M42 Port and Polish job

[fabianyee]

Am thinking of doing a port and polish job on my E36 M42 engine (in my E30).
So need to know what are the parts to be replaced.
Gaskets? seals?
Cos I may need to order the part beforehand. Dealers in my area do not keep stock for this engine since this model was not officially brought into the country.

Any information is highly appreciated... thanks.

[fabianyee]

Not a single soul here can give a hand here???

Just need someone to confirm what needs to be changed once the head is removed..

[Rob]

It's probably a good idea to replace most of the gaskets and seals, depending on mileage. I'm at school, but I'll look on my ETK at home for a listing of all the parts if you want.

[fabianyee]

It's probably a good idea to replace most of the gaskets and seals, depending on mileage. I'm at school, but I'll look on my ETK at home for a listing of all the parts if you want.

Thanks.
would I need to replace the head bolts as well?

[e9nine]

Freshen up all gaskets and bolts. You can try to a generic search for any article on head removal or porting & polishing and see what they recommend to replace. It doesn't have to be an m42 exactly.

BTW, m42s get no love in general. I'd even go along further to say its the least modified e30 engine out there. Even etas get more love :shock:

[e30Matt]

Just wanted to say to the E36 M42 in an E30. Got one myself, '93 M42 in a '91 318iS. Keep it going! :ot:

[Jordan]

m42s get no love in general. I'd even go along further to say its the least modified e30 engine out there.

m42's are already in a high state of tune from the factory. You don't see them heavily modded because they are already putting out near their optimal potential.

[Rob]

what J said. Now I'm sure someone would love to say "well honda 1.8s make 170hp! so the m42 sucks!", but then again the m42 is ~14 year old technology, not too bad. I'd love to see a properly built one though

[e30Matt]

I was contemplating turboing mine before I swap the M50, just for kicks. Ian's got a turbo laying up there in the shed that could be put to good use. :twisted:

[e9nine]

Just wanted to say to the E36 M42 in an E30. Got one myself, '93 M42 in a '91 318iS. Keep it going! :ot:

Does your motor have a knock sensor?

m42's are already in a high state of tune from the factory. You don't see them heavily modded because they are already putting out near their optimal potential.

Race m42s exist. Just too expensive for joe schmoe to put together. It can be done, anything can be done...just a matter of $$$ as always.

I was contemplating turboing mine before I swap the M50, just for kicks. Ian's got a turbo laying up there in the shed that could be put to good use.

Turbo m42s exist too :twisted:

[m42technic]

what J said. Now I'm sure someone would love to say "well honda 1.8s make 170hp! so the m42 sucks!", but then again the m42 is ~14 year old technology, not too bad. I'd love to see a properly built one though

Very true. The M42 makes more power than the non-VTEC B18 IIRC, which is from the same era.

[fabianyee]

Am trying to squeeze NA power from the M42 as much as it can give me.
Am gathering info and funds for it.. ;)

Was thinking of a Port n Polish first, then MAF conversion using UNIChip piggyback ECU.

Not sure how much gain I'm looking at but should be enuf to make me happy.

[OldUser1]

I would also love to see a well built M42, maybe one with a turbo or SC but realistically the money needed to fund such a project would be better put to use on a M50 or maybe even a S50 swap. Back when I first got my car I was ready to drop the $$$ on building up my engine, until I realized the M42's come "tuned and modded" from the factory. And with as many miles that are on my engine it would be more realistic to wait for it to kick the bucket, then spend the money swapping in a M50.

-Kenyon

[e30Matt]

Does your motor have a knock sensor?

Nope.

[e9nine]

Am trying to squeeze NA power from the M42 as much as it can give me.
Am gathering info and funds for it.. ;)

Was thinking of a Port n Polish first, then MAF conversion using UNIChip piggyback ECU.

Not sure how much gain I'm looking at but should be enuf to make me happy.

Have you thought of the e36 m44 MAF? Pinout "might" be the same and easier to adapt with the existing wiring in conjunction with the UniChip. Add a 4.45lsd and your port and polish and you're "our" m42 modification guinea pig 8)

Kenyon, I believe the DASC should be able to made to fit...just a matter of who's gonna do it or who has done it and we don't know. As light as the m42 is, 200hp in it would be :twisted: .

It just that everything comes back to the m50 or s50 debate. As prices drop, this seems to be the way most would choose...let's see what happens...