m42 exhaust downpipe needed

[joeseth]

Hi all. I basically have everything i need to put an e30 m42 into my m40 e30. The new engine already has the exhaust manifold. I'm struggling to source an exhaust downpipe though. Does anyone know if its the same as the e36 m42 downpipe, as im sure this would be easier to find. Im hoping to use the rest of my m40 exhaust. Also does anyone know if its worth buying a brand new one or if they are mega bucks? Cheers, Joe.

[Jos]

If you want to use your m40 system you'll need a welder in which case you can make the e36 downpipe fit.

[joeseth]

How easy is it though? no different to welding on my m40 exhaust to a e30 m42 downpipe? thought they mite be at different angles or summing?

[78gizmo]

It took me ages to find an E30 M42 downpipe for my conversion, thay are like rocking horse poop secondhand. Was going to try a E36 downpipe but they all have cats and are worth more as scrap than i wanted to pay not knowing if it would fit or not.
The E30 M40 rear exhaust system is about 6" short of meeting the E30 M42 downpipe and alot smaller in diameter so i would not recommend using any of the M40 system.
Keep looking for a full system off a E30 M42 breaker, its worth doing, i am well pleased with my touring now its M42'd.

[joeseth]

cheers gizmo thats what i needed to know. still no luck finding one yet!

[Jos]

I dunno how much out it would be on an e30 manifold, I had the e36 manifold too so I just welded it to a position that I could get the downpipe on, then modded the downpipe, chopped the flange off the e36 system before the cat and welded it to the M40 front box. Total bodge though, get her through MOT then off for a full stainless.. e30 M42 breakers in NI..forget it lol..