E28 Race Car Project Begins

[2002maniac]

You may want to reconsider using the e28 subframes and suspension. If you have the skills to build a frame, you'd be better served coming up with a custom dual a-arm setup. The e28 stuff is heavy, has poor geometry, and would be tough to implement.

[fryerfighter94]

Are you trying to make it rear engined or front engined? IIRC the caterham is front engined with left side exhaust, and that volvo is rear engined.

Volvos raced back when dtm was great, remember ;)


Anyway, if I were in your situation, I would decide what you want to do, then start drafting a frame. During the drafting, try to keep in mind the e28's suspension components, drivetrain, etc. as it seems that you want to just use everything out of it without fabricating something new.

[sbeckman7]

Hmm what do you mean the Volvo's rear engine? Looks pretty front (if not mid-mounted at the very least) engined to me! Anyway, you guys are fairly dead on about my ambitions for this first project: I do not want to end up completely redesigning the suspension or sub frames, but I do acknowledge the fact that geometry design has come a looong way in 20+ years. In all honesty, if this thing works out, it may lead to more complex machines with newer suspension technology. Double wishbones would be nice... But that's where I'm at right now, just trying to get this thing put together and drive, so I'll have something to look forward to in the future. One of the main reasons I went with this e28 and not an e34 or even e36 is because of the cost: I am really happy with the deal I got this thing for and nothing on craigslist came close. Summer classes at College of Marin start June 14th, which means I'll be moving the car there to begin taking it apart. Oh, anyone have any tips for keeping track of all the wires??? I'm hoping it wont be a week long process just sorting them out, but I can see that as a possible outcome. I'm also planning on buying the e28 Bentley manual, but any quick "DIY Guy" tips are greatly appreciated. Ill keep this updated!

[sbeckman7]

You may want to reconsider using the e28 subframes and suspension. If you have the skills to build a frame, you'd be better served coming up with a custom dual a-arm setup. The e28 stuff is heavy, has poor geometry, and would be tough to implement.

All in good time :)

[fryerfighter94]

Hmm what do you mean the Volvo's rear engine? Looks pretty front (if not mid-mounted at the very least) engined to me! Anyway, you guys are fairly dead on about my ambitions for this first project: I do not want to end up completely redesigning the suspension or sub frames, but I do acknowledge the fact that geometry design has come a looong way in 20+ years. In all honesty, if this thing works out, it may lead to more complex machines with newer suspension technology. Double wishbones would be nice... But that's where I'm at right now, just trying to get this thing put together and drive, so I'll have something to look forward to in the future. One of the main reasons I went with this e28 and not an e34 or even e36 is because of the cost: I am really happy with the deal I got this thing for and nothing on craigslist came close. Summer classes at College of Marin start June 14th, which means I'll be moving the car there to begin taking it apart. Oh, anyone have any tips for keeping track of all the wires??? I'm hoping it wont be a week long process just sorting them out, but I can see that as a possible outcome. I'm also planning on buying the e28 Bentley manual, but any quick "DIY Guy" tips are greatly appreciated. Ill keep this updated!

Haha sorry I was looking at the picture the wrong way.

[Massive Lee]

If you haven't purchased the engine yet, may I suggest finding a smaller motor as it would be easier to work with. Perhaps an M42 from a late 318i. Smaller engine, smaller tranny. And design your own suspension from aluminum tubing. Lighter. Good challenge. Easier to design your main structure. Make it from unequal upper/lower arms for increased camber when the suspension is compressed such as in corner. Make it adjustable too. Starting from a clean sheet will really make your life easier. And parts are readily available from many internet shops.

[fryerfighter94]

http://puma.baileyplace.com/?p=109

Some good ideas for suspension ^^^

[sbeckman7]

If you haven't purchased the engine yet, may I suggest finding a smaller motor as it would be easier to work with. Perhaps an M42 from a late 318i. Smaller engine, smaller tranny. And design your own suspension from aluminum tubing. Lighter. Good challenge. Easier to design your main structure. Make it from unequal upper/lower arms for increased camber when the suspension is compressed such as in corner. Make it adjustable too. Starting from a clean sheet will really make your life easier. And parts are readily available from many internet shops.

Thats good stuff to take into consideration, but I am completely bent on using the big six. It's part of what makes this project so exciting for me, and I couldnt stand to listen to a four cylinder in this thing. The camber issue is a great idea and also something I have actually had a bit of experience with (we used unequal A-arms on our 4-person bicycle this year) but I think I'll save that amount of fabrication for next time!

[brodee]

You may want to reconsider using the e28 subframes and suspension. If you have the skills to build a frame, you'd be better served coming up with a custom dual a-arm setup. The e28 stuff is heavy, has poor geometry, and would be tough to implement.

I was thinking the same thing. An e28 is not a great choice for basis of a race car. The suspension is much better and easier to use from an e30.

If you just want something to play around with then I guess it should be OK, but to me if I'm going to put that much work in it I'd start with something worthy of the time.

[sbeckman7]

Hmm ok, thanks for the input guys. Since I already have my parts car and for now cant really buy more stuff, I'll be using the e28 subframes for this project. Maybe as time goes on I will either update it with a set of e30 or newer subframes, of I might just save that for the next one. Speaking of subframes, can anyone think of why it might be bad to just weld them on to the chassis I'm going to build? I've been thinking about it a lot, and apart from the removability aspect, it doesnt seem like it would have any other negative side effects. If anything I think it could help.

[sbeckman7]

Ok here are some more pictures I got around to taking today. You can see the damage on the right side, could have been better or worse. Im hoping to fix up the better parts either to sell or keep for the chance that I buy another e28 ;) Sorry bout the picture size/quality, came off my phone.

[sbeckman7]

heres another on of the rest of the inside.. the seats have that nice lean goin ;)

[sbeckman7]

Hi all,

Terribly sorry to leave everyone hanging. It felt more suitable to focus my efforts on the e28 forum. Anyways, the donor car is almost completely stripped of useable parts and ready to head off to the Pick N' Pull. Here is the link to the thread:

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=78677&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Spence

[AbsorbantNut]

So what are you planning on doing with the parts? m30 e30?

[SA E30]

So what are you planning on doing with the parts? m30 e30?

If you actually read the thread you would know.