Author Topic: Aussie E30 (Read 5019 times)

RED E30 · « **on:** September 26, 2006, 07:06:18 AM »

Hey e30 fans,

Just joined up after developing an interest in the M42 motor. My M40 dosn't have the guts that i would like and is dead end in terms of modifying.

I hope to get a M42 and build it up slowly to give good power and excellent reliability.

My car as it is now is a 1988 318i. Zinno red, had it for 3 years now and have been modding it to suit the car club track days and motorkhanas that i like to do. The suspension is getting to the point where i am happy but i need more grunt to drop some seconds.

What i would like to know is how easy is it going to be to swap my M40 for a M42?

Suspension:
Koni adjustable dampers
Eibach springs
Noltec urethane control arm bushings
Noltec reat shock absorber mounts
Urethane diff mount
Noltec swaybar bushes
Noltec subframe bushings
Noltec trailing arm bushings
Front and rear strut braces
Adjustable front swaybar links

Wheel & Tyrees:
BBS 14inch stockies with Bridgestone Potenza G111
16x7 Performance Minilites with Toyo semi slicks

Engine:
Free flow exhaust system with ceramic coat extractors
K&N Panel filter
Oil catch can

Brakes:
Slotted RDA rotors
Bendix Ultimate pads
Stainless steel braided brake lines

Interior:
Sparco 4pt 3' harness for track days
OMP suede steering wheel
Illuminated ///M gear knob
Fire extinguisher

Exterior:
De badged
Clear side indicators
Black front indicators
Black kidney grille

Stereo:
Focal speakers
Alpine amp
Alpine head unit

Future Plans:
LSD
Adjustable strut tops
Reiger front lip and splitter
M42
Half cage
Velo GP-90 seats

The middle pic was taken whilst i was fitting urethane subframe and trailing arm bushings.

cheers,

cameron

FL318is · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2006, 08:35:49 AM »

Welcome,

Those rims are very nice.
This site is def the place for mech-tech help. Sadly, I am not one who can help with much beyond waxing and breaking stuff. Example: replacing subframe bushing and breaking the seals on the half axles. Now I have grease all over. But I tell you this, the guys on this forum know their stuff.

G'day!

doigal · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2006, 10:57:53 AM »

Hey cam!

If your serious about m40 to m42 swap let me know. I have a lot of info rattling around in my head from before my car was written off about it all. All i was missing was an engine! Its more or less plug and play for the mechanicals for the e30 version, the electrics isnt too bad for the m42 but isnt fun for the m44. If you can get the m42 in the e36 version - its got knock sensors but otherwise is more or less the same engine.

Also i have a spare m42club sticker if you want it - just a part of an m42 to tide you over until you start the swap!

RED E30 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2006, 07:15:09 PM »

Hey lach i might have to take you up on that offer for the info, is it hardcopy or on the computer?

doigal · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2006, 08:45:30 PM »

I have the e30 and e36 bentlys, otherwise its mostly just in my head. If you go ahead with it then you'll need the e36 bently that has all of the wiring stuff for the car in it.

Other than that - the gearboxes should line up (even to the e36 m42), and if you get a e36 m42 you need the e30 sump and apparently something done to the exhaust, but not sure on that.

Basically if you can get your hands on the m42 engine, harness, coil pack (unless you do the plug on coil conversion here) ECU and the instrument cluster coding plug and you should be set.

Edit: Theres a european guy thats just done the swap here, i'll try and hunt around and post it up for you. Oh one last thing - m42s NEED a lighter flywheel than the stock dual mass one. The m20 is the best but a pain in the ass. If you get your m40 one and lighten it then you'll have a ripper of a car!

RED E30 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2006, 10:07:46 PM »

Been doing some more looking, the coil on plug looks the goods and i will do my best to find a e30 m42. Have you ever seen a M47 crank for sale in aus?

doigal · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2006, 01:26:20 AM »

Is there anyway that you can sneak the e36 motor in? A couple of places have a e30 m42 engine - BM Tech had one a while back for $2k. And i've never looked for the m47 crank, but try bav spares and then dealerships. Expect to pay a lot for it though...

Edit: BM Tech still list it on their website for AU$2k inc gearbox, ECU etc It has a chip as well... http://www.bmtech.com.au/sale/view/view_bmw_accessory.asp?wantedguid={F08CF170-076F-440C-B382-98D398EF59B3}

RED E30 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2006, 07:17:22 AM »

Yeah i have seen the one at BM tech but i think i can get one cheaper. Why do you recomend the e36 m42? Is it just the knock sensor?

doigal · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2006, 06:09:13 PM »

I think the major differences are the Knock sensor and a serpentine belt setup. If at any stage you want to play with FI the knock sensor comes in handy!

asubimmer · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2006, 06:26:25 PM »

knock sensors aren't really needed in FI, they don't hurt though. I love your wheels!!!

RED E30 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2006, 07:01:39 PM »

I don't think i will ever go FI on this motor as it will bump me into another class for car club events and make me very uncompetitive. The reason of going M42 is that i should be able to do well in under 2lt modified.

doigal · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2006, 05:13:11 AM »

Even if you didnt want to go FI or need a knock sensor, the e36 motor can be up to 4 years younger than the e30 one. That being said if you can get a cheapy e30 one in good nick just do it. I'd be happy to come over and help out!