Redneck BMW build
 

I recently bought a BMW (hey now, it was cheap and RWD, so don't be too harsh), and am now realizing just how much of a hardcore redneck I am in comparison to these guys. I mean, I'm not even excited by valve cover ... covers. (the useless thing pictured below)
http://www.harrisonmotorsports.com/s...4.52.010M1.jpg

Anyway, I'm starting on the budgeting process for a remote turbo for my e36, placing the turbo roughly halfway back in the car, where the dual catalytic converters are right now. The exhaust will be a SINGLE pipe rather than two, and I'd plop a catalytic converter somewhere after the turbo, and possibly a muffler somewhere after the turbo.

I have a pretty good idea as to what I'm doing, other than doing the math to figure out the right turbo size. I like the setup for qsiguy's q45 here:
https://www.homemadeturbo.com/f7/199...project-84188/

It's a quality, well-polished final result that doesn't look like it cost multiple arms and legs. I like it. Just to give you some idea of what kind of space I'm working with, here's a "compact" exhaust:
http://www.bestexhaust.com.au/shop/img/140084.jpg

So, I guess... if the idea interests you, let me know and I'll keep it updated on progress (with pics, of course). I'll be organizing parts and plans 'till late fall, when I break out my winter vehicle and this goes into the garage for the winter projects.

the cat converters need to stay in there oem locations otherwise they will not heat up quickly and you will fail emissions inpsection. as far as a rear mount turbo set up goes there proven to work and id say go for it. if you have room up front or near the engine i would try to put the turbo as close to the motor as possible. glwb

I live in NH, and this car is a '94, so emissions really isn't a concern. I'd be removing one of the two cats and adding one big one around 6" back, and putting the turbo about 6" ahead of it. I'll probably end up doing a screamer pipe too, and that may not see a cat at all. I still need to draw this all up, but the tentative plan I have in my head will work.

I took a few measurements of the exhaust tunnel, and my t3/t04e will fit beautifully in there, with plenty of space to spare. This is getting exciting.

make sure you mount the turbo on rubber mounts like the exhaust is because it will need to move a little. get a good oil suuply and a scavenge pump because its the turbo's life line and you dont want skimp on that.

I was thinking about adding an small oil reservoir before the turbo. Something that could hold ~500cc's of oil, so that even if it does somehow get starved for a few seconds, the turbo won't notice. Have a recommendation for a good scavenging pump?

ive never had to use a oil pump/scavenge pump so i have no recommendation. hopefully someone else can assist you in that department. a lot of people have being using a seperate oil system for the turbo which would make it a lot easier.

I like that idea, a separate pump, cooler, and reservoir makes a lot of sense.

Hey I think this is a splended idea. When are you getting started on the project and are you planning to run just stock motor or what. would like to know more details about the BMW if you don't mind.

post pics :)

Well, here's the current state of things. As I decide on an "official" course of action, I'll be announcing it on my site. For those of you who're too lazy to click on the link, here's a picture of the BMW that's basically as it sits (my daily driver).
https://lh3.ggpht.com/_MzDneJv4LQ0/S...0/DSC_0807.JPG

I don't plan to start assembling or fabricating anything 'till first snowfall, and hope to have a Tracker/Sidekick, or Samurai by then as my winter vehicle, and keep this in the garage to finish things up. Once it's done, I'll ship my 240z over to myself and get started on that as my summer/track car.

And as a final note, I'm really glad you guys are here. You wouldn't believe the resistance to new ideas that BMW owners seem to exhibit. They're fanatical. Here's an example:
Rear mount turbo - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum