Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2011 Hey there, new to this forum. Just picked myself up a 1990 BMW 318i with an m40B18 and as some of you probably know, not exactly the fastest car around. I was originally planning on rebuilding the engine with worked cams, high comp pistons, chipped ecu etc. But am wondering if its worth swapping in an m42b18 or turboing the m40? how hard is it to swap an m42 into a 318i? or even turboing the m40? ive read that its not worth modding the m40 and it'd be better to do an engine swap for the money. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted July 27, 2011 Go for an M50B25. Best conversion for the money, sound and power gained. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2011 How hard is it to swap one of them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_BRS_ 209 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 Lukes M50B25 swap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrphTa 5 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 +1 on the m50, good bang for buck. Or an sr20det? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 SR20det would be awesome but too much work. I want some economy, being a student, so don't think m50 is for me. Im keen on an M42B18 swap though. Does anyone know if an m42 will bolt up to my 318i tranny? Thanks for advice so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubman 39 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 Welcome, wise colour choice m42's arent that much cheaper either, and iirc, the m40 gearbox wont bolt on. plus you'll be having a look at e36 m42's as there weren't many e30 m42's imported Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 Welcome, wise colour choice m42's arent that much cheaper either, and iirc, the m40 gearbox wont bolt on. plus you'll be having a look at e36 m42's as there weren't many e30 m42's imported I would love the power and sound of an m50 but being a student and not too much experience i don't think an m50 swap would be for me considering all of the work included and the petrol usage. Someone on bimmerforums thinks an m42 would bolt up to an m40 tranny and that its pretty straight foward. What would you do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1286 Report post Posted July 28, 2011 oh and you need one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-...n-394520239.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2011 So what would be the easiest option for a bit of torque and power gain on a budget? I dont exactly need all the power of an m52b28 and an m50b25 might even be a little overkill for what i want. I just want something that can spin the wheels, doesn't cost the world on petrol. And can accelerate nicely with a bit of torque to push you back in the seat and for boosting out of corners and things. I'd like it to have the least amount of work possible aswell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
polley 916 Report post Posted July 29, 2011 M20B25 obviously. Should be pretty cheap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted July 29, 2011 M20B25 obviously. Should be pretty cheap Do you know if i could use my transmission and drivetrain from an m40b18 with an m20b25? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
polley 916 Report post Posted July 29, 2011 Do you know if i could use my transmission and drivetrain from an m40b18 with an m20b25? Pretty sure you cant, can some times pick a m20 manual conversion kit up for $400~ tho, otherwise they seem to go for $500 - $700. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 59 Report post Posted July 31, 2011 Hey there, new to this forum. Just picked myself up a 1990 BMW 318i with an m40B18 and as some of you probably know, not exactly the fastest car around. I was originally planning on rebuilding the engine with worked cams, high comp pistons, chipped ecu etc. But am wondering if its worth swapping in an m42b18 or turboing the m40? how hard is it to swap an m42 into a 318i? or even turboing the m40? ive read that its not worth modding the m40 and it'd be better to do an engine swap for the money. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance. If you don't want to change engines and have to certify $$$ I suppose extractors Exhaust System lightened flywheel Chipped ECU they all don't have to be done at once, just over time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 If you don't want to change engines and have to certify $$$ I suppose extractors Exhaust System lightened flywheel Chipped ECU they all don't have to be done at once, just over time I think an m42 swap would be good but the only problem i can think of is wiring, because of it coming out of an e36. No one seems to think that modding an m40 is worth it and that an engine swap is much better. M42 being good because they share the same block but different heads and m42 has chain etc. Does anyone have any resources on such a swap? thanks for advice so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjac001 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 What is your budget? if you know how much you are willing to spend then you can narrow down your options, if your in the wellington area I got a m20b25 motor which would be a good upgrade. Although you would need a matching gearbox, starter motor, flywheel, computer... so might not be worth it ?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 59 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 I think an m42 swap would be good but the only problem i can think of is wiring, because of it coming out of an e36. No one seems to think that modding an m40 is worth it and that an engine swap is much better. M42 being good because they share the same block but different heads and m42 has chain etc. Does anyone have any resources on such a swap? thanks for advice so far. currently pulling an engine complete out of an E36 either way a repower isn't cheap what is your budget? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiddy 76 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 I have M42/43 SS headers, can do cheap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2136 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 Have an m52b28 manual conversion for e30 if your interested. 2800 but a bit negotiable. I'll fit it for extra if you are in Wellington. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 Have an m52b28 manual conversion for e30 if your interested. 2800 but a bit negotiable. I'll fit it for extra if you are in Wellington. Nah mate in hamilton, I would be so keen if i had the money. Im just trying to get an idea of what i should do for a small cost. At the moment im keen on m42 because of simplicity and room for extra mods (turbo) but don't have the actual funds at the moment. The only problem i can see with the m42 is the wiring. Does anyone have any information about wiring different bmw engines to other chassis and what usually needs to be done etc? Any help is appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 59 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 Nah mate in hamilton, I would be so keen if i had the money. Im just trying to get an idea of what i should do for a small cost. At the moment im keen on m42 because of simplicity and room for extra mods (turbo) but don't have the actual funds at the moment. The only problem i can see with the m42 is the wiring. Does anyone have any information about wiring different bmw engines to other chassis and what usually needs to be done etc? Any help is appreciated. I'd do the m52b28 conversion, as the m42 would most likely cost the same either way you will be spending over 3k easy They race the M40B18 in the E30 series and it is competitive how about sticking with it and making it breath better and as for turbo,why not turbo the M40?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 59 Report post Posted August 1, 2011 I have M42/43 SS headers, can do cheap. sorry to hijack, Wayney, have you got M20 stainless headers could you pm me a pic and price cheers Jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
euroitalian 62 Report post Posted August 2, 2011 What about using the race series chip and cam plus an exhaust system and tuning the car to suit the mods? Probably smallest budget upgrade without major hassles Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorched_onion 0 Report post Posted August 2, 2011 I'd do the m52b28 conversion, as the m42 would most likely cost the same either way you will be spending over 3k easy They race the M40B18 in the E30 series and it is competitive how about sticking with it and making it breath better and as for turbo,why not turbo the M40?? Apparantly m40s timing belts fail. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oscar90 0 Report post Posted August 2, 2011 just put a good branded new one on... all cambelts can fail..it takes awhile unless theres huuuuuge strain or they're faulty im sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
