Project Weißer Regen: 91 318iS Restomod

[rturbo 930]

The end result from vapor blasting is really impressive. Wow.

[Balleristic31]

I know this is meant to be a pretty oem original rebuild, but have you considered upgrading the lower timing case to the later m42 version? Much safer design that eliminates the idler wheel and the potential flaws in the early castings that have been known to fail.

Just something to think about before you put it all back together!

[Powling]

With the vapour blasting, do you need to do anything to protect the metal after its blasted? Or is it good to go right after blasting?

[Jordan]

Are you planning to still run the throttle body heater and the rest of the mess?

I intent to restore that back to OE appearance, but I may not actually plumb the coolant loop in. We'll see when I get there.

I know this is meant to be a pretty oem original rebuild, but have you considered upgrading the lower timing case to the later m42 version? Much safer design that eliminates the idler wheel and the potential flaws in the early castings that have been known to fail.

Just something to think about before you put it all back together!

I'm aware of the inner timing case failures, but its really a non issue blown out of proportion by the internet.

With the vapour blasting, do you need to do anything to protect the metal after its blasted? Or is it good to go right after blasting?

I guess that depends on where you live. Down here in Texas cast aluminum stays bright an clean for years. Up where you live? Salt in the winter air probably starts dissolving it right after it leaves the machine

In the case of those that live up north with liberal applications of sodium chlorinate on the roads I'd say yes either seal it, or don't drive in it.

[Jordan]

Started to reorganize a few things and pull out some new parts to put a few sub assemblies together.

Freshly plated studs reinstalled in lower intake manifold




Shifter linkage




Steering column, which was blown apart to be able to plate the main housing bracket and vapor blast the ignition lock housing.



Close up of the bottom bearing with spacer and dust shield



Top side



Fully reassembled

[parkerbink]

Simply amazing!

[Powling]

I guess that depends on where you live. Down here in Texas cast aluminum stays bright an clean for years. Up where you live? Salt in the winter air probably starts dissolving it right after it leaves the machine

In the case of those that live up north with liberal applications of sodium chlorinate on the roads I'd say yes either seal it, or don't drive in it.

Hmm I wonder if it would still be a factor with a 'summer only' car.

Either way, how would you seal it?

[didithepest]

Oh I am going to say is wow - I need to start taking notes - Much respect

[Cha Ching]

Your attention to detail is awe-inspiring. I'm taking copious notes.

[MR 325]

Love the eye candy! Those tires fit the Euro weaves nicely too.

[wazzu70]

The vapor blasted surfaces look great. Never had heard of that process before!

The cad plated bits look great, Im liking it better than polished/stainless/powdercoat!

[dasmanschaft012]

If you guys haven't heard about vapor honing before, Jay leno had a specialist on his show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HBumz3zJ4

[Jordan]

Hmm I wonder if it would still be a factor with a 'summer only' car.

Either way, how would you seal it?

I don't think its going to be any kind of issue down here in Texas anyway. My 14 535i daily driver still has pristine aluminum components, as does my wifes 13 X3 and both cars are year round dailys.

Love the eye candy! Those tires fit the Euro weaves nicely too.

You and me both, thought about getting a machine for the shop yet?

I'm happy with the tire choice, they are nice and square with the wheel protector lip sidewall design.

The vapor blasted surfaces look great. Never had heard of that process before!

The cad plated bits look great, Im liking it better than polished/stainless/powdercoat!

If you guys haven't heard about vapor honing before, Jay leno had a specialist on his show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HBumz3zJ4

This build exists largely because I found this process ~6 months ago and I knew I had to build a car around it. Thats a good video for the process, although it take a lot longer than that (Video was cut to make it look faster)

[Jordan]

I've been looking for a nice set of late model tail lamps this whole time and it *just* occurred to me I could probably buy them new. Sure enough they were still available, and about $225 for the pair was a no brainer IMO.

They come super shiny of course, and with plastic film over the lenses for protection.. and nice supple gaskets.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Wow 225 for the pair is cheap! Early model ones are 280 a side last I looked.