E28 M5 Conversion Questions

[afeustel]

Greetings,

Does anybody have first-hand experience with the e28 S38 engine/drivetrain conversion for the e9?

If so, and you are willing to discuss, can you please send me a pm or an email with a phone number so that I can call and gather some information on the process and specific requirements for the job.

Thanks
Drew

 

[x_atlas0]

Several members have performed the conversion. Why not ask your questions here, so everyone can benefit from the answers?

 

[afeustel]

Ok.

Open question...what does it take? Does the package fit and what mods would be required (if any) to the sheet metal. Can the e28 subframes be used (front and rear) and what does it take to splice the wiring harness into a CS harness, or do you just use the e28 wires? Will the oil pan fit with the e28 front subframes only? Can you use an aftermarket header (or would you even want to)? What items need to be relocated (battery, washer tank, brake booster)? Stock radiator or the e28 rad?

Those are good starters.

I know by searching the topic (here) that there is some disjointed information on the swap, so what I really wanted to do was talk to somebody in person that has done the work to have a full understanding of what is involved.

Thanks
Drew

 

[Bullitt44]

e9 M6 conversion

Hi Drew,

I'm just finishing up a 3 1/2 year e9 restoration which included fitting a 1985 M6 M88 motor, I beleive the S38 is a version of this, to the e9 frame. My mechanic used the brain box from the M6 and was able splice the wiring fairly easily. if i remember we did have to do someting we the oil pan and i used US M6 headers( couldn't get euro headers to fit). had to do a custom exhaust. I used the stock radiator and added an electric fan. i also used a much smaller aftermarket brake booster. i'm just finishing the interior now and i hope to on the road in 2 weeks.

Jay

 

[afeustel]

Thanks Jay.

Would be great to see some pics of your engine bay when you have an opportunity to send. Thanks for the information, very helpful.

Congratulations on nearing completion.

 

[x_atlas0]

You could also ask Carl Nelson about it.

Although I haven't done the swap myself, I did research it a good bit. I can list what I learned here, if you want. Corsachili also researched it extensively.