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The Werks’ Honda K20C1-Powered BMW E34

Published in engineswapdepot.com

The Werks specializes in custom fabrication and European vehicle restoration. One of their projects is the “520R“. The world’s first Honda K20C1-powered BMW vehicle.

BMW E34 with a turbocharged Honda K20C1 inline-four

BMW E34 with a turbocharged Honda K20C1 inline-four

The classic German sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 L Honda K20C1 WTCR-spec crate motor. They chose the K20C1 inline-four because it’s lightweight, affordable, and has many hours of racing data from TRC and Formula 3 teams. The WTCR-spec K20C1 was designed by Honda for racing with several changes from the standard engine, and for this project was packaged with a Continental ECU

BMW E34 with a turbocharged Honda K20C1 inline-four

BMW E34 with a turbocharged Honda K20C1 inline-four

turbocharged Honda K20C1 in a BMW E34 engine bay

The Werks 3D-scan of the engine bay proved the motor needed to tilt 30-degrees so the oil filter ports would clear the E34 subframe and steering box. After establishing motor location, The Werks could fabricate a set of custom engine mounts. The passenger-side mount was straight forward but the driver-side mount required more work to incorporate the belt tensioner. The motor swap also needed a custom oil pan. They designed a new oil pickup and then the oil pan around it. The factory dipstick was too long so they shortened it and installed a sight glass on the oil pan.

3d scan of a BMW E34 engine bay with a Honda K20C1

custom K20C1 motor mount for a BMW E34

custom K20C1 oil pan for a BMW E34

custom K20C1 oil pan with a sight glass

The K20C1’s exhaust exits on the opposite side for a BMW. So The Werks designed and fabricated a custom downpipe that snaked under the oil pan between the steering link and subframe. Then it went over the subframe to connect to the midpipe.

custom downpipe for a Honda K20C1 in a BMW E34

custom downpipe for a Honda K20C1 in a BMW E34

The K20 motor is paired to a BMW ZF GS6-53BZ six-speed manual transmission. This was accomplished using a custom adapter and crossmember designed by The Werks. They installed a K20C4 10AT Accord flex plate, PMC Motorsports K20A-to-N54 front flywheel, J35 V6 6MT Accord flywheel bolts, and a K20C4 Accord starter motor. These parts allowed the use of a Sachs Performance N54 clutch. The Werks are planning to offer a kit.

custom bellhousing adapter on a Honda K20C1 for a BMW transmission

custom bellhousing adapter, K20C4 10AT Accord flex plate, PMC Motorsports K20A-to-N54 front flywheel, J35 V6 6MT Accord flywheel bolts, and a K20C4 Accord starter motor

Behind the transmission is a two-piece driveshaft made from a 540i front, Ford U-joint middle, and 525i rear. From there power is sent to a 40% limited-slip differential with Porsche clutches and 3.64 ratio. You can view more photos of the project including the build process at @520R.

BMW E34 with a turbocharged Honda K20C1 inline-four

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