Author Topic: I need guidance. (Read 6422 times)

nofear3544 · « **on:** August 20, 2007, 02:07:42 PM »

I need everyones input on this. I want to make my 318 a project car but I don't know which direction I should go in. I'm not planning on making a track car but I would like to build a fast machine. I thought about dropping in an m3 engine which would be awesome, or I can take out my motor and rebuild it with over sized pistons and new cams etc. Im kinda confused please help! My original plan was to either find an s14 or s50 and turbo that. But I don't know if its worth spend all that money. I'm kinda confused please help!

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2007, 02:52:52 PM »

It all depends on the money. The M42 has not been tested too much so people really don't know what the engine responds well to compared with the s14 and s50. A swap will be pricey, mainly because both of those engines are pretty special. The s14 and s50 are definitely the way to go if you want 400+ hp, although that would be more or less useless in an e30 on the street.

Look up Downing Atlanta. They make a supercharger kit for the m42 that will boost power to about 215. If that ain't enough, look up metric mechanic. They have m42s from 175 to 350 hp, some with turbos.

nofear3544 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2007, 10:54:08 AM »

How does that s/c respond with different cams and pistons. and is a different chip required for that?

sheepdog · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2007, 02:00:02 PM »

A chip will be required for almost anything you do.

Look up Metric Mechanic for an engine. It makes the car a beast.
Not cheap but you get a fresh engine as well as more power than a Supercharger. This motor will take well over 2 seconds off your quarter mile times and 0-60, and allow you to destroy an M3 on or off the track as well as a lot of other cars. Lighten the car and you will break into the 13's maybe lower and still be a reliable daily driver getting great mileage.

Personally, I still like the idea of putting a GM Ecotech engine in the car. Light, cheap plentiful, powerful, cheap to mod, etc... Same goes for a Gm v6.

Otherwise, a look through the engine areas will help you pick a direction.

Just remember, pretty much anything engine related on this car will not be cheap. I would advise against most engines due to weight alone, same goes for inline 6's. It will destroy the cars killer balance.

nofear3544 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2007, 10:48:40 AM »

thanks for the input it helped. i still have one more question. if i dropped in a metric mechanic motor, can you still add a super charger or is the block not strong enough for that. this isnt a serious question im just curious.

e30s4evr · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2007, 11:51:31 AM »

"This motor will take well over 2 seconds off your quarter mile times and 0-60, and allow you to destroy an M3 on or off the track as well as a lot of other cars." -Sheepdog

I drove a 318is with a stock 22lb M40 flywheel that already brings the car a third of the way between a stock 318is and an E30 M3. I'll let you guys know when I put my 16.x lb M40 flywheel in in a few weeks. we managed to remove 5.5 lbs -mostly off the outer edge!

sheepdog · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2007, 12:03:44 PM »

Quote from: e30s4evr;32352

"This motor will take well over 2 seconds off your quarter mile times and 0-60, and allow you to destroy an M3 on or off the track as well as a lot of other cars." -Sheepdog

I drove a 318is with a stock 22lb M40 flywheel that already brings the car a third of the way between a stock 318is and an E30 M3. I'll let you guys know when I put my 16.x lb M40 flywheel in in a few weeks. we managed to remove 5.5 lbs -mostly off the outer edge!

A light flywheel does help on acceleration, but only to an extent, at some point the lack of weight no longer helps and the motor must keep pulling. It will not remove 2 seconds off your 0-60 or 1/4 mile. It helps though, don't get me wrong.

sheepdog · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2007, 12:13:40 PM »

Quote from: nofear3544;32349

thanks for the input it helped. i still have one more question. if i dropped in a metric mechanic motor, can you still add a super charger or is the block not strong enough for that. this isnt a serious question im just curious.

The normal 210hp setup could be blown, but it would be cutting it close due to the compression ratio.

They do offer one with less compression, and I am sure if you asked, they would make the compression whatever you wanted as each motor is custom built.

The block is plenty strong once they are done with it. The problem we have is that BMW made the head and intake to put out what they wanted, and left no room for more (particularly the head). Because of this, any bolt on or easy mods net little gain. It takes a heavy reworking of the engine to find decent power, but the parts are plenty strong.

Also keep in mind, M.M. is not just stroking, porting and polishing. When they are done, you basically have a race prepped motor built for street use. They add windage trays, reduce rotating mass, custom valving, and cam, blueprint, custom bearings, and a ton more. This is not a simple rebuild with a stroker crank. A LOT of work goes into these engines to make sure they last at high rpm.

Abrax · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2007, 03:06:21 PM »

http://www.e30.kamieniwnetrze.pl/pdf/M42_M44_Engine_Series.pdf

I've found this some time ago... So please take a look at their engine which is prepared for the turbo or s/c... Not only pistons are different... Many, many things there. M M made really sophisticated mod :-) And confirmed - their 2,1 l engine will make Your car the real beast

Abrax · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2007, 03:08:50 PM »

One more thing... You said that You will make Your 318 a project car...

If You do own 318i with M40 engine, be prepared for loooooong work. Nearly all should be changed...

Especially suspension and brakes!!! The stock 318i brakes doesn't really brake in my feel...

nofear3544 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2007, 05:55:26 PM »

i have a m42. does m.m do the trans to or is it strictly engine work. also can the 318is tranny hold up with a rebuilt m42 motor?

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2007, 08:34:45 AM »

The tranny should be fine, but you will need a new clutch/flywheel. I'm not sure if the M.M. engines come with this or not. The stock clutch can only handle about 170 ft-lbs of torque.

sheepdog · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2007, 10:18:07 AM »

Quote from: nofear3544;32787

i have a m42. does m.m do the trans to or is it strictly engine work. also can the 318is tranny hold up with a rebuilt m42 motor?

Call and ask, they will be glad to help you.
I am pretty sure they do more than just the engine due to how much this effects the car.

Abrax · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2007, 03:02:56 PM »

Sometimes i think that nobody reads my posts....

I've placed the M.M. engine spec. pdf on my webstore, and there - on page 15 You've got all information about the clutch they use with their engine...

People - please read it... I've spent much time searching for this kind of info...

It's all there, all the answers for all Your questions about M.M. engines. Just in my previous post. And on the page 15 they say about the clutch...