The complete repair, rebuild, repaint, and v8 swap of my early model sedan

[mr2guysingh]

Coolant temp sensor: .220k ohms @ ~180 degrees. Spec is .270-.400k ohms at 176 degrees. I can't imagine that would cause as much of a driveability problem as I'm seeing?

You would be surprised. My daily beater Camry kept stalling and wouldn't start for a while after it would shut down. I guess its a common issue for my car for the coolant temp sensor to fail. Basically it causes the engine to shut down because it thinks it is overheating.

[JGood]

You would be surprised. My daily beater Camry kept stalling and wouldn't start for a while after it would shut down. I guess its a common issue for my car for the coolant temp sensor to fail. Basically it causes the engine to shut down because it thinks it is overheating.

Yeah, after doing more research on that, I decided to put a new temp sensor in, but it made no change. :(

[sinep]

Just read this whole build, and I love it! Great job OP!

[mr2guysingh]

Yeah, after doing more research on that, I decided to put a new temp sensor in, but it made no change. :(

Sorry to hear. Hope you figure it out though. :D

[Rubes]

amazing work man... you made a old school e30 like an 2012 type car. lol all brand new.

[ecuastyle84]

The link below brought me to this build thread. Awesome work man! I'm digging the V8 swap.

http://www.thefspec.com/2012/08/02/what-has-brown-done-for-you-lately/

[JGood]

Thanks guys!


So, how about some updates: I'm still working on the idle, stalling, throttle on/off issue. No progress yet, just lots and lots of new parts. haha.

I also started spraying oil all over the place. Apparently both oil filters got punctured. Possibly from stones/debris, not sure. There are no dents or scratches on the filters. I got two new filters and wrapped them in sound deadening material as a temporary solution. I'll probably end up building a metal shield for them.

[AustinR]

I've read this whole thread over the past few days. I know many have already said it, but what you have done is a huge inspiration for me, personally. Everything you've done is very impressive and expresses a lot about you.
Keep it up, you'll figure this engine condition out.

[JGood]

:(

[Jean]

More info??

[OoPEZoO]

More info??

Too much skinny pedal........not enough axle

[Jean]

lol

[JGood]

I spent 2 hours today laying in a muddy field in 90+ degree humid weather, under a busted ass 325ic pulling out an axle to get my car back on the road. Every bolt was rusted and seized. Finally got it out, brought it home, and tried to install it. I cross threaded the axle nut threads somehow. Once I got the threads straightened out, I tried to install it and tore the CV boot somehow. I also found out that the 84-86 cars use different axles then 87+ cars, the area around the hub is smaller on the early axles. The later style CV joint is bigger and actually binds against the hub. Sweet.

So I ordered a piece of shit autozone rebuilt axle. From what I've just read on the forums though, I will not be able to install it due to the way they rebuild them, the splines will need filed and the boot will likely rub the shock.

I can't win.

[Jean]

Hmmm interesting about the difference in axles... I am trying to remember what I used on my car. I think I have a subframe and trailing arms from my 89 325i, with medium size diff in z3 case, not sure about the axles....

There are tons of these here at the wrecking yard...in fact a local bmw shop has a couple what looked like early e30 rear ends with small diffs in the back.

Want me to find out if they'll part with one cheap? No rust here is a plus :)

[JGood]

The diff side doesn't matter, it's the trailing arm that it rubs.

Let me see how I make out today with the autozone axle. Thanks man!