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

[Mastrcruse]

Looking great, diggin’ the bumpers

Thanks! I’m really happy on how it came out....wasn’t sure if I was going to.

[Mastrcruse]

Drove up to Michigan from Texas and hung out with Tim and Jake. The car looks amazing and a few issues that I missed during resto have been corrected.

Was ready to come home but was having spark issues. Losing all power at 4500 RPM. Tried different plugs but just couldn’t get it figured out. Once I left Jake gapped original plugs to .018 and it ran up to redline.

HP ranging from 300-320 and Torque 300-350. Jake dialed in the boost for a good power curve and we settled at 14-16 lbs of boost and 317 hp and 309 ft lbs. I got to drive it and the sounds are amazing! These cars with 300+ are outrageous feeling.

We are thinking of going to e85 but we’ll see. Jake says I should be happy....but since it’s still up there with the professionals...got me thinking.

[Mastrcruse]

Dad picked it up for me yesterday and I’ll go the rest of the way next weekend. So pumped to have my car back...gone since March! Love how it’s come together. Had a vert in college and was broke at that time. Told myself I’d build one some day exactly how I wanted and this is exactly what I wanted! First car show is in August. More pics to come when I get it back to Texas.

I think it needs more tire!

[Mastrcruse]

Car is finally home but went directly to the local car wrap shop. It’s getting a light smoke of tint, shadowling, mirrors/valance/hood/lights clear wrapped, and going to TRY red tails. At least it’s in the same state...

[zwill23]

Very exciting, hopefully it's a quick turn around and you can start putting some miles on this thing.

I'm living vicariously through your build until I have mine wrapped up, the last 10% always seems to the take the longest.

Whereabouts are you located in Texas? Nice to know about another M20 turbo in the state. I'm in the Austin area and hoping to have the car at Radwood next year if it actually happens!

[Mastrcruse]

Very exciting, hopefully it's a quick turn around and you can start putting some miles on this thing.

I'm living vicariously through your build until I have mine wrapped up, the last 10% always seems to the take the longest.

Whereabouts are you located in Texas? Nice to know about another M20 turbo in the state. I'm in the Austin area and hoping to have the car at Radwood next year if it actually happens!

Thanks! Im so tired of it being at other peoples shops or being rebuilt haha!

I am in DFW (Grapevine). I love the power curve with a boosted M20! I need to look into different tire choices for the rear - I've learned that in the 5 miles I put on it :)

[zwill23]

Hah! Fortunately it sounds like you’re on the home stretch.

The tire situation is something I’ve been pondering as well. I’ve only driven mine a bit, but I’m already losing traction in 2nd on a roll on with 205 summer tires... it needs more rubber or a lower treadwear.

Can’t wait to experience that curve with a proper tune.

If you ever make it down to the Austin area with it and we have some semblance of normalcy, I’d be happy to share a beer and check it out!

[Mastrcruse]

Cleaning up the car for a car show on Saturday. Got euro grills installed and trying to chase down an issue with the HIDs I’ve got from squared. While driving the car, the passenger side Goes out. All the wiring seems to be solid and connected properly.

[Mastrcruse]

Finally got the pigtails transferred from the old fogs to the new. Have all the lights working on the car!

[Mastrcruse]

Now working on AC. Rebuilt compressor Jay Stratton. All the orings are new.

Found that 12V isn’t reaching the dryer sensors so followed the circuit back to the regulator under the dash. Continuing with R12.

[Mastrcruse]

First car meet this weekend. 250 cars and 246 of them were American muscle but still a ton of fun.

[Mastrcruse]

Decided to start piecing the euro conversion together. Euro bumpers shipped TERRIBLY! Euro and Alpina valance with new fogs on the way. I was able to source many new BMW parts for the euros so I'll have a great, nearly new set.

[Mastrcruse]

Got the recaros in and LOVE the look of them. Was able to source 1.8 yards to do the rears. They get a ton of attention at the car shows.

[Mastrcruse]

Was able to find a second set in a warehouse through a contact in London. After 2 years of looking, these are the only two sets I've ever been able to find. Am hoping to use the inner material for door cards. Plus I like the larger bolsters and and go back and forth on doing the large vs. fishnet headrests.

[Mastrcruse]

I love me some alpina stuff so grabbed this off ebay. Little grille badge..why not :)