Sick and twisted idea

On 4 Apr 2006 21:03:45 -0700, "ReddDawg" waffled on about something:

Everything is feasible given enough time and a large enough hammer!

Which M52 engine is it?

2litre, 2.5, 2.8?

Don't forget there's a Vanos to be controlled by the magic box... And read up about the seal problem with the later double vanos system.

Dodgy.

Find a suitable BMW chassis to put it in. This engine has come out of a 5 or 7 series and you want to put a working engine in a wheeled skip*?

It might make a sensible car if you also managed to salvage, semi trailing arm suspension, disk brakes (ventilated front) with ABS, 5 speed steptronic box, limited slip diff', alloy wheels with decent rubber... etc. etc.

I suppose the Chevy has the benefit of a lot more room in the back than a 5 or 3 series touring...

A complete original spec' is hard to find but roughly : -

194ci (~3l) i6 engine, output 120bhp (~80kW) although a 154ci (~2.5l) i4 pushrod "iron duke" engine was an option*

Two speed (yes two!) powerglide transmission.

Weight probably over 2Mg.

Top speed ~84mph (on its own speedo)

Drum brakes.

Probable: -

5" wide wheels

Cart spring suspension.

• the output of this unit was probably 90bhp (~60kW), OTOH the ten years later you could get a Nova with a 396ci V8 producing anywhere between 325 -

425bhp (~250kW). This means it would go faster in a straight line.

anything is possible. The problem is the Nova handles like a kid's play wagon...

The Nova is original and has been in my care for about 11 years now. Power back window, 9x2 brakes, four lug, 13 inch wheels, 194, you failed to mention AIR COOLED powerglide and a frontloader 10 bolt. She has hang under dash air.

I already have a 94 325 is, 2001 530i sport and a 99 323i in the family. This would be another variation of the same toy - already have a 9 inch cut for the car and would put a tubular front end under it. I am not as worried about handling (anything is an improvement) as much as the nift factor and having something a little more unique.

But it was stated: Don't forget there's a Vanos to be controlled by the magic box... And read up about the seal problem with the later double vanos system.

????

It is a 96 2.5.

I put three Buick GN drivetrains into an 81 Grand Prix, 75 Monza (4 speed - traction was beyond impossible) and an 84 Monte Carlo SS. I was going to put an LT1 in the car eventually but stumbled on this. I am NOT familiar with the BMW ECM and wiring.

All the street rod guys know that you have to spend $50,000+ to make any of that the old Detroit iron "driveable" (worth driving). Yeah, when they're done they have a one-off example, but all the lace and lingerie in the world can't sex up a piggy

IIRC the double vanos first appeared in the M52 TU which was introduced after 1996.

You should also avoid the 'Nikasil' problem, as IIRC cast iron block were used in the USA.

One has to assume that since he will be dropping the 2.5 into a Chebby Nova that the engine would also be from the US, no? So no Nikasil 2.5 l engines in the US.

Auto building is like a personality - it all depends on the builder's tastes and desires. I am not looking to build a real street eliminator, if I was I would pull the 540 out of the truck and put a chassis under the wagon. Some of us are "street rod" guys and have won Street Machine Nationals (well, OK, second place at SMN and 1st at National Muscle Car) without spending 50 grand - be more than happy to email you pictures of the car and the awards and I built it while I was working part time at UPS during the college days. This is my third Deuce wagon (have owned every year and body style Nova from 63 through 77) and I love the car. What I do not want to completely detract from is the original driving characteristics because that is what I really enjoy about the car. A Bimmer drive train along with some braking enhancements should keep it in this ball park. If I want to go through the twisties I have two Bimmers to get me through it with complete satisfaction.

Remember - rat rods are growing in popularity. The guy who owns the local "speed shop" (really cool converted gas station to look like a

50s/60s shop) says his favorite color is rust because it brings good money... Not that I condone such behavior and if anything ever happens to my sandblaster I would go into shock!

Sounds like I need to run by there again and get a bit more information before I commit.

Does anyone have any dimensions on engine/transmission?