next project is to get the 2002 in the corner of the shop (so we can still do work on other cars..) and drop the front subframe.

 

I've been thinking a lot about fuel, and cooling lately. I really want to take this opportunity to learn how to plan/bend/flare my own hardlines for this as well as other projects.. No idea where to start really other than the 'ol Googlelater.

 

Anyone want to share what radiator they're running? 

[tonybeemer]

I'm using the scirocco rad it's small and long seems like it will do the job .. I'm almost to the point cutting my tranny tunnel so haven't putout or in yet to find out .. But I read most run the scirocco rad and that's what I got ..

[kid2002]

Did you already make cuts to fit the rad? Share them?

[AceAndrew]

. But I read most run the scirocco rad and that's what I got ..

 

This was more out of convenience rather than decent functionality.  Unfortunately, it's become ingrained as the defacto for internet wizards.

 

The aluminum radiator I posted a picture from above was from an E30/E36, think of the benefits.

[kid2002]

Bump. Andrew, i'd love to see that radiator all put back together..