2002 Engine Swaps

[rwh11385]

My friend is looking at a 2002 with pretty baller suspension for a grand, but with a blown engine.

He's crazy, and wants to know what he can fit in it, and loves projects. And happens to have some spare $ to play with. (His 2.5L S14 M3 is coming to completion)

What all motors can be swapped in, and what would be best.
a) S14 (But uber expensive I'd imagine)
b) M42? (Responsive, pretty cheap, and DOHC)
c) M20? (?)

??

He supposedly found a S38 engine for a grand, but I doubt it'd fit.

I mean, a M42 parts car could be picked up for cheap, and then the rest parted out, so it would be an inexpensive venture.

Give me your .02.

(I think he's registered, and might pop up eventually)

[M-technik-3]

All the above have been done. A built 2.0 M10 or a S14 would be nice. M42 or M44 why not modern engine with good parts backing still available from factory. Sorta like the factory M2.

[Rob]

I'd love an 02 with an m42 and a 4.27lsd, lightweight fly, and some stick tires, would be a hoot at the autocross, and reliable too

[rwh11385]

Yeah, I think that the M42 would be fun as well. But 142 hp doesn't sound like much. But how light are those bitches? Like featherweight.

Source of more info? Or should I do the search myself for 2002 boards and forums?
M42-2002 particularly.

[M-technik-3]

Call the Mr Pete McHenry, as he used tool with 02's if I remember correctly.

[Rob]

like 2300lbs for the turbo I think? you definitely dont need much hp for that..

[rwh11385]

I found these links......now that I am back from studying.

http://www.motorcities.com/contents/03E2H205431429.html

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/talkshop/forum/messages/117327.html

A friend has a '72 that has the M42 engine. If you have lots of money
and want an unusual 2002, then go for it. The best thing, in my opinion, about this conversion is that the modern M42 runs perfectly in all weather conditions and temperatures, and never misses a beat. The M42 engine loves to run at high RPMs and has smooth power. The 2002 with the M42 was a blast to drive on the track where it could really breath. Your money is better spent (my opinion) putting together a well balanced, high-compression M10. There will be lots of fabrication required to fit the M42 into a 2002, make the tachometer work, make the throttle work, etc., etc..

Just my .02 worth, but for all the work involved to install the M42, you might as well install the E30 M3 four cylinder. It's been done to more than a few 2002s.

[Rob]

Just my .02 worth, but for all the work involved to install the M42, you might as well install the E30 M3 four cylinder. It's been done to more than a few 2002s.

[/quote]


that's a little strange, considering an s14 will cost what, 10x what a M42 would? typical 'more is better philosophy', oh well. again, i'd love a 2002 with an m42

[rwh11385]

Not my words, someone's opinion I found.....

I want to chat with my friend about it when he's gets online, and not really motivated enough to call him.

[rs4pro3]

Where did he find an S38 for a Grand?

[rwh11385]

He found somewhere a 88 M5 engine with a burnt valve.

[trent]

goto

https://www.bmw2002faq.com

Goto the forums...more insane cars, S14s, Turbo M10s, plenty of M20 swaps etc all on the board. Great group of guys!

[rwh11385]

I checked the engine FAQs, but just now stumbled to the message boards.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/talkshop/forum/messages/96278.html

Doing a M44 conversion is probably even harder, because they are OBD II, they have some sort of anti theft crap wired into the ignition, and they also have an air pump on the engine. Feel free to email me with any questions you have. It is really a challenge.

Things that you WILL need.

1)A very complete M42 or M44 engine with everything

2)Oil pan from a E30 M42 ( 91')engine (FRONT SUMP) The E36 M42 & M44's are REAR SUMP, which will not work on a 2002.

3A)A getrag 240 from a E30 M42 powered 318 (91'), and a getrag 240 from a 83' 320 to graft together (bell housing from E30 318 and the rear housing with mechanical speedo drive from the 83 320)

3B)Or you can use the larger getrag 260 which will require that you butcher the transmission tunnel a bit.

4) a complete 2002 front sub frame to modify, you will have to completely fabricate engine mounts, and much more.

5A) 320 rack and pinion steering. This is one way to make room for the M44 or M42 exhaust. If you choose to do it this way you have to fabricate a mount for the rack, and shorten and re-spline your steering column to work with the 320 rack.

5B) Other way to make room is to fabricate a custom idler arm for the steering that would free up the space that the stock one occupies, so that the exhaust will fit.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/talkshop/forum/messages/63322.html

Subject: that actually isnt true. the m42 swap is harder than the other two.


the engine is quite big. there used to be a website about a guy who did one of these.. nice results but not for the faint of heart.
the cutting you talk about for m20 conversion takes about 10 minutes with an angle grinder and could hardly be considered "hard". i dont have much experience with s14 swaps... but the block is essentially the same. price is probably more for the m42 swap as well

Subject: Lots of fab and cutting required for M42.


It's a neat motor, but you'd be better off just driving a '91 318is.

You'd have to: fab a new oil pan; fab headers; replace the steering box with a rack; modify the firewall and tunnel; fab motor mounts; modify the radiator setup; and do a lot of plumbing and wiring.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/talkshop/forum/messages/63360.html

thanks :up:

[Rob]

none of that stuff seems any harder than any other motor swap

[rwh11385]

possibly people on that forum say it's hard because the modding of the firewall :?: