Not much to update, car has been reliable except for a leaking, corroded thermostat housing and a worsening throttle heater leak that eventually left me stranded at a buddy's overnight. A couple miles on a borrowed bicycle and I was able to acquire parts and water to bypass it and get home...
... and a few days later I did a permanent bypass, replaced the housing, thermostat and fresh BMW coolant. Later on I will eliminate the hose barbs on the throttle heater cover plate to keep the smog people from asking questions. Fortunately I have been getting some part time hours wrenching at a small shop and was able to do the work there.
Have been struggling with employment so barely putting any miles on it, and no money for fun stuff, as soon as I find steady work I will have to decide what my realistic plans for the car are. If I had my way I would have it glass-out repainted, fresh shadowline trim, and put an S50 or S52 in it, but I may have to accept that I do not have the resources to do what equates to almost a full resto and motor swap on my daily driver when I don't have any sort of workspace or storage. I may have to accept that it is in my best interest to pass it on and get an E36 M3, cheap Z3M or S2000 if I want something faster and shinier.
Or maybe I should just try and do the bodywork myself (have no experience), get it wrapped cheap (Calypso still), and keep driving it while I try and put together a low buck cammed/headwork 2.7L (in my back yard). If such a motor would pass smog anyway, really not sure. Opinions welcome.
... and a few days later I did a permanent bypass, replaced the housing, thermostat and fresh BMW coolant. Later on I will eliminate the hose barbs on the throttle heater cover plate to keep the smog people from asking questions. Fortunately I have been getting some part time hours wrenching at a small shop and was able to do the work there.
Have been struggling with employment so barely putting any miles on it, and no money for fun stuff, as soon as I find steady work I will have to decide what my realistic plans for the car are. If I had my way I would have it glass-out repainted, fresh shadowline trim, and put an S50 or S52 in it, but I may have to accept that I do not have the resources to do what equates to almost a full resto and motor swap on my daily driver when I don't have any sort of workspace or storage. I may have to accept that it is in my best interest to pass it on and get an E36 M3, cheap Z3M or S2000 if I want something faster and shinier.
Or maybe I should just try and do the bodywork myself (have no experience), get it wrapped cheap (Calypso still), and keep driving it while I try and put together a low buck cammed/headwork 2.7L (in my back yard). If such a motor would pass smog anyway, really not sure. Opinions welcome.
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