Author Topic: E30 vs. E36 M42  (Read 5970 times)

frost_dxb

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« on: August 18, 2007, 03:56:11 AM »
Now, i have an E30 M42 which is going for a major rebuild (stroker) and im not sure if its the same as the E36 or should i get one and do that instead.

M50 swap is a big NO NO to me as i see some potential on this tiny 16 valve engine, i could be wrong but doing it makes it more fun.

Did the E36 have big advantage over the E30 as i have heard some saying about oil squirters and better engineering or is there any thing i miss?



Thanx,

johna

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2007, 05:21:43 AM »
I know that the E36 has a different dual length intake manifold, and also has knock sensors. Not sure about internal differences.
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Vladi

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2007, 08:41:13 AM »
Check the ETK numbers. Different cams, different pistons. Those extra 6hp and torque don't come out of the intake design. :)
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gearheadE30

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2007, 03:14:11 PM »
Also, the e36 has a smaller valve stem diameter-6mm versus 7mm for the e30.

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hesgone2fast

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #4 on: August 24, 2007, 04:38:34 AM »
the m42 in the e30 has oil squirters as well. The early m42 on the e36 were very similar to the e30 if not the same... The differences came with the m44.
 I have a e36 m42 block mounted on my e30 and all fits and works perfect.

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2007, 08:10:34 AM »
If you ask me there lots of differences between both the early e36 m42's and the late e36 m42's and the e30 m42. In a good way. :)
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frost_dxb

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #7 on: September 05, 2007, 05:03:50 AM »
Quote from: gearheadE30;32041
Also, the e36 has a smaller valve stem diameter-6mm versus 7mm for the e30.


so are you saying that E30 head is superior than E36?

tjts1

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #8 on: September 05, 2007, 10:12:00 AM »
Smaller valve stems make room for air to pass past the valve. Its a trade off. More performance for slightly weaker valve.
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BrandC

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #9 on: September 05, 2007, 02:33:36 PM »
Quote from: tjts1;33135
Smaller valve stems make room for air to pass past the valve. Its a trade off. More performance for slightly weaker valve.


What are you talking about?

The smaller valve stem makes for less valvetrain weight, meaning it can rev to higher RPM's with less inertia. On OHC engines valve stem thickness is not an issue, the stress is on top of the valve/hydraulic lifter.

If you are talking about airflow, the port smoothness and shape of the valve face (3 or 5 angle) are what affect airflow. Do not confuse people please.

What makes the E36 M42 superior to the E30 is definitely its potential to rev to higher RPM's safer. The intake tract and valvetrain are slightly improved, which is where the "6hp" come from. Internally they aren't much different, as far as bore/stroke are concerned. Also the fact that it has knock sensors allows you to advance ignition timing safely to the limit of your gas octane.
« Last Edit: September 05, 2007, 02:41:04 PM by BrandC »

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #10 on: September 05, 2007, 04:48:54 PM »
+1, Brand!
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tjts1

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #11 on: September 05, 2007, 08:51:48 PM »
Google undercut valve stem. Its an easy trick to improve intake volume. Theres not a lot of weight to be saved by taking the stem down from 7mm to 6mm.
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BrandC

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2007, 06:14:19 PM »
Quote from: tjts1;33170
Google undercut valve stem. Its an easy trick to improve intake volume. Theres not a lot of weight to be saved by taking the stem down from 7mm to 6mm.


I google what you are referring to, and I think you and I were talking about different topics. I'm talking about the actual stem/shaft itself being narrower by 1mm, thus eliminating valvetrain inertia and highering revving capability.

You are talking about the actual shape of the valve FACE itself, and yes by making it undercut you are improving curtain area in the combustion chamber and thus flow capability. This is better than the traditional "tulip" shaped valve face. Just clarifying.

tjts1

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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #13 on: September 06, 2007, 06:20:35 PM »
I think going to a thinner valve stem would have the same effect of allowing more air volume past the valve. Either way I think we can agree that the later skinny stem are more desirable in a built engine.
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E30 vs. E36 M42
« Reply #14 on: September 10, 2007, 04:04:16 AM »
Current M5/M3 engines run with 5 mm valve stems, as does some Honda Type-R engines and they all rev over 8000 rpm. That should be indication they are preferred over heavier thicker valve stems :)

Knock sensors on E36 M42 are quite useful too.