[E28] V8 conversion into 528e

[XXX <JMK8014@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,
	I think a little more clarification is needed about the plans I had in
mind about performing a V8 conversion.  First of all, I want to use a smaller
V8 that was relatively light, like a Mustang 302.  These engines can be
lightened further by adding some fancy aluminum heads, intake manifolds, etc,
and would have a negligible increase in weight around ~100 lbs or less.  I was
planning on adding heavier springs and thicker swaybars to counter extra
weight, and moving the shorter (but wider) 302 further back in the engine bay
than the eta I6 as well.
	Secondly, 302's can spin.  Put some good roller rockers on it, pick the
proper cam grind, add a lightened flywheel, quality headers, decent carb, and
with the right heads on it, it'll hit 7000rpm all day long.  It's the most
popular engine conversion aside from the Chevy 350 into cars that weren't meant
to have V8s.  Think I'll be satisfied with a redline less than 6,000 rpms after 
owning a bunch of RX7s?  A 302 is definitely the way to go.
	However I must have a manual transmission - this is where things start
getting complicated and people start furrowing their eyes.  I know how to get a
302 into my 528e's engine bay, fabricate the right mounts, get the engine
hooked up and running with a carb (or stock Mustang HO EFI); but not how to get
the transmission mated up.  I figure the best trick is retaining the Mustang
5-speed and shifter, then figure out how it'll fit in the factory shifter
opening in the transmission tunnel.  After that, it's mostly a matter of
fabricating a custom driveshaft mated to the factory E28 rear end.  This
5-speed tranny hookup is where I want to hear some more info and focus on .
	Beyond the actual swap, I wouldn't worry about too much except for
little things like service reset sensors and connecting the factory dash gauges
with the 302 and Mustang tranny.  This doesn't doesn't require as much of a
challenge like the transmission would though.
	After doing a little work adding things up and making realistic
guesstimates with the access I have to facilities and my connections to
resources, the 302 conversion can be done reasonably well for $1500, or $2000
with all the fancy hi-po heads and parts.  So, keep my 528e and spend $2000 on
an engine conversion and another $3000 on suspension, wheel/tire, and Recaro
seat upgrades for an E28 with M5 power for $5000, or sell my 528e for $2000 and
spend $10000 I don't have for a $12000 M3/M5.  The answer becomes kind of
obvious from there.  It'll have to wait until summer to do the work, but I can
do it with the help of my mechanic buddies in their shops.
	Joe Kramlinger
	Rochester, NY
	'85 528e	
	

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