Street Legalizing IMSA E30 Race Car - Need Help Identifying/Choosing Parts

[E92E30Nut]

Last year I purchased this E30 and have finally received paperwork from the state in order to proceed with registering this car for its very first time.

The car has some interesting history as a race car but I am having issues figuring out exactly what they have done to the powertrain, drivetrain and suspension, fuel system etc. I am just trying to figure out what parts and systems are different than a stock E30.

This car is one of only a couple E30s originally built and raced by TC Kline in the IMSA IS series of the mid 80's. The IMSA IS class was the lowest performance category in the IMSA series formula allowing only mild suspension, brakes, engine internals (cams, valves, valve springs, exhaust/headers, polycarbonate windows etc. Therefore this car isn't completely bad shit crazy performance wise only a little above factory spec in most areas.

The engine components, radiator, brakes, fuel system, transmission are the main areas that have me stuck like chuck.

For instance, I have searched up and down for these codes with no results.
Engine Stamp = 25116405
Block Stamp = BMW 1278 921 * 119
Diff Stamp = 86 1410 BMW (4.10 LSD I'm assuming...)

Having recently spoken with TC Kline about the car, although remembering the fun times in this car, unfortunately they didn't keep the most detailed of documentation in those days. They are going to send me what they have as far as pictures and purchase docs but not sure if they will find anything regarding the particulars on the build specs :(

We do know that the motor and injectors were done by Russ Collins, along with many other IMSA cars. A pretty serious cam (sounds like a baby nascar) said to be 284 profile if I remember correctly. The headers and exhaust were fabricated by Gebhardt Racing (Al Gebhardt being a 24 hour of Daytona winning driver in a BMW). Of course all of the Koni suspension components and tuning were done by Mr. Kline and his team.

A buddy of mine thought that the motors might have super-eta components but from the screaming 7500 rpm redline that doesn't make much sense.

I know that their are some very knowledgeable E30 guys on this forum so I hope to get some answers as to what this car actually is what is different than a stock E30. Also I am just starting to try and do some freshening up but in some cases am not sure what parts to order. I just did new timing belt, water pump, new belts and hoses, replaced old wheel studs.

One of the main things I would like to upgrade is the radiator. This car has just been granted access to the public roads :) and cooing is a top priority. If anyone here has history streeting a dedicated race car please comment on helpful upgrades. Having one hell of a time finding an aftermarket radiator that will fit with the Low side hose driver, high side hose passenger. I checked part # for the current rad and its factory Behr yet no one that I can find on the interwebs offers what this car needs...confused about this one.

Anyways thanks for reading if you made it this far and thank you in advance for any helpful tips or comments. Please feel free to request specific photos if needed and I will get them uploaded.

Thanks again and have a blessed day

[E92E30Nut]

Also curious as to what this is about? This mess is directly under the Throttle Position Sensor. Appears to be a spark plug used to plug something...some of not so quality things race teams do confuse me. This along with the Ozark water bottle that doubles as coolant overflow? I guess if it works...

[E92E30Nut]

Engine bay

[E92E30Nut]

Interior

[Northern]

Also curious as to what this is about? This mess is directly under the Throttle Position Sensor. Appears to be a spark plug used to plug something...some of not so quality things race teams do confuse me. This along with the Ozark water bottle that doubles as coolant overflow? I guess if it works...

That's the evap purge valve, it goes between the charcoal can and the brass nipple on the bottom of the TB. Someone probably removed the charcoal canister/tubing because the line from the tank rusted out, or just for weight. The valve is there so it doesn't throw a CEL.

[Northern]

There should be a tag on the back of the diff that says what the actual ratio is, but it could just be missing? Easiest way after that is to just calculate what ratio it is based on rpm vs speed.

[Northern]

One of the main things I would like to upgrade is the radiator. This car has just been granted access to the public roads and cooing is a top priority. If anyone here has history streeting a dedicated race car please comment on helpful upgrades. Having one hell of a time finding an aftermarket radiator that will fit with the Low side hose driver, high side hose passenger. I checked part # for the current rad and its factory Behr yet no one that I can find on the interwebs offers what this car needs...confused about this one.

One option would be to convert to the late model coolant setup, then you could use the newer style E36/Z3 stuff. Easiest way to get all the hoses/reservoir/cross pipe/upper timing cover is to find a late model parts car. You'd also need a late model waterpump.

[E92E30Nut]

One option would be to convert to the late model coolant setup, then you could use the newer style E36/Z3 stuff. Easiest way to get all the hoses/reservoir/cross pipe/upper timing cover is to find a late model parts car. You'd also need a late model waterpump.

Thanks for the Input guys.
I have just learned a few things thanks to you.

So your saying basically get an E36 parts car and swap water pump, rad, hoses upper timing cover etc.

Here is the diff stamping. 1410= 4.10 LSD?

[E92E30Nut]

Few more pics...anything jump out as needing replacing? Anyway to determine if bushings have gone bad?

[E92E30Nut]

Brakes and springs..
Do these appear to be stock 325is rotors?

[E92E30Nut]

Underside front

[E92E30Nut]

Exterior

[E92E30Nut]

Does anyone have bushing recommendations for this car to be street/track driven?
Just ordered a Bimmerworld solid race shifter and they added that it may need engine and trans mount upgrades. Any recommendations on what bushings I should start with and what level to use (solid aluminum, 75A delrin, 90A etc.)???

[TobyB]

Wonder why the black shit under the fenders?

Wonder why the power steering pump is still there?

Try posting in the track section- slower response, but good quality.
It has the 88 front valence....

The diff markings mean bubkus- and even if the tag was there, I wouldn't really
rely on it. Race cars get what they need, and the documentation varies from good
to non- existent.

If it's a track car, re- seal the brake calipers, maybe replace the master (if you can
figure out what it is) and PF08's.
Leakdown and compression tests, change all fluids and examine what the old stuff looks
like, then check all bolts on the driveline, make sure the alternator's stuck on pretty well,
put on your Nomex and your SA2005 and see what it does.

Street car, do the brakes with stock pads, take out the roll cage, and make sure all the lights work.
I don't really recommend this...

t

[SkiFree]

And if you're looking for a neat symmetry I've been supplying TC with bushings etc for the last 5-6 years. I'm not on here to sell stuff, but if you want shoot me a PM.

Cooling system, just grab the cooling parts applicable to a late model E30 (including the expansion tank) this is what Northern is saying. A parts car would be easiest but if you want to do it nice then start with new parts.

As for the gear ratio, very simple when you think about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubcxmidj5g

If you want to you can take off the rear cover and check the numbers on the ring gear.

Lastly, neat car. What are you going to do with it? You will quickly find a dedicated race car doesn't make for a fun street car nor does a hotrod street car make a competitive race car.