2.8 m52 conversion

[E21noob]

And a section for RHD and LHD differences

[LeeLee]

Do I need a 323 anti roll bar? Do I need m5 e34 engine mounts? Someone who was going to do a m52 is telling me I need them?

[jimbob]

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

great idea i will put up as much as i can as i go

[jimbob]

Do I need a 323 anti roll bar? Do I need m5 e34 engine mounts? Someone who was going to do a m52 is telling me I need them?

front 323 arb is slightly larger in diameter so will help.
i dont think the e34 mounts are needed u want m20 mounts if using the m20 gearbox

[andrew]

Is there any way we could create a Wiki, like on the E30 Zone? Also to note, a lot of the M50 conversion stuff from there will be relevant - especially EWS related info!

[E21noob]

Do I need a 323 anti roll bar?

front 323 arb is slightly larger in diameter so will help.

Front arb is same on all E21s after 10/1978. (23,5mm)

Rear arb is 17mm on the 323 and M20 320, 16mm on other E21s

[Jeroen]

Thanks for all your help and contributions people!

[LeeLee]

I don't think I will need a updated anti roll bar its a later 316 and also the engine mounts are just something somone was trying to tell me stood the engine up but that's the trouble if you buy any old stuff could be a waste of money,what kind of mileage car should I get? Is a 100k plus engine ok?

[nas80]

i had an m50 with 250k before i even took it out the donor car. Every time in the next year or so when that engine was in my e21 every journey i used to bounce it off the limiter multiple times . They are really strong engines. in fact when before i took the engine out i thrashed the livivng crap out of it to try and make it break but i had to give in.

Id expect an m52 to be just as good, the only think to watch out for is the vanos but even then i have all the tools here to replace / refurbish that bit and you can replace the whole unit for not that much. Any issues with the nikasil you can forget as the engine is old enough it would have died way before now if it was affected.

Nas

[joe14]

That's encouraging. I bet you could spend a lot of time and effort scouring loads of vehicle history's etc.

[LeeLee]

Hey could any of you guys answer is there any real problem with using a e39 or z3 m52 2.8

[E21noob]

I am planning to use an E39 donor. As I am sure you are aware it needs a front sump, preferably modified. E38 M52 may not need sump mod, but don't think they come with manual which I think adds some challenges. Don't know about Z3, but I would assume they will be more expensive as I am sure other Z3 owner would be after them..

[LeeLee]

What about e46? 2.8?

[E21noob]

The E46 came with a 2,8 M52TUB28 from 97-01. TU means technical update. The TU is double vanos - you'll have to wait for Nas to comment on why you should rather choose a single vanos M52.

[nas80]

Canbus is expensive to make it work in an old car, obd1 / obd2 single vanos much much cheaper and easier