Discussion
I think that is the same engine that was in my E36 318iS...?
If so, it is a great engine : I did a few track days in mine, it had a Miltek S/S cat back exhaust couple with an AMD chip.
They seem to rev easily, and almost have a 'vtec' phase when the revs get nearer the red line.
I would ensure that the cooling system ( ie in the block) has been flushed out properly.
Anyway, looking forward to the progress on your 02 !
If so, it is a great engine : I did a few track days in mine, it had a Miltek S/S cat back exhaust couple with an AMD chip.
They seem to rev easily, and almost have a 'vtec' phase when the revs get nearer the red line.
I would ensure that the cooling system ( ie in the block) has been flushed out properly.
Anyway, looking forward to the progress on your 02 !
Yes, same M44 1.9 from the E36, Z3 etc. In an ideal world I'd have gone S14 2.3 but they're just too expensive nowadays. Mind you, the M44 has potential and it's still a 16 valve four pot that likes to rev, so it's not all bad.
Until I'm able to go forced induction I'm going with S54 ITB's and DTA standalone ignition. Most likely S40 Pro, if I can find one used. If it looks as I have it pictured in my head it'll be a really sweet looking conversion. It also means we won't have to mess with the brake servo!
Until I'm able to go forced induction I'm going with S54 ITB's and DTA standalone ignition. Most likely S40 Pro, if I can find one used. If it looks as I have it pictured in my head it'll be a really sweet looking conversion. It also means we won't have to mess with the brake servo!
The car is looking great. I have a real soft spot for these, my Grandad worked for BMW at the same time this car was launched. I have been clearing out his house and found certificates for completing his mechanical training on these and photos from the launch event with 70s ladies draped all over them.
Thanks for the comments guys. Although the goal is to eventually go forced induction, I intend keeping this M44 as NA on ITB's. In my head I am picturing the car as being a 60's version of the E30 M3, so lightweight with a high revving 4 pot twin cam. As an s14 is just too expensive nowadays, I hope to make the most of the m44 and try and make it resemble the m12 race engines. I know it'll only be a passing resemblance but it should still look good and 'correct' for the cars age. Well that's the plan anyway. 
Well the engine is in an the swap to ITB's has meant the servo is no longer causing issues with clearance. Happy days! We decided from the outset, that we didn't want to start messing with the engine by swapping sumps, dip stick, pulleys etc but that has brought a couple of compromises. The biggest of those being the engine isn't quite as far back as we might have liked. Don't get me wrong, it's not like an Audi but another inch would have been ideal. It's the gearbox that has stopped us going further back, as the Z3 box is a bit bigger than the M40 box usually used. We managed to keep the Z3 sump and cut the front subframe instead, then reverse fitted the removed section. The best thing though, is that should the M44 ever let go, a fresh one will simply drop right in. Once fitted with ITB's, DTA management, lightened flywheel etc and properly mapped, they're good for a reliable 190+ bhp
I'm currently on the hunt for a few second hand parts to try and keep costs down. I'm already working 2 jobs to try and pay for everything so if I can find a used DTA S40 it could save me a few extra hours driving a cab. I also need to find some S54 ITB's but my budget is around £200 and those on eBay and the like are nearer 300 - 350! If anyone can help with either the ITB's or standalone ECU (DTA or similar) please shout.
The only other thing I want is an LSD but the prices of 02/e21 slippers are just ridiculous now. I really need to look at alternatives or maybe consider a new one from the likes of Gripper or Quaiffe?
Well the engine is in an the swap to ITB's has meant the servo is no longer causing issues with clearance. Happy days! We decided from the outset, that we didn't want to start messing with the engine by swapping sumps, dip stick, pulleys etc but that has brought a couple of compromises. The biggest of those being the engine isn't quite as far back as we might have liked. Don't get me wrong, it's not like an Audi but another inch would have been ideal. It's the gearbox that has stopped us going further back, as the Z3 box is a bit bigger than the M40 box usually used. We managed to keep the Z3 sump and cut the front subframe instead, then reverse fitted the removed section. The best thing though, is that should the M44 ever let go, a fresh one will simply drop right in. Once fitted with ITB's, DTA management, lightened flywheel etc and properly mapped, they're good for a reliable 190+ bhp
I'm currently on the hunt for a few second hand parts to try and keep costs down. I'm already working 2 jobs to try and pay for everything so if I can find a used DTA S40 it could save me a few extra hours driving a cab. I also need to find some S54 ITB's but my budget is around £200 and those on eBay and the like are nearer 300 - 350! If anyone can help with either the ITB's or standalone ECU (DTA or similar) please shout.
The only other thing I want is an LSD but the prices of 02/e21 slippers are just ridiculous now. I really need to look at alternatives or maybe consider a new one from the likes of Gripper or Quaiffe?
Well the engine is in and the mounts for both that and the gearbox have been fabricated. The prop has been shortened, welded up and balanced, the gear linkage modified (inc short shift) and the 4 branch exhaust manifold ''persuaded'' for clearance and mated to the Martelius stainless system. An E36 radiator should do the trick so the mounts for that and the ARB are next, before we whip everything back out again and send the mounts, subframe etc off for powder coat.
Next on the agenda are the S54 ITB's and DTA S40 Pro, so the loom needs making and the new fuel pump etc before we start mapping. Obviously we'll be fitting new consumables such as the clutch. The engine bay will also get a bit of love before the final engine fitting.
Next on the agenda are the S54 ITB's and DTA S40 Pro, so the loom needs making and the new fuel pump etc before we start mapping. Obviously we'll be fitting new consumables such as the clutch. The engine bay will also get a bit of love before the final engine fitting.
Having had both an E36 328 followed by the 318iS, the first thing I noticed was the front of the engine was quite a bit further forward....obviously to do with the extra 2 cylinders...!
The reason I then swapped the 328 ( which was an auto anyway) was that a racing friend who knew his E36s said that the 318iS handled better due the weight balance at the front, but that would also take into account the extra weight of the straight six 2.8.
You probably mentioned it previously, but your 'modern' engine may be a bit heavier than the original 02 ?
The reason I then swapped the 328 ( which was an auto anyway) was that a racing friend who knew his E36s said that the 318iS handled better due the weight balance at the front, but that would also take into account the extra weight of the straight six 2.8.
You probably mentioned it previously, but your 'modern' engine may be a bit heavier than the original 02 ?
We weighed them and it was 15 kgs heavier. The battery (we took out and relocated in the boot) was 15 kgs, although I intend fitting a lighter alternative. The removal and replacement of all the OE wiring loom (engine) and inlet manifold etc should lose another kilo or two. Overall, the car is considerably lighter than stock though, as both Cobra seats weighed less than a single factory item. Admittedly, in an ideal world we'd have got the m44 an inch further back but I don't anticipate any issues. We'll corner weight it once finished but I reckon any difference (over original) will be minimal. Apart from power, which will be nigh on doubled.
Mind you, the s14 in this car is similarly positioned...
As an aside, I'm thinking of running the 02 as my daily driver for the coming year. Being MOT & tax exempt and less than £160pa to insure it'll be considerably cheaper than my 2019 1 series. It should also manage 40 MPG! The 02 only weighs in at about 940 kgs and the Z3 donor was 1170 I think? I appreciate the 02 doesn't have all the niceties like A/C or blue teeth but there's just something I like about driving the same car as I did as a 20 something.
Mind you, the s14 in this car is similarly positioned...
As an aside, I'm thinking of running the 02 as my daily driver for the coming year. Being MOT & tax exempt and less than £160pa to insure it'll be considerably cheaper than my 2019 1 series. It should also manage 40 MPG! The 02 only weighs in at about 940 kgs and the Z3 donor was 1170 I think? I appreciate the 02 doesn't have all the niceties like A/C or blue teeth but there's just something I like about driving the same car as I did as a 20 something.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 1602 before. Lovely looking car!
I know you’ve mentioned BDS Performance in a previous post but it would definitely be worth a call to Bruno @ BDS to see what he’d be able to do for you. I’ve been out in a few of his cars and they’re all absolute monsters! Even the M42/M44 engined cars.
I know you’ve mentioned BDS Performance in a previous post but it would definitely be worth a call to Bruno @ BDS to see what he’d be able to do for you. I’ve been out in a few of his cars and they’re all absolute monsters! Even the M42/M44 engined cars.
I been in touch with Bruno via Instagram and am planning to get his input once the car is back together. He certainly gets good numbers from M42/44.
I had hoped to find a used DTA S40 ECU but the only one I could find was 9 years old and not that much cheaper than new. It just makes sense to bite the bullet and get one from DTA directly. ARM are doing the wiring loom, as they did with my E30 M3, so we should be good to get on with that side of things pretty soon.
I had hoped to find a used DTA S40 ECU but the only one I could find was 9 years old and not that much cheaper than new. It just makes sense to bite the bullet and get one from DTA directly. ARM are doing the wiring loom, as they did with my E30 M3, so we should be good to get on with that side of things pretty soon.
Just back from ARM and am really chuffed with how things are looking and feeling with the conversion.
The gearbox feels great, with a satisfyingly short throw of the lever and a mechanical 'snick' that reminded me of early MX5's. The commute to work should be a little less frantic on the A30 now.
I've been having some thoughts around the aesthetics now the mechanical stuff is finished. The engine has to come out for the bay to be cleaned / painted and we'll be throwing a new clutch in as it would be daft not to, but there's no more modifications etc.
DTA are sending their S40 Pro which was about the cheapest decent quality ECU I could find. I know there are some budget alternatives but DTA are reliable and ARM use them regularly. It certainly worked well in my E30 M3.
The battery is being relocated in the boot, along with a new Sytec fuel pump and swirl pot.
I've also decided that I want to fit a basic rear cage and delete the back seat. I want to do some occasional sprint and hill climb events and with close to double the power my 02 came with, it just makes good sense. I also want an LSD but I'd like to go with one from Gripper, as opposed to fitting an old OE unit, that would most likely need rebuilding anyway. At the money used ones are fetching now there's just no point. https://gripperlsd.com/product/bmw-2002/
There are a few smaller DIY jobs on the list too, such as replacing the plastic beneath the door cards to stop rain finding its way into the cabin. Much as I love 02's they can be a real pain in the arse when it comes to rain getting in.
Anyway, next job is to mod the S54 throttle bodies, get them mounted with velocity stacks and start the wiring loom for the DTA ECU.
The gearbox feels great, with a satisfyingly short throw of the lever and a mechanical 'snick' that reminded me of early MX5's. The commute to work should be a little less frantic on the A30 now.
I've been having some thoughts around the aesthetics now the mechanical stuff is finished. The engine has to come out for the bay to be cleaned / painted and we'll be throwing a new clutch in as it would be daft not to, but there's no more modifications etc.
DTA are sending their S40 Pro which was about the cheapest decent quality ECU I could find. I know there are some budget alternatives but DTA are reliable and ARM use them regularly. It certainly worked well in my E30 M3.
The battery is being relocated in the boot, along with a new Sytec fuel pump and swirl pot.
I've also decided that I want to fit a basic rear cage and delete the back seat. I want to do some occasional sprint and hill climb events and with close to double the power my 02 came with, it just makes good sense. I also want an LSD but I'd like to go with one from Gripper, as opposed to fitting an old OE unit, that would most likely need rebuilding anyway. At the money used ones are fetching now there's just no point. https://gripperlsd.com/product/bmw-2002/
There are a few smaller DIY jobs on the list too, such as replacing the plastic beneath the door cards to stop rain finding its way into the cabin. Much as I love 02's they can be a real pain in the arse when it comes to rain getting in.
Anyway, next job is to mod the S54 throttle bodies, get them mounted with velocity stacks and start the wiring loom for the DTA ECU.
Edited by 1602Mark on Saturday 24th August 16:08
Well everything is back from powder coat and looking like new. I also did the cam cover in black, although am tempted to take back the lines cast into the top with a sanding disc. Maybe?
The S54 ITB's are being mounted to a custom inlet but I want to try and paint them in a dark satin gold finish. I know how I want them to look but it might be more difficult in execution. I've managed to lay my hands on a set of red stacks that I hope will work? They should look good but there's no point fitting them if they don't allow me to make the most of the engine. First job is jet washing the engine bay, removing any now defunct brackets and stuff, before deciding whether it needs repainting or not? I'm hoping a thorough clean and some localised touch ups will be enough. With all the old M44 wiring junked in favour of the new DTA specific loom, it should look much tidier in the bay anyway but alloy washer reservoir and header might be nice touches, along with a brand new aluminium radiator.
I just hope there are a few sunny days left so I can enjoy finally having the 02 back on the road with a bit of twin cam spring in its step. I did think of making a subtle 16v02 badge for the rear.
The S54 ITB's are being mounted to a custom inlet but I want to try and paint them in a dark satin gold finish. I know how I want them to look but it might be more difficult in execution. I've managed to lay my hands on a set of red stacks that I hope will work? They should look good but there's no point fitting them if they don't allow me to make the most of the engine. First job is jet washing the engine bay, removing any now defunct brackets and stuff, before deciding whether it needs repainting or not? I'm hoping a thorough clean and some localised touch ups will be enough. With all the old M44 wiring junked in favour of the new DTA specific loom, it should look much tidier in the bay anyway but alloy washer reservoir and header might be nice touches, along with a brand new aluminium radiator.
I just hope there are a few sunny days left so I can enjoy finally having the 02 back on the road with a bit of twin cam spring in its step. I did think of making a subtle 16v02 badge for the rear.
Edited by 1602Mark on Sunday 1st September 18:00
1602Mark said:
Well everything is back from powder coat and looking like new. I also did the cam cover in black, although am tempted to take back the lines cast into the top with a sanding disc. Maybe?
I think that might look good 1602Mark said:
I did think of making a subtle 16v02 badge for the rear.
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