Messages

1

General Topics / M3 tach swap advice

« on: March 25, 2012, 03:06:55 PM »

I swapped an M3 8k tach card and M3 coding plug (p/n ending in 699) in my 318is, simple plug and play.  Tach reading is correct all the way to 7200.

2

WTB/WTT / WTB: stock 02 sensor, harness/plug not needed

« on: February 19, 2012, 10:16:22 AM »

Looking for a working M42 oxygen sensor.  Ideally the whole harness with connector, but just a sensor with enough wiring to adapt will do. PM/reply if you have one avail.  Paypal ready.

3

For Sale / FS: Jim Conforti M42 Computer Chip in '175' ECU

« on: August 26, 2010, 09:11:26 PM »

do you still have this?

Yep, PM sent.

4

For Sale / FS: Jim Conforti M42 Computer Chip in '175' ECU

« on: August 20, 2010, 08:35:07 PM »

is this similar to the Turner chip? Same specs?

Yes, Jim Conforti wrote the software and later sold the rights to Will Turner.

5

For Sale / FS: Jim Conforti M42 Computer Chip in '175' ECU

« on: August 19, 2010, 10:50:32 PM »

For sale is a stock E30 318i/318is ('90-'91) factory ECU fitted with Jim Conforti software.  Requires U.S. 93 octane fuel, cutoff is 7200.

I can get pictures tomorrow but this is pretty self explanatory.

$175 shipped in the U.S. International shipping available, might be a little extra.  PM if interested.

6

For Sale / OEM Black Headliner

« on: May 01, 2010, 01:49:24 PM »

This item is pickup only in Winston-Salem, NC.  

OE Black headliner from my 4/90 318is.  This is a complete roof clip with all headlining material intact.  Sunroof panel is in place.  Fits only coupe, sunroof E30's.

$75 or best reasonable offer.  PM if interested.  

Will trade for a 4.44 or 4.27 open diff, +/- cash.

7

Off-topic discussion / What was your first car?

« on: February 08, 2010, 12:49:56 PM »

'91 318is
Built 4/20/90
DS/Black vinyl
Fogs, LSD, sunroof, OE black headliner
Currently 360k miles, stripped and on its way to the boneyard.

8

Suspension / Fitting new sway bar links - 91 318ic

« on: October 09, 2009, 11:09:48 PM »

Anyone got a technique or trick to press new sway bar links on to the rear and I predict front sway bars too?

I can get the old cracking rear ones off with just a twist, but the new ones are very tight and anti-seize, motor oil, c clamp(s) pressing/twisting just aren't working for me.  

Tips?  Thanks!  :cool:

Rich, for the rear end links, a large deepwell socket and a mallet should do the trick.  Probably 15mm or so, maybe larger.  The front end links are a snap.

9

Engine + Driveline / what fuel pump you guys running?

« on: August 22, 2009, 10:37:34 AM »

I've got an OEM 318i/318is fuel pump that was only used for about a year (8,000 miles) that is available for sale.  PM me if you need one.

10

General Topics / Tips for Improving Mileage, Most of Which Simple

« on: August 09, 2009, 05:29:45 PM »

In an effort to maximize fuel efficiency while keeping performance relatively high, we made a few adjustments to our 318is.

Engine build:
Rebuilt bottomend using 86mm slugs from '95 M3
Machined valve cutouts to drop static c/r slightly in order to use 87oct
Special rods to save rotating mass of over 900 grams
All pistons and rods balanced to within .25g
Very loosely built bottomend
Intake cam advanced xx-degrees
12 pound flywheel (soon to be swapped to 7 pound unit)
stock 4.10 gearing for now, s3.91 in the garage
Weight: 2460 with full stock trim and full tank
Fuel economy over 975 miles:  3 passengers and a loaded trunk -- 37mpg @ 74-76mph.  
Should do 40mpg easily running solo.  Oh yea, and it's as fast as a 25i.  

11

Engine + Driveline / M42 single mass VS M20 single mass conversion

« on: April 01, 2009, 08:39:59 PM »

Readily available M20 single-mass flywheels can easily, cheaply, and safely be taken down to 11 pounds.  The starter and TOB options are easy!

Of course, there are always other flywheels that have been used with great results.  It's up to you if you want to piece the assembly together.

12

Suspension / How can one tell genuine E30 M3 factory springs apart from regular E30 springs?

« on: March 23, 2009, 04:09:35 PM »

In MOST cases, E30 M3 springs were tagged with green stripes on the front spring and white on the rear spring.  There are variations of this, depending on vehicle options, etc.  Note that there are many variations on non-U.S. market cars.  

Also as TJTS1 mentioned, stock E30 M3 both front and rear springs have 1 less active coil; same front wire O.D. and slightly thicker rear wire O.D as compared to 318/325 springs.  (I have these measurements, just not in front of me).

Part numbers are stamped on the top inactive coil along with other numbers (front and rear springs).  In some cases, these are hard to make out due to rust/wear from the upper spring perch.

13

Engine + Driveline / head porting & polishing

« on: March 18, 2009, 10:35:29 PM »

yes, but best setting is factory.

For midrange, I agree.

14

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / M10 84' 318is US spec

« on: March 14, 2009, 07:50:45 PM »

Your M10 engine has different cylinder spacing than an M42 engine, by quite a large margin.  No manifolds/internals are compatible.

Regarding AFM, no, your engine doesn't run late Motronic.  

For plugs, get the cheapest ones you can find.

Your best bet is to find a complete M42 driveline from radiator to differential from a '90-'91 and do a complete swap.  '84 318's are great because of their low weight, but the M10 is not worth the hassle.  Don't throw any money at the M10 aside from necessary maintenance.

15

Engine + Driveline / Adjustable Cam gear?? Really?

« on: February 16, 2009, 10:09:20 PM »

To Tits1;

I've confused you with another member.  My apologies.

BTW, what is troll?