New Member - M5 S38 into a late 6???

Hello All

I've a 1989 635CSI Highline which I've owned for 2 - 3 years, I'm lucky to have a TVR Griffith which satisfies most urges in the 'need for speed' department.  A little while ago I was concidering selling the 6, but I knew I would eventually regret this - so I needed to re-kindle my interest in the motor in some way - solution was modify!!!

I post on Bimmerforums a bit and take advice when I can, so I wanted M6 or better and proceded to buy a few bits to this end. 

At present I've got a S38 (3.6 and 315bhp) from a 1991 M5, a Getrag 280 5-speed manual gearbox and a reconditioned M6 differential.  My pal and I are going to fit the diff next week and work forward from that, there's no great hurry and I want the finished job to be good/special.

So has anyone done this in the past (hoping to short-cut the numerous problem I WILL come up against).  Anyone any thoughts on this (all input is welcome).  I think my biggest initial problems will be engine mountings and exhaust manifold - so some custom work will be needed!!!

I'll post pics etc when something is achieved, so it'll be a doddle for the next person

Cheers Dave

I found this and just PM'ed the guy, lets hope he can help.

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=589&postdays= 0&postorder=asc&highlight=engine+install&start=0

Paul,

I've got an 89 highline auto which i bought with the intention of converting to manual. When searching for the parts required i ended up with a complete LHD M635 so now i intend to swap engine as well as gearbox etc. At the moment i'm rebuilding the M635 suspension & brakes prior to swapping them onto my car & then i'll look at the drivetrain etc.

Look forward to your updates !

Cheers, Dave.

ian M635UK wrote: Beware.  LHD exhaust manifold will not fit a RHD car.  If it's the snake like equal length headers you have on the LHD car then you will need to get hold of the RHD manifolds.  The LHD manifold hits the streering box on a RHD car.  New RHD manifold from BMW is 800 plus!!

....which will only encourage him to go stainless steel

first - thanks Ian for the info on the manifold, the car does have the snakelike manifold & its a great shame that it doesn't fit the RHD cars. I've been looking for second hand RHD M635 or M5 manifolds for a while now but may end up going for a custom build as per Horsetans suggestion (or try a bit of persuasion on the one i have...).

second - Paul, there are differences to the dampers (Bilstein sport) & springs (stiffer) at both ends of the car & i believe the ride height is reduced by 10mm or so. Brakes are 4 pot calipers gripping 300mm discs up front & standard 635 at the rear, i have a set of E34 M5 rears for my car.  Some M635s had the thicker M5 anti roll bars, mine has the std 635 ones so i am planning to change these also. good idea to keep posting progress & help each other out where possible.

Cheers, Dave.

Cheers Sohlman,

For everyones info, i just took delivery of a new 18mm rear ARB, supplied by a BMW dealer (In Germany) after about a 4 week wait. It is the correct item with the BMW part number & interestingly an Eibach logo. Cost was £63, possibly cheaper via Eibach direct.

have also heard that the standard boot floor may need some modification to accommodate the M635 diff but not sure if this is actually correct, will post findings in due course.

Cheers.

ian M635UK wrote: 18mm rear bars now availbale from BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was yours old stock? I waited nearly a year for an 18mm rear bar on back order.

It passed to me....

These with 25mm fronts transform any 6 series

That reminds me......