2.8L swap into a 318?

[nick_g_evans]

So, I can't find any info on anybody doing an inline 6 swap into a 318. Has nobody around here done this themselves? I swap need to know all the typical things, like if the trannies match up, what components are different and which need to be changed. Anybody done this or know where I can get some info?

[Furious]

do a search for an M3 swap it will be pretty much the same thing just a different engine.

[El Presidente]

its do-able, but generally not cost effective. You will need springs to account for the weight difference, diff from an i6 unless you want poor gearing, drivshaft to work with said diff, and so forth.

[nick_g_evans]

Originally posted by El Presidente@Feb 24 2004, 12:47 AM
its do-able, but generally not cost effective. You will need springs to account for the weight difference, diff from an i6 unless you want poor gearing, drivshaft to work with said diff, and so forth.

What do you mean I nead the 328 diff for proper gearing? There is a ratio difference between the 318 and 328 differentials? Which ones are LSDs? Can I just get the 328 tranny? How different are the two drivetrains?
Also, I'm planning on replacing or upgrading my suspension anyway, so that wouldn't make much of a difference.
Also, I can't find any info on M3 swaps. Anybody have any links?

[mikester328]

It'd probably just be easier to sell your 318 then buy a 328 offa ebay or from autotrader... unless you like taking your entire car apart :lol:

[El Presidente]

an auto 318 had a diff gearing of 4.10 and I think the manual is something like 3.75. If I recall correctly, the manual 328 is 2.95 but that may be the Ms gearing. Also, the 4cyl cars also have a a different style diff, and therefore a driveshaft that is a different length. I believe the trannnys are the same though. LSD was an option for most 328s, so you just need to check to make sure it is one before you buy it. I can post some M swap sites when I get home.

[bitcore]

Please do because I'm also interested. (doubt this will happen due to cost but I'm interested anyways)

[nick_g_evans]

Originally posted by mikester318@Feb 24 2004, 01:50 PM
It'd probably just be easier to sell your 318 then buy a 328 offa ebay or from autotrader... unless you like taking your entire car apart :lol:

Well, that's not the best option for me because my 318 needs some work anyway (suspension, clutch, fan clutch, um, oil change.) No, I figure I might as well do a swap no while it will really freshen a lot of things up.
And also, I kind of do like taking my car apart.

[El Presidente]

http://www.geocities.com/elibeemer/M_conversion.html

[bitcore]

sweet... Do you think I need to change that many things to swap with an M?
motor mounts, radiator, cruise control unit?

[007ben]

nuking futs i tell you... fun though

[e36_m3_Turbo]

Originally posted by bitcore@Feb 25 2004, 03:15 PM
sweet... Do you think I need to change that many things to swap with an M?
motor mounts, radiator, cruise control unit?

yes

[nick_g_evans]

I'm still a little confused on the drivetrain. Will I need the 328 transmission too? I'm assuming I need a new driveshaft, right? Do I really need to swap out the rear end also?
Bang bang!

[El Presidente]

I dont think you need a 328 tranny even if you change the rear gears, but Im not 100% sure. If you do change the diff, you will need a different drive shaft as well. However, you should know your top speed and fuel economy will be greatly reduced without swapping the differential. You could be revving at 4k when a 3er with the propper gears would be at 3k. The upside to this is you accelerate faster.

[nick_g_evans]

Will the transmission be mounted farther back in the car, or will it stay right where it is? Also, is there like a 5th gear kit to make the 5th gear taller so I could keep the shorter ratio but still get good milage on the highway?