M42 engine mods?

[JDY]

Hey guys, been doing some research lately on how to improve the performance of the m42. Mainly looking to improve low-end torque to help me enjoy the Sunday Morning spirited drives a bit more.http://bmwnut.blogspot.com/2006/04/1991-e30-bmw-318is-performance-mods.htmlBased on this article (among many) as well as info on various overseas blogs and forums. This are some of the key upgrades that I have listed down that would free up some horses as well as improve low end torque. This is what I have gathered thus far;1) Apparently the dual-mass flywheel on the m42 is very heavy, many websites have recommended using an aluminium flywheel, or as the article above mentioned use the flywheel from the 325 engine. Has anyone done this before ? any comments, pros/cons/cost etc.2) Conversion to electric fan. This would free up some horses (up to 5hp apparently). Many forummers here have advised on this one!. Its a rather popular upgrade. highly recommended by pussy!hehe. Can anyone comment on this, pretty sure many people have done this upgrade. Any advise on the process/costs etc?3) Also, apparently the camshafts for the m42 can be tuned to improve performance. This sounded interesting when I came across it (especially since we don't have to break our budget for new High Performance one's). However, can ayone comment on this? any workshop/mechanic that has done this before ? 4) Chipping the ECU :- Mark D and Conforti seem to be the famous ones mentioned on the overseas forums (m42club etc). Not sure if anyone is running on this in Malaysia though ?Any other suggestions on how to get the best out of the m42, without giving in to the temptations from the darkside that is. While I do not have the means to perform all these upgrades at one go, I am hoping that we can compile as much info on how to fully utilise the capabilities of the m42 engine for the benefit of everyone, including me!Comments/Suggestions/Reviews all welcome!

 

[fabianyee]

If you're using the flywheel from the E30 318i M40 engine during the conversion, then it's the single mass flywheel... about 10kg.. Mine had been machined to lightened to 7.6kg.. Cost? about RM150...

Electric fan - mine still on fan clutch...

Adjusting camshaft - it only move the powerband up or down the RPM range...

Chipping - make sure you get one which is coded to your DME, check the part no on the box...

My M42 has the following add-ons, nothing done yet to the engine itself...
- SMT6 piggyback ECU - to smoothen the torque curve. DIY installed and tuned. but it can't raise the rev cut, would be fun to rev it past 7,000rpm.
- custom made free flow extractor - big difference in power and torque across the RPM range. (getting some made, PM me if you're interested)
- Nology plug cables - can feel significant increase in low end torque.
- lightened stock M40 single mass flywheel (as mention above)
- Welbro high performance fuel pump.

Future plan for my M42, complete rebuild with lightened crankshaft, port and polish job, custom high volume intake plenum

Maybe a Megasquirt standalone ECU, oversized valves, solid lifters conversion, valve springs upgrade and titanium retainers, high performance cams.. 8,000rpm rev limiter...

The list goes on.. and so is the dream...

 

[McFir7]

1.i did the mod m40 flywheel..shave it to 9kg...faster rev..

2.plug cable change to ngk blue ones..taken from honda..better pick up

3.bore out throttle body..feel slight improve on hp..but not to over bore it.

4.bmc cda air filter..great mod..improve performance in all rev

5.grounding cable

6.change all hose regards to air vacuum..u will get stable idling n great respond...no lag n better consumption.

7.make sure fan clutch work perfect.then u wont feel any drag..

8.always re new or change all fluid..engine,gearbox n axle..

9.engine oil - mine using 5w-30, 5w-40..no problem at all..smooth power n lighter throttle..

 

[gOdspEed]

Fabian....megasquirt??? Yummyyyy!!!! Let me know when you are planning to get one......

 

[Russell1]

bumb ubm!

 

[ejat shafiq]

My M42 seems like it so heavy to rev up, like u driving a lorry. i dont know whats the problem is. ayoyo

 

[berserkdroid]

Bro JDY, how much horsepower are you looking to get?

 

[McFir7]

My M42 seems like it so heavy to rev up, like u driving a lorry. i dont know whats the problem is. ayoyo

swap to lighter flywheel

 

[datsunnismo]

hi can anybody lead me where to get the flywheel shaved. im located in klang...

 

[TrevvyD]

M42 Mods

hi can anybody lead me where to get the flywheel shaved. im located in klang...

get yourself a E30 320i alloy unit, they bolt straight up, use the 320 throw out bearing and clutch plate and your ready to go.
I,m presently building a 2061cc M42 and have done the 320 flywheel conversion. Throw a SMT6 or 8 at it or if you want to go the full hog fit a Perfect Power XMS5B and a Blue Fire ign amp and you can do anything you like. I,m fitting the XMS5B with two Blue Fire ign modules. Only reason I,m using two modules is that I,m going to run sequential ignition firing and injector firing. Thats going a bit over the top for a road car I,ll admit, but mine is track only. Another reason I,m confident of Perfect Power units is that I sell them, have two E30 325is vehicle running SMT6D units and Volvo air flow meters.