Replacement/Performance Parts For m42?

[dooodstevenn]

Hey guys, new here and have been entertaining the idea of an e30 for some track days and auto-x and what not.  I have been doing some research and seems like the general thought is to get the 318iS because it's lighter and turns in better.  So in my search for one I also began looking at replacement parts and performance parts for the m42 engine, but can't seem to find much at all, but there are tons of m20 parts to be had everywhere.  I know the m20 is a much more common engine but m42 stuff seems to be nonexistent! Could someone guide me in the right direction for m42 stuff?  I really want to have parts easily accessible and if m42 things aren't i'll bite the bullet and go with a heavier m20 and set up suspension accordingly.

Thanks for the help!

Steven

[Nick_318is]

Welcome, There aren't that many options out there for performance parts for the M42 and those that do exist are expensive.  Metric Mechanic and VAC motorsports are two brands that come to mind.

[Nelson_40]

Truth be told, the main difference between the M20 and M42 is the way they rev. Of course the M20 saddles you with a bit more weight, but also give a bit more power. Frankly, the M42 is just as competitive (and more reliable/efficient) as and M20 car, as our Chump Car has proven.

As for performance engine mods, outside of building the engine you can get a chip, a and some cams/matched injectors. Beyond that an exhaust is more for noise, as is an altered intake and a lighter flywheel really just changes the character of the engine more than giving it more power. My advice is to invest in some good suspension, good pads and more importantly some nice tires. Anything beyond that really takes money and much more importantly driver skill to add appreciable gains.

[dooodstevenn]

Truth be told, the main difference between the M20 and M42 is the way they rev. Of course the M20 saddles you with a bit more weight, but also give a bit more power. Frankly, the M42 is just as competitive (and more reliable/efficient) as and M20 car, as our Chump Car has proven.

As for performance engine mods, outside of building the engine you can get a chip, a and some cams/matched injectors. Beyond that an exhaust is more for noise, as is an altered intake and a lighter flywheel really just changes the character of the engine more than giving it more power. My advice is to invest in some good suspension, good pads and more importantly some nice tires. Anything beyond that really takes money and much more importantly driver skill to add appreciable gains.

Oh okay, thanks for the help.  I've so conflicted that I think I will just see what fate gives me, and search until I find any clean e30 with a good price and buy it whether it's the m42 or m20.

also do you know if the extra 200 lbs in the front really change the characteristics of the car that badly?