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DISCUSSION => Swaps, Turbos, Buildups => Topic started by: dustye36 on January 22, 2017, 05:05:43 PM

Title: Q&A 1991 M42 Swapping in 1994 M42
Post by: dustye36 on January 22, 2017, 05:05:43 PM

Isabella searched all I could for sake of not posting a repeat but I cannot find what I'm looking for. I  have a late 1991 E36 318is with v-belts that the crank bearings just went down in. I also have a 1994 318i vert that's a parts car with a good engine that has serpentine belts. I can see a few subtle differences in the intakes and such but am wondering if there is a thread that will tell me what needs to be changed over to make it work or if anyone here has been through it and can enlighten me. Thanks all.

Title: Re: Q&A 1991 M42 Swapping in 1994 M42
Post by: DesktopDave on January 23, 2017, 06:21:46 PM

I couldn't find anything complete, I know there are a few threads about this.

I'd recommend swapping the E36 long block with all the E30 stuff - intake, DME, wiring harness, etc. The exhaust is the same AFAIK. I'd leave that in the E30 and bolt it up to the E36 block.

You'd need to swap the oil pan to the E30 front sump two-piece unit. Locktite the upper pan bolts!

I'd also recommend removing the serp pulley setup and going back to the v-belts, but that's just because I'm lazy. I suspect that the E30 style front sump oil dipstick won't work with the serp setup. I'd keep the P/S pump and A/C compressor sealed up and attached to the E30, if possible.