Common Light Rally-ish Issues?

[PeabnutBubber]

So within the past year almost I've discovered that Tallahassee has tons of great dirt roads outside of town in Appalachicola National Forest. I drive a 91 318is and I've also discovered that sliding across these roads and generally doing a little bit of light rallying in the backcountry is one of my favorite things that I've ever done. Possibly ever. I love the forest and and I love my e30 and I'll be honest- I don't want to stop.

So, all of that being said, what sorts of repair issues should I watch out for and is there anything general maintenance-wise that I could be doing to maintain this car otherwise?

Outside of the forest I don't like to beat on it too much. It's also my road trip car and daily driver. I like to call it the adventure car. :)

[jlevie]

Other than possible unwelcome attention from law enforcement agencies, this runs the risk of destroying the car by an off road excursion, damage from impact with wildlife, or encounters with others using the roads for their intended purposes. All in all, a really bad idea.

If you want race type experience, attend a DE at a track where you can indulge in a speed fix in a safe (relatively) environment and with proper instruction.

[TurboJake]

The biggest repair issue to watch out for is trees, ditches, and creatures.

Other than that, it's not really much different than driving normally on the roads. Parts will just wear quicker.

Get a skid pan to avoid oil pan destruction.

[Nsquared97]

Jim is right, closed course organized events are a much better idea. Sounds like you would really enjoy rallyX, look around to see if there are any events in your area.

But for repair/maintanence, Go through the suspension and make sure everything is in good shape, springs/struts, bushings, etc. Being an IS it should have a LSD, and your probly giving it a good workout being on gravel. I would definitely drain and refill the diff oil.

Also don't know about the M42 so much, but a skidplate would definitely be a good idea to prevent possible headaches/blown engines from hitting the oil pan.

[PeabnutBubber]

Other than possible unwelcome attention from law enforcement agencies, this runs the risk of destroying the car by an off road excursion, damage from impact with wildlife, or encounters with others using the roads for their intended purposes. All in all, a really bad idea.

If you want race type experience, attend a DE at a track where you can indulge in a speed fix in a safe (relatively) environment and with proper instruction.

I totally and completely agree. When I'm out there I always aim to maintain reasonable velocities at all times. I don't like to play with speed because it is something that is very difficult to control and usually if you mess up you don't recover from it. (Especially in such an uncontrollable setting.) My drives are pretty much always more leisurely unless I find a good wide turn with no threatening trees and good visibility of what's ahead.

The fun thing about these roads is that you don't have to be going fast to enjoy them. Also, I already almost foolishly totaled the car when I first got it due to a moment of whimsical drifting. One of the more stupid things I've done I think.

My question is based mostly on what is most likely to wear and I guess what suspension issues might come from hitting the occasional hole or all the dirt that seems to get everywhere.

[PeabnutBubber]

Also don't know about the M42 so much, but a skidplate would definitely be a good idea to prevent possible headaches/blown engines from hitting the oil pan.

A skidplate is definitely on top of the to do list.

[AndrewBird]

Take it to a spray bay and wash it off after. Lots of dirt hanging around and getting into everything will wear things out.

[Fusion]

Things you may want to shield: oil pan, gas tank, brake lines, radiator bottom.

[PeabnutBubber]

Thanks for the feedback guys! The oil pan has always made me uncomfortable on this car. It sticks out so far that it never seemed to make sense to me. And being made of aluminum it has no flex to dent, just chip and break.

I may opt to make a simple one out of some sheet metal for cheap. The ideal would be the one that Peerless makes.

[cferb]

You're going to hit something, period, just how rally works, even if you aren't pushing too hard, not telling you not to do it just telling you that you need to accept that if you wanna keep doing it. Other than that, it'll mainly be rough on your suspension, and +1 on shielding tanks and lines.

A lot of people do make their own skid plates out of sheet metal, not a huge project, just gotta get the holes in the right place.

Check out rallyX and local rally events, it's not that expensive to get into, I've been thinking of building a car for Rally America, would be tons of fun. Aside from the safety and legality issues, it would be more fun than just dirt roads because you can really go all out without worrying so much about getting arrested or killing someone.

[PeabnutBubber]

You're going to hit something, period, just how rally works, even if you aren't pushing too hard, not telling you not to do it just telling you that you need to accept that if you wanna keep doing it. Other than that, it'll mainly be rough on your suspension, and +1 on shielding tanks and lines.

A lot of people do make their own skid plates out of sheet metal, not a huge project, just gotta get the holes in the right place.

Check out rallyX and local rally events, it's not that expensive to get into, I've been thinking of building a car for Rally America, would be tons of fun. Aside from the safety and legality issues, it would be more fun than just dirt roads because you can really go all out without worrying so much about getting arrested or killing someone.

Thanks again, I appreciate the input. Like I said, I generally if not nearly always remain on the cautious side. I'm not an expert and I definitely don't pretend to drive like one, especially with so much at stake i.e. getting arrested or hitting something or someone. I still love cruising out there, and the occasional donut in a clearing.

From what I've researched thus far the nearest rallyx type event is in northern Georgia, but central Florida may have some events as well. (This is through Dixie SCCA)

[SteveJ]

Always stay within your limits on open roads. That being said: smooth, slightly uphill turns with LOTS of visability are the best. Always fun to kick the tail out. Still, the loose stuff can be unpredictable. On one vintage rally I got it loose through a turn. I started squeezing on the throttle hoping to get my planned forward motion. The car and the road had other ideas and continued their sideways motion. I finally got grip and forward motion when the outside rear wheel found the ditch.
Who knew that's where they keep all the grip on logging roads?

[irish44j]

go rallycross. You get your fill of dirt, rocks, and mud but the courses are set up to prevent you from doing any serious damage to the car unless you do something really, really stupid.

Here's some of what you'll see:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=243280

[Nick_S]

Watch out for ditches. No matter how much practice you have, they creep up on you. Ask me how I know



No damage other than my pride. If you're lucky a nice farmer will pull you out rather than shout at you.

[irish44j]

oh, and you'll need some of these so you can get out of the ditches you get into... :D