wtf is up with m42swaps?

[iamsam]

I'm with the OP on this one.

Instead of spending the money, time, and effort on swapping an m5x, I'd rather rebuild a tired m42 with some of the upgrades that have been mentioned. I'm not sure what kind of power output is possible, but it can't be that far off from an m20 or m50? Plus, you get to keep the original engine and handling characteristics, and the engine would be like new again, only better, and not used.

How much power do you really need to have fun?

Not sure if serious...

without forced induction, you would not be able to get more than around 150 hp from an M42 without getting into significant (and costly) upgrades. That doesn't come very close to an M20 or an M50. Putting that same amount of money into an M20 or M50 would get you much more power. Also, putting that same amount of money into a carb'd small block chevy would get you MUCH more power...

[Solarian]

I don't think there's anything special about the M42, but I do think a 4 cyl is better suited to the car. My dream swap would be a K/F series Honda motor paired to the S2000 6 speed.

[Berkut]

290 hp M42? for how much, $150,000?

pretty sure you can't get 2.5l out of an M42 block. The S14 really has *nothing* to do with the M42 - they don't even share the same geometry or lineage.

Just stirring the pot :), same displacement would be 2.0 as it was the displacement they both raced in, the M42 with the STW head was better known as S42.
A friend of mine once offered to sell me one and he reckoned the car would reliably make more than 200 bhp with it and little work elsewhere, but the price was stupid.

A 290hp one would cost you about the same in M42 and S14 2.0L guise, some french guys were doing some of these kits for hillclimb, IIRC about 20k for internals and engine work, so go from there.

Regarding the S14 though, I've been on cars with amazing tuned engines. In standard guise though, especially the 320is's were disappointing for me, a bit gutless compared to what I was expecting. Maybe too high expectations.

[deansweet]

I love both my M42 powered E30s; 1991 318is and 318i.
Guess I am not too worried about power? The 318is has 366k on original motor and the 318i has 150k. Other than the normal wear and tear (and my kids driving them) both have been very reliable.

[nando]

Adding to that, an S14 is quite similar to an M42, if you compare the closest versions (2.0L S14) and feels pretty damned torqueless compared to an M20.

If you don't like the M42, the S14 won't be that much better, same driving style.

With the same displacement, in ultimate spec S14 and M42 get the same power, 290'ish, and way better than any M20 I've ever seen, so can you say M42>M20?

No, it's down to preferance.

290 hp M42? for how much, $150,000?

pretty sure you can't get 2.5l out of an M42 block. The S14 really has *nothing* to do with the M42 - they don't even share the same geometry or lineage.

So since when did the 318is become the sacred purist mobile anyway? Don't tell those S14 guys or they might be pissed they bought the wrong car.

who knows. Next it'll be 325e purists.

[///M42 sport]

I'm gonna amend that statement and say that 4cyl e30s are the "holy grail" you refer to; whatever the power output.

truth

[Berkut]

Adding to that, an S14 is quite similar to an M42, if you compare the closest versions (2.0L S14) and feels pretty damned torqueless compared to an M20.

If you don't like the M42, the S14 won't be that much better, same driving style.

With the same displacement, in ultimate spec S14 and M42 get the same power, 290'ish, and way better than any M20 I've ever seen, so can you say M42>M20?

No, it's down to preferance.

[decay]

I'm gonna amend that statement and say that 4cyl e30s are the "holy grail" you refer to; whatever the power output.

[e30austin]

So since when did the 318is become the sacred purist mobile anyway? Don't tell those S14 guys or they might be pissed they bought the wrong car.

Sigged. Holy shit. Why did it take 6 pages for someone to say it?

[JinormusJ]

i love v12s

Screw v engines
It's all bout dat i16 breh

[decay]

i'm with creeper; this thread needs to die...

nevar.

[mikeedler]

sweet, this thread is still up top!

[Vivek]

So since when did the 318is become the sacred purist mobile anyway? Don't tell those S14 guys or they might be pissed they bought the wrong car.

best post ITT so far

[Holland]

So since when did the 318is become the sacred purist mobile anyway? Don't tell those S14 guys or they might be pissed they bought the wrong car.

[obes]

i love v12s