C101 Delete? ... x20 FTW?

[Drew325is]

To those that have completed their 24V swaps, I'd like to hear your thoughts on two of the options regarding the C101 and x20 plugs.

1) Originally I was thinking I'd just put a C101 plug onto to the end of the M52 harness....thinking along the lines of "do not mess with the E30 side, then the swap will be more reversible" for originality sake etc etc.

2) However, talking to a friend who's completed the swap, he said if he were to do the swap again he'd put an X20 plug onto the E30 chassis. The logic here was based around if he ever needed to swap a different 24V into his car, it'd be closer to plug and play.

I'm actually thinking the latter solution makes a lot more sense. The odds of going back to an M20 seem pretty remote to me. And as for originality, well, if it mattered that much I wouldn't be preparing to slot the M52 in anyway...and heck, it's just an E30.

So, in the opinions of those more experienced than I, what are your thoughts?

I guess I've ignored the other obvious solution, which would be an adapter c101/x20 a la THR...but I like the idea of keeping the wiring as compact as possible...and in my experience, plugs are most often a weak spot, so less is best.

[DaN]

I haven't done my swap yet, but I like the idea of ditching the c101.
Off with it's head!
Now I wish I could find someone with a wrecked e36 who will snip their connector off, for me to purchase.
Anyone?

[matt]

I put the e30 C101 onto the motor harness.

In all honesty, it doesn't matter.

[325Projectz]

I put the e30 C101 onto the motor harness.

In all honesty, it doesn't matter.

this is the route i went. makes more sense to go this way.

[Lobstrosity]

If you're planning on using the 318is/M3 firewall wiring cover, the x20 plug does not fit in the little holder nicely.

Unless I'm missing something.

[DaN]

I think Drew has a good point, snipping the e30 c101 off the car makes more sense to me. Since you aren't ruining the e30 engine harness, or the m50, s5x engine harness. And its very unlikely that an m20 is going back into place.

[e30_kid89]

IMO Id rather just fuck around with the harness on the engine side, to work with the c101 instead of the delete. but hey if you never plan on putting back the stock motor go for it!

[TwoJ's]

Since it really doesn't matter and it's not going to make it any easier, then why? If you make a mistake it is much easier to replace the engine harness than the body harness...

[Drew325is]

Thanks for the feedback!

So, let's say I went to a C101 delete...with the goal of making M50/52s totally compatible with my E30...are the x20 pin designations even that consistent between M50/52 engines? I mean, is there a good chance that should for some reason I need to put a different 24V engine in, I could need to perform surgery on the engine side of the connector whether it's X20 or C101 on the firewall?

[LINUS]

this is the route i went. makes more sense to go this way.

My way as well. I kind of think it's a bit much to start randomly cutting E30 M3 parts as there really could come a day (pigs might fly) someone is willing to pay North of $50K to do a E30 M3 build. I tend to make all my 24v conversion stuff totally reversable on the body side of my M3.

Call it guilt, shame, whatever you want - I see the point the S14 purists make, and while I don't share the view, I don't see it as unreasonable. My comprimise to their viewpoint, so to speak.

Still, I have a hard time envisioning a day where any North American E30 M3 sells for more than $60K (Kieth F's car even!), no matter what condition it's in. Maybe, but it's just so hard to envision - but I'm not going to go cutting off a c101 just because I can't see it yet.

Anyhow, I say if you have a really nice E30 - M3 or not, maybe it's worth it to leave the poor thing alone, there might be a remote chance you want to change it back some day.

We sort of are living in a period where any & all E30's are so cheap we don't see a "down the road" possibility that even a excellent 318is, a ragtop, and other rarer models might be worth something down the line.

Think how many of us would kill for a generic 2002 that didn't have a lopped off wiring harness? It wouldn't have to be a Ti or a Tii - any 2002 with a solid body would be a goldmine to a lot of us here, and by that viewpoint I say what I do about 318is's, & ragtops.

For the love of God, let's not start the s14 debate - I merely used the example of M3's as a reason to stay with a c101, but I can see using the x20 if you are sure you won't ever reverse your decision.

c101 FTW when it comes to rare or clean, original bodies.

x20 for practicality of more motors down the road.