MattRabbit E30

[mattrabbit]

And now I need to find a new head to replace this one I cracked by overheating.

[mattrabbit]

Alright, large update: I got the new head and had it machined. Last weekend I cleaned everything up very well and got the head bolted up with help from an extra set of hands and then installed some M3 cams. I didn't get much time to work on it during the week but I managed to rebuild the vanos with new seals and a new spacer from Beisan Systems. Today I put the rest of the parts all back together and got it running again.

I'm still having some hesitation when I stomp the gas sometimes. Beisan Systems mentioned in their write-up that the seals take as much as 200 miles of city driving in order to fully seal. The other explanation is that I need to get a new DME that is tuned for the M3 cams. For now my plan is to just put some miles on the car and see if it gets better on its own. I've changed every single component of the drivetrain at this point and probably haven't done more than 100 miles in it so I'm sure there are things that need to bed in and such. right?

[ojest808]

Really like the color of your seats and door cards. An I'm running billy's and H&R's and luv it for daily driving. Digging where this 30 is heading.

[mattrabbit]

Thanks, I'm still not sure I want to daily this thing. I am on the prowl for a nice e34 or an e30 318. I do 25 miles each way into the Bronx for work ever day.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

[Polaris15]

That interior.

[mattrabbit]

I finished installing my suspension today. I'm going to give it a day or two to see if it settles a bit more in the front, otherwise I'll be installing some e90 upper spring perches.

[mattrabbit]

more progress this week! I ended up getting those spring perches to lower the front end a bit and replaced my control arms. I also managed to snap my throttle cable trying to install the bushing that was missing from it so hopefully a new one will arrive tomorrow, making the car driveable again. Next up will be replacing the tie rods and getting myself an alignment.

[mattrabbit]

Replaced my throttle cable and my coolant temp sensor this weekend. I also converted the car to wheel studs instead of bolts and got some spacers for the rear wheels.

[Vegas227]

Wow! I am in love with that interior color!

Edit: How did you convert from bolts to studs?

[mattrabbit]

Guten Parts sells studs that are made by DForce Wheels. It is a stud with a small shoulder about 5/8" down on the one end and an undercut with an internal hex on the other end. You just put loctite on the one end and torque it down into the lug bolt holes with an allen wrench. Pretty easy. Should make it a little easier to get the wheels on and off, using wheel spacers can make it a little annoying.

[Vegas227]

Guten Parts sells studs that are made by DForce Wheels. It is a stud with a small shoulder about 5/8" down on the one end and an undercut with an internal hex on the other end. You just put loctite on the one end and torque it down into the lug bolt holes with an allen wrench. Pretty easy. Should make it a little easier to get the wheels on and off, using wheel spacers can make it a little annoying.

Are the studs still safe? Or are they just as safe as the bolts?

[mattrabbit]

Should be just as safe as the stock bolts. The studs seem to be high quality with rolled threads and they are engaging just as many threads in the hub as the bolts would. I was told not to use an impact gun on them, (which you never should anyway) but I'm guessing that is just so that you don't end up taking the stud out instead of just taking the nut off.

[audiquattrot]

Car looks great ! I love the taurus red interior over cardinal...nice work!

[audiquattrot]

Btw if u ever plan on selling that interior lmk ;)

[mattrabbit]

haha, I'll add you to the list.

I have actually been thinking about doing an olive drab canvas interior, but that won't be happening any time soon.