Author Topic: Front Strut Bars (Read 19356 times)

BMWGM42 · « **on:** December 13, 2009, 01:00:54 AM »

Hey guys,

every now and then i'll see a pic of an m42 bay with a nice strut bar in it. i want to get one but i fear the ones made for the m20's won't clear the intake manifold and will rub. what are you guys using and where can i find them?

this is for e30 coupe fitment.

thanks

-G

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:59:30 AM »

Not to get off topic, but I think a good set of sway bars would be a better investment. If you do get a strut bar make sure its welded and doesn't have any hinges.

BMWGM42 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2009, 06:55:01 PM »

thanks for you opinion. i asked about strut bars, sways are on the way.

fabe · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2009, 09:33:02 PM »

The Sparco ones are good....
It might touch the taller E30 M42 intake manifold but since the strut bar is made of mild steel, can reshape it slightly with a mallet...

This is a sparco copy, I have the original bar in the store..

BMWGM42 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2009, 11:53:49 PM »

looks good fabe! i wonder how well it would fit on the US m42 e30. i've never seen an m10 manifold on a dohc motor. is that stock from factory or did you swap them out?

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2009, 12:58:01 AM »

^Was wondering the same question...

fabe · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2009, 03:09:32 AM »

That's a E36 M42 manifold... In fact, the engine is from the E36 M42... :p

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2009, 05:53:27 AM »

http://www.masonengineering.net/Subpages/E30.htm

There you go. I've never owned one of those but I'm sure someone on the forum has, and can chime in.....

BMWGM42 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2009, 08:19:03 AM »

thanks, i've seen that one on a couple e30's but didn't know who made them.

visionracingdevelopments · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2009, 06:41:17 AM »

Why did you choose to run the E36 inlet Fabe?

Here's mine with an Ultra-racing bar:

I got lucky with it not touching, I know a friend of mine had problems with his vibrating on the inlet fanimold.

fabe · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2009, 10:48:40 AM »

Like I mentioned, I'm using the E36 M42 engine, hence the E36 manifold..

visionracingdevelopments · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2009, 01:59:55 PM »

Missed that

Why did you chose not to fit the E30 manifold then?

Matt-B · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2009, 09:58:29 PM »

I have a e30 m42 and I have this bar

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-320-325-328-84-91-Front-Strut-Bar-Strut-Bars_W0QQitemZ390124873895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5ad54128a7

fits m42 no problem, goes right behind intake.....

Bmex318i · « **Reply #13 on:** December 17, 2009, 12:48:21 AM »

Quote from: Matt-B;83109

I have a e30 m42 and I have this bar

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-320-325-328-84-91-Front-Strut-Bar-Strut-Bars_W0QQitemZ390124873895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5ad54128a7

fits m42 no problem, goes right behind intake.....

Looks cheap... or

but check this out I asked the same thing..... and it aint bad

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=151103

fabe · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2009, 02:02:39 AM »

Quote from: visionracingdevelopments;83095

Missed that Why did you chose not to fit the E30 manifold then?

bcos original E30 318is is non-existent where I am... I don't mind the E36 manifold... Anyway, I may custom a 4 throttle set up later...