This is Polly, the m30b35 swapped Ratrod.

[F34R]

I cannot get enough of driving this thing, thought I would snap some shots at night.

Ordering the clip for the euro bumpers tomorrow. Installed the lip.


The rear was not low enough...removed the GC spring adjusters and Mark sent me another pair of top centering cones. Using them on the bottom and top...PERFECT height baby!


With that 1/2" drop in the rear I was getting some rubbing from hitting bumps etc. Removed the rear wheels and went to town with a 10lb sledge head and a 25oz ball peen hammer.

Repainted the rubbing and went for a HARD drive and hit some nasty potholes. Jacked up the rear and I can say I have zero rubbing front or rear.


Proof you can tuck 17x9 without rubbing ;)

[F34R]

When you say 500/700 coils, do you mean just the converison kit? or the full on street touring/race kit?

That is the spring rates, this is a custom pieced suspension that I sorted out to my needs.

[mbonanni]

When you say 500/700 coils, do you mean just the converison kit? or the full on street touring/race kit?

[F34R]

Well shucks =)

I know she is not pretty to look at yet, but the list of fab work and goodies is extensive. That list is honestly only 1/3 of the stuff into it. Everything else is new parts that make it reliable. I tore the car down bare and built up with new everything to give you an idea. If I was to do it again I would not change a thing.


I am not new to coilovers, started out on my Honda when I was 17(winter/daily for the e30). Just noob mistakes of coils and stock inserts, then worked my way up to this. I used to have GC coils 700/500, Bilstein sports and new stock bushings and a 21mm cabby sway. Like I said before, it was soggy and meh compared to this.

Since I grid at Watkens Glen and inspect the race cars before they go out I get a chance to meet the drivers. Some of them take me out when they are warming up and such. I got to ride in a GT2 class 996 and the only thing lacking in my e30 is the power. It is raw and planted, nimble does not begin to define how this handles.

9" wide rears and 8" fronts with high performance daily tires goes along way granted.

But thanks for looking, and there was a SCCA event planned for this Sunday. I was attending but it was moved to a week ahead for some reason. So stay tuned, GoPro and a DLSR will get some cool footage to enjoy.

[mbonanni]

You're an inspiration. I just read the first post (didn't know you listed everything), and I am surprised at how much is in this.

Impressive to say the least. Your suspension setup definitely sounds amazing. Now I understand what your hype about it is.

[F34R]

Any info on the car IE: parts, fab work etc is all in the first post. I update everything I add in.

'97 1.9L Z3 with new seals, boots and inner and outer rods.

Tomorrow after work my brother is following me on the CBR600RR for some third person footage of the car blasting flat out through turns. The other e30 cannot keep up, so we are calling on the power of the Sportbike!

[VinniE30]

Yeah I did a PS delete on both of my e30s and like it better. Do you have a stock steering rack or a shorter ratio one?

[F34R]

That's really cool.
So how much of a difference do you think the m3 sway links make? Is it comparable to simply running thicker sways with the stock link locations? I would think the change in geometry would do way more in reducing body roll.

BTW this is officially my new favorite build thread.:up:
I really like how you're focusing on handling above all else.

The thicker sway does play a large part of making it tight and nimble. I used to have a 21mm vert sway on my old coiled e30. It was sloppy compared to this, I don't have a good way of explaining it. Maybe Mark or Jay from GC would chime in and help out with the tech info side.

I know the E30 M3 from factory with a 19mm sway bar VS where the 325is got a 20 and the cabby got a 21mm. The UUC sway is 22mm with poly bushing mounts and beefy retainers.

I know you have a relationship with the other side of the car with the M3 link. It just handles like you're one with the car. That is the best way I can explain it. I also LOVE the PS delete, it is much tighter and allows for more control at higher rates of speed. Kinda slows everything down if you will. Once you're over 3-6mph it turns with ease. I did a K-turn today on a 1.5 lane backroad, no issues there.

And thanks man, I don't really get alot of feedback etc maybe it is from me doing it right the first time haha. I know it is buy e30, swap to m5x or s5x etc. My thoughts have always been about controlling the car. What is the point of going fast if you cannot be safe about it? The fast part is in works RIGHT NOW! goodies ship tomorrow, turbo part are already bought and in route.

I would just like to take a moment and thank Mark, Jay and Trevor @GC for all the dialogues about building this monster. They take the time to talk stuff out and explain it, they live, breath and sell suspensions. I am proud to rep you guys on the East coast. It is also neat to call up and they know me by voice <3

[VinniE30]

A few people asked how the e30 M3 sway links work vs stock on the control arm mounting. So I will let my GoPro speak for me =)

Thought it was neat to show how everything works with one another.

That's really cool.
So how much of a difference do you think the m3 sway links make? Is it comparable to simply running thicker sways with the stock link locations? I would think the change in geometry would do way more in reducing body roll.

BTW this is officially my new favorite build thread.:up:
I really like how you're focusing on handling above all else.

[F34R]

A few people asked how the e30 M3 sway links work vs stock on the control arm mounting. So I will let my GoPro speak for me =)

Thought it was neat to show how everything works with one another.

[F34R]

Ill agree those seats are cool for a cruiser-type, but could be dangerous.
The rat-rod/modern hardware feel the car has, overall i think its pretty cool.

I am coating the floor in POR15, then putting down some thin ass black carpet. I want to stay under 10lbs for that. Then the car is getting repainted luxor beige metallic(same as it is now). I am still looking for Recaro seats to replace these temps, I just did not have anything to sit in. Better than a bucket no?

I just rushed to get the car to Bimmerfest, did not work out. I just have a bunch of things to get looking great. I have brand new(in package new) euro bumper trim from BMW front and rear. I want this to be clean and mean, paint just looks like shit right now.

But I agree with you on the rat rod look, it was not my intention but I get so many people telling me to keep it that look. I just want shiny fresh paint, I used to detail years ago. I would love to clay bar an e30 again!

[Jonny Cash]

Ill agree those seats are cool for a cruiser-type, but could be dangerous.
The rat-rod/modern hardware feel the car has, overall i think its pretty cool.

[F34R]

Oh my, that interior is so sexy.

Small update:

The parts for the b25 race head will not be in till next Tuesday. So I am going to port and polish the head and send it off to the machine shop to get stripped down and ready for when the parts arrive.

[Eric]

reminds me a bit of the 3.0CSL bucket seats

[mbonanni]

Sounds like a good idea, keep us updated. The seats look big and comfy, so I will definitely be looking out for some.