'86 325e restoration with s52

[JubJub]

This is awesome, great work!

[Bimmian89]

Picked up some clean e30 sport black vinyl seats. :)

[broach328]

It has been a while since an update so here goes nothing.

Cleaned the fuel tank and replaced the lines on it. This swap is going to run on a Walbro GSS-340 pump on a modified early model suction device bracket. Early model e30s used a frame rail pump and supplying that pump was a low pressure suction unit in the tank. The issue with this is that the suction device uses a much larger diameter hose. (~1/2 in.)

Notice the large diameter outlet pipe (not my picture)


My solution for this was to run a new 8mm ID fuel line across the top of the tank and relocate the fuel pump plug from the fuel rail to the top of the tank. Fuel return and EVAP emission system will remain the same, just deleted rail mounted pump, place pump in tank, place fuel filter where pump was previously mounted. I will get pics as soon as I finish the modified fuel pump bracket as I am sure others have had this same issue.

New 8mm ID fuel line across top of the tank. Also replaced filler neck hose, why not?


More brake hard lines. Because of rust on the factory hard lines, I opted to go ahead and replace the hard lines in the rear to prevent near future failure. m10 fitting, bubble flare. All can be had at a local auto parts store. Easy to bend, corrosion resistant. Undercoating used is a commercial 3m undercoating. Was recommended by a local body shop and works really really well. Dries fast and doesn't remain sticky for the rest of eternity.



With the fuel tank in and brake lines ready to go, we finished up the rear subframe and got it bolted up. Couldnt be more pleased with how this turned out. Diff has new seal and is filled with just under 2 qts. of Royal Purple 75w-140 gear oil.



Undercoated fender well, shiny new suspension parts :)


Test fitment time for the 15x8 TRMs. Looks like fender rolling will be required. :/




On to the good stuff.. after a good engine bay cleaning, we installed the subframe, e36 m3 steering rack with spacer kit, and the new control arms. It was very surprising how clean this thing is starting to come out.


For those who have installed a 24v motor, you know how tight the tolerances are in the engine bay. For those who plan to swap their e30, get ready, it is a lot of fun. After half an hour or so of frustration and work, the motor now sits in there waiting to be finished up. Starting to get very anxious. The small details seem to go on and on and on. Expect a lot of updates this week and HOPEFULLY a video.

Special thanks to Dave at Markert Motor Works for the engine wiring harness. It has made wiring a breeze on this swap. Truly top shelf work here. Plug and play, hassle free, and he is a life saver when we have questions. Thanks, Dave.





Thanks for reading, r3v. You guys always seem to provide the inspiration and knowledge needed to take on any e30 project.

[Bimmian89]

Ahh yes! lol yeah getting the engine in was fun, it actually wasnt to bad. Although it did put up a little fight at first it went fairly smooth. Expect videos within the next few days :)

[broach328]

As promised, I have a pic of the fuel pump assembly mod. Welded a smaller size barb on the 1/2 inch line on the bracket. Works perfectly and no leaks. Hope this helps others who will inevitably run into this same issue.

[broach328]

Fourth of July bump. I am going to spend this lovely rainy day under an e30. I will get pics very soon of her sitting on the ground on her own two feet!

[Bimmian89]

Well guys after a few months of slaving on this car, my brother and I have finnaly gotten on her on two feet and running. Will have videos and more pics later on. Much props and thanks to my brother (broach328 ) who did a tremendous job, and made this possible!! I still have a few things in route, KA motors intake, new shifter( z3m was too long it hits the DS) ST front anti sway bar with poly bushings and spacers, and new master cylinder. Got two used ones both turned out to be crap. Still working on the gauge cluster, I think I have a loose wire somehwere as it works when it feels like it. But anywho pics and videos soon to follow :) let us know what you all think, Thanks!

[Bimmian89]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBwGPy3pZok

Just a video of the car running and what not.

[kronus]

sweet.

[broach328]

sweet.

Oh it is.

Will get some pictures soon of exhaust work and interior, etc.

Exhaust consists of Ebay headers > magnaflow y pipe > 2.5" vibrant resonator > dynomax muffler (going to be switched out for a borla)

[stoja e30]

looking good fellas

[Bimmian89]

looking good fellas

Thanks! Just a few more little things to do, which the parts will be here tuesday. The shifter was a Z3 M and was too long barley hits the DS and makes a god awful high pitch squil, and the master cylinder. Never had so much trouble with a damn master in my life. So we said the hell with used ones and got a new OE from pelican. So hopefully tuesday she will be on the road for good. :) If anyone knows good info on gauge clusters please feel free to chime in, I have a few questions for you. ;)

[Bimmian89]

Finally! The ol' e30 is finally done, I have driven it a few times and wow its amazing! Love the 2:93 LSD you can actually let it stretch its legs ;) Will post some vids and pics in the next few days.

[broach328]

Some pics to keep you guys up to date.

Going back a couple weeks, the fan wiring on early models is different as the sensor on e36 rad is on the passengers side, not the driver side. Fan is a 16" SPAL pusher. I used Dave Markert's (328ijunkie) fan wiring thread and it work seamlessly. In fact, I have since wired up my dad's friends e30 and plan to wire my dads 318is soon.



This is a picture of how I lengthened the wires to the passnger side of the rad. I used factory plugs, just spliced in longer wires and fed them through a roll of heat wrap for cleanliness and protection from the environment.


After swapping around 2 dead brake masters, we finally ordered a new one from pelican and this is how she looked the first day we got to actually drive it.


Interior has come a long way since this picture as we now have kenwood head unit, new speakers up front, and tweeters. If anyone is curious how to install tweeters with aftermarket 4 1/4" speakers, just let me know. In short, though, you just wire in a bass filter on the positive wire from the kick panel speaker to the tweeter. Sounds terrific, I would highly recommend this for any audio setup. Steering wheel of choice is a Momo Mod.08.


And another


Although I have an appointment at the muffler shop today to change mufflers, this is how the current setup looks. Visually, my brother and I think it looks great. However, the sound isn't exactly what we had in mind so the dynomax is out the door, in with the Borla. Piks and vids should be expected within a day or two! maybe even today, who knows! (Yes yes, I know. The rear needs moar low)



And our most recent picture (Ride height yet to be adjusted):

[totheredline]

Sexy. ;)