Here we go again
In 2007 I build my first Turbo E30. The car was fantastic. In 2009 I build a 2.8l stroker turbo engine for this one. In the end this car got too expensive and it had to go. I was sure I would never build another E30 Turbo.
Well what can I say? I couldn’t resist it and got another project car. This time it’s a 03/1987 325is. Complete with sport package and sound system. Pretty good base considering I only paid $1500 for the car.
My goal was a cheap daily driver with some kick to it. As cheap as possible.
Here is the base (pretty dirty)
Then I started to buy stuff. Since it had to be as cheap as possible I checked out good ol eBay. Who can say no to a turbo kit for 650 bucks.
Some gauges. Air Fuel ratio / Boost / oil pressure
A set of 24 lb. Mustang injectors.
While I was shopping I got some other very important upgrades.
Euro headlights with the smiley.
New 16” wheels.
H&R race springs with Bilstein sport shocks.
Meanwhile at Edmonton BMW. The E30 turbo custom install corner. And thanks to Edmonton BMW for letting me finish these projects.
From left to right. 1987 325is Turbo – 1991 325ix Turbo – 1991 325i M30 Turbo project for 2012!
After spending all that money there was some work to be done. I had a spare engine sitting around so I started tearing the engine apart to keep the car running. The spare engine had around 130000 miles on it. The one in the is had 175000.
Engine was stripped down to the block. I had some bad experiences with the MLS gaskets in the past I thought I give oringing a chance. Borrowed the Isky 300 tool from my buddy Qbuilt and oring’d the shit out of the block. Worked pretty smooth and it looks fantastic.
I also ordered some ARPs from VAC and painted the block. Of course a complete reseal too.
The head was shaved and ported. New seals and relapped the valves.
After finishing the engine I found out that my eBay manifold fit perfect. No drilling needed. But I had to bend on of the oil feed lines to the oil cooler. The rest was smooth sailing. Just to be safe I welded another support onto the manifold.
Then it was time. Old engine out, new turbo engine in.
That’s it so far. I will continue the write up during this week.
Here’s what my budget looks like right now.
325is $1500
Turbo kit $850 (incl shipping)
ARP studs $250
Gauges $300
Injectors $60
Seal kit (head and block) $150
Fittings $50
FMU $100
Silicone couplers $100
Wheels $400 used
Headlights $100 used
Suspension $250 used
Plus small stuff that I can’t remember.
So I guess I’m still way under $5000 incl the car. Not bad so far.
In 2007 I build my first Turbo E30. The car was fantastic. In 2009 I build a 2.8l stroker turbo engine for this one. In the end this car got too expensive and it had to go. I was sure I would never build another E30 Turbo.
Well what can I say? I couldn’t resist it and got another project car. This time it’s a 03/1987 325is. Complete with sport package and sound system. Pretty good base considering I only paid $1500 for the car.
My goal was a cheap daily driver with some kick to it. As cheap as possible.
Here is the base (pretty dirty)
Then I started to buy stuff. Since it had to be as cheap as possible I checked out good ol eBay. Who can say no to a turbo kit for 650 bucks.
Some gauges. Air Fuel ratio / Boost / oil pressure
A set of 24 lb. Mustang injectors.
While I was shopping I got some other very important upgrades.
Euro headlights with the smiley.
New 16” wheels.
H&R race springs with Bilstein sport shocks.
Meanwhile at Edmonton BMW. The E30 turbo custom install corner. And thanks to Edmonton BMW for letting me finish these projects.
From left to right. 1987 325is Turbo – 1991 325ix Turbo – 1991 325i M30 Turbo project for 2012!
After spending all that money there was some work to be done. I had a spare engine sitting around so I started tearing the engine apart to keep the car running. The spare engine had around 130000 miles on it. The one in the is had 175000.
Engine was stripped down to the block. I had some bad experiences with the MLS gaskets in the past I thought I give oringing a chance. Borrowed the Isky 300 tool from my buddy Qbuilt and oring’d the shit out of the block. Worked pretty smooth and it looks fantastic.
I also ordered some ARPs from VAC and painted the block. Of course a complete reseal too.
The head was shaved and ported. New seals and relapped the valves.
After finishing the engine I found out that my eBay manifold fit perfect. No drilling needed. But I had to bend on of the oil feed lines to the oil cooler. The rest was smooth sailing. Just to be safe I welded another support onto the manifold.
Then it was time. Old engine out, new turbo engine in.
That’s it so far. I will continue the write up during this week.
Here’s what my budget looks like right now.
325is $1500
Turbo kit $850 (incl shipping)
ARP studs $250
Gauges $300
Injectors $60
Seal kit (head and block) $150
Fittings $50
FMU $100
Silicone couplers $100
Wheels $400 used
Headlights $100 used
Suspension $250 used
Plus small stuff that I can’t remember.
So I guess I’m still way under $5000 incl the car. Not bad so far.
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