M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: Bimmer805 on March 10, 2012, 03:33:53 AM
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Looks like my e30 is going to need a new clutch. what brand is the best for these cars and where can i get them? is there any DIY's on this? how hard will it be?
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Look into a single-mass conversion. I'd personally source a non-A/C M42 flywheel, but the M20 conversion is very popular as well.
Here's Pelican's take on a clutch replacement. (http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Clutch_Replace/E36-Clutch_Replace.htm)
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Are there any performance clutches if you retain the m42's OEM dual mass flywheel or would it just be cheaper to do the M20 conversion since there are so many options for it?
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Here's our take on the issue (http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5696), and here's a great article on BF (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1701766) about the whole deal, with options and pros/cons.
I don't think anyone does a dual-mass performance clutch. A DM flywheel is designed for comfort and smoothness, things not usually associated with notions of performance...I know Valeo offers an OEM spec full conversion kit for many BMW models. IIRC it runs about $700 or so, approximately what a good lightweight flywheel would cost. Here's their page. (http://www.valeoclutches.com/Products/Clutch+Kits/Conversion+Kits/Conversion+Kits/45) As far as lightweight flywheels - seems that a good one is JB Racing's unit (http://www.jbracing.com/flywheel-bmw3.php) (note that it's only for the A/C models that come stock with the DMFW).
The M20 upgrade does require significant work. IIRC the later model >87 fine tooth flywheel is needed to mesh with the M42 starter (make sure you save the M42 flywheel spacer). Here's a nice little article on that. (https://sites.google.com/site/straightsixbimmers/technical/m42/m42-lightweight-flywheel-upgrade) The earlier one can be used as well, along with the matching M20 starter, perhaps machined a bit on the reverse face (engine side) to clear the M42's rear end.
I'm told that the M20 conversion wake things up a bit but I haven't done it myself. I'll absolutely be trying it when the time comes...if Valeo can answer me a few questions I suspect I'll be using their kit.