Finally back into an e30: ‘88 Alpine on Blue 325ic cruiser build

[McGyver]

The other big change is the availability of standalone engine management. I'm still finishing my DIY MegaSquirt kit, but there is a ton of knowledge and engine maps available. IMO, the biggest hurdle with engine mods has always been the tuning. At this point pretty much every combination has been done, so its just researching, picking what you want, and follow the documented recipe.

[Mastrcruse]

All things are falling into place :) and now I’m officially excited.

Car gets picked up this Friday from Ohio and should be in Texas by next Tuesday at the latest.

Parts on order...
Rear head rests w/ install kit
HR Sport Springs
Bil Shocks
New front strut mounts
Spring shims for front and rear (refresh em’ since I’ll be in there)
Rear filler plate
Rear Shocks mounts from e46m3
17x7.5 Kopi’s et20

That’ll give me a good start to a nice cruiser setup.


**I’ve tried to find the center emblem size for the kopis but having a hard time. Anyone know off hand?

**Short shift kits: Should i go straight for the UUC evo3 w/ DSSR? I’ve seen the Z3 1.9 shift kit but don’t want to bend..I believe I went with something I didn’t have to bend on the last vert but can’t find what I did.

***215/40/17 the best size to go with on the kopis?

[Poorhouse]

What did you find? Also, you may have done it backward, I don't think you're suppose to buy from the rustbelt and ship to Texas...

IMO 17's are to big on an E30.

[nando]

people can hate on 17" wheels but the reality is, 15 and 16" tire selection is poor - performance tires are nearly nonexistent in E30 sizes. Going up to 17" gives you a lot more choices, and ironically they are probably cheaper too.

[iansane]

The other big change is the availability of standalone engine management. I'm still finishing my DIY MegaSquirt kit, but there is a ton of knowledge and engine maps available. IMO, the biggest hurdle with engine mods has always been the tuning. At this point pretty much every combination has been done, so its just researching, picking what you want, and follow the documented recipe.

I think this is a big reason why m20s aren't as bad as they used to be. Now there is a way to control them accurately, and make decent power. It used to be engine swaps were the only way to make power.

people can hate on 17" wheels but the reality is, 15 and 16" tire selection is poor - performance tires are nearly nonexistent in E30 sizes. Going up to 17" gives you a lot more choices, and ironically they are probably cheaper too.

17s are of the size that you need proper ride height to make look good. 16s and 15s can get away with being at a less than ideal height because there is so much vertical tire to blend it in. I like 17s a lot on e30s. I can't decide on 18s though. I think those may be too big unless really low.

[Mastrcruse]

What did you find? Also, you may have done it backward, I don't think you're suppose to buy from the rustbelt and ship to Texas...

IMO 17's are to big on an E30.

I would agree but had it inspected for rust (and other things) by local BMW dealership and its been garage kept - no winter driving. Being from the north though, I know I'll be watching for any cancer as I get into the car. Its been owned by an older lady for 25 of its 30+ years. and have had all the pictures taken that I could get that made me feel comfortable.

[Mastrcruse]

people can hate on 17" wheels but the reality is, 15 and 16" tire selection is poor - performance tires are nearly nonexistent in E30 sizes. Going up to 17" gives you a lot more choices, and ironically they are probably cheaper too.

I agree and since its a cruiser (and, honestly, I like the kopi's and how they look on the e30), I think a bit larger wheel being okay. Seems 215/40/17 is the right size tire to go with, sounds like it from the many threads I've read (some said 235 but sounded a lot of mods had to happen - I don't mind rolling fenders if needed). That sound right? i get the 16/15 vs 17 debate for a potential track or spirited driving car but knowing it'll never be challenged or pushed much, I think 17" are fine. If the 16" original Alpinas weren't $4000, I would have went for them!

[nando]

215/40 should work great, yes.

if you're tracking your car you want 15" wheels since there are lots of race tire sizes, but street tires there's like 2 or 3 choices and they're going to be all seasons (or undersized).

[laidback93]

I'm loving my Yokohama S Drives on my Ronal LSs. But now I'm getting this uneasy feeling that they might be discontinued. Please say no, please say no!

[MrBurgundy]

since we're on the topic of big ol' 17" wheels.

I'll just leave this here

[jeenyus]

it would look better with side skirts. otherwise there is just a void where the body should be complete.

[Mastrcruse]

since we're on the topic of big ol' 17" wheels.

I'll just leave this here

Looks great! What’s the offset and tire size?

[Mastrcruse]

215/40 should work great, yes.

if you're tracking your car you want 15" wheels since there are lots of race tire sizes, but street tires there's like 2 or 3 choices and they're going to be all seasons (or undersized).

Yep! No tracking a vert for me.

Thanks for moving this thread. Was just wondering if I should ask to move this as it’s gonna transform into my (small) build thread.

[agent]

Thanks for moving this thread. Was just wondering if I should ask to move this as it’s gonna transform into my (small) build thread.

You're welcome.

[MrBurgundy]

Looks great! What’s the offset and tire size?

I'm not sure on the tire size, but i'm guessing these are like 235/40

I think the concave ones run an ET20 and the regular ones are ET15

Concave is the way to go tho

[stormspike]

My staggered 4 lug alpina wheels. Just getting her out also after a long rest. The 24v swap is good...