M40 Overhaul

[damnu]

Hi All,Decided not to transplant and stick with my current M40 lump. Planning to do a top overhaul because the engine smells of petrol after each drive. Been getting stronger lately. Would also want to fix up the tappets. Would anyone know how much this would set me back? Since I'm going to take the top out, what else should I look into as well? Would also want to seek the opinion for the following:1) Port and polish (was told that the improvements would be minimal, what's your take?)2) Since the car will be in the workshop for a while, should I just overhaul the entire engine? If so, what would the cost be? (asking coz was thinking of balancing the crankshaft but was also told that it's minimal, doesnt justify the investment)I've ran through the idea of a transplant a gazillion times, so it's safe to say that I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with my current lump. Any other improvements I can make to the engine? (just to improve efficiency, and if possible some extra juice also)Would like to know what your opinions are.Thanks!

 

[miepower]

Not worth modding an m40, just keep it stock.

 

[Mtigo]

i agree with miepowor

 

[Gerald 5]

sorry, tumpang thread to tanya tanya, what should be done when the engine is noisy but is running very smoothly. Was told by my mech to change the top frm chop shop and to service the cam. What do you think?

 

[elwine30]

if the engine is noisy but it's smooth, it's time for top overhaul which includes your tapets. Do note that M40 especially on the E30 has premature wear. So, top overhaul of your tapets and camshaft will make a whole difference to the engine.

And yes, no point to mod the M40. She is as good as she is now. . The trick is, to make it run smooth and as efficient as possible. M40 need to be tuned and can be tuned.

 

[Gerald 5]

if the engine is noisy but it's smooth, it's time for top overhaul which includes your tapets. Do note that M40 especially on the E30 has premature wear. So, top overhaul of your tapets and camshaft will make a whole difference to the engine.

And yes, no point to mod the M40. She is as good as she is now. . The trick is, to make it run smooth and as efficient as possible. M40 need to be tuned and can be tuned.

Thanks bro, and that what the mech said, he quoted me about 2k for 2nd top, and top overhaul with new part is about 3k, fair price??

 

[Strider]

Thanks bro, and that what the mech said, he quoted me about 2k for 2nd top, and top overhaul with new part is about 3k, fair price??

what for the 2nd hand top. my opinion, if you are going to do the top overhaul, just change the parts that necessary with a new one, such as cam, valve seal etc. Then your objective of overhauling will achieve.

 

[jarance]

Thanks bro, and that what the mech said, he quoted me about 2k for 2nd top, and top overhaul with new part is about 3k, fair price??

Should be less than 1500 for top overhaul. (but not include camshaft).

 

[elwine30]

I did the top overhaul for 1K plus. But yes, that does not incude the tappets and camshaft

 

[kacman]

To me, the M50/52 is just too tempting.... But the current economical downturn does make me think gazillion times as well tsk tsk

 

[fabianyee]

To me, the M50/52 is just too tempting.... But the current economical downturn does make me think gazillion times as well tsk tsk

the M42 would be the ideal engine for the E30 in terms of power and handling balance... and the easiest to replace the M40. The M42 is based on the M40, so the mounting points are similar to the M40's

 

[marioc]

is m42 very rare in the market now?

 

[damnu]

Thanks guys. Guess it's best to leave it stock. Thought of the M42 before but decided against it because my car is an original e36 318 manual. So the purist in me has spoken.

I was under the impression that only the tappets needs to be replaced, does the camshafts need to be replaced too? Cant it just be reprofiled?

Thanks

 

[fabianyee]

is m42 very rare in the market now?

M42 was replaced with the M44 in 1996.. so it's been 12 years.. I've transplanted mine back in 2003... and has since done about 135,000km, with about 15-20 track days thrown in... Still surviving pretty well.. But it won't be long before it ask for an ovehaul.. there are minor oil leaks on the engine.. probably the rubber seals have hardened over the years.

 

[joegoi]

Dear DAMNU,
If you are smelling petrol after every drive. I do not think is the engine problem.
It have to be your fuel lines.
Check your fuel lines especially the one below your car and also the fuel pump area.

Joe

 

[elwine30]

M42 was replaced with the M44 in 1996.. so it's been 12 years.. I've transplanted mine back in 2003... and has since done about 135,000km, with about 15-20 track days thrown in... Still surviving pretty well.. But it won't be long before it ask for an ovehaul.. there are minor oil leaks on the engine.. probably the rubber seals have hardened over the years.

I would testify against Fab's ride. He was my benchmark before i decide on M42.