My Bastardized E36 5-Lug Conversion

[Cha Ching]

I know I'm a noob to the e30 scene, but surely some sort of jig and/or fixtures could be put together to make converting e36 325/318Ti/M3 suspension parts fit the e30 a fairly easy, safe & cost-effective swap?!?!

The parts are plentiful & (relatively) cheap. Enough swaps have been done using various methods and/or parts combinations that there should be several ways to, "skin this cat."

Bigger brakes, greater selection of wheels/styles, etc. seems like the way to go...

[jrdeamicis]

Just make sure to use longer bolts :)

[BenM]

BTW, in case anyone was wondering, the E36 M3 Koni Front Insert fit fine into the stock E30 Upper strut mount. I plan on shimming the strut to spindle with M30 head bolt washers to get a little more camber.

[BenM]

Alright, here's a small update with another crappy cell pic since I still need batteries for my regular camera.

The rear is all back together and even has the proper ABS Sensor spacers (I can give anyone dimensions if they want). Put on the ASAs with 235/40-17s and holy crap are they big! I will be rolling the fenders this weekend for sure.

The front is almost there, but I need to do a few things. The front adjustable sway bar links still need to be put on, then preloaded. Still need to figure out what to do about the front ABS since I refuse to splice in the E36 sensors. Might just go without it for a while.

Also, the car is getting an M50TU tomorrow, so that gives me 3 days to get everything sorted, then I should be able to drive it for an alignment on monday. Then off to V@V on Friday morning.

[BenM]

Aren't the strut tube diameter different? Maybe use the M3 upper mounts or redrill them.

I was working on some Z3M struts yesterday. Cut the tops to insert Koni's as well since I had a line on some Bilstein Sport/H&R race but seller never responded back and they sold.

I haven't checked the differences, but since I'm using coilovers the difference I was worried about was in the strut nut size.

What springs are you going with? I know the front E36 M3 are usuable, but E30 are optimal. I really liked the Koni Adjustable Inserts for the 96+ M3/Z3 M housings.

Stock e30 strut mounts will fit with e36 m3 bilstein sports. I am running them myself at the moment.

Good to know, thanks!

[clavinZERO]

Stock e30 strut mounts will fit with e36 m3 bilstein sports. I am running them myself at the moment.

[M-technik-3]

Aren't the strut tube diameter different? Maybe use the M3 upper mounts or redrill them.

I was working on some Z3M struts yesterday. Cut the tops to insert Koni's as well since I had a line on some Bilstein Sport/H&R race but seller never responded back and they sold.

[BenM]

Anyone know if I can use stock E30 strut mounts for now, or will my alignment be all fucked up? Haven't been able to get those camber plates and I need to finish my car.

Any thoughts?

[318isbmw]

Just replied to your PM jrdeamicis.

What I ended up doing was using a plasma cutter to cut off the spring perches and then a grinding wheel to clean up the leftover perch, and make it even all the way around. This was a shitty way to do it, since the plasma cutter essentially heat-treated the housing when cutting it.

The better way would be to stick the housing in a lathe and use a cut-off Insert to cut off the spring perch evenly. Then use a belt sander to smooth out the leftover portion of the perch.

HTH.

Could also use a skinny wheel instead of a grinding wheel and then use a grinder blade on an angle grinder and that'd do the job pretty well.

[BenM]

Just replied to your PM jrdeamicis.

What I ended up doing was using a plasma cutter to cut off the spring perches and then a grinding wheel to clean up the leftover perch, and make it even all the way around. This was a shitty way to do it, since the plasma cutter essentially heat-treated the housing when cutting it.

The better way would be to stick the housing in a lathe and use a cut-off Insert to cut off the spring perch evenly. Then use a belt sander to smooth out the leftover portion of the perch.

HTH.

[jrdeamicis]

updates on the E30 Vorschlag plates installation on this whole setup?

I will let you know, I am doing the same thing with mine w/ vorshlag camber plates.

[BenM]

updates on the E30 Vorschlag plates installation on this whole setup?

Haven't ordered them yet, and my buddy has a set of GC E30 Camber/Caster Plates that he is selling, so I think I'm going that route. Only things I need to order are the Control Arms and urethane rear stuff. I'll let you know.

[clavinZERO]

updates on the E30 Vorschlag plates installation on this whole setup?

[FredK]

The Bridgestone RE-01R in 235/40R17 are on clearance at Tire Rack for $115/

[BenM]

You will need a fender roller to fit those wheels and tires. On my 86, the rear fenders had to be rolled to fit the same spec wheels and size tires (but g-year f1 asymetric tires). The fronts I'm running -3.5 camber and have no issues ever.

My fenders are already rolled pretty severely, so I should be ok.

Should be sweet! I'm loving the Grabber Green.

I've got the same wheels, in 17x9. [Same size tire].

Thanks dude! It was either that or black, the green looks freakin' awesome. The Azenis are pretty shot, so I may switch to the Dunlop Direzza Star specs, since I've heard fantastic things about them Any pictures of your setup?

Keep the compliments rolling lol.