M42 into 320a

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healeyneil
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:45 pm
My E21(s): '81 318is Baur - ahead of its time !
Location: Glasgow Scotland

M42 into 320a

Post by healeyneil »

Ive decided to try an M42 engine (from an E36 coupe) into my 320a Baur. I believe I need the sump etc from an E30. Anyone out there any other thoughts on what I need to do. I have the complete donor car, so I can carefully take all the wiring harness stuff I need. There are two issues I have spotted so far
1) I will need to convert to an electriconic speedo, and
2) the new engine has a power steering pump. Its not just a good old fashioned vee belt, how to make that work ?
All (polite ! ) thoughts welcomed :thnx


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e21-Mark
E21 Master
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My E21(s): 316 m52/2.8 Cat Cams & Jenvey ITB
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Location: Cornwall - UK

Re: M42 into 320a

Post by e21-Mark »

You'll be using an 320/323 gearbox so speedo isn't an issue. Also need a 6 pot subframe I think and mod the sump?

If Jack reads this he could take some pics of my old track car?
healeyneil
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:45 pm
My E21(s): '81 318is Baur - ahead of its time !
Location: Glasgow Scotland

Re: M42 into 320a

Post by healeyneil »

Hi Mark. its the 6 pot already ( I forgot to say its a carb'd '81 car) I was intending to use the gearbox still attached to the M42 engine, and try to pick up an E30 318is sump - I dont want this to look like a modded car, which is a first for me !
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e21-Mark
E21 Master
Posts: 5715
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:19 pm
My E21(s): 316 m52/2.8 Cat Cams & Jenvey ITB
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JackyardBackoff
Location: Cornwall - UK

Re: M42 into 320a

Post by e21-Mark »

Why change gearbox? You're e21 item is ideal.
healeyneil
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:45 pm
My E21(s): '81 318is Baur - ahead of its time !
Location: Glasgow Scotland

Re: M42 into 320a

Post by healeyneil »

Its a 3speed auto ( cant find a smiley for puking )
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e21-Mark
E21 Master
Posts: 5715
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:19 pm
My E21(s): 316 m52/2.8 Cat Cams & Jenvey ITB
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JackyardBackoff
Location: Cornwall - UK

Re: M42 into 320a

Post by e21-Mark »

Ahh, I see. I'd still get an e21 320/323 manual box rather than an e30 one though. Electric speedo swaps don't often look too great tbh.
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