Author Topic: M20 flywheel conversion - starter question (Read 3007 times)

KenC · « **on:** September 06, 2008, 03:34:55 PM »

Is it possible to just use an M20 starter? If not, are there any directions on how to swap the pinion gear from the M20 starter into the M42 one? I can't seem to find any online.

nickmpower · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2008, 05:13:29 PM »

yes use the m20 starter, it is 1000x easier then swapping pinions. the wiring is slightly differnt though as the m20 starter is missing a post. Ill post it up later today (gagaga), but one of the wires just needs to be on a different post no biggie

bimmerfahrer · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2008, 09:04:31 PM »

Quote from: KenCopperwheat;56146

Is it possible to just use an M20 starter? If not, are there any directions on how to swap the pinion gear from the M20 starter into the M42 one? I can't seem to find any online.

When I spoke with Ted / Teddy at Metric Mechanic, he informed me that they could swap the ring gear from the M42 dual mass flywheel onto the M20 single mass flywheel. However, I believe there is some amount of machining of the Single Mass Flywheel required(I may be wrong on this). If I manage to get my M42 rebuild done (currently waiting on new Pistons, enroute from Germany), I think I'll take the easy way and have Metric Mechanic swap the ring gear for me and I'll be on my way....

Which ever way you go, good luck!

nickmpower · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2008, 09:10:59 PM »

ok what i did is route the wire that no longer has a post to the stud coming out of the wire box that is right next to where the wire comes out, now its been a while since ive done this, and even longer since ive driven my car, but i think what this does is permanatly ground the unloader relay. meaning if you do this do not have your headlights/windows going when starting the car. Nice for cd players though as they wont have to reset when you start the car.

I actaully think that some m20 starters have the post that mine is missing, btw

KenC · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2008, 01:21:49 AM »

I have an M20 starter and it looks EXACTLY the same as my M42 one. Same wiring set up and everything. I'm just going to put it in there.

nickmpower · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2008, 01:27:28 AM »

yeah i dont know why some are different, maybe mine is from an E or something.

KenC · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2008, 02:03:24 AM »

I don't understand why people would go through the trouble of changing out the pinion gear if they can just use an M20 starter. Obviously they have an M20 starter to begin with that they're dismantling for the pinion gear...