Author Topic: my car returns from the shop..  (Read 3491 times)

Geoff

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my car returns from the shop..
« on: December 14, 2011, 09:47:25 AM »
my e-30 m42 318is is now sporting its new and not so cheep cylinder head.  it is actually off of an m44, and was modified to work on the m42 motor.  
  The top end is smooth and quiet, and everthing seems to have worked out really well.   except after some spirited driving the exhaust system, which I knew to be weak but was hoping to make  it thru the winter with, cracked right where the pipe goes into the cat.  I'm hoping I can weld it up and sleeve it maybe this weekend.  if it aint one thing....
                                                     Geoff

colin86325

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my car returns from the shop..
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2011, 01:47:45 PM »
Sounds cool.  What were the modifications ncessary?

Also, did you opt for the M44 head for any specific reason?

Geoff

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« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2011, 06:34:41 AM »
the only actual change to the head itself, was it had to be drilled and tapped for the second temp sensor-m42 uses 2, and m44 only has 1.  We discussed just putting it in a hose or something, but decided the prudent thing to do would be to put the sensor in the head where it belongs.
   Cams,  cam gears, timing chain and associated bits and bobs were transferred from the m42 head to the m44,  and everything works.  There are a couple of small details to work out as the placement of hoses and associated outlets were slightly different, but the mess under the intake was deleted, and that made it easier to get all the plumbing done.  The mechanic said in the end, it was a good swap, and he would do it again if the subject came up.  The original reason we did it, tho, was only because they had the head at the shop and it was known to be good.  They offered it to me at a better price than I could find a good used m42 head for-and it had already been crack tested and all of that, so thats why I chose to do the swap.
                                                                      Geoff

DesktopDave

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my car returns from the shop..
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2011, 07:16:05 AM »
That's a great tip, I assumed it was possible...but it's great that you actually did it.

You might even see a slight bump in fuel mileage...the M44 head was optimized for less parasitic drag from what I've heard.
'08 Karmesinrot 128i 6MT
'86 Zinnoberrot 635CSi (M30B32/G265/3.46 torsen LSD)

Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS

Geoff

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« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2011, 11:26:14 AM »
Hopefully it will be better.  Right now I cant even step on it because the broken pipe starts howling.  the unmuffled sound is pretty harsh, too.
                                                                        Geoff

colin86325

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« Reply #5 on: December 16, 2011, 12:29:56 PM »
Very interesting, glad it worked out for you. :)

dude8383

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« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2011, 12:04:39 PM »
Nice, when you get that exhaust done put up a video of it idling and revving!


Geoff

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« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2011, 06:44:46 PM »
The video thing is apparently beyond my meager skills.   I did have a friend with a fancy phone take video of the car, and then send me an e-mail of the result...which for some reason I dont receive, so no video, sorry.  now that the exhaust is welded up the car does not sound different to me tho, and it has a stock exhaust system on it.  so if you've heard one...
                                                              :)G

dude8383

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my car returns from the shop..
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2011, 11:27:34 PM »
A bummer...


rjcaptsean

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« Reply #9 on: December 18, 2011, 11:37:46 PM »
Too bad you didn't upgrade to the "non-idler pulley" front timing chain cover at the same time, but it's not really an issue from what I hear.  Just one more thing taken out of the worry list.  Glad to hear it worked out though!

Geoff

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« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2011, 06:25:51 AM »
2 weeks and nothing has gone bang..thats a good sign!;)