Hey R3V, haven't posted much on this forum but since the E30 is starting to come along and could use some insight on a couple of topics, figured I would start a project thread here too. It is a 1991 BMW 318IS with M42. When I bought the car I wasn't sure whether to do an oem+ resto, or a street/track restoration. However, after driving it back home after purchasing the car, I knew it would be my street and track toy.
I will go back to the beginning so you can get caught up///
When I first bought my E30 1 year ago
I sold my old project to fund the new one.. 2002 1.8t Jetta. Unitronic stage 2 with lots of fun upgrades. But with all the gadgets, it wasn't enough.. Some called me crazy, but I knew it was the right move.
After I got the car home, (bought it 7 hours away) I got straight to business. I started with general maintenance. Stuff like, changing oil, transmission fluid, diff fluid, coolant flush with new thermostat, brake fluid flush, spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. I also did a compression test at the time, forget the numbers exactly, but they were solid across the board. I also bought a cheap buffer and did a detailed buff job on the car as the red was very oxidized.
So after all this was done the car was looking and running very well. However, the stock rack was leaking and very loose. Knowing that I would end up swapping an inline 6 in the car I knew the 95 m3 rack was the best option. I picked up a fresh rebuilt m3 rack and the AKG motorsport swap kit.
AKG Kit
Old VS. New M3 Rack
Before:
After:
The difference the new rack made was absolutely night and day. And its already out of the way for the swap.
Since the car was running good at this point, it was time to make some orders for some new fun parts.
I ordered a set of new coilovers from B.C Racing. I was sent the 45mm strut size rather than the 51mm so I also had to find a set of 45mm struts from an early model. I wasn't about to send back the coilovers I had waited a month to get. I didn't go with any custom rates, just chose to go right out of the box. And I am happy I did.
45mm spindles I acquired to weld to the B.C's
And I gathered a few odds and ends:
I cut the strut tubes off the spindles 50mm above the spindle and wire brushed then sandblasted the spindles before welding. Then I sent them off to be welded. And I am very happy with how they turned out!
Will Post more updates over the next couple of days, stay tuned. Cheers
I will go back to the beginning so you can get caught up///
When I first bought my E30 1 year ago
I sold my old project to fund the new one.. 2002 1.8t Jetta. Unitronic stage 2 with lots of fun upgrades. But with all the gadgets, it wasn't enough.. Some called me crazy, but I knew it was the right move.
After I got the car home, (bought it 7 hours away) I got straight to business. I started with general maintenance. Stuff like, changing oil, transmission fluid, diff fluid, coolant flush with new thermostat, brake fluid flush, spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. I also did a compression test at the time, forget the numbers exactly, but they were solid across the board. I also bought a cheap buffer and did a detailed buff job on the car as the red was very oxidized.
So after all this was done the car was looking and running very well. However, the stock rack was leaking and very loose. Knowing that I would end up swapping an inline 6 in the car I knew the 95 m3 rack was the best option. I picked up a fresh rebuilt m3 rack and the AKG motorsport swap kit.
AKG Kit
Old VS. New M3 Rack
Before:
After:
The difference the new rack made was absolutely night and day. And its already out of the way for the swap.
Since the car was running good at this point, it was time to make some orders for some new fun parts.
I ordered a set of new coilovers from B.C Racing. I was sent the 45mm strut size rather than the 51mm so I also had to find a set of 45mm struts from an early model. I wasn't about to send back the coilovers I had waited a month to get. I didn't go with any custom rates, just chose to go right out of the box. And I am happy I did.
45mm spindles I acquired to weld to the B.C's
And I gathered a few odds and ends:
I cut the strut tubes off the spindles 50mm above the spindle and wire brushed then sandblasted the spindles before welding. Then I sent them off to be welded. And I am very happy with how they turned out!
Will Post more updates over the next couple of days, stay tuned. Cheers
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