OK, so here we go. We're going to dive into this thing head first and find out just how hard it really is to convert a 2002 to low dollar, modest twin cam power. First I should mention my much beloved but poorly painted victim...my '72 nevada 2002. I have driven this car to '02 events in at least eleven states and the car ( in primer) was the unlikely centerfold shot in the Roundel following 02-02-02 at the Zentrum, along with Danuel Smith's primered "ghost". Anyhow I love this car with all its quirks. I have no intention of doing a wicked bare shell restoration but while the original engine is out I do intend to finally paint the inside of my golf yellow front clip! By the way my time frame is highly optimistic as well...I hope to drive the converted car to the Mid America '02 Fest in Eureka Springs, AR in just over two months. It hasn't been driven since Der Krewe of '02 in 2006, when we blew the headgasket in route to Shreveport Mardi Gras. The car did run in the Highland Parade and make the trip home without incident. Here are some shots of the car as it sits now.


It's ugly in there. If you ever wondered why my hood was never open at any '02 events now you know why...


I will not be updating this blog until I have painted the engine bay...Hopefully within the next week. I do however want to mention one technical note about this swap:
There will be MANY hurdles to overcome in performing this swap...however the transmission issue is NOT one of them. The M42/44 engines share the same bellhousing flange design as M20 / M50 engines. This means that there is NO cutting the floor out of the car, no need to install an electric speedometer. Simply use the Getrag 245 E21 323i gray market 5 speed OD as used in the M20 swap. End of story. Updates to come.
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Avatar photo courtesy K. Kreeger, my2002tii.com (c)