general m20 and soft top Q's

[///M42 sport]

how rev happy are these motors? Provided that you do all the maintenance such as adjusting the valves and changing the timing belt, can you rev it like you do the m42?

Also how long does the fabric on a soft top hold together for?

edited
________
Ford model a (1927) specifications

[Jand3rson]

M20's don't have hyrdualic valves.

[rs4pro3]

Depends on which m20, the early 323i m20 is a very rev happy engine and so is the 325i latter m20 and the eta is an inbetween engine that isn't to rev happy.

[rwh11385]

I think it's likes to rev. I've come from SR20 and still thinks it's pretty happy. It has a good rod to stroke ratio.

[///M42 sport]

Sorry, I was wondering about the m20 on 92 mtechnics. I guess its the same as the 91 325is.
________
CHEVROLET KALOS SPECIFICATIONS

[rs4pro3]

ya same engine as the 325i. it's a revy engien but still not as revy as the 323i engine but they don't have as much HP.

[Jon '92 325ic]

My top is the original, so 12 years

It really depends on where you live and how you take care of it. When I got the car 4 years ago, the canvas was good, but I had to replace the elastic straps and rear window. Since I've owned it I've used Raggtopp Cleaner and Protectant on the canvas and Meguiars plastic cleaning products on the rear window. Looks great. There's other products besides Raggtopp that serve the same purpose. 303 Aerospace Protectant makes a cleaner/protectant kit that's good. It's also supposed to have a high UV rating. If the canvas ever does fade, Revo makes a refurbishing kit. Check out these links:

http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/HandsOn/TechFeb03.PDF

http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/HandsOn/TechAug03.pdf

[BMWguy]

ya same engine as the 325i

that depends... the stroke on an earlier model automatic m20 is shorter than on a later model manual m20... (i.e. the pilot bearing position on the outside of the rear portion of the crank is SHORTER on an early model automatic)

-I have a feeling this also applies to all year model m20's although I can only go by the two I have dealt with... my guess it would be the tranny that came with the motor that affected this NOT the year model...

ANYWAYS... I would say M20's are fairly rev happy, lighter flywheel and more responsive throttle than M42 (this is with 4.10 diff on M20) but slightly less rev range...

[diegom6]

Sorry, I was wondering about the m20 on 92 mtechnics. I guess its the same as the 91 325is.

WAIT A SECOND, the 91 is the m20 and the 92 is the M50 engine, isn't it?

[decay]

Sorry, I was wondering about the m20 on 92 mtechnics. I guess its the same as the 91 325is.

WAIT A SECOND, the 91 is the m20 and the 92 is the M50 engine, isn't it?

'92 convertibles were still e30s. still used the m20.

[Chris E30 Cab]

If I'm not mistaken the M20B20 (320i E30) hp peaks at 6000rpm, the same as the M42B18. The M20B25 (325i E30) peaks at 5800rpm. I really don't think you'd notice the difference, but you will notice the hp & torque difference of the M20B25 though ;)

The cloth tops are only as good as they are taken of. Some can be ratty after a short time if the previous owner never cleaned it or stowed it away while wet, etc. Mine needed replacing after 11 years. The plastic rear windows tend to go bad quickly, especially if they are not cared for.

[e30gumball]

see for yourself.

1990 cab with 2.7 conversion.

http://e30gumball.users.btopenworld.com/gas50.WMV