E30 M3 Steel Bodywork Conversion

[bmwmech1]

Garey, are you still on track to make Guten Fest? I can't wait to see the Beast in person, and to shake the hand of the man who built it!

I am, but I don't know if it will be 100% complete... I still have a lot to do, a lot to buy and time is ticking down. It'll be a race for sure...

Garey

[bmwmech1]

Quick update... the fuel pump will be here tomorrow, along with a few miscellaneous things needed, as well. I may have it running before the end of the week. I ordered the tires, they should be here by mid-week also. Finished polishing the wheels and re-assembled them. I also have about 90% of the wiring done. Stripped the door panels of their vinyl today and got a couple of the gauges. Still need to order 6 more. We'll see where I am by the end of the week...

Garey

[kingston]

Great update!! Excited for ya, man!!!

[Kershaw]

im rooting for you. :)

cant wait to see this.

[JrCamacho]

Just read this entire thread, 22 pages later i hit the end.

I cannot wait to see this thing all said and done in all its glory! And i thought i had a tough time with my e30 and rebuilding it! You sir, have made sure that no stone was left unturned.

Truly a masterpiece and there is only one set of hands to start this beast up! YOURS!

Good luck, and keep it up!

[Oly_Schmidt]

Amaazing build! Can't wait for the video.

Builds like yours help keep doing a simple M50 swap in perspective.

[bmwmech1]

^^^ Thanks guys... it's getting very close to startup time. The fuel pump setup came in yesterday, so I installed it in the tank and got the tank back in the car. Waiting on the last 6AN fittings and fuel filter and then I can wire up the pump and finish up the fuel system. The wheels are done and awaiting the tires, which should be in today or tomorrow. The brake system just needs the calipers and pads put on and then I can fill the system and bleed it out. I finished up the intake tubing last night, just waiting for the last silicone reducer for the MAF and then that's done. I also started putting some of the VDO gauges in the dash. Still waiting on the tach and speedo and there are 4 others going in the old HVAC/radio panel, along with some switches. You can just catch the corner of the aluminum panel I made for the HVAC opening in the gauge picture. Couple of wiring connectors to tidy up under the hood and then the motor is done, so it's really getting close. Pics of a couple of things...







Garey

[valleymotorwerks]

Just found this thread - it OWNS

[bmwmech1]

Just found this thread - it OWNS

Thanks man! Worked on it some more tonight... Brake system is now done, clutch slave is in and plumbed, CAI is done, rear swaybar is in and done, front is only halfway done. I decided, for a number of reasons, to re-work the exhaust from the mufflers to the rear of the car. I was hesitant to leave it as I had designed it because I would of had to do a fair amount of bodywork to the rear bumper to close off the original opening and create two new ones. So, I changed the design and brought both pipes back the drivers side and out the original opening. I ran out of welding wire, so I still have a bit of welding to finish it, but you can get the idea from the pictures. Now I can put a nice pair of stainless tips on the exhaust, which will finish it up nicely. I also got the tach and speedo in today, so I popped them in the cluster and took a pic of that, too. Pics...











Garey

[Holland]

Those subframe bushings look like they might get a bit toasty, but I'm sure you already have a solution for that.

[Cabriolet]

i'm sorry if i missed it, but why swap the exhaust system and fuel supply location? i have been under the belief that cars have their fuel in the center for safety and weight balance.

[freeride53]

lolwut 120 mph speedo

[ZM Blue Devil]

16 days! Build it Drive it!

[bmwmech1]

Those subframe bushings look like they might get a bit toasty, but I'm sure you already have a solution for that.

They're poly and it's just the mufflers they're next to... not enough heat to worry about that far back in the system and they're not really very close...

i'm sorry if i missed it, but why swap the exhaust system and fuel supply location? i have been under the belief that cars have their fuel in the center for safety and weight balance.

Several reasons...
1. V8 swap means very limited range with stock tank. I now have a 20 gallon fuel cell.
2. By moving cell to the rear, it opened up space for the mufflers to hang in.
3. Having the fuel tank in the center does help with balance and safety, but many cars have their tank behind the rear axle. You have to compensate for the change in balance with the suspension setup... Only place to put a 20 gallon cell is behind the axle...

lolwut 120 mph speedo

Only speedo VDO offers in the Vision series in 4" diameter... not really a big deal, obviously the car will exceed the mechanical limits of the speedo...

16 days! *Build it Drive it!

Thanks Levent, like I need any more stress... lol!

Garey

[DuMa]

exhaust is beautiful. just beautiful