S54 installation in 1969 2800CS

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s54e9

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Hello, I'm new to this board and to BMWs in general although I've been an auto enthusiast for many, many years. I recently pruchased a 2002 BMW M3 and am now hooked on the Bimmer.

Recently, I also purchased a 20k S54 M3 engine from a crashed 2005 M3. I orginally purchased this engine as a "spare" or "spare parts" for my 2002 M3.

As luck would have it, I noticed a 1969 E9 2800CS for sale in the local newspaper and decided to take a look. I checked the car out a couple of weeks ago and really liked the lines of the car. My plans were to restore it to original condition but when I got the car home and in the garage next to the M3 engine I began to think that the 2 were made for each other.

I guess my question is: has anyone on this board attempted an installation of a S54 engine into an E9 body?

I'm probably going to go for it but your opinions are welcome.

Cheers,
 
Aside from making it fit, the electronics will be your biggest issue. In order to get it to run properly, you will likely need to go with a standalone engine management system, and the only ones I can think of off the top of my head that will run the dual VANOS are Motec and Autronic. Lots of cash right there. You would also likely have to convert it to a throttle cable system, rather than the existing throttle by wire system.

In terms of fitment, if memory serves, the S54 is even longer than the S38, and the S38 already requires some firewall pounding to coax in. Other than that, a dry sump would probably help clear the front subframe, so you can mount the engine lower and have an easier time with the motor mount fabrication. You will also need a custom braking system, as the original booster won't clear the S54 intake system.

You will also have to go with custom instrumentation, as the tach gets its feed from the coil and the speedo gets its feed from the transmission, which would no longer bolt up to the S54.

Not a minor undertaking by any stretch of the imagination, but it should be zippy in the end.
 
one more thing....

you'll probably have enough "zippiness" to twist that old E9 body to a pretzel. It was never intended to handle this much torque, and over time it hasn't gotten any stiffer.
 
Yes, I agree the e9 foundation was never designed for that much torque but I purchased the car already stripped so the installation of a roll cage and other reinforcements will be easy.

In terms of engine management, I will be running a Motec M800. I will also swap in a full rear subframe and suspension (source car not determined). Still undecided about the front suspension but will no doubt have to do something there as well.

I made all the measurements last weekend and believe it is feasible. I estimate 2 years before the vehicle actually sees the road.

I have a lot of experience with this type of project but this is my first "European" project. Previous projects were always Mopar based.

Recent financial successes have allowed me to step up to something a little more refined.

On another note, since I've decided to install a modern engine in the e9, I now have many nice parts available should anyone have need of engine parts, trim, interior etc. I basically bought 2 cars: the 1969 2800 CS and the seller threw in the complete trim, engine parts, and interior from a 1971 3.0 CS.

Cheers,
 
Sounds like you are on the right track. Rather than a roll cage, however, you may want to try more subtle frame reinforcement. There is a picture album desribing what I'm talking about on Coupeking's site.

For the rear, I take it you plan to install an E28 rear end assembly, as that is bolt-in?
 
Many thanks for the tips and advice, expecially the info on rear suspension swaps and the link to the other site. Much appreciated. I will check in from time to time and let you know how things are going.
 
OK, I found a 1988 e28 at a local scrap yard and will swap in the rear suspension as per recommendations in earlier post. My question is now: what about the front suspension? Is the front suspension from an e28 a straight bolt-in or is there some other swap that can be done to upgrade the front suspension and steering?
 
Coil-overs up front might suit your project well.
try giving Ireland Engineering a call (see links page).

HTH
-shanon
 
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