Author Topic: Is this an odd question? (Read 3942 times)

GardenBeast · « **on:** October 18, 2008, 10:23:39 PM »

Someone on bf.c just told me that putting an older m42 (e30 318i/is) manifold on my later model m42 ('95 318ti) would be a good idea....

is he crazy?

kowalski · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2008, 03:19:33 AM »

not entirely.

GardenBeast · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2008, 03:39:38 AM »

alright.... well, you'd better explain what benefits this will have..... haha. also... do you have one for sale?

ak96ss · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2008, 07:07:33 AM »

I happen to have two, count 'em, TWO E30 upper intake manifolds AND a throttle body available for sale...

According to this link http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/e36-m3/176311-m42-manifold-e30-vs-e36.html there is about a 4hp difference; the E30 manifold flows better at higher RPM, the E36 is better for low end torque. Hood clearance may be an issue, though. That, of course, is just the first thing I found when I searched, there may be more definitive answers elsewhere.

GardenBeast · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2008, 03:19:47 PM »

so... would i need the throttle body too? this sounds like an interesting mod, and seeing as i can't afford an engine swap, it's something i may consider.

as far as hood clearance, what's the difference? i also wonder if the low end torque would be noticeably lower...

ak96ss · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2008, 03:50:56 PM »

I wouldn't think you would need the throttle body, but I'll happily sell you one.

Don't know what the difference specifically is, but I believe the E30 M42 manifold is slightly taller and the E36 hood is lower/closer to the engine... anyone have hard numbers? I don't have an E36 to compare it to.

GardenBeast · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2008, 04:22:58 PM »

what wouldja want for the mani? i'm still thinkin this might be a good idea. too bad it's heavy, and shipping to canada is gay.

maybe having the throttle body would be a good idea too... could see about getting it bored out....

these would be good to go with a chip, too, eh?

szed03 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2008, 04:33:16 PM »

I believe the e30 intake manifold is too tall to fit under the e36 hood. Don't take my word though as I don't have an e30 intake manifold to compare. For the amount of "gain" I can't justify doing it especially on an engine with stock internals/cams ect...Also if you aren't careful with tuning, your car may run at a very lean condition which we should all know can have really bad results on the engine's reliability/driveability. Definitely not a "bolt-on" mod in my opinion.

GardenBeast · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2008, 05:05:20 PM »

Quote from: szed03;58862

I believe the e30 intake manifold is too tall to fit under the e36 hood. Don't take my word though as I don't have an e30 intake manifold to compare. For the amount of "gain" I can't justify doing it especially on an engine with stock internals/cams ect...Also if you aren't careful with tuning, your car may run at a very lean condition which we should all know can have really bad results on the engine's reliability/driveability. Definitely not a "bolt-on" mod in my opinion.

haha. hey man! you were the inspiration for my diy cai.

Cristian G in Oz · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2008, 10:37:30 PM »

Quote from: szed03;58862

I believe the e30 intake manifold is too tall to fit under the e36 hood. Don't take my word though as I don't have an e30 intake manifold to compare. For the amount of "gain" I can't justify doing it especially on an engine with stock internals/cams ect...Also if you aren't careful with tuning, your car may run at a very lean condition which we should all know can have really bad results on the engine's reliability/driveability. Definitely not a "bolt-on" mod in my opinion.

You need to check where the rocker cover vent is.

If you have it at the back of the head on the inlet side, the E30 manifold will not fit.
I know I have just gone through putting a late M44 head on my E30 M42 bottom end.

As said earlier, you will need to check the clearance on the bonnet. If that is ok and you still want to do you will have to fit the early/E30 rocker cover as well.

As szed03 said above "Definitely not a bolt on mod".....

nuvolarossa · « **Reply #10 on:** October 20, 2008, 02:33:00 AM »

christian do you have pics of the inside of two differents rocker cover, to see where they are different and if they could easily swapped as I may do this task in future...

szed03 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2008, 12:28:25 PM »

Quote from: GardenBeast;58865

haha. hey man! you were the inspiration for my diy cai.

Cool! Glad to hear!

:D

Cristian G in Oz · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2008, 04:00:34 AM »

Quote from: nuvolarossa;58889

christian do you have pics of the inside of two differents rocker cover, to see where they are different and if they could easily swapped as I may do this task in future...

Nuvola,
Sorry about the delay, things have been busy this week.

http://s414.photobucket.com/albums/pp223/CPG535/M42%20Rocker%20covers/

Here is a link to some other photos of the insides of the covers. Unfortunately I got to the stage where I just wanted things done and forgot to take more photos.
If you want I can explain what I did to change everything over?

strypt · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2008, 04:46:19 AM »

Another big problem with this swap is the engine harness. M42 E36 harness has a completely different "box" underneath the manifold and will not fit a M42 E30 manifold. I'm sure there are different ways of solving this aswell but it's not bolt on.

Edit: You will also need the E30 fuelrail as the bolt patterns for the mounting are different, not sure about the fuel connections...IF you want it to be bolt on that is