Author Topic: M42/M44 Flywheel swap question (Read 4005 times)

tony92ic · « **on:** December 07, 2007, 09:11:56 PM »

I just picked up a '96 M44 for no particular reason than it sounded like a good deal and maybe I'll find something to do with it.

My question is: It has a lightweight JB Racing flywheel and good condition clutch on it. Since my M42 ('91) needs a clutch, is this flywheel and clutch a bolt on swap?

Anyone familiar with JB Racing? I've never heard of them.

D. Clay · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2007, 09:55:55 PM »

JB Racing's website indicates same part number for 88-91 E30 318is and E36 92-00 318's.
http://www.jbracing.com/
I've never heard anything bad about them and it seems quite a few people use them.

tony92ic · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2007, 10:04:07 PM »

Thanks. I don't know why their site didn't come up when I googled them the first time.

Looks like I go from 27lbs for the stock flywheel to 9 lbs. Any issues for a street driven car with that light a flywheel. I assume I have got to be real smooth with the clutch.

What's the downside to a light flywheel? I assume there must be one or BMW would have put one on. More vibration? (I've owned an E30 M3 I can handle that). I read somewhere they are harder on the drive train. True?

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2007, 08:19:02 AM »

The only thing I have ever heard is that there are more vibrations. Accelerating from a stop probably won't be any more difficult, in fact it might be easier because the engine will come off of idle more quickly and these cars stall easily anyway if they are declutched without throttle. It's mot like a big V8 where you can let out the cluch with no throttle and no risk of stalling

JiXer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2007, 04:51:36 PM »

Check out this thread (below). I think you will find all the info you want there.
I have had an aluminum JB and a converted M20 and the steel M20 conversion is a far better solution in every way. The basics go like this;
The AL ones are still think like the stock M42 one. Just made of aluminum and it is a single mass. It rattles like hell and prematurely wears everything out. Way too much vibration and hard to smooth out the idel.
The M20 stock wheel lightened to 12 lbs used with a stock M20 clutch is way smoother and cost about 1/2 as much.

For idle, you will likely need to convert your ICV to be adjustable.
If you don't know how, send it to me and I will do it for you.

J.
http://www.bigfishmotorsports.com

JiXer · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2007, 04:52:50 PM »

bump (forgot to set my email notification)