JackBenny's 1991 318is Project

[jackbenny]

They weren't.

Thank Christ.

Awwwww :(

but yeah, you are correct.

This one has the revised suspension that the series received in its final year, or so i've been told. There are some wider aftermarket setups available to to improve the handling.

I don't think there will be much fiero left when finished.

If you maul the fiero into something like this:






Then some definite opportunities open up.

[Iain]

I don't think they were imported Down Under.

They weren't.

Thank Christ.

[flipper325es]

Fiero is that what it is called, well yes that is what I mean LOL I don't mean your 318is lol that wouldn't go down to well with the community.

The base car is a Pontiac Fiero -- it's not a nickname for the 318is. I don't think they were imported Down Under. There were a number of 'Ferrari' body kits for it:

http://www.performance-car-guide.co.uk/pontiac-fiero.html

[Massimo]

Fiero is that what it is called, well yes that is what I mean LOL I don't mean your 318is lol that wouldn't go down to well with the community.

[jackbenny]

Now I know you all ready have a body but if that f40 is going to be a long term project I would like to make a suggestion.

Get rid of the 318is body and build your self a kit car. Make your own frame like a locost, throw in a a bmw v8 mid mounted with a transaxle and call it a day I think you would be a lot more satisfied with the end product then trying to make a 318is f40 kit look good. Just though i would raise that in case you may not have though of it.

But if you are up to the challenge and are keen on the job good luck and I will be keeping a keen eye on that project.

Loving the 318is by the way can wait to see if finished.

You mean the fiero? A hybrid frame and passenger compartment is being considered. I luckliy have time for research and welder acquisition.

[Massimo]

Now I know you all ready have a body but if that f40 is going to be a long term project I would like to make a suggestion.

Get rid of the 318is body and build your self a kit car. Make your own frame like a locost, throw in a a bmw v8 mid mounted with a transaxle and call it a day I think you would be a lot more satisfied with the end product then trying to make a 318is f40 kit look good. Just though i would raise that in case you may not have though of it.

But if you are up to the challenge and are keen on the job good luck and I will be keeping a keen eye on that project.

Loving the 318is by the way can wait to see if finished.

[bronco6778]

Now's as good a time as any to start posting here i guess. I started reading this thread a half hour before I left work. I clocked out and kept reading. Two and a half hours after my workday ended, I'm going to close the computer, use the bathroom, and finally leave.

Bravo.

Seriously, bravo. You engrossed a guy with the attention span of a chiuaua puppy. My 318is is going to remain stock-ish as I bought it to be a daily driver, but I hope it looks half that good in the end.

And finally, regarding the F40, I'm of the belief you've earned the benefit of the doubt.

[CHIF8008]

nice score!

[jackbenny]

the wheels on that f40 look-alike must've cost a hell of a lot

I know, I don't even want to know. They need some work though but they are really hard to get now.

Horray! I've been waiting for an update to this for a while. Lookin' good!

BTW, you are very very lucky on your Compomotive TH1780's, they just cancelled my order because they are no longer offering offsets under 27 on that wheel. I was really looking forward to putting them on the M.

Wow, that's really unfortunate. but on the plus/selfish side, I guess that helps the uniqueness of my car! I think they make an 18" version but it isn't listed on compomotive web site. That reyland site I used to get mine were offering them for escorts.

[RainierHooker]

Horray! I've been waiting for an update to this for a while. Lookin' good!

BTW, you are very very lucky on your Compomotive TH1780's, they just cancelled my order because they are no longer offering offsets under 27 on that wheel. I was really looking forward to putting them on the M.

[J3M93]

the wheels on that f40 look-alike must've cost a hell of a lot

[jackbenny]

Updates? I really want to see this car.

Where is your shop in Louisiana? I'm moving to Baton Rouge in the next couple weeks.

-Dan

Basically near Breaux Bridge. so 40 minutes from Baton Rouge I guess. It's 4 hours from Daphne.

That sound clip sounded amazing. I can't wait to see a video of this thing pounding the track. Very nice! Is the 'rubber' section on that MT1 really rubber?

It is not, it is fiberglass. Ary used a real spoiler for his molds so that's why some of the rubber features are on there. I will still paint it black to look like an original.

How have I not seen this thread until now?

Amazing work, Josh. I can only hope that my swap turns out HALF as well.

Thanks man. Been working on this thing for what seems like forever. The coilovers are pretty sweet. I haven't even started messing with the konis yet. It's nicely damped as is right now! It's a shame that c3motorsports isn''t selling these anymore. :(

[jackbenny]

updatinator

I guess I haven't been here for a while. Got a little busy with the holidays but I do have a few updates.

Previously, I bought some electric fans, a pusher and a puller. These are the same fans that Dude8383 used in his build. Unfortunately, the cage is red plastic and I thought that would clash badly in the engine bay. So some krylon for plastic later....





I have some black cages. These are 16" for the pusher and 14" for the puller. I have only mounted the pusher so far. I'll get to the puller later on. I will say that much more air is being moved much quieter. They are pretty good units.

I also parked the wiper better (and end of stroke). Good god I hate dicking with that motor and mechanism. I lost count how many times I walked away out of frustration. But it sits much better. I also added the fuel rail cover too.



The holidays were spent back in Texas. We were there to visit family and friends and show off the kid (and give ourselves a break as they fawned over him). I got to see Dad's M10 with webers (i wish i took a picture) and his refinished BBS RS001's His '02 is going to look quite nice. We also towed the next project back home but more on that later.

I was able to pick up the bumpers at the barn and bring them home. So I took this monday off to rearrange the garage a bit and put some more parts on the car.

I put the coil cover on but neglected to take a picture. hmm, I'll fix that this weekend. It's pretty nice but needs some adjustments.

Got the front bumper and is lip installed:





There is some fitment issues with the is lip on the passenger side. I'm guessing that our reshape of the valence wasn't quite right and that is what is causing the problem. I'm still tweaking it. All of the bumper trim was destroyed on removal so I need to order me some euro trim from Blunt. It's been over a month since I gave steve some money so I guess it's about time.

The back bumper was placed as well:





The gap by the corner we fixed is slightly bigger than the other side which disappoints me. Most people won't notice but I see it. On the whole, I'm quite pleased with the bumpers. They are flat and smooth and will look very nice with the trim.

Speaking of trim, I have a crapload to paint but haven't been able to get the time to prep and paint. It's on the to do list next.

All right, time to break out the hate-r-aid. The next project will certainly have some detractors and I expect that. My father-in-law has had this project for 15 years and it's been sitting for 10. He loves the 318is and because he can't work on it, he decided to give it to me.



yes, it's a fiero f40 replica.

Now I know that these can look very, very bad. But it is free and he has some really nice parts on it. coilovers all the way around. corvette c4 brakes. Momo course seats and most importantly:



compomotive f40 replica wheels (315 wide in the back)

This is clearly a long term project but I have some ideas and goals already established. First, there will be no ferrari badging anywhere when I'm finished. It is not a ferrari so I will not represent it as such. I will be modeling it after the f40 lm so there are several changes in store. The wheelbase will be stretched 3 inches to match the real f40 wheelbase and make it look less awkward. likewise the front will be reduced. The transverse 6 cylinder in back will be dumped and in it's place I will be putting a Lexus 1UZ mated to most likely an audi transaxle. I will also be twin turboing it.







damn thing barely fit on the trailer



and finally at home in the garage



if there is interest i might set up a thread for the build. And to all the haters out there, it's cool. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea. But I see some potential for a very fun car in the making.

til the next update...

[ldsbeaker]

How have I not seen this thread until now?

Amazing work, Josh. I can only hope that my swap turns out HALF as well.

[Butler]

This is an amazing build. Congrats, it looks fantastic and you have been very good at keeping us updated. (thank you!) I just read through every post of every page... 2 hours worth at least. :)



Your the man.