Fix it or swap it?!

[Nick_S]

So here's my dilema. My M42 in my 318is has started leaking a good bit of oil, has progressively gotten worse over the last few months. When it was in getting a new clutch at my buddies shop he said the upper pan gasket was the main cause of the leak but that the front timing cover was also leaking, which I already knew. Both don't seem like particularly difficult repairs and aside from that, the engine runs very strong still. Where I'm having trouble deciding what to do is if I fix those seals on the engine, I'd want to pull the whole thing out to make it easier to get to and fix anything else I could while it's out.....which got me thinking, if the engine is already out. Why not put something else in? I'd like to an M50NV for simplicity and reliability. I don't need tons of power out of this car and can probably pick one up fairly cheap.

On the other hand. I do like the M42 quite a bit. It's a charming little rattly engine with some character to it, but I'm also used to having more power. I don't know what to do!? Help me decide. The car itself is still quite clean with only a dented fender and tiny bit of rust on a pinch weld in the rear I need to sort. I've done a ton of maintenance so mechanically it's quite sound....other than the oil leak. I've got another car so if it sat for a few weeks while doing the swap it wouldn't be a problem.

Pics of car

[Killacortes]

If It's between NVM50 and a m42. I would just fix the m42. M42>NVM50

[blunttech]

fix the M42 Pull it out and reseal it . Its so easy to pull. I wouldnt trade a NV M50 for an M42. You also lose that nimble feeling when you stuff a 6 in there. To me its worth it if its an s52 or a turbo 6 but not for an NA NVM50

[Nick_S]

I'm not dead set on an M50NV, but I figure I could get one cheaper than most other engines. I had worried I would lose that nimble light feeling the car has.

[CabbE30]

Like $50 bucks in gaskets and some work to clean her up, or like $1000 in swap parts & still the work of swapping.

I voted to fix it, especially if it is still running strong & just leaking.
Also, I've seen more swapped cars than M42 to be honest. I clean, healthy M42 is shexy.

[Andy348]

Fix it.

Save up the rest of the cash for eventual S50/turbo.

[Nick_S]

Like $50 bucks in gaskets and some work to clean her up, or like $1000 in swap parts & still the work of swapping.

I voted to fix it, especially if it is still running strong & just leaking.
Also, I've seen more swapped cars than M42 to be honest. I clean, healthy M42 is shexy.

True. I can get a full gasket set for under $70. Spend a few more and do all the timing bits while I'm in there. I need to see if I can use my friends garage since he has a ton of a space and an engine stand and I have a dirty car port. I would still like to swap at some point. Thinking back, I did test drive an M50NV car and while it pulled stronger in 1st-3rd, I can't really say it was that much more enjoyable. I guess I was expecting more. Sounds like the only thing I'd be happy swapping is an S50/52.

And just because. My M42.

[smerfs]

I'm in the exact same situation with my m42...only difference is my mind is on an s52.

[Asbradley21]

I'd pull it out and reseal it. I've done far much more on mine, I didn't decide to swap it until it tossed the bottom end.

[Nick_S]

I'm in the exact same situation with my m42...only difference is my mind is on an s52.

My mind is on an S52 also...but my bank account is on an M50

[ACHTUNG]

Skip the M50. Re-seal it.



Then put a S52 in it when you have the money.

[CabbE30]

That thing looks fresh dude, you cant swap it..

[PeteD]

Throw some cams in the NV M50.

[TimKninja]

The 318is is almost a completly different car then a 6 Cylinder E30.

A M50NV wont feel much different then a Healthy M20.Maybe an M50 TU will feel alittle better. But then you have a heavier lump at the front.

I would pull it out and re-seal the M42. When I had my 318is I NEVER once thought of pulling the M42. Id almost consider putting an M42 in my current 325is . Thats how much i like it.

[Vtec?lol]

An m50 is a waste of time and money. I don't care what anybody says.
When you can get an s50 for pennies now.

A 24v swap also means you need to swap out the rear end so don't forget about that. And in my mind, if you have to swap the diff, you might as well swap all the bushings in the rear end as well.

My vote is, if you wish to keep on trucking and your on a budget: spend the weekend refreshing your m42 an be rewarded with longevity, reliability, and economy

If you want to upgrade but you can only afford an m50, then a swap isn't worth it right now.