phenryiv1's 1989 325iC Project - SETA 2.7i Swap Complete and Running!

[phenryiv1]

As I searched out oil cooler lines for my W123, I came to the conclusion sourcing hoses like this through the dealer is silly. The hardware is good. The hose needs replaced. There are numerous hose shops in the area. I intend to have them rebuild mine after weighing the cost of simply buying the hose from them and using my own clamps.

I got the 5/8" line from AdvanceAuto and the fit was very good:



Now I await the 1/2" line, which is a little larger (relatively speaking) as a replacement for 12mm than is 5/8" is for 16mm.

I forgot to get some quality hose clamps. Stupid me.

[TimeMachinE30]

Good work. Specs on hose?

I want to see what a shop would charge to rebuild. Hose clamps will do the job, but then question why did BMW do crimps?

The oil cooler lines on the W123 are about $90 each from online retailers, if they are not out of stock. These PS hoses are pretty pricey, too. Rebuilding them now and for years to come is going to be the solution. Makes me want to have a spare set of the terminating ends in the garage...

[phenryiv1]

Good work. Specs on hose?

I want to see what a shop would charge to rebuild. Hose clamps will do the job, but then question why did BMW do crimps?

The oil cooler lines on the W123 are about $90 each from online retailers, if they are not out of stock. These PS hoses are pretty pricey, too. Rebuilding them now and for years to come is going to be the solution. Makes me want to have a spare set of the terminating ends in the garage...

Oddly enough, my hose is BMW-stamped but it was held on with crimp clamps (not screw-type) but not the beefy ends that I see in some pictures.

It had these: https://www.google.com/search?q=powe...clamp&tbm=shop

As opposed to the ones pictured here:



RealOEM shows these as an option: 07129952109 https://www.ecstuning.com/ES16313/

This is the hose that I used:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-power-steering-bulk-5-8-id-return-hose-sae-35003/3867366-P

Ordered some Corteco hose from RockAuto for the other line:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1011698&parttype=7324&ck[ID]=0&ck[idlist]=0&ck[viewcurrency]=USD&ck[PHP_SESSION_ID]=aumeibf7evgd2j57jeb5or7vp4

Says custom fit (implying that the ends are on there) but we'll see...may just be custom length.

[rcsoundn1]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=368841

FYI, in the event the other trim piece falls through

[phenryiv1]

This arrived. SLIGHTLY large fit but should be good enough.Still need clamps.

So the part ordered from RockAuto was a fail- it was listed as a 1/2" line but came as a 5/8" line so I ordered a 1/2" through Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Edelmann-71296.../dp/B000DT7V5U

It was cheaper elsewhere but I was tired of chasing a power steering line.

[bradnic]

the reservoir hoses usually leak near the tank. in a pinch you can just replace the clamps. they get hard though and probably should be replaced.

Curious why you're not just buying replacement hoses.. the tools you need to properly clamp things to the fittings can be pricey. The tool for Oetiker clamps isn't too bad though. They came OEM on several locations in the car and work really well. You can find oetiker clone clamps on AMZN.

original Oetiker
http://www.amazon.com/Oetiker-185000...dp/B008L4874S/

clone kit (without the tool)
http://www.amazon.com/Assortment-Cas...dp/B00AMAOU7M/

3rd party clamp tool
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Tridon-6...dp/B001UL4ALS/

if you're installing an E36 rack at any point you'll need to bend the pressure side fitting to get everything to go together. they are terrific on any E30, and you don't need an M3 one to see a major steering improvement.

[TimeMachinE30]

I just did oil cooler lines on my 83 300SD TD. With double Norma clamps at each end, and Parker hose between, I am very satisfied. 70 miles of highway driving g and some around d town driving, not a bit of oil showing. Good work!

I intend to visit my local Parker Hose place again with the PS lines.

And I'd love to do oetoker type, but it is just too pricey for me. They would look cleaner but for 50 bucks plus... I'll be good with Norma.

[FreedomM3]

You get the clip?

[phenryiv1]

You get the clip?

Not yet!

[phenryiv1]

the reservoir hoses usually leak near the tank. in a pinch you can just replace the clamps. they get hard though and probably should be replaced.

Curious why you're not just buying replacement hoses.

I am doing my own lines because I like to DIY easy stuff like that and because the lines were over $100 for the pair. I can put that money to better use.

the tools you need to properly clamp things to the fittings can be pricey. The tool for Oetiker clamps isn't too bad though. They came OEM on several locations in the car and work really well. You can find oetiker clone clamps on AMZN.

original Oetiker
http://www.amazon.com/Oetiker-185000...dp/B008L4874S/

clone kit (without the tool)
http://www.amazon.com/Assortment-Cas...dp/B00AMAOU7M/

3rd party clamp tool
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Tridon-6...dp/B001UL4ALS/

I actually think that I have those pliers. Will post pictures later.

[Edit]Are these the same thing:





[/end edit]

if you're installing an E36 rack at any point you'll need to bend the pressure side fitting to get everything to go together. they are terrific on any E30, and you don't need an M3 one to see a major steering improvement.

I already have an e36 rack- did the install back in May.

[FreedomM3]

Not yet!

haha I did say cheapest shipping lol

[phenryiv1]

Added pictures of the Knipex pliers/cutters that I have that might be the match for the clamps above.

Other stuff...

Worked on my parents' Dodge Stealth this weekend...1 owner, 106xxx miles. Non-R/T but still not a bad car to drive, even @ 22 years old.





I was looking at the e30 though and still love this angle:





Also, Josh (Irish44J) had a guibo bolt failure on the way home form his rallyX race and was close to my house so he stopped by and I swapped in 2 spares that I had around the house:









More on his weekend here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...postcount=1732

And in very sad news, Nick (95Maxrider) had his e28 RallyX car crunched by a tractor trailer this weekend on the way home form the same race.



The only bright spots are that he had hit the edge of the improvement curve on the e28 and the car was only competetive because he is such a great driver, so maybe this will give him the opportunity to move into something more competetive right out of the gate. He has ruled out another e28 or an e30 (at this point) and he offered me right of first refusal on his (2.7i/SETA "i") motor, G260 trans (with single mass flywheel and new clutch), and 3-clutch 3.73S diff.



We'll see how that pans out. I had been hunting another 2.7i or SETA bottom end and I know how his was built and maintained.

[95maxrider]

And in very sad news, Nick (95Maxrider) had his e28 RallyX car crunched by a tractor trailer this weekend on the way home form the same race.



The only bright spots are that he had hit the edge of the improvement curve on the e28 and the car was only competetive because he is such a great driver, so maybe this will give him the opportunity to move into something more competetive right out of the gate. He has ruled out another e28 or an e30 (at this point) and he offered me right of first refusal on his (2.7i/SETA "i") motor, G260 trans (with single mass flywheel and new clutch), and 3-clutch 3.73S diff.



We'll see how that pans out. I had been hunting another 2.7i or SETA bottom end and I know how his was built and maintained.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm really bummed out seeing all my hard work go down the drain like this. While I would have fun with an E30, I think I learned a couple lessons with this car. First is that trying to make a random non-sports car competitive in racing is difficult. Second is that old cars suck. They just do. I'm tired of dealing with rust and everything else that comes with a 25+ year old car, specifically one with such limited parts availability. So I think I'm going to finally hit the easy button for once in my life and get a freaking Miata, specifically a 2001-2005 with the 6 speed. Sure, it costs more than a nice E30, but I feel like you get a lot more too. We shall see what happens with the insurance. Goodbye E28, you served me well, and I will miss you!

[phenryiv1]

haha I did say cheapest shipping lol

Look at what arrived!

[rcsoundn1]

Funny how frustrating, yet rewarding any car can be. Glad you got 1. If I go to the yard this weekend I am going to start hoarding clips.