e30 m3 headers mate to an m10b18 engine?

sjle11789 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-30-2006, 08:13 AM

i have been told by some friends that e30 m3's (the engine based on the m10 four cylinder engine) headers will mate to a 318i's m10b18. Is this true, and if so what other parts are interchangeble? I can't find performance headers for my 318i.

Lee101315 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-30-2006, 10:52 AM

No way those headers fit the m10 engine.
They may, however fit on the 318is, which has the twincam version of the m10. But the m40 engine already has some nice headers.

Headers are the last modification. You really wont notice the difference unless you install a cam, or have done some other work. Expect to pay 400 bucks labor on a medium difficulty installation. Im sure you can find a better bang for your buck.

Look on ebay, 320i headers pop up all the time. I think 2002 headers will fit with a little modification.

sjle11789 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-30-2006, 08:35 PM

i was planning on installing a completely new exhaust system, headers, intake, cat, and catback, and maybe a new manifold. im trying to tackle one stage at a time. intake/exhaust, suspension, then engine, then some interior stuff ( roll cage, dash + gauges seats). one at a time. i actually just found some headers on bavauto.com . i know its gonna be hard to pump alotta power outta the m10 and have been told its not possible. but i only need like 175-200 hp. ill be ok with that.

Febi Guibo · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2006, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee101315

No way those headers fit the m10 engine.
They may, however fit on the 318is, which has the twincam version of the m10. But the m40 engine already has some nice headers.

S14 -> related to M10 dimensionally
M42 -> related to S42 and S50

M42 is different in every dimension / component from the M10; headers from an S14 won't fit on an M42

the suggestion on 320i and 2002 headers is a good one, however. Those dudes have some pretty tricked out M10 engines.

Lee101315 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2006, 08:45 AM

After rebuilding several m10, s14, and m40 engines, I can tell you that you are right that the s14 and m10 are very close. In fact, you wont tell the difference between a bare m10 and s14, aside from the bore.
What I meant is that the m40 engine was supposed to replace the m10 in the e30

As for the 320i, good luck making over 150hp with the CIS injection and the 1.8 engine

Febi Guibo · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2006, 09:05 AM

Hey, sorry about this, still confused:

you mentioned a twincam engine...?

Isn't the M40 an 8-valve single cam engine that was never offered in the US?