m42 conversion cost

Anything that doesn't fit the other categories. Direct link: How to post photos and videos
User avatar
Jason_323i
E21 Pro
Posts: 756
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 3:43 pm
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/e21jason
Location: Dubai UAE

Post by Jason_323i »

At the expense of hijacking the thread I think a m52 2.8 conversion would be as cheap as an m42 and give more power.

Rob has sorted the m5* conversion with using 323i or 320/6 engine mounts, front subframe and gear box which removes one level of fabrication and hassel from an m42 conversion giving more money for the other bits.

Also I am on the verge of giving up on trying to build race car which is exploiting the regs to the maximum and just droping a s50 in and be done with it as £ for power & torque it hard to beat.


Jason


BMW e21 race car supercharged s14 cage and fabrication by www.chizfab.com
Z3M Coupe
2.8 Z3 Coupe
Caterham Supersport
Clio 172 Cup factory race car(50%)
Ferrari 348 Challenge track car
User avatar
thetomc
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 101
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 4:48 pm
Location: West Midlands

Post by thetomc »

you also need to bear in mind that the standard 316 exhaust system is simply not big enough for either of these conversions. An m42 really needs about 60/65mm to breath properly at high revs
rob0r
E21 Pro
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 6:03 pm
Location: Colchester/Sudbury

Post by rob0r »

I tell you what guys, if you chip in and buy me an S50 I'll give you a full account of how to fit it 8) :shock:
ImageImage
User avatar
TobyA
E21 starter
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 12:49 am
Location: Manchester

Post by TobyA »

drjim wrote:Toby

As I recall it's my old car we are talking about.

If you have the bits, then actually doing the conversion is not all that hard if you have the facilities. If not then you could try speaking to ric wood in Stockport who did a lot of work on the slug, but he aint cheap.

How is the car going anyway? Is the engine playing up, it was swapped in after the original died when Jamie bought it, but I think it ran a bit hot.

If you just want more power, the M10 upgrades nicely to the M42 power level and it's probably no more expensive than paying for a swap. If you were thinking of M52 type swaps then different ball game. I am pondering whether to go totally loopy with the slug and swap in an e36 M3 engine - in which case I have a 160ish BHP M10 going spare.

Be interested to see how the car looks now, have you put some sensible wheels that don't need spacer/adaptors on??


Jim
yeah, it is your old car and it's going ok, thanks. still have the ludicrous wheels but i love them!

the diff had lost oil. i've changed the oil but the damage has been done and there's a loud whine from the bearings. the other problem is that the engine burns oil like billio! it's all good though 'cos it's prompting an engine swap!

if i can find a large garage to rent locally with a workbench of somesort, a cheap e36 doner and a cheap crane i think i'll do it 'cos by the looks of thing Fritz's Bits are gonna want more than £2k.

You should definitely take on the M3 swap! there can't be much more involved than the m50. if i had £2.5k spare i'd be doing what you're thinking of doing. without a doubt.
1983 316
User avatar
theneek
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 52
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:43 pm

Post by theneek »

If I had to do it all over again.... I would have swamped in an M5X six. Of course I'm just starting work on my new M42, so I might change my tune once that's done.
Post Reply