E30 oil-level-matic. I need your help!

[dgut]

Here we go.

I recently purchased a NOS Valvoline oil-level-Matic... I am a HUGE sucker for e30 accessories.

If you don’t know what this is let me explain.

Valvoline Oil-Level-Matic: simply put, an electronic dip stick. There is a reservoir, a pump, a computer, and a dip stick. When the Oil Level light (from the check panel up above) turns on the system turns on and pumps oil into your engine through the dip stick and into the oil pan.

Here is a great write up on how to install it.
I have the number 1 option.
[oil level Matic instructional](https://www.drive2.com/l/3195135/)

Here is my problem: I need a custom reservoir for my oil level Matic so I can put it in my 87 325ic.

The oil level Matic mounts next to the drivers side strut tower, using the fender 10mm bolts.
“Luckily” I have the early model cooling system, so the reservoir tank isn’t in the way, however.

THE PROBLEM: e30 Verts have strut tower reinforcements. So my oil level Matic won’t fit where it’s suppose to.

I know I know, I should have checked before buying. But it was such a stupid deal, the person didn’t know what they had, so in a blind 80s rage I bought it. I’m determined to make it work.

I’m thinking that I need to fabricate a reservoir that fits in the same spot but goes under or avoids the strut reinforcement.

Anyone got any ideas on how to make one? Where to start? Anyone up to the challenge?

If you made it this far, I’m sorry.

I’ll post some picks of my dilemma.

-David

[dgut]

Images

[stonea]

Personally if it was me I'd consider cutting the vert supports. Get a strut brace, and then an x brace to stiffen it back up. I'm sure its not the ideal solution to some people, but to me fabricating a new tank kind of defeats the purpose of having a super cool rare part like that.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I agree with stonea, no sense wrecking your car to make it fit. Your better off selling the setup to someone who can use it the way it was intended to be used.

[ahrensNW]

Why is that dude holding roller blades

[mbonder]

Because hipster

[Rennsport]

Buy a coupe or sedan specifically so you can use this part

[varg]

Should've been a factory option for M42 cars considering how bad that little thing likes to leak.

[jdt10768]

Yeah, this part is not meant to fit your car - so unless you can fab a new reservoir and make it look right/work right, I would just sell or hoard the part

[jdt10768]

Why is that dude holding roller blades

For blading purposes, maaan
GAaH!

[dgut]

Yeah, this part is not meant to fit your car - so unless you can fab a new reservoir and make it look right/work right, I would just sell or hoard the part

I know! Any ideas my dude?

[jdt10768]

hoard or sell

[reelizmpro]

Seen these before. Pretty cool but not worth cutting up the vert bracing for, IMO.

[jgilber0]

Since these before. Pretty cool but not worth cutting up the vert bracing for, IMO.

Don’t do it. Can only lead to other problems.

[dgut]

Alright guys!

After a very long and in-depth conversation with my friend who does custom fabrications this is what we came up with.

We will have a custom oil reservoir in the trunk of the car and install piping that will go from the trunk to the engine bay. How? I don’t know.

In the engine bay on the drivers side (where the original reservoir would go) we will mount a custom box to house the computer, pump, and wires.

So in theory the system is set up as if it were stock except it’s drawing from the truck via a tube to a reservoir. Our concerns are if the pump will be strong enough to pump that distance. The original pump says 12v on it. We are looking at other 12v pumps that would be stronger.

All the while we are preserving the original reservoir by not using it.

Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this alternative solution?

I know we are going WAY over board with this but I am still determined to get this in my car!