Distributor for 318i fuel injection conversion

[mp1k3]

When using all of the stock 318i parts for fuel injection conversion, can I use the 2002 distributor gear on the 318i distributor? Will it work even though it spins backwards?

[mp1k3]

the 318i distributor is on the left

[skipsfcr]

Use the 318 distributor housing and (upper) shaft, pick-up coil, etc. Use the drive gear and lower shaft including advance mechanism out of the 2002 distributor. Bulletproof, makes a nice, hot spark, and spins the direction you want it to. Best part is you've got everything you need right in front of you. (You can also modify the '02 distributor housing to accept the pickup coil and wiring but the method I suggest is much easier.)

[frank]

Will the conversion work with the 2002 distributer?

[skipsfcr]

Yes but you still need the upper shaft portion of a 318 distributor because the electronic pickup coil is held onto the shaft by a snap ring. The groove is not present on the 2002 unit. Then you have to modify the housing for the different "breaker plate" mounting screw positions and for the pickup coil electrical connector to exit. MUCH easier to buy a cheap, used 318 / late 320i distributor off Ebay and hybridize the two. To utilize this on a carbed M10 you also need the ignition control unit (power transistor) and its connector. For a carbed car it's much easier sticking with the usual suspects...Pertronix, Crane, etc. But if you're utilizing the 318i L-jet injection setup and its associated wiring this is the way to go.

[02for2]

Why not just drive the pin out of the drive gear, pull the gear off, invert it and replace the pin? This will reverse it's rotation.

Cheers!

[///mChris]

skipsfcr is right on with the bottom half of the dizzy. The bottom shaft has grooves in it to pull the oil the correct direction. Make sure you don't mix that up...

[Mike87]

If you are using all the stock 318 parts, use the 318 cam as well, then the distributor will just drop in without modification.

Otherwise, you could use a tii distributor (008 or 002). Both are close to what the 318 wants for an igniton curve, but you will loose the advantage of vacuum advance.

[dlmrun2002]

Frank.. For your L Jetronic set up just use your mechanical advance o2 distributor and run Petronix or something else besides points. And make sure you get a higher bar fuel pressure regulator. I think I am using one off a 528. I can't remember crap..

Doug M ny coun

try

[///mChris]

This is also exactly why megasquirt is the way to go. Not only does it handle fuel, but also combines it with spark advance control. The ability to consider vacuum (map) in the advance table is huge.

[frank]

Doug, I got the car running today with the 318i fuel injection set up. It all seems to work well with the exception of an erratic idle. Any ideas?

[dlmrun2002]

Is it running lean? Did you put a higher bar fuel regulator in? Idle control valve might need cleaning. You can do that with carb cleaner. Disconnect it when car is running and see if anything changes. Will you be at Limerock with the car? Congrats on the install. You will love it. Hope to see you and that red beauty at Limerock. Don't hesitate to call Laurence too. I just saw him last Friday.

dlm ny country

[bluedevils]

Check the ICV (VDO unit), probably dirty and leaking air. Drop it in a carb cleaner can for few hours (or use TB cleaner). Also check for air hoes for leaks. The green idle control computer may also be the problem, you can get reman ones from Autohaus in AZ in exchange of your old unit.

[dlmrun2002]

Air hoes??? That's a funny typo.. We need more hoes.. Less air heads..

dlm ny country

[frank]

At this point the car does not run at all. It gets gas and spark. The pertronix is now toast. I will install a new unit today. Will the FI run with points and condenser?

I will be at Lime Rock for sure, but I'm not so sure about the car.