Gertech's '86 325es LSx T56 Swap

[jalopi]

You might want to try a shorter rear end out... my car came with a 2.93 and while it was fantastic for highway driving and gas mileage, it felt like I was driving a mustang. Put a 3.73 in and wow, what a difference! Feels like a proper sports car now.

Besides, the gear ratios are ridiculous on those t56's... just crunched some numbers and with the rubber you've got you'll still only be turning 2k rpms at 70 miles an hour. Sure, your fuel economy might take a hit... but I'm assuming that's not what you built the car for :D

[Isabelle30]

cant believe its the same car!

[rzerob]

No videos yet. I'll get out with the camera soon...once the weather is better.

Good luck with that, I am in PA as well and with the snow and forecast for the week I wouldn't expect to film anything anytime soon. Maybe spring?

[Gertech]

Looks sick. Any videos?

No videos yet. I'll get out with the camera soon...once the weather is better.

[ian e30 318is]

Awesome work! Great looking car.

[totheredline]

SOOOOO CLEANNN! I love it.

[MJCRO]

Looks sick. Any videos?

[Gertech]

Thanks guys! I'll have to get some nice close ups of the paint to post up. It's a funky color tho...somewhat difficult to capture in a photograph. If you've seen the S1000RR or K1600GT bikes in this color you know what I mean. They call it metallic but it looks more like pearl in the sun. I love it! Even if it's not a BMW car color.

[Ray Smoodiver]

Wow! I love it! The bumper swap and side trim delete has been really well executed.

Can we see some shots of the new paint in direct sunlight?

[Eddie Lives On]

Stunning car. Love the second-to-last piture.

[hyperE30]

very very very nice!! awesome work you have done there:crazy:

[rzerob]

This car was brought back from the dead, and then some. Awesome build, really good job.

[Thehemiman]

Wow.

[Gertech]

Thanks for the compliments guys! I've busted my ass on this project (way too many hours spent in the garage) so it's nice to hear positive feedback from the e30 community.

To answer a couple of questions:

-No videos yet, but I'll get some and post them here.

-Budget kinda went out the window. I originally planned to spend 10 or less, but I think I'm in the 12-15 range. I haven't added it up...not sure I want to!

-The holes in the bumper trim were fiberglassed on the back side and filled with tiger hair, then regular filler, sanded smooth, primed, painted...

-The rear valance is actually from a 6 cyl car. I "adjusted" the size of the cutout to fit the exhaust tip I used.

-And to Mr. 325, my Dad and I built a '94 S10 back in '07 with an LS1 and T56. It's a super fun truck. DO IT!!

[JCarp90]

That swap is super clean. Good lord. Well done.