M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: rob_e30 on March 08, 2007, 07:33:55 PM
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Well as some of you are aware, a friend and I are in the process of building a turbo M42 for BMW Club Racing. We started with an 89 325i chassis and have poured a ton of work into the engine development. I looked around for information on dropping an M42 into a 325 body and had trouble finding details.
We'll I've identified a major issue... Although the M42 will bolt to the Getrag 260 it fails to line up properly with the tranny mounts, the tranny appears skewed left to right and rotated slightly, and it sits a few inches short of both the prop shaft as well as the opening for the shifter to pass into the cockpit.
I'm trying to figure out what my options are. I'm kicking myself because I had the tranny that came with the car which I sold for $100. I figured I didn't need it and I paid only $200 for the engine so I was feeling generous.
I'm open to suggestions... if I have to swap in a different tranny which one will bolt up and fit the easiest? Will I have to replace the prop shaft as well?
For some reason, this board NEVER notifies me of subsrcibed threads even though I subscribe and my e-mail is correct. I do get PM's but I'll be checking in as well. If anyone in SoCal would like to see the work so far, I'd love to have you stop by so that I can check out your car and make some measurements! Heck, I'll even provide the beer. :D
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yes, the gearbox would be moved slightly to the front. That's why the front portion of the propshaft is different for the 4 and 6 cylinder with manual engine..
you would need to source for a correct lenght for the front propshaft. But that's only one of the issue. the shifter linkage would be another issue. Not too sure if you can use the link rods from the M42 gearbox..
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Can you measure the distance from the middle of the CSB to the back end of the Guibo bushing?
I have alot of driveshafts in my garage and I could check wich one you need.
I wouldn´t mind running a 325i trans in my 318is turbo either.
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Yes, the shift linkage does not work either :( and we just installed a brand new UUC race SSK.
Regarding the measurement... by CSB do you mean the Center Shaft Bearing?
Does anyone have a M42 transmission (Getrag 240?) that they could measure from the front edge of the bell housing to the back of the output shaft?
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Does anyone have a M42 transmission (Getrag 240?) that they could measure from the front edge of the bell housing to the back of the output shaft?
I might be able to do it this weekend if time permits. ;)
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19 1/16"
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Thanks all. So it looks like the Getrag 260 will work, but I needed the E30 318iS prop shaft and shift linkage. The standard tranny mounts won't work either so I may just shim it with washers and bolt it together. It's a dedicated racing application so noise or vibration are not issues.
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have you found out if the m20 starter will work? you FW is not using a spacer right? as soon as you are sure the pinion clears, let me know
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bump
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Sorry, like I said, this board NEVER e-mails me threads I'm supposed to be subscribed to. The starter bolted up and I'm wrapping up the plumbing for the oil cooler, turbo oil supply, and coolant lines before I try to crank it.
I also need to wrap up the prop shaft and I expect the center bearing today. I MIGHT be able to try and crank it later tonight.
PM or e-mail me might be more consistent.
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So there appears to be no problem with the pinion. I measured and it looks like there is 1-2mm clearance between the retracted pinion and the flywheel/ring gear. The problem I do have is that the starter, when engaged, spins but does not extend the bendix. This is a very simple install as it's a race dedicated application. Power to the starter from the battery and +12V via a momentary switch to the solenoid. The starter spins (not that fast) but no engagement of the flywheel.
Is there something I'm missing about the starter?
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I think there are 3 total wires that need to be connected
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I'm pretty sure that the 3rd wire is the load reduction relay to cut off power to the AC, lights, etc. while you crank the starter. I may try jumpering them to be sure.
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Looks like I have it figured out. I was using the wrong post on the starter. :o I have not cranked it, but just bumped the starter a few times and there appear to be no problems with the pinion or ring gear. An M20 starter with an M20 lightened flywheel and no spacers, and a Getrag 260 seem like a good combination (once you get the prop shaft and shifter linkage figured out).
I still have to bolt up the prop shaft, but everything looks good so far (not the first time I've said that though either).
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any updates? running yet?
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Just thinking out loud: What else is involved in swapping an M20 flywheel, clutch and Getrag 260 trans into a 318is? Is this basically what you are running - lightening the flywheel so there is no need for the M42 dual mass flywheel spacer ring?
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Not running yet. Travel for work plus the person who's doing the software just had a baby so I'm not pushing him. Once I'm finished getting the drive line together I have to tow it to a fabricator to get the intake (intercooler) plumbing and exhaust done, then it will be ready to start.
Ran into a snag with the throttlebody so I have to customize it, flip it over, and fab up some brackets.
As far as what's required, it looks like a M20 lightened flywheel with M20 clutch, M20 starter, TOB, and Getrag 260 are a complete combo. I believe if you use the 240 you'll need a different TOB but there are other threads on that.
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Have you got any pics of the gearbox from underneath?
I'm thinking about putting an m20 gearbox behind my motor
as i can get an m20 gearbox cheaper than a newer
e36 325 or 328 gearbox which is a straight fit (need to play around with
tail shaft length maybe).
How did you have to modify the gearbox mounts?
How did you have to modify the shifter linkage?
I have been trying to find pics or even just more information
abouts this but cannot seem to find anything anywhere.
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Have you got any pics of the gearbox from underneath?
I'm thinking about putting an m20 gearbox behind my motor
as i can get an m20 gearbox cheaper than a newer
e36 325 or 328 gearbox which is a straight fit (need to play around with
tail shaft length maybe).
How did you have to modify the gearbox mounts?
How did you have to modify the shifter linkage?
I have been trying to find pics or even just more information
abouts this but cannot seem to find anything anywhere.
My recommendation would be to find the proper transmission. You'd have to modify the tranny mounts, shifter linkage, and prop shaft.
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Well as some of you are aware, a friend and I are in the process of building a turbo M42 for BMW Club Racing. We started with an 89 325i chassis and have poured a ton of work into the engine development. I looked around for information on dropping an M42 into a 325 body and had trouble finding details.
We'll I've identified a major issue... Although the M42 will bolt to the Getrag 260 it fails to line up properly with the tranny mounts, the tranny appears skewed left to right and rotated slightly, and it sits a few inches short of both the prop shaft as well as the opening for the shifter to pass into the cockpit.
I'm trying to figure out what my options are. I'm kicking myself because I had the tranny that came with the car which I sold for $100. I figured I didn't need it and I paid only $200 for the engine so I was feeling generous.
I'm open to suggestions... if I have to swap in a different tranny which one will bolt up and fit the easiest? Will I have to replace the prop shaft as well?
For some reason, this board NEVER notifies me of subsrcibed threads even though I subscribe and my e-mail is correct. I do get PM's but I'll be checking in as well. If anyone in SoCal would like to see the work so far, I'd love to have you stop by so that I can check out your car and make some measurements! Heck, I'll even provide the beer. :D
Your email provider or your spam settings are probably blocking M42club.