REQUEST: E36 M42/M44 swap

[vanghis109]

i was wondering if i could put the m42 head on the m44 such as the 325e and 325i head conversion??

[vanghis109]

thanks strypt ima keep your info handy

[sheepdog]

E36 M42 to e30 m42 swap
Should be straightforward.
Use the long block assembly and everything should work except possibly the water temp sensor (see below).
Pulleys need to remain the e30 ones as it uses serpentine, but you could use the parts to switch to serpentine if you want. The balancer and pulleys are separate, so there is no concern there.



I have been looking into the M44 swap.
This is not thorough, but should get someone started on the right track.
I have been considering this swap and then adding a roots blower.
I will try and add to this as I find out more.

From what I can tell...
You can basically use the long block assembly. This is a bolt in affair.
You need to swap all the accessories, computer and ignition.

Problems....
Sensors for water temp, we use 2. Supposedly there is dual temp sensor available, some people have used 2 by placing a second in the head, another put one in the water neck (use this one for the cluster, head mounted for the computer. Another person installed a "T" and ran both in the stock location, though this is not the most accurate, it seemed to work fine.

You may be able to use the intake, but there is speculation ours is better. Using ours means you may need a reprogramming due to less fuel.

[dude8383]

Pulleys need to remain the e30 ones as it uses serpentine, but you could use the parts to switch to serpentine if you want. The balancer and pulleys are separate, so there is no concern there.

Do you need to install an idler pulley just like the m44?

I'm kind of curious about this serpentine conversion...has anyone converted to it before (besides GRM)??

[vanghis109]

strypt

Well you need to have the M44 as the M42 E30 is, which means you'll need to change the oil pan, engine mounts and you'll probably want to use the M42 E30 harness and in that case you need to use M42 intake and valve cover. M44 is also using a different temp sensor in the head while M42 uses two, so you'll need to place one sensor somewhere as the M44 head only have a hole for one of the sensors. I put mine in the plastic pipe under the head. Another thing is that the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft has a bigger diameter than the M42 E30, which means that you either have to change to a E30 bearing or use a E36 gearbox. Hope this helps.

[sheepdog]

Well you need to have the M44 as the M42 E30 is, which means you'll need to change the oil pan, engine mounts and you'll probably want to use the M42 E30 harness and in that case you need to use M42 intake and valve cover. M44 is also using a different temp sensor in the head while M42 uses two, so you'll need to place one sensor somewhere as the M44 head only have a hole for one of the sensors. I put mine in the plastic pipe under the head. Another thing is that the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft has a bigger diameter than the M42 E30, which means that you either have to change to a E30 bearing or use a E36 gearbox. Hope this helps.

You should change the pilot bearing anyhow.

[sheepdog]

Do you need to install an idler pulley just like the m44?

I'm kind of curious about this serpentine conversion...has anyone converted to it before (besides GRM)??

The idler pulley is built into the A/C bracket, similar, but not the same as the e30. Not sure but I would guess you would need to change the A/C pump and the bracket in order to go serpentine.

I have heard of guys switching to the e36 serpentine setup when converting to R134. Pretty straightforward swap. Not sure I would bother unless I was changing compressors though.

[vanghis109]

ok so right now all we know is that it takes most of the stuff from the m42 to m44 such as oil pans ignition manifolds,manifolds valve cover and wiring which isnt that bad considering we have all of the parts needed as long as we have the m44. No we would also need to fit the other temp sensor to an outside pipe under the head. and change the crankshaft pilot bearing as well.

now also there is a possiblility of serpentine idler pulley conversion and i was wondering on a head conversion

i guess a clutch upgrade would be a plus while you have the engine out to thats what i plan on doin. what are some possible maintenance things to do on the m44 as far as common problems. I know that they blow head gaskets a lot what could fix that

[strypt]

No we would also need to fit the other temp sensor to an outside pipe under the head.

I know that they blow head gaskets a lot what could fix that

Well I just put the sensor there as a quick and easy fix, (was pretty annoyed and in a hurry at that time) the water in that pipe is cooler than in the head so the temp gauge wont show the proper temp. Probably better to try to fit it on that pipe coming out of the head. You'll also have to attach a grounded cable to that sensor as it won't ground if you put it in a plastic pipe.

Is blowing head gaskets really a common problem on M44? Have never heard of it.

[vanghis109]

hehe someone just told me that the head gaskets blow a lot on them. but idk if its true

[vanghis109]

i wanna change my heads though cause i think my m44 one could be warped. would that give me anymore horsepower

[sheepdog]

hehe someone just told me that the head gaskets blow a lot on them. but idk if its true

I have not heard of this problem.
Should not be difficult to fix though.

[vanghis109]

would there be any benefit out of switching the heads??

[vanghis109]

then i would call mine m42 hehe Yes!!!!

[HaNasich]

hhmmmm hhhmmmm

Well... im taking pictures, and hopefully, in the following few weeks we'll have a write-up about putting an E36 M42 with DISA into an E30 (originally equipped with M40 1.6 litre engine)


off course, since im far from being anywhere close to "know-all" a little help from my friends would be always welcome


Ron.