My Spec E30 Build

[jeffmn8]

Well, it has begun. Here's my story... Bought my 91 318is late in 2010 after selling my e36 M3. Originally from Oklahoma, and never driven in winter, it has no rust! A year later, I swapped in an S50 from an 1995 M3, and early this year I put in an Z3 Mcoupe suspension/brakes and hit the track. After deciding that the car would not be competitive in GTS-3 (without a large wallet) I've decided to take off all the fast parts and convert it to a spec e30

Cage work is being done by www.efabmotorsports.com

How it used to be-




Before the cage gets started, I need to get the wheels back on it because these chassis' are so floppy, the chassis twists sitting on the jackstands! So we don't want to weld anything in with the chassis crooked.

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After a few weeks of no power at the shop (long story...) we got back to work. Stripped out the chassis the rest of the way, prepped for floor plates which involved a torch and wire wheel. I was very happy with the condition of the chassis, as there were only a couple little spots of surface rust that came off with a light brush of the wire wheel.

Seating position has been nailed down for the most part. Floor plates will be welded in this week, main hoop will be made this weekend as well as A-Pillar bars.

[seatown88]

awesome! Enjoy your project, cant wait to watch the transformation.

[jeffmn8]

awesome! Enjoy your project, cant wait to watch the transformation.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it as well, except for the whole being slower part :)

[seatown88]

You'll have more fun racing wheel to wheel with the other SE30 guys. I had such a blast during my first PRO3 season I'm looking at increasing my budget this upcoming year to run more than double the races I budgeted for this past season.

[AsharC]

Great to see a local build a Spec e30. I'm actually planning on tracking my e28 next season.

[cwbaader]

BTW, plates for the main hoop and front hoop should extend up the side of the chassis boxes at least 2". There is more strength there than in the floor alone. Chuck

[jeffmn8]

You'll have more fun racing wheel to wheel with the other SE30 guys. I had such a blast during my first PRO3 season I'm looking at increasing my budget this upcoming year to run more than double the races I budgeted for this past season.

Yep, I'm in good company with the local SE30 guys. More than half the 2013 field is currently building building their cars!

Great to see a local build a Spec e30. I'm actually planning on tracking my e28 next season.

There are a couple more on the way as well! You should come out to a couple NASA events next season and at least hang out if you're not driving!

BTW, plates for the main hoop and front hoop should extend up the side of the chassis boxes at least 2". There is more strength there than in the floor alone. Chuck

Oh they're not just on the floor! They'll be extending up the side for sure. Thanks for the tip though ;)

[AsharC]

I'll try and come out to the events, probably to watch though. I do plan on racing at Gingerman for wangfest and wmhm.

[jeffmn8]

I'll try and come out to the events, probably to watch though. I do plan on racing at Gingerman for wangfest and wmhm.

Yeah, you should, it's always a good time! We always threads on the local forum as well (euroteknik.com)

[xxlbimmer]

a bit of a cage builders secret. Don't weld the floor plates in yet, actually drill 2 in. holes below the plates, where the cage will sit, slide plates back in. Tack all main hoop, a-pillars, brow bar(above windshield) and pull floor plates, drop cage through existing holes,weld around the top sides. Lift cage up put plates back in, finish welding. YMMV

[jeffmn8]

a bit of a cage builders secret. Don't weld the floor plates in yet, actually drill 2 in. holes below the plates, where the cage will sit, slide plates back in. Tack all main hoop, a-pillars, brow bar(above windshield) and pull floor plates, drop cage through existing holes,weld around the top sides. Lift cage up put plates back in, finish welding. YMMV

Neither the builder or I are a big fan of dropping tubes down through the floor. I think it just creates a bigger chance for failure at the (more brittle) weld. We shouldn't have any issues welding the tops of the tubes as we also have a few tricks up our sleeves :)

[E30Gus]

This is great! But...why the hell didn't you just get another E30 for the build? Seems like a lot of time and awesomeness wasted while you tore apart a car that I drool over. Just sayin...

[jeffmn8]

This is great! But...why the hell didn't you just get another E30 for the build? Seems like a lot of time and awesomeness wasted while you tore apart a car that I drool over. Just sayin...

I know I know... I always said this car was too far gone for spec e30. Here's my reasoning: I can pay for nearly the entire build by parting out all the old stuff, the chassis is clean and rust free, which is hard to find, and I like to build cars!

Trust me, when it's done it'll still be drool-worthy ;)

[cosm3os]

This is great! But...why the hell didn't you just get another E30 for the build? Seems like a lot of time and awesomeness wasted while you tore apart a car that I drool over. Just sayin...

Because racecar.

[jntar]

I subscribed. I picked up a '91 318is about a month ago that I've been debating on what to do. Like you, I dont want to dump $30k in it to be competitive, so I'm thinking of going the same route you are currently undertaking :)