E30 v8 cabrio "gentleman edition" *finished and sold*

[CHIF8008]

this looks like so much fun. keep us updated please :)

[JGood]

Looking good! Looks like you were able to run the e34 booster linkages with minimal chopping of the strut tower reinforcement and frame rails.... have any better pics of how you routed or modified things?

[328ijunkie]

so bauss

[Jonsku]

Finally managed to complete all the small things and bolted the 'box to the engine.




Next begins the best part - bolting all fresh parts to here;




Additional pictures can be found at: http://v8cabrio.kuvat.fi

[Jonsku]

Ok, now the car is in the painter's and going to be ready by xmas.




Got also couple of powder-coated parts back..

[Jonsku]

If you get a chance, would you mind taking a few more pictures of the brake booster mounting brackets and linkages? I am trying to work out how to set that stuff up now, and it looks like your brackets alleviate the need for some of the factory brackets, which would be nice. Any details or pics you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

There will be more pictures once I get the chance to put it all back together. Been too busy with all the things that haven't really had time to run around with the camera :)

You guys in Finland do the best builds.

Is it because you are snowed in the shop for 3 months at a time and have to keep warm?

Haha, that has to be the reason! :)

Estimated cost of this project???

Does it really matter? :)

[getouth]

Estimated cost of this project???

[MC Hammered]

You guys in Finland do the best builds.

Is it because you are snowed in the shop for 3 months at a time and have to keep warm?

[JGood]

Awesome build! I love the attention to detail. The frame rail clearance modification looks great.

If you get a chance, would you mind taking a few more pictures of the brake booster mounting brackets and linkages? I am trying to work out how to set that stuff up now, and it looks like your brackets alleviate the need for some of the factory brackets, which would be nice. Any details or pics you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

[bmwmech1]

Nice project indeed! And who wouldn't want that "dream team" of enthusiasts working on their Gentleman's Edition? Good choice in project managers... I'm sure this will be another stunning OEM+ build from Jonsku!;) Eagerly awaiting more updates!

Garey

[dude8383]

Thumbs up for yet another E30 V8 project :)

Seriously! These write-up's are making this less daunting!

[Jean]

Thumbs up for yet another E30 V8 project :)

[nickflic3]

Awesome!!

Eagerly awaiting updates :D

[ose30]

At 9Products facilities
It takes three Porsche men to test fit some Porsche brakes to BMW wheel :)



Boxster calipers on BMW E46 rotors



Test fitting M3 hubs, needs adapter here

[Jonsku]

The engine itself is attached to the frame rails with original M60 engine mounts around 15cm forward compared to front subframe (this won’t be a track-car so weight-distribution isn’t #1). The gearbox mount is combined with the cabrio-only reinforcement-piece. As the coolant reservoir is not E34/E32 - unit, we were able to avoid dropping front subframe while still maintaining pretty horizontal alignment on the engine-gearbox.



The brake linkage / booster are done by modifying E34 V8 parts, which is actually pretty easy job and since this car is an automatic, the “brake linkage offset” can be included in the brake pedal inside the cabin (as there is no clutch-pedal on the way).




One of the most common problems in these E30 V8 swaps are the exhaust manifolds. This time I solved the problem by using X5 manifolds; quite an easy task altogether as it took only two-three hours to modify them and one can actually put them into place when the engine is in its place. Now afterwards thinking, I could have made similar solution also with my previous cabrio project instead of doing completely one-off manifolds… well, you live and you learn.



As for suspension setup we chose H&R Cup Kit with 35-35 drop. The front will be a bit lower due to engine weight so the stance will be suitable for this type of “Gentleman Edition”. As Topi stated, he wished to have the classic Style5 16” rims (originally for E28 M5), and therefore we had to think a new setup for the bolt-pattern:
-Front; E36 hub, 300mm M-B brake disc, Porsche Boxter S 4-piston calipers
-Rear; E30 M3 hub, 294mm E46 brake-disc, Porsche Boxter 4-piston calipers

Brake parts are the courtesy of 9Products. He’ll be able to do the adapters quite quickly after this first “proto-set”, in case you’re interested ;)

Finally, a few words about the engine. It is a basic M60B30 with updated intake manifold & MAF from the bigger brother along with the stronger ZF5HP30 gearbox. It will be interesting to see what type of numbers will be taken out with these modifications from this version in dyno after adjustments.

Well, what’s next? Upon completion of the painting by Christmas it is time to put the silky-gloves on and begin the enjoyable phase of putting it all together with new parts. First smokes are aimed to be taken during January and this V8 CABRIO will be presented in local “Tuning / American Car Show” around Easter-time in Helsinki in the beginning of April 2012.

More pictures can be found at http://v8cabrio.kuvat.fi/kuvat/