What parts do i need for engine swap

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Inferno
Joined: Sun 30 Sep, 2012 07:35
Posts: 277

  Z3 roadster 1.8
Location: Athens

What parts do i need for engine swap

Post by Inferno »

Hi!
Can anyone tell me what parts exactly do i need to swap an M43/44 to a M52B28?
What i mean is, i have my M43 in a very good condition although it's a 1996 model. Almost all the engine parts i replaced over the years are new and OEM, so i wanted to ask, if i wanna do an engine swap, do i have to also swap the A/C, or the radiator? for example my radiator is brand new and OEM, cost me a lot of money, i would like to keep it in case i will do the swap. What about the exhaust, or the catalytic converter? (also brand new).
Last edited by Inferno on Mon 26 Apr, 2021 11:42, edited 1 time in total.
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: What parts do i need for engine swap

Post by mrscalex »

You'll need all those parts and more including the DME and engine wiring loom.

My advice - don't do it. Keep as is or sell and buy a factory 2.8 car instead.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Re: What parts do i need for engine swap

Post by Mike Fishwick »

Don't forget the gearbox too!

Forget this project - it is one of those ideas which gain complexity and expense as they progress. It is possible, but not practicable for most budgets.

Instead, have a good cylinder head job, with valve throats opened out, inlet manifold gas flowed and matched to the inlet ports, and a pair of Kent 312R cams or equivalents. If you can get about 180 bhp it will not be far off a standard 2.8 engine, be cheaper, and more predictable. The lower engine weight means that the 1.9 model has the most sensitive steering of any Z3, so spend some money on suspension and brakes, and you will enjoy the car even more.

Have a look at my bit on suspension stiffening a Z3 in the Knowledgebase.

I bet you would also have problems getting insurance at a reasonable level.
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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Inferno
Joined: Sun 30 Sep, 2012 07:35
Posts: 277

  Z3 roadster 1.8
Location: Athens

Re: What parts do i need for engine swap

Post by Inferno »

Yeah, you are right, i will forget about this.. btw.. i have the M43 1.8 155hp engine, not the M44
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