Thinking about an M42 track car, questions!!

[JM35]

Hey guys,

New member here with just a couple questions about the M42. So I'm looking to pick up a track car, and I found a pretty sweet 1991 318is with a few mods here and there. One big issue is that it has some rod knock, and the bearings need to be replaced. I understand parts wise this is fairly cheap but it is a pretty heavy DIY from what I understand. Does anyone have any links to a great rod bearing replacement DIY? Pretty handy with cars, just usually need a DIY to help kick start it, especially when I'm only used to working on N54 engines. The owner says its only about a 2 hour DIY and that its pretty simple on the 318is, but it seems a little more complicated.

Also the car has 270k miles on the chassis, and just under 200k on the engine. I wouldnt really expect it to last much much longer than that but then again M42's arent my cup of tea.

Here is some details of whats been done on the car and what needs to be fixed:

�New Radiator & thermostat
　�All new front timing case gaskets (top & bottom)
　�New timing chain tensioner (new style m44)
　�New valve cover gasket
　�NGK spark plugs
　�New O2 sensor
　�New transmission fluid
　�New intake boot
　�New intake manifold gasket
　�New throttle cable
　�All new oil pan gaskets (upper & lower)
　�New fuse box cover
　�New fuel pump (in box) & pump relay
　�New Bosch Idle Air Control Valve

Upgrades:

　�M-Tech Rear Spoiler
　�Limited Slip Differential from 87 325is
　�Ebach Lowering Springs
　Tokico Blue Struts
　�E30 M3 Front & Rear Swaybars
　�Supersprint Magnum Exhaust (headers back)
　�Custom Intake
　�New BMW emblems (front & rear)
　�Alpine Speakers all around

Cons:

　�Engine has a rod knock (set of OEM bearings is $35)
　�Driver seat is a little torn due to previous owner
　�Dash is cracked (common in e30, it's a 1991)
　�Odometer doesn't work (gear set is $65)


Thoughts anyone? Thanks for the help!!

[TobyB]

Front timing chain guides and idler will need to be done.

At this point, figure on a mild- to- moderate refresh of the engine,
if you're going to track it. As in, pistons probably,
boring maybe, head freshen certainly.

And lots of little hose and nut- and- bolt things.

t

[nrubenstein]

An M42 with rod knock is an M42 eager for the dumpster. Cheaper and easier to toss it.

[JM35]

the owner was saying the rod bearings can be replaced from underneath the car within 2 hours on jack stands?

Not planning on it being a track killer, it will be a couple year project that will come together over time.

I would love to do an engine swap, just dont think im quite that technical yet.

[JM35]

Here's the link to the CL post, its a very clean car, just going to need some maintenance. Any more thoughts after checking it out?

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4562129180.html

[HennaE30]

Not how far your willing to go, but up here in Dallas there was a really nice 90 or 91 318is for sale for $2800, had a really clean interior too


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