Engine Swap & auto to manual conversion

[Popeadrian]

Hello!

In line with "Malaysia Boleh!" (hahahah), am looking into swapping my e46 steptronic year 2001 318i into a higher cc engine and manual gearbox. Need the sifu's help with some info. Was looking around and found an e36 M3 engine with complete manual tranny for sale. Will this be a good swap from my 318 or should i look to a e46 330 instead? In terms of performance, which is recommended? Also, should i look for a 5 speed or 6 speed manual conversion? Or is it best to merely swap the engine and leave the 4 speed steptronic gearbox alone?

Are there any issues i should be aware of in undertaking this project?

An totally blur on this entire issue... please please help!

Thank you!

 

[keN330]

Re: Engine Swap & auto to manual conversion

Is not easy job u will need engine wiring harness and many more in order for them to work and collaborate well.... u will need to find appropriate clutch, drive shaft, differenatial... With these stuff exclude labour should set u for more than RM 20k liao. I just had my tranny swop from auto to 5 spd manual complete with everything exclude labour cost me RM13k

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: Engine Swap & auto to manual conversion

It won't be a plug and play affair. You will need to modify your engine mounting points for sure. Also, the tranny won't hook up directly. Even if you manage to get the steptronic hooked up and working, it will not last long as the torque output will overwhelm the 318 stepronic torque convertor. Lots of custom work will need to be done. If labour is good and cheap, you can consider it.

It'll be much easier to sell your car and get an E46 330, and put in a supercharger and then swap your steptronic to a manual. 5 or 6 speed doesn't matter as they will hook up directly. You will be faster than an M3 in a drag race.

 

[Popeadrian]

Re: Engine Swap & auto to manual conversion

Hi Ken & Chicken....

Many thanks for the quick replies. If that's the case, would it be better to chuck out the 318 engine and replace it with an e36 M3 one since the seller is selling off the entire manual conversion "kit" and the engine as well. Would it perform better than the e46 330?

 

[shaaz]

Re: Engine Swap & auto to manual conversion

Hi Ken & Chicken....

Many thanks for the quick replies. If that's the case, would it be better to chuck out the 318 engine and replace it with an e36 M3 one since the seller is selling off the entire manual conversion "kit" and the engine as well. Would it perform better than the e46 330?

Err, E46 318 the mounting points will be very diff. Even if u were to ask for a swap from 318 to 330, i have to say it's too much of a risk, the ENGINE alone looks very different, not that difficult to tell.

it's alot of work .. sometimes u'd be surprised, the labour might just make ur project not worth it .