Author Topic: e30 vs. e36 cam sprockets (Read 2732 times)

locknload · « **on:** December 21, 2011, 07:08:56 PM »

It seems that E36 cam gears are half the price of E30 cam gears due to the fact that they use different types of camshaft position sensors. Would it be possible to use the newer (read cheaper) sprockets if I also swap the CPS for the E36 version or is there more to it than that?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** December 21, 2011, 07:30:34 PM »

I don't know myself...but I sure am interested in hearing the answer.

colin86325 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2011, 02:30:29 PM »

I think you mean the M44 sprockets, as all M42 sprockets (E30, E36) are the same.

Does anybody know if the M44 sprockets are adjustable?

This would be neat to find out if they can interchange.

Geoff · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2011, 02:44:56 PM »

the m44 gears dont have the proper pickup to work with the m42 cam sensor
Geoff

locknload · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2011, 12:10:53 AM »

Yah, that's the question: Is it possible to use the M44 cam sensor on an M42 engine that has M44 sprockets installed?
To answer this, it seems there are 2 items to be resolved.
1. Is the location and mounting arrangement of the M44 sensor the same as the M42, or can it be adapted?, and
2. Does the M44 sensor produce the same signal as the M42 sensor so it can be interpreted by the ECU (or whatever box it is that uses it)?

bflan2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2011, 12:15:01 PM »

the timing covers are interchangeable, so if the sensor is physically different you would just have to use an M44 upper timing cover. the only issue would be if the signal is the same.