A 4x4 E30... Done right!

[m3clutch]

i'm just waiting to see this on a mag cover now.

[n2bimmer]

Sick.

[e30shmobberr]

now thats a collision of both worlds, a mudder and a bmw. dope!

[poopin04]

WTF!?! I'll pay for you to drive my ass around in this thing, let alone drive it.

[EN318isPDX]

So epic! Now you need a lifted e30 trailer

[mattdk318i]

For the guys that already read the thread START OVER!! new pics and details posted

where was i? oh yea...

Now that it was running i had a good start. Now i had to shorten the frame. I didnt take any pics but believe me. It was tedious and boring. Making sure it was perfect and didnt warp when it was cut.
After it was shortened,cleaned and drivetrain removed it was ready for paint.


I stripped the E30 in about 30 minutes. Gotta love the simplicity of the E30 suspension. 16 bolts or so and it was ready for a real set of axles!




Even though the vehicles are soooo far from the same. The frame rail width was within a quarter of an inch. To my surprise the e30 body sat on top of the scout frame without a hitch
The problem would be getting the E30 to sit how i wanted it to. I sawed and grinded for 2 days trying to get the frame rails to accept each other. Removing bumps and mounting provisions that were not longer needed.
I will be making body mounts with 1/4'' EPDM rubber isolaters so i can cut down on as much vibration as possible.

[mattdk318i]

Now that i had the body where i wanted it. It was time to see how good i was with a tape measure. Time for the engine and trans to be fitted.




I knew i was going to have to make braking provisions. I was definitely not going with manual braking. And i didnt have room for the E34 V8 setup. (due to steering box)
So i decided to go with the E32 H31 setup. Essentially the same as GMs hydraboost. Hardest part would be bleeding the system and mounting the BMW pump on such a different motor. I will be running all new brake lines and converting the rear drums to disc. Im taking no chances on braking power.
I want to be able to tow my e30 to track days and hopefully this springs SouthEast E30 rally.

And this is where i will leave you for now. Ive painted the wheels black because i was tired of looking at their uglyness. The bolt pattern is 5x5.5 inches. Im going to be looking for new wheels and tires. Or i will just get these wheels blasted and powdercoated and mount new tires
Im not sure if i want a mud terrain tire or a street friendly all terrain. Help me decide!

[e30lov]

mind = blown

[hi its me alec]

thx for making me happy!!!

^_^

[artoo93]

This is awesome!! Can't wait to see how this turns out!

[tfritz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDC33McE1oA

Here's another e30 mudder :). Yours will be far superior though, I have no doubt. Awesome project.

[Luis325]

This is crazy!!! In a good way!
Get her done!!!!!

[MR 325]

Definitely the best thing ever to hit R3V.

Mud terrains all the way!

[Stevie30]

That thing gives me a broner!

[mattdk318i]

That thing gives me a broner!

lol, thanks guys.