M42 expert help needed!!

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

Post Reply
uzdubmwe30
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: nottingham

Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:52 pm

hello all

Ive got a full e36 m42 my garage with all fresh internals, only problem is, I dont know what I need to put it in my E30

Have got the following:

E30 M42 wiring loom, (but have full e36 loom and ecu)
M40 upper and lower sump
M40 pick up pipe
M42 manifold & M40 manifold, but can fabricate new ones
Full M40 as a donor basically.

Can I use the e36 coil packs? Can I use the E36 manifold or will it not clear the bonnet?

What exactly do I need for the swap??

Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks matt
Wink
Broken or unloved M42 wanted

pm please
User avatar
anisotropy
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 427
Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:00 pm

Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:30 pm

Look on m42club.com for info
GrindCulture
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2955
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Exeter

Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:37 pm

You'll need an E30 M42 exhaust manifold and exhaust system, E30 M42 engine mounts, although M50 mounts can also be used, the E36 inlet manifold can be used, but the E30 item is normally preferential. Also the E30 crank pulleys will need to be fitted IIRC. M40/M42 sump, pickup pipe, dipstick. The E36 coil packs should be usable but you'll need to either make up or buy a bracket to support them.

I think that's about everything, HTH :thumb:
Not in E30s any more :(
uzdubmwe30
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: nottingham

Sat Jul 04, 2009 7:59 pm

Thanks for the help so far,

I have looked endless times on the m42club and have seen mixed opinions as to what can be used exactly.

I've been told that the E36 inlet will hit the bonnet although i've measured the engine height compared to my m40 and it seems lower.

Ive changed the dual belt system into single serpentine so far and I know that'll work.

I know the story about the m42 sump hitting the crossmember so am going to use my m40 sump, pickup pipe and dipstick.

So:

1. Can I use the e36 M42 wiring loom with the E36 coil packs and Ecu and just change the c101 plug?
2. Can I use the E36 inlet without clearance Issues?
3. If I use the e36 inlet can I use the E36 injectors?
4. Can I use e36 engine mounts or M40 Engine mounts?
5. Do I need to know anything else?

Thanks in advance

matt :cool:
Broken or unloved M42 wanted

pm please
uzdubmwe30
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: nottingham

Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:48 pm

Well after another day looking at the m42club, I am still none the wiser.

Some say fit the E36 m42 as it is but swap the engine mounts to m40 units.

Others say swap the inlets? others say swap all the wiring.

Help
Broken or unloved M42 wanted

pm please
asmith88
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2684
Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Co Down, N.I

Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:54 pm

probably not going to know for definate until you try it yourself, but i would give the whole lot a go, obviously with e30 m42 mounts.
1990 brilliant red 318 is
punk_sy
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 427
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: nottingham

Sun Jul 05, 2009 3:34 pm

Matt hows it goin simon here (johns mate from giltbrook) if you need to look at an e30 m42 ive still got mine but it is in a mates car in the barn atm !
Post Reply