2.8 m52 conversion

[jimbob]

I was going to try e39 brakes on a bracket theyre quite heavy though.
But free as i have them laying about already

[LeeLee]

I cba with more mucking about with making back disc brakes fit like the sound of e30 325 calipers though if it's easy enough of a upgrade from 323 versions,and also for 300 I want more stuff lol even if I don't really need it,the rear beam can mount a m10 or m20 diff then?,that's annoying about the clocks!!

[jimbob]

yes the diff mounts are the same. Its got the arb mounting points too so thats a bonus.
300 is loads theyve been for sale for over a year so try making him an offer you never know

[nas80]

The build threads dont really go into all this stuff, in fact it makes it look like an easy swap, but theres other crap to deal with, if you have an m10 you'll need to drop your tanks and run another fuel line for the fuel return. its getting crap in your eye job that one.


When ever i do an m50 intake i dont use any conversion pipes, i just wack the intake on, the throttle body goes straight on and it seals fine.

Theres tons of little details, so dont expect it all done in Like a weekend, youll be at it a while tbh.

The rear disk conversion using drum arms isnt too bad, totally understand what your saying though.

[jimbob]

Yes no one realy goes into minute detail, theres things you just have to work out for yourself.
Thats good to know about the throttle body every one punting a kit seems to mention the sealing ring
so i was starting to think it was essential.
i know its not a five minute job ive got a whole car to put together yet aswell as all the conversion stuff

[joe14]

Some great info in here, I'll be following this closely and the progress you guys are making.
I've a lot of learning and planning to do if I ever want to do this conversion.

[LeeLee]

That's cool man good luck to you to,I plan on first upgrading brakes to a save standard for the conversion,ive got a 6 cylinder sub frame for the conversion now,next thing on the list is rear arms,still unsure what brake conversion though tbh,how big are the wilwood nas? What size wheels can I run shame I won't be able to run my steelies ever again with bigger brakes but that's the way it goes I suppose

[rob0r]

On the front Wilwoods using standard 323i discs should be able to run 13s, I think I tried on mine...

[LeeLee]

Theres a guy im speaking to in the states he says m52 in a e12 wasn't as impressive as he thought,he runs a m50 turbo with 300bhp,and doesn't think I would need to up rate brakes anymore than 323 standard set up,not sure I agree,that's interesting about the wilwood what happened to people using brembo as the upgrade of choice I see so many people using wilwood are they really that good?

[Duracel79]

Lee,

Here's my view on the Wilwoods and others I have tried:

Standard 323i front calipers & pads & hoses & discs - adequate for a road car - not enough for trackdays - 200bhp car.13" wheels

Standard 323i calipers, braided hoses, EBC Yellow pads, std discs, race fluid - fine for 200bhp trackday car - borderline for a 200bhp race car.13" wheels

Wilwood powerlite calipers, braided hoses, EBC Yellows, std discs, race fluid - No real difference to the uprated std setup detailed above.13" wheels.

Wilwwod superlite calipers, braided hoses, EBC Yellows, 296mm discs, race fluid - great braking able to cope with 330bhp so far on Track. Requires 15" wheels
The latest setup also has rear E30 calipers and EBC Yellow pads & standard discs.

I think every one rave's about the small Wilwoods when comparing them against a worn out standard setup or the non vented setup.
In my opinion not a night & day upgrade from a well serviced/uprated std setup.

Somewhere in my cars thread I have pictures of the Wilwood Powerlite to Superlite conversion.

HTH

Ben

[nas80]

The powerlights with ds2500 was just about sufficient id say especially better with some heat..

FoR my track car im going to be using a brake bias pedal box and 300mmx24mm disks with ap5200 calipers. rear brakes are going to be converted from drum to disk.

[LeeLee]

Hmm interesting it is a important upgrade but it's narrowed down my choices cheers for that!! Do you have to modify much for e30 rears over 323 set up

[nas80]

Nah you grind a little tab off and thats pretty much it

[nuke laars]

Hmm interesting it is a important upgrade but it's narrowed down my choices cheers for that!! Do you have to modify much for e30 rears over 323 set up

viewtopic.php?f=61&t=20181

[Jeroen]

If someone feels like making this into a new topic like "The Ultimate M50 conversion thread" be my guest! Would be nice to have some detailed and dedicated sections like
Brakes & suspension
Engine
Engine fitting: subframe, engine mounts, oil pan
Wiring
Cooling
Fuel system/injection/management
Gearbox
Exhaust
etc