84' m20 or 91m42

[varg]

I simply cannot see why, and I've significantly more time invested in my M42 than most.

I have the facts to back me up, too. Beyond opinion, the M42 is a far more flawed engine.

[roguetoaster]

I have the facts to back me up, too. Beyond opinion, the M42 is a far more flawed engine.

Yet you have presented none.

[stonea]

I would say it depends on your plans with the car. If you're power hungry I would take the 325e and swap it. If you're after a fun little e30 I would take the 318i. I actually love the M42 and wish one of my e30s were a 318is.

[whitebulat22]

I would get the newer car, swap later if desired. Finding a good engine is easier than finding a good shell. I love M20s, but early Motronic in particular is a bitch to deal with.

I agree with this 110%.

My only e30 experience is my 2.7i, I'm glad I prioritized finding a reasonably clean car, but regret ever putting a dollar into the eta setup. I've promised myself I will never deal with diesel power and weight for gasoline mpg again. Or needing 5 backup ecus (I know this isn't typical but I am now permanently paranoid of early electronics). It's down on power from my dinosaur 8v 190e with CIS injection, with more size, no extra efficiency, 2 extra cylinders to pay for, and ecus that insisted on intermittently blowing up.

All of the sensors I could ever replace on my eta never made it as smooth for one second as my I swap has been from start one. If the choice comes down to engine and I'm not looking to do any conversions, I'm not even looking at the eta.

Early vs late has a say though. If you'd prefer manual windows, locks, everything, no abs, no cruise, and diving boards ie the stripper the early ones got you covered. 86+ for modern nice things.

[RCtheRed]

Over anything else go for the shell and body that is relatively rust free, no major dents or issues that would end up taking the car to the junkyard. The M42 is a really fun to work on, lightweight, and reliable engine that's good for a DD. Go for the sound investment of a running car, that's my opinion.

[Kershaw]

It sucks you had such issues whitebulat. My 325es ran great. Never had an issue. Consistently got 30mpg driving 80mph with a 60 mile commute.

[getouth]

Your opinion of course. . I prefer the M42 over the M20 any day of the week, and I own both.

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^^Same here, I own both and I love my M42!

[fresh_TD]

M42 has forged internals, dual cams, ability to adjust timing, timing "chain", coil and plug ignition, hydraulic lifters, headers from factory. All which the M20 lacks, sure the M20 makes about 30hp more, but that's because it has 2 more cylinders. Let's not forget, also the 318is is about 200lbs lighter then the 325is.

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[James Crivellone]

The best thing you can do with an M42 is rip it out and hang it off the front of a ship.

In this particular case I'd recommend the 318is however, as sourcing euro bumpers / making an early look more modern is a tougher sale.

Motors are swap-able, pick the chassis you want and build from there.

[nando]

M42 has forged internals, dual cams, ability to adjust timing, timing "chain", coil and plug ignition, hydraulic lifters, headers from factory. All which the M20 lacks, sure the M20 makes about 30hp more, but that's because it has 2 more cylinders. Let's not forget, also the 318is is about 200lbs lighter then the 325is.

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forged internals? what?

I'm with james. the M42 is a boat anchor - I wan't to like it, but I just don't. That said I'd probably still pick the 318is to have a better platform to start with.

[2mAn]

I personally would rather have the 84 that has a clean title, is cheaper and has a better motor to start with. 731 head +1.3 motronic swap and youll wonder why you even considered the M42. Hard to tell from the pics, but which is the cleaner car overall? Sterling is a great color too, hard to find

[fresh_TD]

forged internals? what?

I'm with james. the M42 is a boat anchor - I wan't to like it, but I just don't. That said I'd probably still pick the 318is to have a better platform to start with.

Are you confused? or should I have been more specific? The M42 has Forged crankshaft, and forged connecting rods.

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[nando]

no, it does not have a forged crank. also, all engines have forged rods. there's nothing special about the M42 bottom end.

[markseven]

but the torques man... the torques..

Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but I see this touted from time to time: High torque, gobs of torques, torque monster, etc. Compared with what? A 1.4L Kia?

[2mAn]

it was sarcastic, but they are rated from the factory with the highest torque of ANY E30 I think haha