Rally / RallyX Build

[econti]

Yeah I'll be honest it's kind of a shame that one that nice is being rallied

[Court M3]

If I found a car in that condition, would leave it as stock as possible. Original cars are getting hard to come by, but it is yours so have fun with it.

[paynemw]

Wait, you're going to rally-cross a clean 325iS?! 1. Figure out what production month you car is, then commit it to memory - very important for 87 325i cars. 2. Break down your VIN and see what options came with your car. 3. Download the Electrical Diagram and purchase a Bentley manual. 4. Consult others who rally e30s before purchasing parts.

If you need help with your harness, etc - let me know. I know way too much about the Motronic 1.1 harness vs the Motronic 1.3 that every other person has. I also have an 87 325iS.

If those are original all black door cards, then sell them to support your build, there's a decent amount of money available, plus why ruin door those door cards. You can also make some money selling that S front valance that you will most likely destroy rally-ing.

I wouldn't spend the money on an IE catback exhaust if you're going to rally. Just have a local shop do it up for cheap. You can probably make a decent amount of money selling off your interior. I assume you're going to cage? You can make money selling your interior if it's truly black. You can also sell your "sound system" bits (tweeters and rear deck speakers) for some money.

If you do the Z3 rack, go ahead and pull your subframe out and have it re-enforced while you're doing the swap. DON'T do the manual cop out, bend your stock pressure line to fit the Z3 rack. I used the garagistic kit to do the conversion for the linkage.

I would also highly recommend poly or derlin engine/trans mounts, and poly bushings all around. Lolipops, swaybars, rear subframe, and shifter linkage. The Z3 or Z4 shifter drastically reduces throw.

Lastly, before you do any of this, find out what club you're going to run with and then download the appropriate rule book. I run SCCA rules for the local autoX events and I fall into Street Modified. I would suggest figuring out what class you want to build to within the budget you've set, then build to that specific class. One un-educated parts purchase can really put a wrench in your plans, then you would be in a class that you can't really compete in because you're so under prepared.

Bottlecaps are your best friend for rally wheels - they don't have center caps and they work well with stud conversions. Basketweaves are awesome, but the center caps won't fit over studs... so sell them to get some money back. They are nice and you have the caps, they'll go for $200 with a decent set of tires. Bottlecaps are everywhere, cheap as hell and work.

[atxE30]

Thx! Skid plate is for sure in phase one. probably pick up one of the HIK Fabrication ones.....

[Kershaw]

That e30 looks like a good start. Sounds like you're off to a good start. Make sure you remove the IS valence and add a skid plate.

[atxE30]

OK, Away I go. After digesting the Pitchblack thread (which is a total god-send of information and gotcha-avoidance), it's time to begin the process. For step one going to do all the bushings, re-enforce subframes, new discs/pads, delete AC, and also needed a new exhaust, so magnaflow cat and IE cat-back package. ( I might also do the z3 steering rack if i get motivated...)

Got crazy lucky finding the starting point platform. no rust, lovingly maintained.

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