BimmerJeff's $700 Eta Build Thread (Now with MOAR LOW)

[BimmerJeff]

Managed to get it buttoned up just before we got over a foot of snow. The car was running ok for the first few days and then started hesitating at anything under 2500 rpm when the heater was on. With the heater off it seemed to run ok. I unplugged the o2 sensor and it seemed to run better so I'll be replacing that and the coolant temp sensor. Hopefully that fixes any issues its having.

First maiden voyage



Here's a few pics I took while I was out playing in the "blizzard".









Wheres the road?


I also got to install the M leather shift knob I got for Christmas.




I just need to finish up a few more things such as the exhaust and front brakes. Then hopefully starting the stereo build.

[BimmerJeff]

Just a small update since my last..

My rear parcel shelf was extremely sun faded from all the years of sitting outside. I used Duplicolor Charcoal fabric paint to retrun it to its former glory. While I had the carpet cleaner out I took the time to clean the rear seat.





My third brake light had seen better days so I polished up the lense.

Before:


After:


My alternator belt never really tightened the way it was supposed to when I changed the belts. This resulted in a very annoying squeal every time it rained. $28 later my new parts arrived from Pelican Parts and I was on my way. I did have to fight getting the bolt out of the sleeve for the alt bushing but after some heat and some persuasion with a hammer I got it!

The old


The new


I also bought an '87 IS valance off a member on the forums that I will be repairing.

Not much to look at now but it will look good as new once Im done.


My new plate



Back story behind the plate.. My car was originally from Hawaii (still has the inspection sticker on the rear bumper) and I wanted to represent that somewhere on the car. Thought it to be fitting haha.


Of course I had to do the obligatory rolling shot of my car.. nevermind the Celica in the way.

[BimmerJeff]

Monday I will be picking up an M20 out of a 325i on trade for some parts I had. I will snag all the parts off of it I need to do the i head swap. Probably wont get to that until late summer or fall. I want to polish/paint the intake, valve cover, head, etc. so when it gets installed its good to go. That will be the first step towards twin charging my car next summer. :D

I also started to acquire some replacement panels for my car and will be doing all of the body work on it this summer. I plan on having it resprayed in August. I'm still deciding between a fresh Delphin Metallic or going different and spraying it another color. Obviously a color change will be more work considering I will have to prep the jambs, engine bay, etc. Right now I'm leaning towards keeping it the factory color but color matching the bumpers and surrounds. With my tucked bumpers I think it would look good. Thoughts?

[enigmaticdream]

I'm digging this build. Nice work dude. Stick with delphin! It is such a great color when refreshed.

[BimmerJeff]

Thanks man! It's been slower going than I'd like but it's coming along. I've pretty much decided to keep the Delphin color. It does look really nice when new. Plus it's less work for me.

[BimmerJeff]

On the way back with some 2.5i goodness! Can't wait to start tearing into it and getting the swap parts cleaned up and painted.



I'll be parting off the accessories from it (good water pump, alternator, power steering pump, ac compressor, etc) so if you need something PM me.

[BimmerJeff]

I managed to disassemble the motor and take what I needed off of it. Sold the block back to the person I got it from for $50 haha. Not a bad deal.



The head and intake manifold are at my friends shop getting cleaned up and checked over. Its going to get set aside for now while I work on the bodywork and prep it for paint. The scheme for the engine I have decided on is going to be different but look pretty sweet!

I also picked up two fenders for it that were in pretty good shape. Mine have numerous dents and are rusted through at the bottom behind the wheel well.



I got bored waiting for parts to arrive so I decided to install my 85 318i 7k tach. While it was apart I decided to paint the needles red and install some gauge rings that I got for my birthday.



Painted candy red over the scuffed white needles



Finished product



While browsing craigslist I came across a screaming deal for some bmw wheels. I went to look at them and brought them home for $80! Cant beat some staggered style 68s for that price ;)

[BimmerJeff]

I decided to go with a different paint color on the car. I love Delphin but it just wasn't fitting with the look I'm going after for the car. I wanted something a little more aggressive and with my soon to be future purchase with KAmotors I think my new color should work nicely with gloss black Style 68s.

Stay posted for updates!

[izzy-]

Nice build!

[BimmerJeff]

Engine teaser shot!



The BMW logo and fins are going to get polished up later on and something else added ;)

[BimmerJeff]

More goodies arrived this week! I wasn't planning on tackling the suspension this early in the game but came across some great deals I couldn't pass up. I picked up some 60mm ST Springs off eBay that were being discontinued for a price too good to pass up on. I also was able to trade my riding jacket I was no longer using for some Bilstein Sport strut inserts that had roughly 1,000 miles on them before they were switched out. Since I had those I figured what the heck why not get everything else I need to finish it!

Springs arrived NIB.



All of my suspension components (I'm like a kid on Christmas right now)



I purchased some KYB Gas-a-just shocks from a Camaro because I wanted the rear to be stiffer than Bilstein Sports, not to mention they were cheaper. I also picked up some E46 RSM's, new front strut mounts, and some Garagistic rear shock reinforcement plates. I'm going to try to get my suspension done before I leave for Nashville next Saturday but it might not happen.

I received my new front and rear window lock strips since mine are destroyed beyond repair. I wish I would have bought black ones but I got a good deal on chrome. I'll just have to possibly shadow line the trim when its in for paint. My paint supplies and filler also arrived this week! Now comes the arduous task of fixing all the body work and sanding.. lots n lots of sanding.

[BimmerJeff]

I redyed my M-Tech 1 wheel over the weekend. I used the Leatherique steering wheel kit but substituted the clear for a satin clear. I didn't use any crack filler as there were only a few nicks in the wheel. I'm rather pleased with the results.



I also decided to change the color of the valve cover. It chipped while I was removing the tape after polishing the fins and BMW logo. I like the green but it definitely isn't what I'm looking for.The intake will be going wrinkle black so any suggestions on valve cover color is appreciated.

[poopin04]

This is great, keep up the great work.

[BimmerJeff]

This is great, keep up the great work.

Thanks! Hopefully I can move out of the boring part of the build and get into some fun stuff.

[BimmerJeff]

This upcoming Saturday I should have the suspension installed. Just waiting on some new gland nuts from Bilstein. I can't wait to see how the car handles with decent suspension.

Also, I've again changed my mind on the color and the direction of the car. I've returned the paint I ordered (it was satin black single stage) and have narrowed it back down to Delphin or a Dark Cherry met. I will be doing an entire respray and repairing/removing any rust I find.

I've also decided to go the euro route with euro bumpers, possibly Alpina (or similar) front apron, and other euro bits. Decided I'm going to go for classy/fast with this car. It may take longer but it will be done proper.