Technical Advice on Engine Removal

[Subwoofer]

Hello all,

Soon I will be taking my engine out and putting it into another chassis...

I just wanted to know if anyone has any experience or tips with dropping the :

Engine, Subframe, trans, all suspension at the same time ? I want to make the swap as quick as possible...

I have access to a lift, and a hydraulic table (BMW dealership)

From the looks of things that I will need to take out :

Chargepipe, Heater hoses through firewall, ac lines (which ones?) lower steering joint e bolt that connects from column onto rack

Propshaft from trans, fan?

Thanks for any help in advance....

 

[jlsvandaika12]

Hey,

That sound like solid project! If you're dropping everything together (engine, subframe, trans, suspension), just make sure to label everything as you go, especially hoses and wire

For the steering joint just unbolt the lower joint from the rack, and for the AC lines, disconnect the ones from the compressor make sure to discharge it first. You’ll maybe want to remove the fan for more space

Since you’ve got access to a hydraulic table and lift that should make it lot easier to drop everything at once. Just support everything well before you start unbolting!

Good luck with it!

 

[ShocknAwe]

Been reading and preparing for an S65 swap, my current plan would be to start by working around the engine from top down removing components first then go under for exhaust sensors etc... Disconnect and label everything as you go. I like to disconnect at the engine then remove the accessory itself and set aside. Example would be the fan and coolant system/hoses etc. Creates a lot more space. Support from the top and disconnect prop shaft. Honestly I'd drop the suspension and subframe separately. But since you have a full lift and hydraulic table your situation is different.

 

[oVeRdOsE]

I did it on jack stand and some wood roller beds. and basic tools. in a 11x20 garage...

It was easier than I thought. 6 bolts subframe, 6 for transmission , few hoses and cable, exhaust and took me about 12 hours.

Imo is way easier to roll out the engine instead of lifting it to keep the rad support. Removing the front clip is not that hard.
For the steering, I undo a single bolt near the steering column and the shaft poped out while pulling on the engine to roll it out (you can pull on the steering, it will do the job too).

I did it twice (donor and receiver) and both I left the subframe suspension and brakes on it.

 

[ShocknAwe]

What kind of cart did you use? Decided to do an S65 swap so need more tools.

 

[wheela]

What kind of cart did you use? Decided to do an S65 swap so need more tools.

Sorry for the off-topic - real quick, are you ditching your n54 or is this a seperate car getting the s65?

 

[oVeRdOsE]

classic homedepot one.

1 under the transmission and 2 under the front sub frame near the brake disc.

The n54 is not that heavy, the wheels were rolling pretty freely. I moved the drivetrain few times since I had to reorganize the space. 2 engine in a tiny garage is not the best. but I managed it, car is completed !

However to move the donor out, I made one, with swivel hard rubber wheels from home depot (4), and some 2x6 strapped around the frame.

 

[oVeRdOsE]

Sorry for the off-topic - real quick, are you ditching your n54 or is this a seperate car getting the s65?

had the same question

 

[ShocknAwe]

classic homedepot one.

1 under the transmission and 2 under the front sub frame near the brake disc.

The n54 is not that heavy, the wheels were rolling pretty freely. I moved the drivetrain few times since I had to reorganize the space. 2 engine in a tiny garage is not the best. but I managed it, car is completed !

View attachment 101838

However to move the donor out, I made one, with swivel hard rubber wheels from home depot (4), and some 2x6 strapped around the frame.

View attachment 101839

Thanks for the details. Will also have to move a donor out so thanks for that solution too...

Sorry for the off-topic - real quick, are you ditching your n54 or is this a seperate car getting the s65?

had the same question

Donor M3 transplanting my 1M clone.

 

[wheela]

Thanks for the details. Will also have to move a donor out so thanks for that solution too...





Donor M3 transplanting my 1M clone.

Sorry, I realized I know that you have hp650's and a high flow head, but I don't know what your car(s) is/are. Is your 1m clone the one with those awesome mods in it?

 

[ShocknAwe]

Currently a E82 1M conversion with N54 modified with the Hydra bits, now with a bad oil leak from the turbos and today blew all the coolant all over the ground so it's sitting in my driveway likely until it gets a new heart. My other car is a M57 X5D.

Off topic but narrowed my search down and will be driving either a 991.1 C2S or GTS soonish. Two cars lined up we'll see which dealer gives me a better price all in. Wanted something nice while I do what seems to be a huge task of transferring an entire M3 s drivetrain and electrical system into my E82. Plug and play or not.

Then deal with the partial part out for the N54 drivetrain and the M3 husk.

 

[wheela]

Currently a E82 1M conversion with N54 modified with the Hydra bits, now with a bad oil leak from the turbos and today blew all the coolant all over the ground so it's sitting in my driveway likely until it gets a new heart. My other car is a M57 X5D.

Off topic but narrowed my search down and will be driving either a 991.1 C2S or GTS soonish. Two cars lined up we'll see which dealer gives me a better price all in. Wanted something nice while I do what seems to be a huge task of transferring an entire M3 s drivetrain and electrical system into my E82. Plug and play or not.

Then deal with the partial part out for the N54 drivetrain and the M3 husk.

Ughh, sorry thats going on with your n54. Hopefully you'll enjoy your intermediate ride and have a smooth project with that s65 swap

 

[ps2n54]

agree with overdose, its easy to roll engine/trans out with front end removed. its less struggle. did mine like that too, was surprised how easy it was.

 

[ShocknAwe]

Ughh, sorry thats going on with your n54. Hopefully you'll enjoy your intermediate ride and have a smooth project with that s65 swap

Off topic but with the cost of everything now and 15k high mileage M3s even badly wrecked I'm considering putting a brand new crate LS3 in instead.

 

[SLOWESTN54]

Off topic but with the cost of everything now and 15k high mileage M3s even badly wrecked I'm considering putting a brand new crate LS3 in instead.

S85

 

[SLOWESTN54]

Also i think the easiest method unless you have a lift handy is Front end off and pull the motor with the trans out together.

 

[ShocknAwe]

S85

Too heavy.

 

[SLOWESTN54]

Too heavy.

V10 noises> heavy

 

[wheela]

Too heavy.

Are you done with forced induction in general? Or just tired of n54 and want something new?

 

[ShocknAwe]

Are you done with forced induction in general? Or just tired of n54 and want something new?

I think I'm done with turbos on gas cars. I really like turbo-diesels, and I really like superchargers. I realized I was trying to obtain NA powerbands on my N54. I was also starting to just DUMP money into my N54. It became a chore for me rather than a joy, and I was sort of living with dread waiting for the next thing to break requiring me to use my day off, weekend, post call day or otherwise fixing it. I like wrenching, but with two kids and a demanding career I dont need another one. I'd rather go to a car club meet, track day, etc with that time.

I also realized my power goals were achievable by other means. I'm prioritizing handling on my E82 now, light weight, good balance, etc etc. I think it will still be plenty feasible to get seriously sideways with a V8 under there smashed up against the firewall and nothing hanging out over the front wheels.

Goal is to get the weight down sub 3k while retaining creature comforts, as close to 50/50 distribution as humanly possible, NA 500 hp or so, and let it rip. I see carbon fiber body panels in the future.