DIY: Full Engine Swap - Advice?

[f82_ben]

Soooo... the other day I found out the hard way that these cars are indeed not designed for aquatic use, especially with front mount intakes. Long story short (actually it's a pretty short story): I drove through a puddle, kicked up a bunch of water in front of the car, all that water got sucked into the intakes, and boom - hydrolocked motor, engine fully seized. I even tried SeaFoam to no avail.

I was able to find a new motor the next day and I'm about to get started on trying to swap it out pretty soon. Ordered all the parts (on a serious note: HUGE shoutout to FCP Euro, placed an order at 10pm and it was shipped out by 8:30am the next day) and all the fancy specialty tools, so we should be in business soon.

Only issue is that I have absolutely no idea what the hell I'm doing. I'm not a shop; just a dumbass with some harbor freight tools, a bootleg copy of ISTA, a 24-pack of ronas, and a severe case of overconfidence. To my utter disappointment, I could not find a full step-by-step tutorial on "how to swap an S55" on youtube. Crazy right? So my current plan is just to go in there and monkey around with everything until I can find a way to get the motor to come out. How hard can it be? Just nuts and bolts at the end of the day.

With that said, has anyone done this before that can chime in with some tips or advice? Again, literally no idea what I'm doing here.

• Do I need to drop the trans to pull the motor?
• Will I need to program anything after putting the new motor in?
• Are my oil cooler and related parts still good to reuse despite water getting into the oil?
• Will I need more ronas?
• Any playlist recommendations as I embark on this spiritual journey? Spotify only.
• Will I need a torque wrench at any point in the process?

I'm also swapping my Gintani crankhub from the old motor onto the new one. What is a reasonable bench press I should have in order to get the crank bolt off?

Again, any advice is appreciated. Thank you, and although this is already doomed for failure, wish me luck.

[dzxy]

I think first step is to get a copy of ISTA on your laptop. They have really good diagrams and instructions for just about any work. And you can also do the programming if needed with it. There will be some bolts that ISTA tells you to renew, but you will likely be fine to reuse them, I always did at least. And yes you need a torque wrench, that's about all I got for you lol

[f80naz]

I would recommend pull off front end- bumper radiators/condesnor and pull out with trans as one piece and slide back in as one piece for reinstall, much easier for me and I did it on jackstands in my shed.

[mapster37]

I would think twice on this considering you do not have much experience. Good luck

[GuyLedouche]

You’re gonna need more Rona’s.

[Sephrr]

I recommend an entire fridge of ronas

[Motoxr392]

Pull the spark plugs and crank it over to spit the water out the plug holes.

[Vassilakis]

You should video the process and definitely get more Ronas. Sounds like a entertaining DIY to watch.

I would also recommend pulling the entire front end off and lift it out with the trans.
For the crank hub job you need timing tools for locking the crank and timing components in position.

[mikerunt]

I’d like offer buying you a 12pack of Ronas if you take this one. PM your Venmo and I’ll send you some cash to support the effort!

[astris]

My only advice is stop drinking garbage macro lager. Its like the Hyundai Accent of beer.

[xwilkinx]

Don’t forget to prime the oil system as per BMW guidelines before the first start with the new engine! Same as the N55.

[f82_ben]

Originally Posted by mikerunt

I’d like offer buying you a 12pack of Ronas if you take this one. PM your Venmo and I’ll send you some cash to support the effort!

You have made my day sir!

[f82_ben]

Originally Posted by Vassilakis

You should video the process and definitely get more Ronas. Sounds like a entertaining DIY to watch.

I would also recommend pulling the entire front end off and lift it out with the trans.
For the crank hub job you need timing tools for locking the crank and timing components in position.

Great idea on the video, saw your comment and started documenting the process about one day in. Will definitely compile them and post once complete.

[f82_ben]

Appreciate the advice everyone. Just wanted to give a quick update. If I had to guess I’d say I’m probably around the halfway point?

Things are going… surprisingly well! So far my biggest headaches have been related to equipment (shop crane, engine stand, etc) rather than anything with the car itself.

For some more color on where I’m at right now, I basically stripped down the entire front end including all radiators, which has made things very easy. The original motor is still in the car, but I think I’m mostly done working on that at this point and am about to transition my efforts to preparing the new motor.

Just got the Gintani crankhub out of the old motor and am planning to install it in the new motor tomorrow. Honestly, removing the crankhub was shockingly simple, although removing everything on the front end made it much easier. We’ll see if install is a different story, but getting it out was very doable just using internet resources. Didn’t need to refer to ISTA at any point.

My Dorch lift kit also came in today, so will probably throw that on the new motor at the same time as I do the crankhub. Honestly no idea how involved that install will be so I might be in for a surprise.

If all goes to plan (which I’m sure won’t happen), I’m hoping to be wrapped up in the next few days. Will keep this updated with any notable progress or failures in the meantime.

[Vassilakis]

Originally Posted by f82_ben

Great idea on the video, saw your comment and started documenting the process about one day in. Will definitely compile them and post once complete.

I wanna see that!

[White340]

Just remember where all the bolts came from. Last thing you want to find is spare parts when you’re all done 😂

[b_w.]

Originally Posted by f82_ben

Appreciate the advice everyone. Just wanted to give a quick update. If I had to guess I’d say I’m probably around the halfway point?

Things are going… surprisingly well! So far my biggest headaches have been related to equipment (shop crane, engine stand, etc) rather than anything with the car itself.

For some more color on where I’m at right now, I basically stripped down the entire front end including all radiators, which has made things very easy. The original motor is still in the car, but I think I’m mostly done working on that at this point and am about to transition my efforts to preparing the new motor.

Just got the Gintani crankhub out of the old motor and am planning to install it in the new motor tomorrow. Honestly, removing the crankhub was shockingly simple, although removing everything on the front end made it much easier. We’ll see if install is a different story, but getting it out was very doable just using internet resources. Didn’t need to refer to ISTA at any point.

My Dorch lift kit also came in today, so will probably throw that on the new motor at the same time as I do the crankhub. Honestly no idea how involved that install will be so I might be in for a surprise.

If all goes to plan (which I’m sure won’t happen), I’m hoping to be wrapped up in the next few days. Will keep this updated with any notable progress or failures in the meantime.

Nice work. Dorch is simple with everything you have already done. Swap over the sensors, pumps and reinstall. Might need the tool to hold the gear to make it easier.

[f82_ben]

Quick update -

• She’s out
• Ronas are still going strong
• Life is good

[andrewmr]

Wait..... you didn't say you had the "extra's".


Props to you for taking this on with such a limited background (experience).

[DeTh]

Wow!!!! I thought some of my DIY's were intense. This is hardcore! Please try to document as much as you can! Good luck and have a 'Rona for me B)

[mapster37]

How is this project coming along?

[ellipsis212]

Originally Posted by astris

My only advice is stop drinking garbage macro lager. Its like the Hyundai Accent of beer.

Had to check that this one reply wasn’t from 2014. Most of the time when I crack a brewski I don’t want a goddamned experience, I just want a cold beer drink.

Good luck OP. Write down where every little thing went, bag and sort all of your screws, and take loads of pictures.