Tuning M42, S52 throttle bodies??

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jaistanley
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Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Coventry and Essex

Post Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:28 pm

A friend of mine bought some e36 M3 3.2 throttle bodies, complete with throttle position sensor, fuel rail and injectors, idle stabilisation valve and the vacum balance/idle metering bar.

As far as I can see the M42 head has quite a bit in common with the S52, same or very similar inlet shape (at the openning anyway), same bore spacing, same or similar rake in the engine bay (angle to verticle), same diameter valve followers so soild lifters and stronger springs can be used..

By means of a sandwhich plate or adaptor manifold I'd like to fit the throttle bodies to my head. For this I'm gonna need templates or cad drawings for a plate or manifold flanges.

A scrap head would make the job easier.. I could measure it up and check for clearances on the workbench.

Does anyone have these by chance? I'd pay for a scrap head, few drinks at least. If it were a success I'd happily post instructions/drawings etc too.

I'd like to build a nice revvy M42 with forged pistons, uprated rod bolts, solid lifters and re-ground cams. Some of the americans have got good power from this engine and claim 8000 rpm is in order if the front pulley is dealt with. Apparently they detonate at 7200 rpm. I don't know how true this is.

Perhaps get a new pulley machined up in solid steel rather than a vibration damper, have the bottom end balanced and fit a ford EDIS pick-up to run mega-squirt 'n' edis?

Think I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here.. Especially as my current exhaust is hanging off and the water pump is giving in.

Does anyone have any oppinions??

Many thanks..

Jai Stanley.
Andy335Touring
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Married to the E30 Zone
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Location: Long Eaton,Nottingham

Post Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:39 pm

Have you seen this thread ?

Lots of M42 info !

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=24173
Turbo-Brown
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Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aldershot, Hants

Post Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:03 pm

Pretty sure you'll still want a crank damper, if only to make sure it doesn't snap!

Think they're supposed to be matched in some way to the weight of the flywheel, so if that's lightened, so that the damper be.

Sounds like a cool project :D
325i Twin Turbo (until 10am 01/12/07 :( )

www.air-in.co.uk free M20 exhaust and inlet flange