Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / E30 & E36 Exhaust Manifolds

« on: February 08, 2019, 05:31:57 PM »

Hey Guys,

Can I use an exhaust manifold from an E36 M42 as a direct replacement in my E30 M42?

i.e. - are they exactly the same?

Thanks

2

General Topics / Air-Con Compressor from E36?

« on: August 16, 2018, 10:46:54 PM »

Hi People,


My mechanic is mid-swap with my E30 from M40 to M42 and has found that the air-con compressor is not compatible from one to the other.

My M42 diddnt come with the air-con accessories, so wondering if I source one from an E36 M42 or M44 if that would work?

E30 M42s are quite rare over here so sourcing one from an E36 M42 or M44 is going to be much easier - provided they are compatible.


Appreciate any help!

3

Engine + Driveline / New clutch - need to replace flywheel?

« on: June 21, 2018, 07:37:55 AM »

Hi Guys,


My mechanic for my E46 mentioned today that if you have a dual-mass flywheel, you often have to replace the flywheel at the same time the clutch is replaced...

Not sure if there's any truth to that with M42s... sounds a bit weird to me...

Any experiences with this?


Cheers.

4

General Topics / 4.45 Diff - good idea?

« on: December 30, 2017, 09:48:14 PM »

Hi,


Just picked up a 4.45 diff for 10 bucks!

Thinking of pairing it with my M40 flywheel and Chip for my M42 (on stand, soon to be rebuilt)

Is 4.45 too short?

(The project is mainly for restoration purposes but will occasionally use it for various things like special events, hillclimb trackdays, some highway driving)


Cheers.

5

Engine + Driveline / M40 Flywheel swap - vibration?

« on: October 05, 2017, 01:04:48 AM »

...just realized I should have started a new thread instead of hijacking the other one... oops!


So I'm considering the M40 flywheel option and possibly getting it lightened, but I'm a bit concerned about the vibration it causes versus the small performance gains.

Would lightening the flywheel increase these vibrations? My project is leaning more toward restoration rather than for track purposes, but I did want to change the flywheel as one of the few modification to make it a bit zingier.

If it makes the engine feel/sound particularly harsh then I think i might stick with the stock Dual-Mass flywheel and retain the smoothness this gives.


Appreciate any opinions guys.

6

Engine + Driveline / Re: M40 vs M42 clutch torque capicity

« on: October 04, 2017, 08:00:49 PM »

Hi John / All


I'm considering the M40 flywheel option as well and am thinking of getting it lightened to make it worthwhile, but I'm concerned about the vibration talked about.

Would lightening the flywheel increase these vibrations? My project is leaning more toward restoration than for track purposes, but I did want to change the flywheel as one of the few modification to make it a bit zingier.

If it makes the engine feel particularly harsh then I think i might stick with the stock Dual-Mass flywheel and retain the smoothness this gives.


Appreciate your / anyone's input.

7

General Topics / Re: New to forum, unsure what to do with m42 before swap

« on: October 21, 2016, 05:26:35 AM »

Hi Norm

Good to hear your advice as I've been starting to work out exactly what I wanna do with the M42 and have been thinking more lately to just get the thing rebuilt.
I think its a case of 'while I'm there'... and before you know it the plan becomes close to a rebuild anyway.

Would be great to go for spin mate. We'll sort something out.

8

General Topics / Re: New to forum, unsure what to do with m42 before swap

« on: September 23, 2016, 10:25:12 PM »

Hi Jared

Very strangely, my name is also Jared, and I'm in almost the same situation as you right now.

E30 M42s arent very common here in Australia so I snapped one up for a swap project which was also only briefly seen running. Yet to open it up, so I get your anxiety.
The unknown can be a scary thing haha, but I suppose its always going to be somewhat of a gamble.

I'd be interested to hear your progress as to what you found and had to fix. Good luck.

9

General Topics / Re: Axle Nut Locking Plate Help

« on: August 15, 2016, 04:05:29 AM »

Ok thanks for the tip, I'll give it a go with a screwdriver and just work my way around.

I'm mainly dismantling it so I wasnt looking at keeping the hubs but I would have liked to keep the axle shafts...

See how we go

10

General Topics / Axle Nut Locking Plate Help

« on: August 12, 2016, 11:52:46 PM »

Hi guys,


I'm having trouble removing the locking plates on the rear axle nuts...

I think they're rusted on so much that using a chisel to help is just deforming them without actually freeing them (see pic attached)
Its like they've fused with the hub/nut or something.

Any tips or help appreciated.


Cheers.

11

General Topics / Re: Got the Donor Car

« on: June 20, 2016, 06:50:28 AM »

Gee thanks Norm! One immaculate rebuilt E30 and he gets all smug! :p
Trying to keep it tidy and organized as I go (not really like me, strangely)

Thanks for the offer Darky, it's good to know I've got a local who's also happy to help.

Only thing I'm a bit stuck on is the flange connecting the Diff to the Axle shafts.
Those allenhead nuts are not going anywhere so I'm considering dropping the whole subframe and grinding them off. I just want the Diff!

12

General Topics / Re: Got the Donor Car

« on: June 14, 2016, 07:36:55 AM »

Wow so its been over a year so I thought I better post an update of my sloooooooow progress.

So, in the past 12 months along with a wedding, honeymoon, landscaping, excuses, excuses, I've so far pulled:

That damn exhaust (ended up just needing soaking in WD40 a crapload of force)
All coolant/vacuum hoses
Air-con
Radiator (was in great condition!)
Steering rack - nightmare - still havent got the tie-rod ends off... dont ask...
Driveshaft - diff bolts nearly killed me... WD40 and toothbrush saved the day again
Shifter rod

Not much else left to do except to pull the engine. I'm considering getting creative and chopping off the front face either side of the A/C condenser so I can pull the engine out front-ways instead of up-and-out as I'm a bit stuck for space in this little garage lol.

Should be finished around...  2019? :p

13

General Topics / Re: 1991 318iS resto

« on: June 14, 2016, 06:53:39 AM »

Wow what size are those wheels? looks really good, always fun to put your own touches to the styling.
Wouldn't say no to some more pics with your other wheel options too haha.

Been posing down at Carrefour Laval? :p

Darky - thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind!

I've pulled most bits I want to keep off the donor car so bout to pull the engine now... just gotta cobble together some sorta stand first...

14

General Topics / Re: 1991 318iS resto

« on: May 29, 2016, 04:03:27 AM »

Yeah mate, I'll definitely be in touch to come see this fine machine.

Interesting about the torque - what flywheel were you using again?
I'm considering re-using the single-mass one from my M40 but have also read there can be vibration/noise issues.

I suppose it could go a little lower, doesnt look out of place as it is though - kinda has a rally-inspired look :p

oh and that interior is beautiful.

15

General Topics / Re: 1991 318iS resto

« on: May 17, 2016, 07:13:40 AM »

Fantastic work, Norm. It looks incredible and I bet it drives even better.

Its been great following you along the way, especially coming halfway round the world and meeting you and the project in person!
I'll be back in March too, so I'd love to come see the finished product.

In the meantime I think I'll keep using this thread as inspiration for my own much slower project lol