re: Chevy/Ford V8 conversion

[Don Cicchetti <dcicchet@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joe Kramlinger said (edit edit)

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Hello all,
	Has anyone on the list performed or witnessed a V8 conversion in an
E28?  I know at least one person has put a modified 400ci big block V8 into a
535i or '88 M5 that was tracked around Ohio & East Coast.  Anyway, I live in
an area where V8 engines are plentiful and cheap, there's enough room under the
hood for a V8 conversion, and the power/weight ratio would be incredible with
the E28's handling.  Ever take a look at the huge V8 aftermarket either?
	The way I see it, it would be quite feasible to try putting in either a
Chevy (305/327/350/383) or Ford (302HO) V8, mate it to a T5 transmission out of
a Mustang or Camaro, fabricate a custom driveshaft, and manage the fuel
delivery with either the OE V8 FI or have it carb'ed with a Holley.  If that
hermit dude up in Maine can make a living with V8 Volvo conversion kits for
Paul Newman and David Letterman's clandestine 740 wagons, there's no reason
why
we can't do this with our E28s.
	Feedback and suggestions would strongly be appreciated, preferably wih
hints and technical information about the conversion instead flames from
purists. :)  Thanks!
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Hi Joe,

No flames from me!   Heck, I've helped put a Ford 289 in an Austin Healey 3000!

But....

To me, you would lose the character of the car to an extent that I would
have to ask why you didn't use a more appropriate car.

Problems as I see them if you do this swap:

1. You now have a very heavy motor up there, and I can't imagine that the
car would handle as well as it should.

2. The diff. would probably be fine...  until you sidestep the clutch one
day...   Put a ford 9-inch in?  Now the handling is gone, and you have a
car that only looks like a Bimmer.   You could graft in a Corvette setup in
the rear, but that would be big money.

3.  The american V8's have wonderful torque, but the bandwidth is limited
and the top end is not there in the same way as the Bimmer motor.


To me, either of the following options would be a better swap.

A. Put a nice Corvette LT-1 & 6 speed setup  in a more appropriate car.
Say, an early Chevy II and go have some serious fun.

or

B. Put a 540i V8 in your Bimmer and go like stink, and still have a BMW!

Me?  I just put an M42 in my '02, so what do I know  ;-]

Engine swaps... ya gotta love 'em huh?

DC

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Don Cicchetti - BMW CCA member 122043  Los Angeles Chapter
dcicchet@domain.elided
'71 2002/M42  "Ingrid"
'68 HIWATT 100
'87 Tom Anderson strat

- -Beatnik Motor Werke-       0=OO=0
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