S54 powered E30 track car

[grt]

Such an inspiring build, I can't wait to get mine to the track however I don't think it will be anywhere near this fast :D

I have been watching your thread closely. I will get another 318is one day and do a factory resto! Who cares if it is slow :D

[MkII]

Such an inspiring build, I can't wait to get mine to the track however I don't think it will be anywhere near this fast :D

[grt]

Noosa looks like a sweet Hillclimb track. Might have to make the trip up there if my E30 ever goes again :p

It is a great track. You should look at Lakeside Park as well.

this is incredible. way to make my build look like total shit

;) No problem

[broach328]

this is incredible. way to make my build look like total shit

[e30guydownunder]

Noosa looks like a sweet Hillclimb track. Might have to make the trip up there if my E30 ever goes again :p

[grt]

Update time!

Just got back from a big weekend away at another hillclimb. This time is was Noosa Hillclimb on the Sunshine coast of Australia. But I will start where I left off.

I wasn't planning on doing anything too the car after the track day apart from the usual maintenance and check over. Of course this was not the case. I have wanted to replace my fuel rail with a VAC -6 since I have been running the car. The standard rail has -6 fittings braised on but weeps fuel. The VAC fuel rails for S14 haven't been available for the last 6 months. One popped up locally for a good price so I snapped it up!

Pretty simple install, I just put thread tap onto the fittings to make sure they seal nicely. More importantly it makes my engine bay look better ;)

I did the usual nut and bolt check and away we went. Both Saturday and Sunday were wet. I only managed 1 run in semi-dry conditions but it was still very slippery and a lot slower than my Pb is a standard-ish 318is.

Saturday was wet and I was really feeling in the groove and my times really showed. I was 5th in class and 22nd outright after Saturday.

Sunday was a new day and I was feeling more into it. With the track drying the times were only getting faster. After the 3rd run I was up to 2nd in class only 0.05 of a second behind 1st (a well sorted RX-7). With the track still drying the 4th run was going to be quicker again. The RX-7 was about 7 cars in front of me in the line up to start and it started to rain again. He snuck in a 64 second time and as the rain fell I could not match it!

I ended up with a 66.15 which was good enough for 2nd in class and 9th outright (about 90 cars).

Overall not a bad weekend. I put the car back on the trailer straight, unlike some!

This week has been good as well with the brackets for my big brake kit arriving as well as some fresh new rubber :D

I will post up some pro photos when they become available.

Here the some pretty pics.

New rail



Old rail



Thread tapped fittings



Injectors installed



New rail installed!



Ready for Noosa Hillclimb



Team E30



Mud!!!!



New caliper brackets!



Fresh rubber and a dog



Fastest run.

[grt]

Wow, not sure how I missed this thread until now. Fantastic work!

As far as safety, I can't recommend a HANS device too highly. In a bad crash, they will save your life. Pretty cheap insurance IMO.

I agree. I already have one. You can see it in the video if you look closely :)

[CorvallisBMW]

Wow, not sure how I missed this thread until now. Fantastic work!

As far as safety, I can't recommend a HANS device too highly. In a bad crash, they will save your life. Pretty cheap insurance IMO.

[grt]

handy hint, i used the "Jesus" handles from the roof as rollcage clearing door handles. I think two of the mount holes even lined up with the factory door handle holes. But some self tapers into the door frame also work well.

Yeah I was thinking about doing something like that.

Then again I really like the look of the clean door skins without handles!

[e30guydownunder]

handy hint, i used the "Jesus" handles from the roof as rollcage clearing door handles. I think two of the mount holes even lined up with the factory door handle holes. But some self tapers into the door frame also work well.

[kevvve]

sub'd

[grt]

Certainly one of my favorite build threads.

Keep it up!

Will do!

Thanks for the positive feedback

[canakami]

Certainly one of my favorite build threads.

Keep it up!

[grt]

On-board my fastest lap

[grt]

Update time!!!!!!

All right where do it start.

Last time I left you guys I had painted the interior. Now it was time to rewire the dash so all the buttons and switches were in the same place. This was all pretty simple just very time consuming. We also installed a battery isolator for safety.

I made a carbon fibre plate that goes where the headlight switch was and installed a start button and ignition switch. The headlights, wipers, battery master, fan and fuel pump are all on the centre dash piece.

When I was at the track last I noticed quite a lot of stone chips on my front bar. I released if a rock was the go through the big air holes it could smash my expensive PWR radiator. I picked up some mesh and screwed it through the front bar and zip tied it onto the front radiator support.

I also picked up a second seat to terrify some passengers!

I remounted the seat using the OMP side seat mounts. I just re-drilled the holes on the mount. I now sit about an inch lower. It feels much more comfortable.

I booked into a BMW Club track day last Friday so it was a last minute rush to get the car finished. We started the car for the first time at lunchtime on Thursday. After this we changed the engine and diff oil. I also did a spanner check for all the bolts and nuts. At 8.30pm I gave it a quick wash and loaded in onto the trailer.

When we got to the track on Friday a fellow racer dropped off my newly re-covered door trims.

The day went extremely well. I ended up taking .7 of a second off my best time. Although I was quicker the brakes need to be upgraded. I was finding I braking as hard as I can but still not locking the wheels. I am also still using 3 year old Hankooks which were well past there used by.

As soon as I got home I order a new set of Hankook Z214s in 225/45 ZR15. Only problem is now I have to get bigger wheels :D So I purchased a set of Konig 15x8s in matte black.

I also researched some big brake options. I settled on a set of RX-7 4 piston callipers which I pick up tomorrow. I have purchased a set of brackets as well. I am yet to decide on a set of brake rotors. I am leaning towards a set of EBC slotted discs. Stay tuned as I will do a big write up on the install.

Anyway on with the photos!

The task at hand!


Carbon plate


Start button and ignition switch


Seat mount


Chicken wire!


Painted black and fitted


Nut and bolt check + oil change


Passenger seat


Recovered door trims and finished interior!





Late night wash


New wheels on the way


Lakeside pictures