Discussion
If I had to chop things around I wouldn’t consider the m44 swap but as LHD is better in every way 
there’s no reason not to have a twin cam in my life once again. I’d love an s14 but there just no point when my m44 and 5 speed box have just cost me £150! I’m going to try and make it look a bit like the old AC Schnitzer twink with crackle black cam cover and spun alloy trumpets on the ITB’s. I’ve got a picture in my mind, so I just need to make it a reality.
Yesterday’s rain also confirmed I have no leaks and the new carpet remains bone dry!
. I’m so happy about that! Driving home from yesterday’s country drive and pub lunch, there was an awful noise that grew louder and louder. It got so bad it almost drowned out the 45’s and that’s no easy feat as they’re bloody loud! It seems that the fan, to demist the windscreen, hadn’t see action in years and the bearing must have been bone dry? It threw in the towel anyway and died screaming!
I’m in my office at Penzance today and as it’s sunny (kind of anyway) I figured I’d bring the 02. I’m amazed at just how much love it gets from other road users and pedestrians who spin around to see what the noise is?!
This is what I want the m44 to resemble.
there’s no reason not to have a twin cam in my life once again. I’d love an s14 but there just no point when my m44 and 5 speed box have just cost me £150! I’m going to try and make it look a bit like the old AC Schnitzer twink with crackle black cam cover and spun alloy trumpets on the ITB’s. I’ve got a picture in my mind, so I just need to make it a reality. Yesterday’s rain also confirmed I have no leaks and the new carpet remains bone dry!
. I’m so happy about that! Driving home from yesterday’s country drive and pub lunch, there was an awful noise that grew louder and louder. It got so bad it almost drowned out the 45’s and that’s no easy feat as they’re bloody loud! It seems that the fan, to demist the windscreen, hadn’t see action in years and the bearing must have been bone dry? It threw in the towel anyway and died screaming! I’m in my office at Penzance today and as it’s sunny (kind of anyway) I figured I’d bring the 02. I’m amazed at just how much love it gets from other road users and pedestrians who spin around to see what the noise is?!
This is what I want the m44 to resemble.
Edited by 1602Mark on Monday 24th June 19:00
Have been making the most of the gorgeous weather we've been having here in Cornwall and using the 02 for my daily commute to Penzance. In fact, I've been blown away at just how frugal it has been on fuel. Especially when you consider it's got a tuned M10, dual 45's and only 4 gears!
The only negative is that it's a bit flat spotty low down. I think there's a very slight air leak (on the carb mounts) as it spits a little when cold. It lessens once warm but it's still not ideal. I also need to replace the throttle linkage with the Magard one I have sat here on my desk. That said, because I planned to go M44 anyway...
I may change my mind re the engine swap though? The M10 may only be a 1.6 but, as a result, it just loves to rev. Once it gets past around 4k RPM it really starts to come on cam and will happily rev past 8k. I don't take it much past 6.5 - 7k though, for the sake of longevity. Given that it runs velocity stacks and a race exhaust, it also means my ears get a bit of a break and I don't feel that I'm being quite as antisocial as I might otherwise. One of the other nice things about 45's and a free flow exhaust are those pops and bangs on overrun! All without a button of computer in sight! Anyway, in relation to the low end flat spots, I have been talking to the guys at Bogg Brothers, who have suggested I swap to a set of four Yamaha R1 carbs and their inlet manifold. Having given them my exact engine spec' they are confident that the modern design of the R1 carbs will mean I can achieve smooth running from tickover and still maintain full power at full throttle. The other bonus is that their full kit isn't much more (cost wise) than I would get from selling the Webers. It really sounds like a win/win situation?! I'm just waiting to see if they could do a kit for an M44 instead, before I make a firm decision either way?
Other than that, I fitted the seats from Cobra and an old Britax harness to complete the look inside. I can't help but wonder if I should also fit a rear cage?
The only negative is that it's a bit flat spotty low down. I think there's a very slight air leak (on the carb mounts) as it spits a little when cold. It lessens once warm but it's still not ideal. I also need to replace the throttle linkage with the Magard one I have sat here on my desk. That said, because I planned to go M44 anyway...
I may change my mind re the engine swap though? The M10 may only be a 1.6 but, as a result, it just loves to rev. Once it gets past around 4k RPM it really starts to come on cam and will happily rev past 8k. I don't take it much past 6.5 - 7k though, for the sake of longevity. Given that it runs velocity stacks and a race exhaust, it also means my ears get a bit of a break and I don't feel that I'm being quite as antisocial as I might otherwise. One of the other nice things about 45's and a free flow exhaust are those pops and bangs on overrun! All without a button of computer in sight! Anyway, in relation to the low end flat spots, I have been talking to the guys at Bogg Brothers, who have suggested I swap to a set of four Yamaha R1 carbs and their inlet manifold. Having given them my exact engine spec' they are confident that the modern design of the R1 carbs will mean I can achieve smooth running from tickover and still maintain full power at full throttle. The other bonus is that their full kit isn't much more (cost wise) than I would get from selling the Webers. It really sounds like a win/win situation?! I'm just waiting to see if they could do a kit for an M44 instead, before I make a firm decision either way?
Other than that, I fitted the seats from Cobra and an old Britax harness to complete the look inside. I can't help but wonder if I should also fit a rear cage?
Well I've been racking up the miles on the daily commute to work in Penzance and loving every minute. Well I was right up until I went to fire up the 02 in Newlyn and was met with the dreaded click from the starter, down to a flat battery. Now this had happened before but I was at home and a quick charge was all that was required. This time though, I was 20+ miles from home and I had to call the RAC to come rescue me. They took well over 3 bloody hours to arrive with a fully charged battery, which then allowed me to drive home. Fortunately, here in Cornwall we still have old men in sheds who can fix things, so the alternator should be ready by this time tomorrow for the fraction of the price of a new one. Happy days!
Thanks to a kindly soul on the Retro Rides forum, I will soon have an M42 to drop into the 02's engine bay. As previously mentioned, the intention is to run it with S54 throttle bodies and a DTA standalone ignition system. I'm properly excited at the prospect and looking forward to having a 5th gear and an LSD to make the most of it. The M42 will be getting properly rebuilt over the coming winter though, so the M10 will be staying for the foreseeable future. What will be happening though, is I will be heading up to the good folk at Bogg Brothers and letting them work their M10 magic while fitting their lovely R1 carb kit pictured below.
I'm also looking forward to taking the 02 to the gathering at Shelsey this year. Yes, I'm still sad that the E30 M3 is gone, but for me this is the kind of 02 that inspired the original M3 and I'm very happy to own and drive it. I still need to sort that MIG reg' plate out though. 8)
I'm still really happy with how the car sits and the only non mechanical upgrade I have planned are some decent headlights. It gets pretty dark down here and the stock lights are like candles in jam jars!
Thanks to a kindly soul on the Retro Rides forum, I will soon have an M42 to drop into the 02's engine bay. As previously mentioned, the intention is to run it with S54 throttle bodies and a DTA standalone ignition system. I'm properly excited at the prospect and looking forward to having a 5th gear and an LSD to make the most of it. The M42 will be getting properly rebuilt over the coming winter though, so the M10 will be staying for the foreseeable future. What will be happening though, is I will be heading up to the good folk at Bogg Brothers and letting them work their M10 magic while fitting their lovely R1 carb kit pictured below.
I'm also looking forward to taking the 02 to the gathering at Shelsey this year. Yes, I'm still sad that the E30 M3 is gone, but for me this is the kind of 02 that inspired the original M3 and I'm very happy to own and drive it. I still need to sort that MIG reg' plate out though. 8)
I'm still really happy with how the car sits and the only non mechanical upgrade I have planned are some decent headlights. It gets pretty dark down here and the stock lights are like candles in jam jars!
Well it's about time we had some bad news. 
The M10 developed the worlds worst cam chain noise and was running like a pig, as the timing was jumping about all over the show. It would appear that someone (prior to my taking delivery of the car) thought it would be a great idea to put an 8mm nut and an alloy spacer in with the tensioner piston and spring. It's almost as if the chain was so forked and stretched that they needed the additional metal bits to shut the thing up?! Obviously it was only a matter of time before the thing was going to grenade itself and become an expensive paperweight. So, that any events for 2019 out the window. As you can imagine, I'm not happy.
The M10 developed the worlds worst cam chain noise and was running like a pig, as the timing was jumping about all over the show. It would appear that someone (prior to my taking delivery of the car) thought it would be a great idea to put an 8mm nut and an alloy spacer in with the tensioner piston and spring. It's almost as if the chain was so forked and stretched that they needed the additional metal bits to shut the thing up?! Obviously it was only a matter of time before the thing was going to grenade itself and become an expensive paperweight. So, that any events for 2019 out the window. As you can imagine, I'm not happy. 
B'stard Child said:
1602Mark said:
Assuming that’s a donor?Anyway, this has a nice healthy 1.9 M42 and a 5 speed manual box which will be getting ripped out next week.
Well the Z3 gave up the twin cam, 5 speed box and associated crap. In an effort to keep costs down we decided to employ a bit of lateral thinking when it came to things like the sump. Yes, we could have started matching up E30 bits but a bit of ingenuity and a plasma cutter meant we could take out the centre section of the front crossmember / subframe and rotate it 180 degrees. This left room for the original Z3 sump and minimal pushing and pulling had the new engine sat in place. Well kind of...
As is the way with these things it was one step forward and 2 back. Yes, the engine was kind of in place but that pig ugly inlet manifold now fouled the brake servo. In an ideal world I would have junked it in favour of ITB's, which is still our plan unless I can supercharge it, but for now it's a case of moving the servo. We can either move it a bit closer to the bulkhead or further out a bit like RHD E21's. Alternatively we could bin the servo altogether I guess?
In an effort to keep costs down we decided to employ a bit of lateral thinking when it came to things like the sump. Yes, we could have started matching up E30 bits but a bit of ingenuity and a plasma cutter meant we could take out the centre section of the front crossmember / subframe and rotate it 180 degrees. This left room for the original Z3 sump and minimal pushing and pulling had the new engine sat in place. Well kind of...As is the way with these things it was one step forward and 2 back. Yes, the engine was kind of in place but that pig ugly inlet manifold now fouled the brake servo. In an ideal world I would have junked it in favour of ITB's, which is still our plan unless I can supercharge it, but for now it's a case of moving the servo. We can either move it a bit closer to the bulkhead or further out a bit like RHD E21's. Alternatively we could bin the servo altogether I guess?
Engine is just being used to mock stuff up for now, but will be freshened up with a new clutch etc and even a lick of paint, prior to final installation. I keep finding myself looking at this...
http://gkdtuning.com/product/supercharger/
I'm still thinking of powder coating the wheel centres a dark gold and polishing the outer lip.
http://gkdtuning.com/product/supercharger/
I'm still thinking of powder coating the wheel centres a dark gold and polishing the outer lip.
Decided to start cleaning up the bay, so an obligatory 'before' pic.
Can't help lusting after this...
http://gkdtuning.com/product/supercharger/
200+ BHP on the stock ECU and injectors and as much as 230 if I go with standalone ECU, which would be plenty in an 02. Evidently 280+ is available if you go all out.
I just think it would make this car pretty special with a charger whining away.
Can't help lusting after this...
http://gkdtuning.com/product/supercharger/
200+ BHP on the stock ECU and injectors and as much as 230 if I go with standalone ECU, which would be plenty in an 02. Evidently 280+ is available if you go all out.
I just think it would make this car pretty special with a charger whining away.
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!
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.
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 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
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