Build up the m42? or go 24 Valve?

[2002maniac]

200 with some good headwork.
My guess
anyone have that program that can do all that math stuff, and guestmate
desktop dyno

no way. I'd say you need at least 11:1 CR to achieve that.

I have a 2.0 M42 that I just need to put together. I already have all the machine work done, just need to order some seals and build it.

M44 crank with 2nd oversize S52 pistons is the basic recipe, although the pistons do need some machine work for head and valve clearance.

[91 318is]

no way. I'd say you need at least 11:1 CR to achieve that.

I have a 2.0 M42 that I just need to put together. I already have all the machine work done, just need to order some seals and build it.

M44 crank with 2nd oversize S52 pistons is the basic recipe, although the pistons do need some machine work for head and valve clearance.

What rods are you running? Are you running stock cams? Howcome the M44 crank? Is it stronger then the M42?

[fiftytakedowns]

neither building up a M42 or doing a 24v swap will be "cheap" on a student budget.

I'd get the suspension sorted, hit some autocrosses and maybe some HPDEs, if the clutch needs replacing do the flywheel while the tranny is pulled, and enjoy the reliability and mpg of the M42. Save the builds/swaps for when you can afford to do either right. I'd rather have a stock E30 than an half assed project...

MHO of course.

That was pretty much the answer I was looking for.

now all I am really wondering I got a Brand new clutch for the stock dual mass flywheel. I really wanted to go the single mass m20 swap,b ut my boss got me the dual mass clutch. and I dont want to be rude, and not use it.. would it be worth it to get the Aluminum flywheel? (400-600 dollar)

anyone have any connections to get them cheaper??

[2002maniac]

What rods are you running? Are you running stock cams? Howcome the M44 crank? Is it stronger then the M42?

I have not decided on the cams yet. I have a set of Delta cam regrinds, but I think the profile and lift is not ideal. I may get a custom grind from Web.

Stock rods (I may go with the M44 rods, they are a bit lighter)

M44 crank has a longer stroke.

[91 318is]

I have not decided on the cams yet. I have a set of Delta cam regrinds, but I think the profile and lift is not ideal. I may get a custom grind from Web.

Stock rods (I may go with the M44 rods, they are a bit lighter)

M44 crank has a longer stroke.

Oh ok. Reason I ask is because the original engine in my 318is was swapped out by an E36 M42, which I guess is an M44? I still have the original intake and all, but I'm curious if my head and if my block are M44?

M42 and M44 rods the same length?

[2002maniac]

E36 M42 is not an M44.

M44 was the 1.9 introduced in 1996

[318isbmw]

As someone who did the 24v route after the m42 let go, don't go 24v. Its a fun car, and great for around town, but the m42 was so much fun to whip into corners and actually drive spirited, whereas the m50 just seems strained at the top end and doesn't like life. After college I definitely see another m42 in my future, as the m50 just isn't fun like the m42.

[91 318is]

E36 M42 is not an M44.

M44 was the 1.9 introduced in 1996

How do I know if I have a M44? I'm sure it's stamped on the block somewhere, but where?

[fiftytakedowns]

As someone who did the 24v route after the m42 let go, don't go 24v. Its a fun car, and great for around town, but the m42 was so much fun to whip into corners and actually drive spirited, whereas the m50 just seems strained at the top end and doesn't like life. After college I definitely see another m42 in my future, as the m50 just isn't fun like the m42.

So what would you do in my position then?
-2-3 years left in college
-everytime I drive the car I think about if it is worth it to buy a LTW flywheel/cams- and I have a brand new clutch for it already.
-semi Sharp Cam Teeth -> therefore may need a timing chain etc.
-have the $$ to go flywheel, yet it would put me in a Minor financial pinch, until financial aid disbersement next quarter.
-190K on the car.
-the BEST roads for spiritual driving, about a mile away from my house.
-I like the feeling of the car pulling, like when a turbo starts boosting (who doesnt).
-Plan to hit the track

$420?

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/perf...eels/Flywheels

seems to be for the m42b18 from early e36s

found another one for 360$ on a diffrerent website same brand

[fiftytakedowns]

bump?

[z31maniac]

If your that hard up for cash, don't spend any of your money on car mods. You'll be out of school soon enough to blow your money on this shit.

[fiftytakedowns]

If your that hard up for cash, don't spend any of your money on car mods. You'll be out of school soon enough to blow your money on this shit.

your right, I just think ill regret doing my clutch without the flywheel yaknow

[Haraise]

Is there any later parts that retrofit to the M42 head for reduced valvetrain weight/higher RPM capability?

I remember reading somewhere that there was some benifit to using E36 parts in the M42 head for more RPM.

How many RPM can the stock bottom end reliably take?

[fiftytakedowns]

I think the harmonic balancer is good to 7800 but the top end is only good to 7400.

There are m44 parts that allow for high rpm capability as well as VW hydrolifters that also reduce the weight.

[2002maniac]

the e36 M42 head had the thinner valve stems (6mm vs 7mm), these valves, beehive springs from MM, and the vw 16v lightweight lifters makes for a pretty lightweight valvetrain.

A local buddy of mine built an M42 with stock crank and rods, 11.5:1 JE 87mm pistons, and the above valvetrain with custom web camshafts and thing was very quick.

I had it up to 8k a few times with no problems :)