So I have read just about every M42 Turbo build thread I could find over the past few years, and finally get to build one! I am starting a thread to help keep me motivated and hopefully tap the knowledge of the community. I suppose I should start with the history of the car. I bought a 91 318is about 4ish years ago that was basically stock. It didn't last very long before it got lots of suspension parts, as well as a full respray.
Pic of car right after respray:
With the e34 that started the family obsession:
Few years later, no real major changes or mechanical issues. Electric fan, chip, and some is skirts. Threw a roof rack on for awhile when I was remodeling a couple rooms in my house and was in work truck mode!
I bought a M42 that had jumped timing to build on the stand so I could drive my car as long as I could without tearing it apart, since it has been (knock on wood) extremely reliable for an unknown miles 23 year old car that is driven hard.
I happened to stumble across this beauty on craigslist however and made a somewhat impulse buy that has proven to be a ton of fun in Michigan winters:
A 91 325ix (auto :() that will serve as the daily from now on. The 318 can now sit as long as it needs to once I am ready to swap the motor in!
Now to the actual turbo fun!
Stripped the motor apart and found lots of loose chunks that I am assuming were not designed to be there. As well as some nice dents on the pistons from the valves:
Some of the things found inside:
Sooo the plan now is to take the block to an engine builder to get bored.
From there I believe I have an idea of what the gameplan is, but am open to suggestions and feedback! I would like to shoot for somewhere north of 300 HP, but would like to build the motor to be stronger than the HP it puts out since I would like to drive it for more than a few months. I plan to have an engine builder polish and balance the OEM Crank and Rods.
Parts list:
Stock Crank
Stock Rods
CP Forged Pistons (85mm)
Turbo Cam
SDS standalone (already purchased)
ARP Hardware
MLS Gasket
Garret GT28 (15ish psi?)
Tial Wastegate
BOV
Biggest Intercooler I can fit
I am unsure about what exactly I am going to do for the head. I figured port and polish, but was unsure what stock components would be strong enough or flow well enough for my goals. I will do lots of research between now and when I am ready to make those decisions, as well hopefully get some input from the M42 Turbo Gurus. I am all about building it right with the correct strong parts, but don't want to waste any more money than I already am! Should be a long ride, but hearing that turbo spool and spanking some expensive cars in my little E30 will be worth it!
Let the hate/love/comments/bankruptcy/general conversation start!
Pic of car right after respray:
With the e34 that started the family obsession:
Few years later, no real major changes or mechanical issues. Electric fan, chip, and some is skirts. Threw a roof rack on for awhile when I was remodeling a couple rooms in my house and was in work truck mode!
I bought a M42 that had jumped timing to build on the stand so I could drive my car as long as I could without tearing it apart, since it has been (knock on wood) extremely reliable for an unknown miles 23 year old car that is driven hard.
I happened to stumble across this beauty on craigslist however and made a somewhat impulse buy that has proven to be a ton of fun in Michigan winters:
A 91 325ix (auto :() that will serve as the daily from now on. The 318 can now sit as long as it needs to once I am ready to swap the motor in!
Now to the actual turbo fun!
Stripped the motor apart and found lots of loose chunks that I am assuming were not designed to be there. As well as some nice dents on the pistons from the valves:
Some of the things found inside:
Sooo the plan now is to take the block to an engine builder to get bored.
From there I believe I have an idea of what the gameplan is, but am open to suggestions and feedback! I would like to shoot for somewhere north of 300 HP, but would like to build the motor to be stronger than the HP it puts out since I would like to drive it for more than a few months. I plan to have an engine builder polish and balance the OEM Crank and Rods.
Parts list:
Stock Crank
Stock Rods
CP Forged Pistons (85mm)
Turbo Cam
SDS standalone (already purchased)
ARP Hardware
MLS Gasket
Garret GT28 (15ish psi?)
Tial Wastegate
BOV
Biggest Intercooler I can fit
I am unsure about what exactly I am going to do for the head. I figured port and polish, but was unsure what stock components would be strong enough or flow well enough for my goals. I will do lots of research between now and when I am ready to make those decisions, as well hopefully get some input from the M42 Turbo Gurus. I am all about building it right with the correct strong parts, but don't want to waste any more money than I already am! Should be a long ride, but hearing that turbo spool and spanking some expensive cars in my little E30 will be worth it!
Let the hate/love/comments/bankruptcy/general conversation start!
Comment