E30 Rally Build Thread

[SlapDash]

Yes, even our new cars come pre-rusted, so you don't get upset when the Patina-du-Oxidization shows up. Unlike that Garage Queen Capital of the World that is the southwest. Ha!

Salt, sea and cruddy dirt roads. Is there anything better? I love New England!

[MDVDuber]

Maybe cause back in the day cars wouldn't last more than 10 years in New England - Salt, Sea and cruddy Dirt Roads...or maybe that was just where I grew up....

I'm enjoying this thread immensely

[SlapDash]

That is correct. No titles necessary for anything more than 10 years old. You only need a bill of sale, proof of insurance and a pile of money and you can register the car. You can get one if you want, but that's another $50.

[iamsam]

I have to say it: I told you so!

But wait, why do you need a title? In Massachusetts and Rhode Island you don't need a title if the car is more than 10 years old. Is that some weird New Mexican thing?

I think it's a weird national thing.

I have ALWAYS needed a title for every car, and I have never owned a car newer than 10 years old. (a ten year old car is a 2001!! Are you REALLY saying you DON'T need a title for a 2001??)

[SlapDash]

I have to say it: I told you so!

But wait, why do you need a title? In Massachusetts and Rhode Island you don't need a title if the car is more than 10 years old. Is that some weird New Mexican thing?

[ACHTUNG]

fuck yeah bitches.

[iamsam]

HAH! did they give you the same blank stare when you tell them "stage rally"?

[MasterOfPuppets]

So I get the chick at the DMV to go outside for the VIN inspection. She starts her walk-around of the car, seemingly checking for lights. She gets to the front, points to the hood pins, and frowns. "What are these?"

Me: "Hood pins, they hold the hood closed."

Her: "Why?"

And it was all downhill from there. When she got to the VIN-checking part, she leaned into the drivers door and stared silently at the lack-of-dash for 20 seconds, no joke. I then explained that the VIN plate was in the passenger seat attached to the dash, or that she could check the stickers on the doors. She had no issue with that whatsoever. Then she did the same staring-at-the-dash trick when she had to check the mileage. I explained that the odometer was at home on the kitchen table but that she could just mark it "not actual mileage/inoperable." She had no problem with that either. Finally, she asked if I had a license plate number. I responded "no." She was momentarily confused but accepted it and we headed back inside to wrap up the paperwork. She had already given me the total and I was about to pay when she had to ask her boss how to enter the broken odo... the supervisor asked why she couldn't read it and it all fell apart when she found out the VIN and odo had been removed from the car. I kindly offered to go out and wedge the dash back in place, but they failed to see how that is no different than having left it on in the first place. Bottom line, I'll have to screw the dash back to the car in order to get the title. But it was sure fun to try (and waste an hour of my life :curse:).

[SlapDash]

I would actually like to be a fly on the wall when you attempt to get this thing registered. I can't imagine what sort of hilarity will ensue by the sheer shock, confusion, and awe of the NM DMV workers when they look at your car.

I am thinking the same. Are you driving the car to the DMV? I would at least stick the dash and cluster back in with zip ties if you can.

And the little black box may be an aftermarket alarm/ignition disabler. I had something similar on a parts car. The plastic was chintzy though, so I could tell it wasn't original.

Either way, good luck with the DMV. Keep us posted!

[iamsam]

I would actually like to be a fly on the wall when you attempt to get this thing registered. I can't imagine what sort of hilarity will ensue by the sheer shock, confusion, and awe of the NM DMV workers when they look at your car.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Idk about 1. 2 is for abs can't tell what three is supposed to represent 4 is dme.

Fooled around with it a bit today. Whatever 1 is, the car won't start without it. It only has six wires going to it and feels like an empty plastic box. Checked the Bentley and nothing seems to make sense . Removed 2, had no effect since my ABS is already disabled. Removed 3 (little one attached to the ECU), definitely cruise control. Also pulled every other shred of the CC system from the car; if anyone wants to up-convert their E30 to have cruise I have a 100% complete, functional system, including all wires and fasteners. And I confirmed that 4 is the ECU, labeled "Motronic."

Have to take the car to the DMV tomorrow to transfer the title, which involves a VIN inspection. The VIN plate is on the dash; the dash which will be sitting unattached where the passenger seat used to be. Hopefully the ghettoness of Albuquerque will save the day and I'll get the title anyways.

[matt0300]

Idk about 1. 2 is for abs can't tell what three is supposed to represent 4 is dme.

[SlapDash]

iamcreepingdeath is right. The ECU should say "Motronic" on it and it has a huge plug in the back with a metal clamp that holds it in. You can pull all the rest.

[downforce22]

Sweet build, interested to see how it comes out.

Have you seen the '318' rally car? I saw it at pikes peak international hill climb last summer



Also the hood vent it interesting lol I like the grills though, reminds me of this

[jasonsnoddy]

Interested in seeing your suspension. I'm building a play e30 for dirt with truck tires, and id like to use the e36 springs if they are a bit higher