BNC's E30

[Massive Lee]

It looks like a Vitaloni Sebring Mach 1 Mirror.

Yes indeed. Available at Pegasus for around $80 each with flat or (highly suggested) convexe glass.
One set initially went onto my M3, then migrated on the 2002. First e30s and M3s (1986) had these mirors but very few pictures show up on the net. Then some "modern copies" were made in composite by BMW/Die Wethje with an even more aerodynamic shape.

[madjurgen]

Excellent! Thanks Mike and Lee.

[Emre]

The car looks like quite a beast! Just a couple of quick questions if you don't mind...

The engine is a stock M20B25.

How reliable are you finding the M20 with your current suspension and R-comps? I ask because I've lost an M20B25 engine recently due to oil starvation. That was with the TMS "J-Stock" springs and dampers plus IE swaybars and Toyo RA-1's. I was able to generate enough lateral g's to uncover the oil pickup and throw a rod through the block. I've been putting together a 3qt. Accusump system, but I haven't been able to find a baffled oil pan. What (if anything) are you doing for oiling?

Also, have you run into trouble with broken rocker arms? That was a big issue with my last engine. I've been shifting well short of my redline on my new engine. But I wonder if there isn't a better solution.

Things I've removed include, AC, PS, ABS, heater core, dash, interior panels, sound deadening gunk, etc.

Did you just remove the PS pump or swap in a manual rack? How are you finding the car with gumball tires and no PS? I wonder if sudden steering movements (like countersteering) would be a problem.

Thanks in advance,

Emre

[Massive Lee]

Hi Emre.

Forgot to mention that the mirror plates are still yours and sitting on the shelves :p

[Bruce Colby]

Mike B. nailed it. The housing is a lightweight piece of expensive plastic but I aim it at an area I can't see in the wink mirror due to the driver's fat head being in the way.

[Bruce Colby]

How reliable are you finding the M20 with your current suspension and R-comps? I ask because I've lost an M20B25 engine recently due to oil starvation. That was with the TMS "J-Stock" springs and dampers plus IE swaybars and Toyo RA-1's. I was able to generate enough lateral g's to uncover the oil pickup and throw a rod through the block. I've been putting together a 3qt. Accusump system, but I haven't been able to find a baffled oil pan. What (if anything) are you doing for oiling?

Oil pickup is a problem which, thus far, I haven't solved. I suspect an Accusump solution will be the easiest way out. My E30 is out of service right now and I expect to have an Accusump in it by the time is gets back on track. Oil pressure was 65+ psig when I started running the car last year, now it's more like 55 pisg. I'm just crossing my fingers that it'll last until I have a new motor ready.

Also, have you run into trouble with broken rocker arms? That was a big issue with my last engine. I've been shifting well short of my redline on my new engine. But I wonder if there isn't a better solution.

I run up against the (stock) rev limiter frequently when I run autox and occasionally on the track but,thus far at least, I've had no problems with the stock rockers. I guess spending some $$$ on aftermarket billet rockers might be one way to improve things. You might also want to get your rockers magnifluxed to check for flaws. Past that I guess we're just stuck with the design limitations of this engine.

Did you just remove the PS pump or swap in a manual rack? How are you finding the car with gumball tires and no PS? I wonder if sudden steering movements (like countersteering) would be a problem.

I'm not sure what you mean by "gumball tires". I run "economical" R-cpd tires (whatever I can get for a decent price, 225/45-15 Nitto NT-01's at the moment). I use the original PS rack and excess steering forces have never been a problem. Even with a small steering wheel, I can easily drive around the pits with one hand on the wheel. I also autox the car occasionally and even in tight turns at autox speeds steering isn't an issue.

[DSP74]

Is this a trick question? I never heard of a car similar to an E30 which was quicker based solely on where or how the springs were mounted. Being able to tune the suspension setup easily is useful but once set, I'd be very surprised if there was a significant difference. Perhaps one arrangement has a bit more/less total, and/or unsprung weight but I suspect this is a fairly minor issue in terms of the big picture.

I'd like to point out that coilovers will cut into the space available for fitting the widest tires possible.

[madjurgen]

I ask because I've lost an M20B25 engine recently due to oil starvation.

Emre

Hey, me too! I am now a stern believer in that if you run Rcomps, you better be running additional baffling or you WILL spin a bearing.

Look here:

http://crank-scrapers.com/bmw.html

or IE has a lower cost version as well, without trap doors.

Informative thread with input from others racing with M20s:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11469201#post11469201&highlight=crank+scraper

And billet rockers are your only option i believe. Ive heard of people breaking shotpeened ones, so if i were to spend any money i'd just go for the permanent solution.


At your next DE, take your PS belt off for a session and see how it feels to you. I promise you will be pulling your PS pump the moment you get home.

[Emre]

Hi Emre.

Forgot to mention that the mirror plates are still yours and sitting on the shelves :p

Awesome! I can't wait to get my hands on them :D

[kptaylor]

Hey, me too! I am now a stern believer in that if you run Rcomps, you better be running additional baffling or you WILL spin a bearing.

Look here:

http://crank-scrapers.com/bmw.html

or IE has a lower cost version as well, without trap doors.

Informative thread with input from others racing with M20s:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11469201#post11469201&highlight=crank+scraper

And billet rockers are your only option i believe. Ive heard of people breaking shotpeened ones, so if i were to spend any money i'd just go for the permanent solution.


At your next DE, take your PS belt off for a session and see how it feels to you. I promise you will be pulling your PS pump the moment you get home.

Beat me to it. Also check out the SpecE30 forums for info:
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