Alright gents, I've figured out my E85 fuel delivery problem by upgrading to to a 1/2" aluminum feed line (https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...E85-Conversion). More than enough fuel now at 15lb boost! Easily down under 0.70 lambda at full boost now. Time to upgrade clutch since the original M42 clutch has been slipping since I dynoed at 15lbs probably 5-6 years ago. Haven't autocrossed since 2016, but still throwing money at the ol girl to keep pushing the limit until something breaks. Autocross is just the icing on the cake.
I decided to upgrade the clutch to the M20 variety, but opted for a lightweight chromoly flywheel made for an M42 starter+M20 clutch combo from racehead in Australia. 7lbs compared to the 20lb+ dual mass stock flywheel and going with a Spec Stage 2+ PP & disc to have more than enough margin for later engine mods later.
Will keep this thread up to date as work happens 5 minutes here and there over the next 6 months, but next spring the ol eurotrash will be pounding the asphalt hard again. Keep your eyes peeled for a special tablet based dash interfacing with the MS over bluetooth among other things.
Historical reference of projects on the ol bag o' bolts:
Original 2012 Turbo build:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...42-Turbo-Build
2008 M42 Swap thread
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...87-Spring-Swap
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Finally got on Dyno today. I am not going beyond 14PSI on an all stock motor but very happy with the numbers it put up. Started out tuning Octane 93 and hit 234HP, then switched to E85 and added a little timing and hit 254!
Getting ready for a track day at Grattan next week, will probably dial boost back to 8-9PSI, but even at that I was 220hp on E85. Will be by first track day in the car, can’t wait!
[
E85 vs Oct 93 run
Last edited by sonomaGTLN2; 05-29-2021 at 12:24 AM.
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Numbers look great man. 2x M42s daily driven here. Do you know where your cams are timed at? Used the factory time tool?
I ask cause what if I told you there was free power sitting there and moves that curve for no dip 3000rpm range. I played with our M42s the past year when rebuilt mine. Stock cam centerlines timing is 110 degrees, but I found that much better power curve to have the exhaust at 106 degrees center and intake at 109. This is with stock cams.
This setup gives early scavenging which for a turbo would spool faster earlier. For NA it just means more torque earlier and feels much less anemic to drive. The stock motor falls off peak rpms anyways if hydro tappets. Timing the intake a degree early close doesn't sacrifice a good fast 7k rpm redline.
Mainly what this does do is give free overall power with 5 degrees extra overall overlap using stock cams. Noticeable difference at low rpms, with very noticeable mid and especially topend.
If have the time it's worth the extra squeeze; put a degree wheel on it and dial indicator as direct on the tappet can get. Without a factory fan I was able to do this with the motor in the car. Probably easiest without a radiator installed to see the wheel better.
Good luck and most of all have FUN at the track day. Give'em hell.
Last edited by autox320; 05-30-2021 at 07:06 AM.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
How tail happy does it feel at 4000 rpm? That curve has to be entertaining driving the car around.
Thanks guys! Power is actually pretty smooth but it will still break loose going straight when boost hits in 2nd. When I do the track day I plan to reduce to 9PSI boost on E85 which is still 220hp. I have been running 15 lbs boost for last 2000 miles or so but figured id dial it back a little for track day.
It also helps that I have 225 rear tires…I plan to keep my same spring rates and sway bar config as I do in auto cross, hopefully it translate well to the track (Grattan in Michigan).
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Next time around I think I want to play with timing more. 2 degrees was worth almost 20hp on E85 but we stopped there. I think the big kicker for me this time around was going to a .60a/r turbine with a .50a/r compressor (was .48 before and only got 198hp, but also with retuning the stock M42 motronic).
Autox320, I may take you up on the cam timing change…I have felt the difference in my E36 M42 318ti of a little timing change…might be time to do it here (bone stock E30 M42).
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Took it out to Grattan Raceway today and man what a great time! Will upload some videos hopefully tomorrow. Ran nice and cool on e85 as well.
I need to sort out some brake fade issues though…I have volvo front calipers running probably standard pads and rubber lines (which suited me fine for auto x and 15-20 minutes of track time) and 323i rear disks. Car ran great but if I didn’t take care of brakes I’d have moments of fade. Any suggestions besides upgrading to a big brake kit?
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Well we just learned PFC stopped making PFC11's for our calipers, so best option IMO is carbotech https://ctbrakes.com/ We used to run xp8's but probably use xp10's or whatever they recommend. Buy the same compound all around. Don't use a lesser compound in the rear to try and mimic brake bias. Compounds heat up differently. If on a budget (aren't we all) there's Dynamic Friction track pads available from Rock Auto. I have a full set in the track box but we've yet to test them.
Change brake fluid to something worthy. We like Castrol SRF (react). Never boiled it, and quick bleed between track weekends; flush bleed once a year.
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-SRF-R...2629111&sr=8-5
Factory sized brakes in front here with centric cheapest vented rotors. Rear factory early e30 (up to 91) calipers on centric cheapest vw front solid rotors.
Don't knock rubber lines they are cheap and effective. Lot's of spec racers still use factory lines. The stainless are nice for abrasion and maybe that tiny extra feel. But a new rubber line is just as good IMO.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
Autox320 - thank you, this gives me a starting point. I’d prefer to keep my Volvo fronts and 323i rears so it will be a matter if finding something that is made for both vehicles.
It may really just be switching fluid…my fluid is just general DOT 4 Prestone stuff. Haven’t fully bled it and changed it in probably 10 years.
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
Yeah prestone dot4 found at wally world or all over is perfect for STREET and Autocross; along with stock pads or we like Centric stoptech SPORT pads. If any track use definitely get better fluid. We especially like the castrol cause it's like stock fluid and doesn't attract moisture like most race fluids. Most "racing" fluids are meant to change per event. Some guys who track literally bleed the SRF once a year lol. It's great stuff and holds up over motul etc. Avoid "super blue" or "type 200" fluids since on the subject. That stuff will attract lots and lots (seriously lots compared to others) of moisture. I've had too many froze calipers and ruined clutch slaves from using it in the past. Lessons learned.
Try pads and fluid first. Yeah brake upgrade isn't a bad thing though and the other thread discussing the IE wilwood kits. I'd vouch for wilwood even though some think they aren't "high end" enough. They will get you there for less cost of AP or Alcon. I run Wilwoods on the M3 and they are awesome. We kept factory sized brakes on the 320 due to weight. The vehicle is light enough I feel doesn't need much more brake.
For pads if can get a set for dedicated track use my preference is hands down PFC 11 compound all around. Even if a brake kit etc.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
So I've got Castrol SRF in my shopping cart and now I'm trying to sort out what to do about brake pads. I'm 99% sure I was boiling fluid during the latest track day but figured I'd update pads to something that would stand up to some limited track driving anyways. I have 323i stock rear discs right now but am planning to just upgrade to E30 rear calipers since pads are more readily available and my current pads are near end of life anyways. Since a majority of my driving is still street I've looked into the Stoptech Sport pads which appear (via Amazon reviews) to be good on the street and also hold up well for LeMons use which is good enough for me on 2 or 3 max track days per year. The downside is I haven't been able to find "Ultra Premium (Sport)" pads for the Volvo front calipers (only "Premium (Sport)")...Obviously want to stay with the same pad compound between fronts and rears. It's odd because they have Ultra Premium Sports for Volvo 240 rears...
Stoptech options:
E30 Rears: https://centricparts.com/part-detail...bmw&model=325i
Volvo 240 Girling pads: https://centricparts.com/part-detail...olvo&model=240
For anyone who has done a track day with Volvo front calipers - any other recommendations? I did consider going with a low-level racing pad all around but a majority of my driving is street so I don't want something that's unpredictable for the street.
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
For street like I said earlier the stoptech/centric sports are what we run for autox. They are perfect for that. Might hold up to a lap at the track but will fade fast as hell. I'd opt for second set of dedicated track pads for weekend events. See if can find the Dynamic Friction track duty through Rockauto. Hell even see if stoptech has a track pad I know they do for E36. They are cheap and work ok my buddy uses them.
Other than that need real pads like PFC, Carbotech....my last pic would be hawks but hey if thats the only option then well. . .
My main thing is unless it's a track pad avoid ceramic. Most street ceramic pads will heat cycle out fast. The sport centrics/stoptech are semi metallic and are good. Newer formula track pads are using ceramic compounds but DO NOT confuse those with street pads found everywhere. Sure street ceramic pads will last forever but at cost of stopping power and once heat cycle out they are just material to fill the void so your pistons don't fall out
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
I realized I didn't post a video of the dyno or the track day...
Enjoy!
Dyno run and some track footage
Track day in-car action
Ask questions about the E85 setup!
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
It's everything my miata buddy wishes to be
He makes 230whp on E85 out of his lil 1.8L. Car looks and sounds good man.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
Thanks man! One thing I love about the exhaust setup is how the note/tone turned out.
.: M42 Swap Thread M42 Turbo Build Thread E85 Conversion :.
My YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/AdamPE21
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