Exodus_2pt0's E30 biography thread, still developing. v8 swap inside.

[Exodus_2pt0]

First some background. My brother (known on here as Rascal2pt0) purchased an 88 325i out of a field, installed a new clutch slave cylinder and drove it home. He has been driving it as an DD for the past year.

A few months ago I received a phone call asking if I want the shell, as he just snapped the timing belt.

This past weekend I picked up a m20b25 from Jersey with 80k on the clock for $250. I cleaned it up and painted the intake/valve cover after inspecting the valves/rockers and ensuring the proper adjustment. Bottom end bearings look brand new as well. Good deal!


Since this photo was taken I taped off the bottom of the oil cap and sprayed it black, leaving the side ring in red. Looks awesome!


Last night, I received a text with this image.


Now she is on her way, taking the 5 hour trip along with my Brother, his wife, and my nephew to spend Christmas here for the week.

Tonight begins the pain, removing the old motor and dropping in the new. I will also be removing the a/c components (evaporator will come out later), and the p/s components will go as well, with the rack re-routed back to itself.

My plan is to start around 7:30 and be done sometime in the morning, Me and a friend run our own shop so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I will take lots of photos.

This thread will be updated over the next few years as the vehicle progresses. I am not in a rush and plan on using mostly second hand parts. Including a GT3071r turbo and Tial 38mm wastegate I already own. The end result will be a well rounded daily driver, that will see Summit Point on the weekends.

Wish me luck! Tonight it all begins.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Got the engine out tonight, tomorrow morning will be parts transfer and install. I cannot wait to drive this thing.

Found out the rear diff is an LSD, and upon shifting the tranny (playing), I asked my brother if it had a short throw. turns out he installed a z3 shifter not too long ago.

Pics in the AM

[rares]

i need to see pics of this engine, i will wait for the AM... nice work

[Exodus_2pt0]

Got the engine in and drove it home tonight! Finished up around 5:30, got it started after figuring out what the 4th (yes 4th) wire was for going to the starter.

I decided to check the trans fluid, it was empty. Scraped the inside with my finger and found a very high metallic fluid, so I filled it with some 80w-90 gear oil and a little bit of auto trans fluid to clean it a little bit. I will drain and fill it again in after Christmas.

Trans has a little whine, but it shifts fine. Mid bearing on the driveshaft is shot and shakes horribly on hard acceleration.

However, I am very happy. The engine runs like a champ and actually surprised me with its acceleration. Definitely some potential here.

Pics as promised. I have more on my camera, these are from my brothers Iphone.

I wanted to clean up the engine bay, but I was on a very tight schedule. I will clean it up soon enough.






Roof racks are good for something afterall!





Running, about to take her home for the first time.

[mujjuman]

Great work!!

[Jhonno]

Tidy.. Quick turn about!

[catuned]

quick work

[Exodus_2pt0]

So I found a massive leak at the oil return pipe. Its ok though because santa brought me some cash!

Today I just lathered some RTV on the joint at the bottom and top of the pipe, hopefully it will slow if not stop the leak until I can throw a cometic head gasket on there next week, now along with new o-rings for the tube. Prepping for turbo ;)

Also removed the a/c compressor and lines (sawzall ftw), and p/s pump assembly. I noticed the big fan in front of the a/c condenser, and since it works when the a/c fan is on... I decided to leave out the clutched fan. 1 horsepower saved is 1 horsepower earned!

BTW, these cars do not need power steering.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Gave the ride some much needed TLC over the holidays. Spent an hour or 2 washing and waxing, as well as wiping down the door sills and just cleaning. The dash cleaned up nicely, no cracks!

Also found out this car used to be silver, in the door jams where dirt had collected, paint was chipping off as I cleaned.

Still managed to pull a shine.

[irish44j]

looks just like my 85 318i build on the outside, just with way more power. Keep it up, interested in seeing how this turns out!

[Exodus_2pt0]

Today was eventful. We ran out of work at lunch so I pulled the ol' E30 in for some free works.

Tucked the front bumper, and stared at the rear for a few minutes before decided not to tuck it. The back end looks fine, and I can't stop idiots from rear ending me.

Then I went to town on the trunk, removed a bunch of random parts my brother had been collecting, jumped when I found the snake skin, and then scraped all 50 some odd pounds of tar off the metal.

The trunk lining was in bad shape, so it all got trashed. I'll post pics tomorrow.

The rear end now sits level with the front, and seems to slide with ease now.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Next project is the cab, going to go on a cleaning frenzy. If I find the time I'm going to pull the interior and remove all unnecessary items, then re-install. I don't want the car to look gutted, but wouldn't mind losing a few pounds if it won't be noticed other than in performance.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Ordered a set of these in Grey tonight, 15x8



And the last set of RS3's that Tirerack had in 225/45r15. Should be here in about a week!

Also bought some billy sports and springs used off another member here last night.

I can't wait for summer to throw the wheels on! Suspension will go on as soon as it gets here.

Also replaced the wiper motor the other day, it was raining and I had to before I could leave the shop. Damn weather forced me into it.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Some updates.

Threw the leather seats out of my GLI in yesterday. Kind of cool that part of that car will stay with me. Plus the seats are the most comfortable buckets I've been in.






Also, Vogtland springs are on along with wheels.

[kts]

Any rubbing with the RS3s? I was looking at getting a set but worried they would rub.