87 eta build

[tH16]

Little back story to start the thread. I purchased an e36 last year with 270k miles on it last Feb. Since then I've put over 20k on it. It's a northern rust box that is thankfully still in decent mechanical condition.

I've always been in love with e30's so this winter the search was on for one, running or not. I found this one on CL for $1000 not running, and after a shit ton of research and deliberation I talked him down to $700. Today I brought her home.





Only two small rust spots, no rot, decent paint with some clear peeling, dirty as hell.

The not running issue is currently no spark. I've got a few ideas in mind and the tear down starts Monday. Hate away.

[TopOfTheLine89]

Plans?

[tH16]

Get it running, clean it up, more low, LSD, drive the piss out of it, engine swap.

[mr.vang]

look like a good start. i just bought myself a 87 eta for 1G, drove it home and did tons of cleaning on it.

here is a picture before the crazy cleaning

[tH16]

Well the battery is shot, but luckily my side job is Sundays at a Batteries Plus. I've got it on our massive charger now, should bring it back to life, if not, at cost battery purchase time.

Meanwhile the no spark issue. I've read JimL's writeup around 100 times now on every forum thread with no start issues. I've already arranged for a new DME, with a JC chip, so even if my DME isn't bad I'm already upgrading. Tomorrow will be open her up, and get to troubleshooting. If anyone has any more advice for no spark issues feel free to speak up. I'm no stranger to electrical systems, the wife and I are both Electical Techs on C130's in the USMC.

[mr.vang]

I'm no stranger to electrical systems, the wife and I are both Electical Techs on C130's in the USMC.

it should be a piece for cake then. report back if problem is found as i maybe need it for future reference.

[e30m3s54turbo]

Good luck with your project.

[tH16]

Tore into the no spark issue today. Having some issues I posted up in general technical. Reconnected the oil pressure sensor wire that got ripped off and found a massive tear in the intake boot. And that to my list of parts.

[TimKninja]

Checks the postition sensors on the bellhousing of the tranny. Some early models have them. If not check the Crankshaft position Sensor.

[tH16]

Checked that both are good. Its a straight wiring issue but I got the troubleshooting diagrams and should be able to trace the issue.

[tH16]

So I had the build sheet pulled by a friend who is a service manager at a BMW dealer up in NY. Turns out I have a factory LSD, the M suspension package, and M sport package. How much of that is left over after 25 years who knows. The m tech 1 wheel is still on and the LSD is. Tonight after work I'll be tearing into the brakes to decide if I'm rebuilding calipers or ordering new ones. Also there is an open recall on my cooling system so I'll be calling the dealer near me to get that sorted.

[tH16]

So this is what around 2 years of sitting and probably more years of neglect look like on the e30's brakes.


Took me a good 45 mins to break this one down, so the rest are soaking in PB Blaster until tomorrow. I'll pull the calipers and order rebuild kits this week.

Meanwhile I traced out all the pins to the DME and done every other check possible for no spark and have determined that the DME is shot. I've already sourced another with a Conforti chip and will be sending payment this week, so I should have it running by the beginning of next week.

Picked up one of these at the going out of business sale at the Sears store near me today too. $16 after discounts. Fuck yea.

[tH16]

So what I thought was a bad DME, turned out to be much simpler. Bought the DME, swapped it in, and no spark still. Quickly realized I wouldn't have fuel if the DME was bad, and started from the beginning again. Turns out the coil is shot. Ordered it this morning, should have it this afternoon, and hoping to have it running tonight.