Announcement

**dude8383** · 10-17-2011, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by bmwmech1 View Post

Jean, you can bolt the short block to the subframe and drop the car over it, then bolt the heads on from the top. That will work fine. My suggestion, although a little more work is to make your core support removable. Then you can slide the entire assembly in from the front. Remember that separating the trans from the motor while its all in the car will be damn near impossible. Having the core support removable makes installing/removing the motor/trans very simple. I slide mine in by myself in 15 minutes, no lie... the whole motor complete and the trans together. Very easy. Just my 2 cents...

Garey

How difficult was it to make the core support removable? Don't won't to get off topic here shoot me a PM if you don't mind sharing!

**Texas Toast** · 10-17-2011, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by dude8383 View Post

How difficult was it to make the core support removable? Don't won't to get off topic here shoot me a PM if you don't mind sharing!

I'm interested in this also. I've got a motor lined up and hoping to start this summer. These videos are getting me motivated!

**Jonsku** · 10-17-2011, 05:35 PM

Jean; the VAC 600hp monsters are racing-engines, rebuilt very often :) But yes, as you said extracting another 100hp with e.g. 10% capacity increase and some head work shouldn't bee too hard a task. The camshafts would need some attention too, though custom camshafts / aftermarket ones are damn expensive..

Making the front "detachable" is not too hard task, there're lots of examples at e.g. www.pure-pf.com and e30zone.net - it's basically just four bolts that keep it all together instead of point welds..

Sorry for the OT! :)

**Jean** · 10-17-2011, 06:44 PM

Yeah, I only mentioned VAC to show the "potential limit" in a way. Of course those engine probably don't last very long.

Since there are 4 cams , will be more expensive than I6 engines simple because you've got 4 cams vs 2 but I think the price per cam is still about the same?

I'll have to consider modifying the core support, I'll have to check the rule book and make sure that's not something that isn't illegal in the class I'll be in.

**Mullet Bullet** · 10-17-2011, 08:22 PM

ive been thinking of a v8 swap for a little while now since they are so cheap at the local wrecking yards, maybe its time for some more research.

**bmwmech1** · 10-17-2011, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by Jean View Post

Yeah, I only mentioned VAC to show the "potential limit" in a way. Of course those engine probably don't last very long.

Since there are 4 cams , will be more expensive than I6 engines simple because you've got 4 cams vs 2 but I think the price per cam is still about the same?

I'll have to consider modifying the core support, I'll have to check the rule book and make sure that's not something that isn't illegal in the class I'll be in.

Oh yeah, I forgot about yours being a track mule... that may not work in your situation. Hopefully it's okay in your regs... it makes life way easy! OK, back on topic...

Garey

**The Dark Side of Will** · 11-05-2011, 04:22 PM

Mental note: need to make core support removable when the time comes.

I'll have to take a look at it, but my mind wanders to the possibility of fabbing up a heavier version to reinforce the famously unstiff E30 body.

**JGood** · 11-06-2011, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by The Dark Side of Will View Post

Mental note: need to make core support removable when the time comes.

I'll have to take a look at it, but my mind wanders to the possibility of fabbing up a heavier version to reinforce the famously unstiff E30 body.

I currently have my front end torn apart, and it's amazing how flimsy some of the core structure is, without some of the surrounding sheet metal attached. You'd think those frame rails would be solid, but with one finger I can flex mine up and down a good 1/2", just because the strut housing is removed.

Just stitch welding everything and adding the Vert weld-in reinforcements would do wonders, but fabbing up a new rad support would be very worthwhile for a track car IMO.

**bmwmech1** · 11-09-2011, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by JGood View Post

I currently have my front end torn apart...

Yeah, I'd say... are you doing rust repair? I though I saw some WTB posts from you about donor sheet metal...

Garey

**JGood** · 11-09-2011, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by bmwmech1 View Post

Yeah, I'd say... are you doing rust repair? I though I saw some WTB posts from you about donor sheet metal...

Garey

Yeah, documented here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=225093

I PM'd you about stopping over some time. I think my buddy Jared (Too Short) also talked to you a while ago about stopping by to check out your project. We'll have to set something up some time. This way I don't have to reinvent the wheel several times, as I plan on doing many of the things that you have already done.

**c4ls7** · 11-18-2011, 12:49 AM

found one to add

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD047oMYoM8

**JGood** · 11-18-2011, 12:13 PM

I love this one, the echoing V8 sound as he comes around the corner in the beginning, then at :20 he pulls away slow in first gear, shifts into 2nd at a low RPM and rolls the tires like it's nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqExk2jfb_4