Luna - 1992 325iC MTech Appearance Package

[Thizzelle]

That's the pick N pull I go to. You hit the jackpot. I'd sell that arm rest. Shits stupid.

09/03/2017

Today was a good day. Decided to change the thermostat to see if Luna would run normal instead of running rich, the temperature gauge would stay at a 1/4 mark. Did that in like 15 minutes. The gauge would stay in between the 1/4 mark and the 1/2 mark. Slight improvement. Maybe the temp sensor is out so decided to go to the Pick N Pull to get a sensor to try tomorrow if bleeding out air doesn't work.




Also cleaned the wheels, they were filthy. I'm surprised they look so good still, not a lot of curb rash. I'm missing two white center caps so I'm not using any at the moment.



I went to the Pick N Pull in Windsor at about 3pm. I was going to wait till tomorrow since it's 100 degrees today but they are having a 50% off sale and I didn't have much to do so I went.

I basically hit the jackpot. An auto 325i had been added a couple days ago and it was untouched. I got an alpine white trunk lid with an iS spoiler and no third brake light. Installed it.




Bilstein B4's for the rear



Ashtrays and hazard button I never had





Got some mint condition sun visors and finally...



A Husco armrest!

I paid $50 for everything. So happy I went to the Pick N Pull today.



I should be getting the MTech II valence next week and after that we'll get the whole car resprayed. Everything is moving a lot faster than expected, might even do a manual swap. Not sure what to do about the interior. It's hard finding Lotus white interior pieces in good condition. Since it is a salvage title maybe it wouldn't matter to change the color. Always been a big fan of cardinal red. We'll see.

[iso_hi]

09/19/2017

I was in Las Vegas for about a week for family things so haven't had too much time to work. I did order some parts like the rest of the pieces for a manual top conversion and some new clips for the MTech II valance.

As for the smog issue I'm going to try an exhaust system I got on my old E30 last year with a new cat and muffler.



Removed most of the front to see the damage and re-mount the oil cooler.




Looks good aside from this single dented in piece. The only thing affected is that attachment point for the valance. Is it worth replacing the radiator support on a salvage car?



Straightened out the original valance enough to be hidden under the MTech valance.



Spark plugs after about 50 miles.

[iso_hi]

I'm going to try an exhaust I got last year with a new cat and muffler and if it doesn't pass I'm just going to list as non-op and do a deeper rebuild than I had planned. Luckily I have a second car and don't need the E30 on the road.

On the upside I scored a pretty much crack free dash at the Pick N Pull for $30 with a like-new HVAC panel and 6 button OBC.



Here is the MTech II valance I just got to complete the kit and my bent up original valance. Going to see if I can straighten it out to keep the original panel on the car, doesn't have to be perfect since it hides behind the MTech valance.

[N2MYE30]

This reminds me of my MT2 project back in the day. Looking good!

[KIRIEIW]

You could also try a colder thermostat such as a 75°? Doubt it will do much but just a thought, if the numbers are pretty close it might just make it with the new thermostat.

Edit: Those numbers are pretty far off, you should do a smoke test just for the kicks. NOx is caused by the combustion chamber being too hot (like stated above) but who knows still wouldn't hurt to check right. Hopefully no one messed with your throttle body "adjustment" piece aka the piece your not suposed to adjust, or you AFM over the years. PS, if you want to trade rear seats you have my number :D

[iso_hi]

Carbon build up in the cylinders can increase combustion chamber temperature causing an increase in NoX emissions.
Since the m20 does not have an EGR system to take care of an increase in NoX, it is easier to fail a smog check
Try doing a Seafoam treatment on the engine.
I have had several successes with decreasing Nox emissions by this method.
Worst case is replace the catalytic convertor to get the emissions down.
With the new California approved convertor's I have seen emission numbers at zero.

I did do sea foam a few weeks ago. Did a 1/3 through the oil cap, fuel cap, and vacuum hose on FPR. How should I do it?

[wilholl]

Carbon build up in the cylinders can increase combustion chamber temperature causing an increase in NoX emissions.
Since the m20 does not have an EGR system to take care of an increase in NoX, it is easier to fail a smog check
Try doing a Seafoam treatment on the engine.
I have had several successes with decreasing Nox emissions by this method.
Worst case is replace the catalytic convertor to get the emissions down.
With the new California approved convertor's I have seen emission numbers at zero.

[iso_hi]

Damn!! Did you follow the advice I posted above?

Yeah sprayed carb cleaner all over the place and never raised RPMs even a bit. I swapped the O2 sensor and my stomp code cleared up but it seems like it's just running lean. The AFM cap calls off very easily so I'm starting to wonder if maybe the previous owner messed with it.

Can someone possibly send me a pic of underneath the AFM cap to compare?

[sonomabimmers]

You still in Santa Rosa ? I may know a place that could help ya out in napa. Unless you're trying to do it the legit way. Pm for details.



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[sonomabimmers]

You still in Santa Rosa ? I may know a place that could help ya out in napa. Unless you're trying to do it the legit way. Pm for details.


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[flyboyx]

Damn!! Did you follow the advice I posted above?

[iso_hi]

Shit.

Failed for the 3rd time. I have a free retest. Not sure what to do.



BONUS: Previous smog was done a year ago and passed fine. Trying to get history on what was done (or wasn't) in the last year. Should have asked all this before buying but I was too excited on the MTech kit.

[sonomabimmers]

Just gave you a follow on the gram. Looking good man.


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[iso_hi]

I drove to San Diego Friday night and arrived around 8am to pick up the MTech II valance. Just got back today around 6pm and replaced the O2 sensor. Tried the stomp test after driving like 10 miles on the street/highway and got a 1444. Things are looking good. I just removed the original front valance to straighten it out and prime it white. I didn't know it still went underneath the MTII valance. I didn't take pics since it's late, I'll post pics tomorrow. You can see updates on my Insta at instagram.com/iso_hi.

[iso_hi]

This is probably my issue.