M42 E21 Swap

[SonomaGTLN2]

Hey everyone,
I have been keeping a thread at BF.c showing the progress of my spring/summer M42 E21 project. Just figured I'd share it with everyone. Still looking for a few parts to complete the puzzle, but the motor is finally mounted in the car now. Special thanks to everyone who's helped me on this site and sold me parts.

project thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=932387

AJ

[tjts1]

Excellent project. I like the Volvo 240 brake swap. Do you think those would fit the E30 as well?

[SonomaGTLN2]

Not sure, I haven't seen anything regarding putting them on an E30. The biggest reason why E21 guys do it is to get the vented front rotors and a little more pad area.

[318kid]

Are your videos on youtube? Looks like a fun quick car!

[tjts1]

Not sure, I haven't seen anything regarding putting them on an E30. The biggest reason why E21 guys do it is to get the vented front rotors and a little more pad area.

Cool thanks. It looks like that back spacing at the hubs is totally different so I doubt it would fit the e30. A lot of the volvo guys swap out the 4 pot calipers for rx7 aluminum 4 pot calipers.

[SonomaGTLN2]

Are your videos on youtube? Looks like a fun quick car!

The videos are on myspace because I wasnt into youtube at the time of uploading them. Mostly all of the videos to come will be on youtube though. It handles pretty nicely, but the M10 really starting turning sour. Hopefully this M42 works out well.

[rob0r]

I've had a good read of your project, it interests me highly since this what I'm doing to my UK E21 316, my thread can be seen below. I haven't got that far with the engine swap due to life getting in the way, but the M10 is removed and my M42 is nearly done. Replaced the profile gasket, and all the timing gear. I should be getting it done towards the start of August though.

http://retrorides.proboards86.com/?board=readersrides&action=display&thread=36272&page=1

If you don't mind, I'd love to ask a few questions. A particular concern at the moment is how to mount the motor. Did you just make bolt on convertors? How were these made, and it'd be great to see detailed pictures or plans if you have any. What driveshaft are you going to use, and with the motor in that position, is it a straight fit?

I've heard off another UK m42 conversion based on an M10 car and they bolted in the engine using the standard inlet side engine mount, and fabricating a new exhaust side mount. I was planning to do this, but how you've done it is very interesting. I'm just wondering if our engine mounts are the same both sides of the pond though.

Sorry for the mass of questions, but keep up the good work. I've book marked your project thread so I can see how you're getting on  

Cheers,

Rob

[SonomaGTLN2]

I've had a good read of your project, it interests me highly since this what I'm doing to my UK E21 316, my thread can be seen below. I haven't got that far with the engine swap due to life getting in the way, but the M10 is removed and my M42 is nearly done. Replaced the profile gasket, and all the timing gear. I should be getting it done towards the start of August though.

http://retrorides.proboards86.com/?board=readersrides&action=display&thread=36272&page=1

If you don't mind, I'd love to ask a few questions. A particular concern at the moment is how to mount the motor. Did you just make bolt on convertors? How were these made, and it'd be great to see detailed pictures or plans if you have any. What driveshaft are you going to use, and with the motor in that position, is it a straight fit?

I've heard off another UK m42 conversion based on an M10 car and they bolted in the engine using the standard inlet side engine mount, and fabricating a new exhaust side mount. I was planning to do this, but how you've done it is very interesting. I'm just wondering if our engine mounts are the same both sides of the pond though.

Sorry for the mass of questions, but keep up the good work. I've book marked your project thread so I can see how you're getting on  

Cheers,

Rob

Not a problem man. Not sure if the motor mounts are different between the euro and US models, but i'd assume they are the same. Basically what I wanted to do was move the motor as far back as i could without hitting the firewall, so that's why i fabbed up both motor mounts. Really the pictures on that thread are what I've got so no plans made out, I had an extra subframe laying around so I used that as a template and everything ended up lining up quite well. If the flex with the bolt-on convertors is a problem I will weld to the subframe, but it seems pretty solid right now (don't know what will happen under power though!) As for driveshaft i haven't looked at it yet, but i may need to have a custom one made (though if the E30 driveshaft isnt too long, I might be able to adjust its length enough to work for me.). I will be updating the BF.c thread more often, so check back there every few days. This week i hope to have the wiring all set then finish running the fuel lines. At that point i'll have to mount the header and o2 sensor and it should be close to functional. Good luck!

[christophbmw]

where in Sonoma do you live?

[SonomaGTLN2]

where in Sonoma do you live?

I live in michigan. The name lends itself to my truck, a name i chose before i had the E21.

[rob0r]

Well I've started it, you've inspired me Sonoma and I will be copying how you've mounted your motor. After replacing the profile gasket, timing chain, water pump and thermostat and all the associated gaskets I've dropped the engine in the bay to see how it looks:



Rather excited right now! It's just sitting in there, but the prop is fine, the gearbox is mounted and it just needs mounts making and it will be solid. It looks like it was designed to be in there!

Sonoma, have you spacered your exhaust side mount some how? Due to the fact the exhaust side is considerably lower. How are you getting on with yours?

Cheers!

[EN318isPDX]

Nicely done!

[bmwman91]

Great project!  Looks like a lot of fun!