Power mods for the M42

[tony92ic]

A lot of people are buying the S50 and S52 M3 engines, but with the transmission you're talking about $5k-$7k then another $3500 to get someone to put it in your car.  Here's the link to KO Performance.  They specialize in BMW turbos and superchargers.

The M50 isn't a bad option either. You can get the engines for under $2,000 and if you get it out of a E34 525 you don't need to source an oilpan. With a chip and exhaust you are still slightly over 200 hp for 1/4 to 1/2 the price of an S50 depending on how frugal you are.

In the end though you've done the most cost effective/real impact stuff. The next step would be a flywheel. maybe a differential depending on your driving style.  

After that it gets real expensive for diminishing returns. So people start looking at M50/s50 transplants because for the same money you'll never see 200 or 250 hp out of a M42. (Excluding Forced Induction, but you are still in, at the very least, M50 conversion cost).

Oh and the DASC kit isn't a simple bolt on for the E30 M42. You've got to change to an e36 serpentine belt, 2002 remote brake fluid resevoir, etc. See Grassroots Motorsprts article for a pretty comprehensive writeup.

[sbarton]

What's the concensus on the 4 pintle Mustang injectors?  Are they worth it?  Any issue using them on a car that is driven mostly at redline for extended (hours) at a time (endurance racing)?  
Also I'm really confused which ones to use for close to stock M42hp that are a direct fit with no mods or washers.  Part number or what year Mustang?

-Scott

[tjts1]

Not really mustang injectors. They can be found on a lot of other fords and european cars. Just depends on how big you want to go. Its all in the thread. You don't need washers.

[AcSchnitzer318is]

If you like the way your car handles... you're going to have to go with forced induction.  Changing the motors to an I6 will change the way it feels and goes round bends.  I love my e30 318is way more than my e30 325i.  And that goes even double now that the 4 pot is turbo'd.

[sbarton]

Waking the thread back up.  

What lightweight clutch and flywheel to get?  Anything else to get a little more power out of the M42?

Also more ideas here:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/318is.htm

-Scott

[dude8383]

Waking the thread back up.  

What lightweight clutch and flywheel to get?  Anything else to get a little more power out of the M42?

Also more ideas here:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/318is.htm

-Scott

How much more power are you looking for? These motors are at their extremes already.

M20 flywheel lightened by a machine shop OR 323i Flywheel + 325i Clutch kit and TOB. A MarkD chip will liven things up as well. COP kit will smooth out the overall powerband.

A 2.1 stroker is definitely an option, check out metric mechanic to get an idea. Pair that with some ITB's and you can make some great power and have a real screamer.

Cost is also a major factor lol.

[jscribble]

A 2.1 stroker is definitely an option, check out metric mechanic to get an idea. Pair that with some ITB's and you can make some great power and have a real screamer.

Cost is also a major factor lol.

Everytime this subject comes up, it forks and ends inevitably at FI and MetricMechanics. Both are excellent options, and anyone looking for power should talk to MM, even if you don't intend to use their products. They do build some serious engines out of the M42. Take a look at the stroker rally engine!

Post-script: Any time a company shows you exactly how their work is done, they are not worried about competition. Just shows how confident they are in the work and products they provide. Kudos, Metric Mechanics.

[dude8383]

LOL btw, you see that 318is in the pics? Thats my car However, I no longer have that motor as it is with the original owner (Febi Guibo) of the car.

Don't worry though, that motor will be making an appearance soon in another E30

[stillmatick]

What's the concensus on the 4 pintle Mustang injectors?  Are they worth it?  Any issue using them on a car that is driven mostly at redline for extended (hours) at a time (endurance racing)?  
Also I'm really confused which ones to use for close to stock M42hp that are a direct fit with no mods or washers.  Part number or what year Mustang?

-Scott

http://www.fuelinjector.citymaker.com/catalog/item/4494564/4532416.htm
plug and play

[carlos318is]

And some different injectors - mustang in America, Vectra in Europe.

Will you need to upgarde the fuel pump to do this :confused: also from what engine 2ltr ect

[stillmatick]

Will you need to upgarde the fuel pump to do this :confused: also from what engine 2ltr ect

really?

[sailer6460]

I work in a parts store with a machine shop on site. Last fall I purchased a second 318is with a blown motor. After talking to MM and a few other sources I have decided to build an 11.5:1 compression motor, do a little port work on the cyl. head, and install the Miller Motorsports warchip. Figuring this should get the motor to somewhere around 190hp.

[DesktopDave]

I work in a parts store with a machine shop on site. Last fall I purchased a second 318is with a blown motor. After talking to MM and a few other sources I have decided to build an 11.5:1 compression motor, do a little port work on the cyl. head, and install the Miller Motorsports warchip. Figuring this should get the motor to somewhere around 190hp.

I'll be looking forward to that.  Post whatever you create.  If you're going with S50 pistons they're very reasonable here: http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13364

[jscribble]

LOL btw, you see that 318is in the pics? Thats my car

I might have been able to guess that had I given it some thought. You in the vid too? That thing scoots!

[woof132]

Will you need to upgarde the fuel pump to do this :confused: also from what engine 2ltr ect

don't need to upgrade the fuel pump, because the injectors operate at very nearly the same psi. the injectors are plug and play and do make a difference. nothing earth shattering but it is noticeable. the injectors are from the 5.0 mustang. i got mine for a '90 mustang GT with the 5.0L V8.

I have been absolutely satisfied with the power upgrades on my 91 318is. it is remarkably quick and a lot of fun. Personally i think the M42 is very underrated

i have done the following:
mustang injectors
advanced the intake cam timing by 6 degrees (big improvement in top end)
done a custom high flow cold air intake filter setup
Coil over pug conversion (excellent upgrade)
swapped in a slim electric cooling fan and ditched the heavy factory fan
dinan chip (a bit disappointed. will swap for a markD 93)
custom free flowing exhaust (big improvement, fantastic sound)
cleaned up all the vacuum lines, and made sure no breather lines feed back into the intake. (no more oil and hot air getting sucked back into the intake)
AC delete
Power steering delete
ABS delete
stripped the interior
lightweight front racing seats

One of the most important things you can do is just sort the controls. suspension should be tight and aligned, firm up the brake pedal, make sure the throttle linkage is free, clean the throttle body and manifold. Then your power upgrades will be all the more noticeable

the car's an absolute kick in the pants. i've gone for lightweight and instant response. on windy roads, very, very few cars can hang with it. will still do an aluminum m20 flywheel swap