Posted by John M. on June 20, 2000 at 14:06:31:
In Reply to: Re: 3.5 Conversion... Rehash (I'm sure) posted by rick on June 13, 2000 at 15:54:49:
: : : Hey All,
: : : I'm am seriously thinking of doing a conversion on my 79 528i to a 3.5ltr. My 2.8 is starting to use ALOT of oil(even though there is NO blue smoke at the tailpipe, maybe valve seals???). I'm not really sure what else I will need besides the engine? I'm pretty sure there are other periferal items I will need to make the install. As many of our members have done this conversion, I was hoping to get a pretty complete list of what I will need. I have found an 88 3.5 and I would like to buy it, but want to be sure it will fit and get any other parts along with it that I would need.
: : : Thanks in Advance
: : : Sean
: : I just completed mine. It is all worth while. I plan on writing it up but need to find the time.
: : In short, you have a key decision to amke which affects costs and time. L Jet or Motronic.
: : Motronic:
: : Requires an 85 535 bellhousing for your Gertrag to bolt up to, flywheel with sensors, Motronic computer. Takes less time to do, more power, full electronic ignition, less tune-able.
: : L Jet
: : Requires a complete transfer of all L Jet related hardware. Same tranny, same bellhousing, same computer. Requires a special cam bolt to adapt the ignition drive gear. Will require mixture tuning at AFM for the bigger engine. The L Jet is less computerized and easier to mess with.
: : Both require a lot of transfer of parts from the 2.8 to the 3.5. Brackets, AC, power steering etc.
: : It is all worth it. The rumble of the exhaust alone is worth the effort.
: : If you have a decent internet service I can send you my electronic photos if you wish.
: One more motronic advantage as I see it, better gas milage!
Guys,
Thanks for this bit of info...you've answered my quest
pretty well.
One lingering qustion, though: I'm having my
mechanic do the swap (from a 2.8l to the 3.5l),
and it seems like Motronic is the way I'll
go...how much can I expect to pay in labor??
Thanks in advance,
J.M.