NJGreenBudd's 325e Progress Thread

[NJGreenBudd]

Thanks, I like the way it going so far too. This is just a cheap build, no major work planned yet, I want to keep it mostly stock for the foreseeable future. Yeah I saw that project forum the other day, I maybe should have posted in there huh? Well if any Mod sees this they can move and just let me know where they put it.

Still waiting for the right socket to knock out the wheel bearing. Got the painting done for the front bumpers and rear wheel. Now to paint back bumper and front wheels.

[NJGreenBudd]

Bumper Installed

Still need to fit the foglights and I want to make the black trim lay smoother over the one side. But I like the addition of the lip, really gives it more sport look.

[88ratrod325]

Nice job. Looking good.

Try a little heat to get the trim down. Hair dryer might work, but a heat gun is what you really want. You just want to warm it, don't get it too hot, or you'll ruin it.

If that doesn't do the trick, I'd probably use molding tape. :P

[threlevenguy]

Love the progress, but can you post more pics of the rx7?

[NJGreenBudd]

Progress

Finally smashed the old wheel bearing out with a 38mm socket. Replaced bearing, reinstalled circlip, hub and axle. Just waiting on e-brake shoes now.

[leland21]

+1 on painting the bumper along with the valance. A heat gun should work on the trim, but you should sand and paint it too. Nothing like new paint to make the old look older :)

[NJGreenBudd]

More Progress

I replaced all drivers side axle, new emergency brake shoes as well as pads and rotors all around. Then I painted the rear bumper and spoiler, finished the front wheels too. After that I replaced the distributor cap and rotor, this made a huge difference in my idle and practically eliminated the miss I had.

Here are some pics:





Old Distributor Cap


New Distributor Cap


Old Rotor


New Rotor on Left


New Rotor Installed


New Distributor Cap Installed


All Done


Wheels Painted-

[NJGreenBudd]

Some More Small Bits

Got a chance to take the valve cover off and get a look inside. I took the opportunity to refinish the valve cover. Stopped short of adjusting the valves because I am still not positive about finding TDC, if anyone cares to explain it to me I would appreciate it.







I have some goodies in the mail right now, hopefully by this weekend I'll have all the parts. I ordered some new H&R Sport springs and Bilstein Sport shocks all around. I am really looking forward to the suspension upgrade, though it'll be a few weeks before I can replace the control arms, tie rods and sway end links.

Also scored a clean used set of US Ellipsoids from a fellow member. I'm planning to pick up some 6,000K 35w HIDs for the low beams and some 3,000K halogens for the high beams. I hope the ellipsoids make the difference cause my sealed beams blow. I did a TSX projector retrofit in my RX7 and was very pleased with the results, I hope this is comparable. I am also working on a set of fog light covers for the IS bumper.

[NJGreenBudd]

Got the shocks in the mail today, springs are on their way via UPS. The shocks are slightly used but very well priced, the springs I got new from H&R. I am going to pick up the new headlights tomorrow morning from the post office too.

How do I fit these to my front suspension? I see the threaded collar and I think theres a bolt hole on the bottom of the strut. Where does the collar screw together? Do the stock units mount in the same fashion, ie plug and play or do I have to cut and weld? I don't have any instructions and haven't found any looking. I'm sure it will become obvious once I get down in there and actually look at the front suspension this weekend, just would like to make sure I know what I am doing prior to this.

Thanks!

Bilstein Sports-

[deutschman]

this should help

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E30-Front_Suspen/E30-Front_Suspen.htm

when i did this same thing to my 318i i did not compress the spring untill the whole strut housing was out of the car. i think it is easier that way.

[kid325e]

Looking good! My 325e is the best DD i've ever had.

The shocks collar screw into the front strut housings I believe.

[NJGreenBudd]

Hey thanks for that link, I actaully did see that before but must have blocked it out. I appreciate the encouragement and I'll keep the thread updated as I make progress.

[NJGreenBudd]

I picked up the lights this morning and installed this afternoon. I am waiting on the bulbs and HID kit but couldn't wait to mount the new lights. I am pretty happy even with the neat look but am really looking forward to utilizing those projectors with some 6,000K 35w HID kits.

[NJGreenBudd]

Made a simple shroud for the air filter and did some body work.






Dents-

[325ix]

Looks good. Great job on hte exhaust. First time welding or just first time making an exhaust?