Not your typical DOHC swap

[4drPwr]

Actually the m42 has more hp, it revs higher than 4,500, and is also lighter.

Props for taking on the challenge, but a b25 fulfills two of those benefits, breaks even on the last, and is far less work. To each their own though, good luck.

[Dj Buttchug]

welp i approve

[alB5]

you'll love the m42 if you like throwing around your e30 more often, it's fun and is a perfect commuter car imo.

[for3ver]

So I got the engine out and I decided that I should just shave my bay while the engine is out. I am thinking about relocating the fuse box to inside the cabin and have a few questions. I know its going to be a pain in the ass but I think it will really clean up the engine bay. I am thinking about popping each wire out of the back of the fuse box but my question is how do I get them back in? Also is it a bad idea to relocate the battery cable into the cabin as well?

[Hick]

pfft, whats the reason for swapping? put a 3.73 rear end in her. better for around the town driving, better gas mileage on the freeway. Does not really impact the acceleration because the M42 does not really accelerate.

[gazellebeigem3]

as a fellow m42 owner, i approve of all the bashing.

[Eecen]

As a former owner, I agree with the above.

[grippymonkey]

pfft, whats the reason for swapping? put a 3.73 rear end in her. better for around the town driving, better gas mileage on the freeway. Does not really impact the acceleration because the M42 does not really accelerate.

No, NO, and no.

[for3ver]

Ok so any help on removing the fuse box and installing the wires back in the box? I wanna try to tackle that today and get some mounts made up to locate the box inside the cabin.

[for3ver]

So I took a pic of my engine bay for a before shot its pretty messy and there are a bunch of dime sized surface rust areas.



What is this thing next to the fuse box?



So I could really use some help from you wiring gurus with this fuse box. I got the screws out of the box so I could see the wires underneath. What I need help with is how I would go about removing each wire from the plastic piece without damaging anything. Also need to know how to get them back in.





I started labeling each wire and making a diagram so when I pull them out I know where to put them back in.

[trackjunkie21]

pin removal tool from radioshack. Tackled this last year.

[for3ver]

Is this the right tool?

[durtyE30]

I PM'ed you.

The trans-brace isn't the same between G240 and G260. I have a 318iC brace (same as iS) for a G240 if you need it.

Also have a stock exhaust that is cat-less, as in downpipe + resonator and a rear muffler. All you need is to weld in a cat or to put in straight pipe.

I think you should Megasquirt it btw :)

[e30_3I8I]

An m42 with a 4.10 will go to 150 on 5th gear for sure... you just need a loottttttttt of empty stretch of highway or airstrip=]... My car with its stock 3.64 finishes 4th gear at 130. and 5th gear gets a little stressing to make it pull through 150.
4.10 to me is an ideal ratio for these little suckers, thats my next mod

[Dean]

An m42 with a 4.10 will go to 150 on 5th gear for sure... you just need a loottttttttt of empty stretch of highway or airstrip=]... My car with its stock 3.64 finishes 4th gear at 130. and 5th gear gets a little stressing to make it pull through 150.
4.10 to me is an ideal ratio for these little suckers, thats my next mod

Am I reading this correct...I'd love to know more info on this.

My M42 (granted E36) with BBTB and few tweeks here and there (160bhp engine) struggled after 130mph...I'd love to know more. My 328iSE hits 151mph and that is a massive engine with so much torque and a 2.93 diff. I've considered in past an M42 low pressure turbo project as all the internals are perfect for the job.