The wifes ETA, or, what H&R sports do to a DB car

[WillisE30]

Word. My girlfriend spent all day last Sunday with me doing the transmission on my E39 528iT in my garage. We'll be spending more quality time on it this weekend.

Nice looking ETA. Those things are indestructible!

Is was one of those bastard GM autos wasn't it? I hate those things.

To the OP: Sidewall roll definitely is a problem with those tires but I think H&R sports don't help in the body roll dept. I'd personally look into some sway bars.

[Ben Carufel]

Is was one of those bastard GM autos wasn't it? I hate those things.

How'd you know? :(

Not only a GM autotragic box, but mine uses a "VO" code box, which was only used for 6 months in the second half of 2000, as I understand. It was a bitch to find a used one.

[z50_Jumper]

Nice looking eta.

[WillisE30]

How'd you know? :(

Not only a GM autotragic box, but mine uses a "VO" code box, which was only used for 6 months in the second half of 2000, as I understand. It was a bitch to find a used one.

I am watching your every move Ben. ;)

I replace them on a regular basis. They're complete pieces of shit, well not that bad but they're certainly not up to par with the ZF units.

[Van Westervelt]

So when are we having the 2nd day-o-fun? My garage is all clean again and needs dirtying!

Glad that everyone is happy. Remember to get those end links!

[smonkbmw]

holy thread resurrection!! but a update.

Current mod list:
-us elips, pro lumens digital 5ks
-Ebay Control Arm, standard CABs, tie rods (FCPGroton is the seller)
-Bilstein Sports, H&R Sports (turner motorsports, had the best combo deal)
-New shock mounts front and rear, motor mounts
-New Brembo slotteds (front) and solid discs (rear), PBR deluxe pads. (GB on BimmerForums)
-SuperSprint cat back
- trans mounts, radiator hoses, thermostat, timing belt, shift kit has been done
-turner chip has been added/done

mods sitting in the trunk that need to go on still (lol)
- guibo, stainless brake lines, black diving boards (and compress), 2.9 LSD (just added to the list)

discovered a few things while installing the trans mounts (day before the picnic).

first off the trans mounts were like sponges, i wish i had taken pics of them, they were DISGUSTING.

any other ETA owners (or maybe early in general) have issues with the rubber(ish) foam(ish) piece that goes around the shifter? ive heard it called the "shift plate"? the piece in this car has a odd wobble to it. i looked under the car and it looks almost disconnected in the rear, where it bolts up to the floor pan? most likely another thing i should have taken a pic of.

the guibo is on its way out pretty soon. it has cracks all over it and i dont think its going to hold on for much longer. im surprised it held up at some of the 105mph bursts that it went through on the way to the picnic.

the turner chip was the best investment ever for this car. i strongly recommend that any eta owner pick one up for sure. i cant wait to put the lsd in to help put the power down.

she (the wife) cut the paint the day before the picnic, we were upset that the yellowing spots of paint didnt polish out. also theres some spots where clear coat is just letting go of the paint, leaving odd marks also.

thats about it for now. after she heard e30groupies car, now alls i hear about is her wanting the car to sound like his. so looks like a swap is in the near future. im thinking m50 with s50 cams and a lightweight flywheel.

[scabzzzz]

Dude every part on an ETA needs to be replaced if you ask me. I got to the point on my 86 Alpine ES where I'm replacing shit just to replace it. Every time I spent money, I can feel a difference somewhere at some point.

I wouldnt do too many mods to make it fast because fast it will NEVER be. Its "Fun" at its maximum value. Id just get the A/C working, the ride quality nice, motor running smooth enough, and just drive it.

[norwood e30]

its nice to see girl friend do work

[smonkbmw]

Dude every part on an ETA needs to be replaced if you ask me. I got to the point on my 86 Alpine ES where I'm replacing shit just to replace it. Every time I spent money, I can feel a difference somewhere at some point.

thats pretty much where were at. just replacing wear parts. she hates it cause she figures you dont have to do this on "newer" cars. its been a battle keeping this and not taking on monthly payments on a f'in SCION, lemme tell ya.

im thinking about pulling the AC and calling it good, it doesnt have a belt on it currently anyways.

[scabzzzz]

Man, I gotta say, my A/C has been working officially for 3 days now. And its the most wonderful thing I've ever done to my car. 43 degrees F working actually...Have you ever tried to troubleshoot the A/C? Was it ever working in your possession?

[scabzzzz]

she figures you dont have to do this on "newer" cars. its been a battle

Story of my fucking life with my girlfriend! lol

[smonkbmw]

the ac hasnt ever worked to 100% potential. ive never wanted to take the time to convert it. although it did come from cali, it might have been swapped already... oh well it doesnt get warm up here to ever REALLY need it.

[Vedubin01]

A woman that works with you in the garage is a woman that is worth keeping. Car is looking good bro!

AMEN!:D

[einstein57]

thats pretty much where were at. just replacing wear parts. she hates it cause she figures you dont have to do this on "newer" cars. its been a battle keeping this and not taking on monthly payments on a f'in SCION, lemme tell ya.

Take her to the service bay at the local scion dealership and show her all the shiny new cars that also needs to be worked on. My sisters new mega bucks truck gets more new parts then my hooptie.

[smonkbmw]

update:
swapped the guibo out today. the BEST idea ever! all shakes and rattles are gone.

ive acquired all the bits to swap over a late model valance and bumpers (thanks Darin!!!). that will be coming in the next few weeks.

next up: sway bar end links (maybe m3 links?!), steam clean the motor, find the oil leaks, radiator replacement. needs tires soon...