My E30 M20 turbo writeup (lots of pics)

[Bullet Ride]

$4000 isn't bad at all.
So are you boosting on stock compression? You didn't pull the engine, and you are running a stock head gasket so I'm assuming it's a stock compression motor.

[MiroE36]

mad props on the work and write up! truly inspiring to try this myself

[ryan_george]

Originally Posted by Dinan_M5

$4000 isn't bad at all.
So are you boosting on stock compression? You didn't pull the engine, and you are running a stock head gasket so I'm assuming it's a stock compression motor.

Essentially the motor is stock, internally (although there is a new cam in there). Stock HG, stock C/R, ARP studs.

[black bnr32]

I really like the oil cooler system set up.

And its about time a good turbo build thread came up. The FI forum has sucked balls lately.

[everlast]

Awesome job dude.

[Denny]

WOW!! I have seen some very smart people at work doing DIY turbo's before but this...am speechless !!

congrats Are you close to Ottawa I want to see this...

[ryan_george]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Time for some updates.

Removing that tranny was a pain.... Never had to do that before while the engine was still installed....




Old clutch. Replaced 50k kms ago. Anyone need one?






Flywheel still looks perfect. Resurfaced/lightened 50k ago.






New clutch installed (South Bend stage 4).




Clutch Review

This this is awesome. It feels exactly like stock. Same pedal force, same engagement (ie, not that grippy and no chatter), although it holds everything I've thrown at it. It's the same price as the TCD/UUC one, but I feel it has none of the disadvantages associated with it (although I've never driven one before, only word of mouth). Purchased through a vendor on Bimmerforums (screen name: JordanMD88).

I'd recommend this clutch to anyone.



Ohh.... I'm still working on vids! 3rd gear pulls are awesome now

[black bnr32]

Am I ever glad I chose not to do my own clutch swap. Those upper tranny bolts make me cringe.

[Tom]

hey nice setup/sleeper ride dude, I love custom work like this! If you ever have time to meetup id like to check this out in person... I also live in waterloo and have a supercharged ride but not turbo : ( sounds like you need a LSD :p

pm me if you want to Ill toss you my number!

[ryan_george]

Originally Posted by black bnr32

Am I ever glad I chose not to do my own clutch swap. Those upper tranny bolts make me cringe.

They were a pain. But I was able to remove everything by myself. It involved tilting the engine/trans down until the cylinder head was touching the firewall, then unbolting one of the engine mounts and lowering everything down even more...

But I'm broke, so I don't have a lot of options

[ryan_george]

Originally Posted by Tom

hey nice setup/sleeper ride dude, I love custom work like this! If you ever have time to meetup id like to check this out in person... I also live in waterloo and have a supercharged ride but not turbo : ( sounds like you need a LSD :p

pm me if you want to Ill toss you my number!

I'm busy for the next few weeks, but sometime in september would be best. Are there any organized meets in the KW area? I gotta start going out to some...

[NOTORIOUS VR]

Awesome DIY build!!!

I'm trying to get my buddy to put a tranny into his turbo E30 (he blew it up after almost 2 years of beating on it with 400whp).

Once you get everything sorted, turn up the boost a little ... 350-380whp isn't an issue on the stock motor with a good tune....

Just a question, you didn't mention it but it's a common thing to do when boosting an M20.. did you happen to get the coolant channels welded on the head? It's something I would highly recommend doing eventually if you haven't done so yet.

[ryan_george]

Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS VR

Awesome DIY build!!!

I'm trying to get my buddy to put a tranny into his turbo E30 (he blew it up after almost 2 years of beating on it with 400whp).

Once you get everything sorted, turn up the boost a little ... 350-380whp isn't an issue on the stock motor with a good tune....

Just a question, you didn't mention it but it's a common thing to do when boosting an M20.. did you happen to get the coolant channels welded on the head? It's something I would highly recommend doing eventually if you haven't done so yet.

Thanks!

Still working on the tune. Street tuning is fairly difficult, although I'm going to try to get the fueling all sorted out on the street, then spend some time on a dyno to finalize the ignition.

I didn't weld the coolant channels on the head. I figure when I blow a HG next, that will be one of the things to take care of.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

Originally Posted by ryan_george

Thanks!

Still working on the tune. Street tuning is fairly difficult, although I'm going to try to get the fueling all sorted out on the street, then spend some time on a dyno to finalize the ignition.

I didn't weld the coolant channels on the head. I figure when I blow a HG next, that will be one of the things to take care of.

Street tuning the car is one of the best things you can do IMO it allows you to get the driveability of the car almost perfect.

Good luck with your project! Let's see some dyno sheets soon

[JINT]

wow man, awesome build, seems VERY ligit.