e30mclow's latest e30

[e30mclow]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

Pulled the rear subframe this weekend, as well as gave the engine a full sweep - replacing the distributer, leads, plugs, oil and a few gaskets.





Also ordered coilovers, camber correction plates for the rear subframe, front & rear strut braces and all stainless steel brake lines.
Thinking of running 5 stud adapters, as it is proving difficult to find decent 16" wheels without having to go custom.

The plan is to have everything welded up this week (camber correction, reinforcements and front struts), for install next weekend.
Then it'll just be the exhaust to go before it is road worthy.

Moving on from there, I need to find a z3 1.9L steering rack, which is the quickest rack that drops right in. Onto the bodywork from there.

[e30mclow]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

I used to arrive at work after competing in a 1hr+ touge drift session, while everyone else was yawning.
There were other guys at work with cars like JDM Toyota KP60 Starlets, Opel Mantas and the odd UK Spec AE86. Good times!

[funkin]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

I have so many happy memories of getting up at 5am at home in Ireland, having an hour and 20min commute ahead of me. Greasy winding roads, endless roundabouts, a well setup e30 and a whole pile sideways......heaven!

This makes me so envious haha.

[e30mclow]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

Minor progress:

I can definitely make the APR B5 S4 exhaust work. Once buttoned up, it'll all line up pretty swell!
I am picking up a 6 branch manifold and straight mid section on Saturday AM, then will start tacking things together.




My complete Powerflex race bushing kit came in this week.



Today my complete engine service kit and short shifter arrives.

Before splurging on coilovers etc I'm going to give the engine a full run through this weekend. Thankfully it passed my compression test last weekend - 165-170psi across all 6 vs the spec of 155-160. The head was replaced at some point, so overall I think we're in a good position as $1,500 e30s go.

I also gutted the interior and gave it the rented carper cleaner treatment:





Hoping to turn this thing around pretty quick and offload the ole 2016 Silverado. Daily duties in a slammed e30 with 250k+ miles? Yes please!
I have so many happy memories of getting up at 5am at home in Ireland, having an hour and 20min commute ahead of me. Greasy winding roads, endless roundabouts, a well setup e30 and a whole pile sideways......heaven!

[e30mclow]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

That there be some good ole Camo Duct Tape - Welcome to the South!

Gutted the interior last night and ordered a steam cleaner to try and combat the stains.

Will try that tomorrow.

Ordered the first wave of parts last night, which should come in next week.

I knew the plastic gears in the odometer were worn, but wasn't quite sure for how long....until I looked at the service history..
Same mileage in 2008 as it has today lol

I wonder what it actually has on it at this point!?

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

Awesome, looking forward to reading the build.

What is that pattern in the middle of the passenger seat?

Looks like cammo to me lol.

Can't wait to see this project take shape Gerard!

[cam_wmh]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

Awesome, looking forward to reading the build.

What is that pattern in the middle of the passenger seat?

[Circuits]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

Remember, if the Simpson's taught us anything... don't lick the toads...

[witchcraftz]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

This post comes from live beneath the car, where I'm happy to confirm that it already has an LSD!

LSD makes you do strange things!

[e30mclow]

Re: e30mclow's latest e30

This post comes from live beneath the car, where I'm happy to confirm that it already has an LSD!

So f-Ing happy! That's $400 saved for other things

[e30mclow]

Carrying on from some posts in my S4 thread..
Picked up an e30 325i last night.

The plan is to spend no more than $5.5k including the initial purchase price of $1,500.

Spec:
•Rusty Scuttle
•Rear Pocket (under the battery) has a fine big hole in it
•Paint is bad
•Sunroof tray is rusty
•Interior needs to be disinfected
•Every bushing is gone
•Misfiring under load
•Exhaust is swiss cheese
•Sills and jacking points are solid
•Arches are solid
•Front panel is pretty straight
•There is an oil leak of some sort (noticed this when leaving this morning)
•The sunroof visor hides previous hole repairs


I'm just interested in having something that I don't necessarily need to care too much about, and won't bust the bank if it breaks - unlike the B5.
The thought of a solidly setup e30 with an LSD on a greasy road it what it is all about for me. Therefore, I'm thinking priority is on the chassis and engine for now, with aesthetics taking to come later.

I had to sit on my hands last night to avoid going to town with the credit card before getting a clear picture of how bad the car might actually be.

Plans:
Next 1-2 months (in order of priority)
•Clinical Clean of the interior (seats out, steam clean, dead frog removal etc)
•Full Engine Service (belts, fluids, plugs and ignition system)
•New Exhaust
•Full Polybush Bushing Kit
•New Brakes & SS Hoses
•Z3 1.9 Shifter and New Shifter Cup/Bushing
•New iS Front Lip (or an MTech II Valance if I can find one)
•Find an LSD somewhere
•BC Racing Coilovers


Long Term
•Get my hoard from home shipped over
•Safety Devices Half Cage
•Schmidt Modernline 16x9J Wheels
•e46 steering rack
•Start making a go at painting it





One of many dead frogs



Disgusting interior










Engine



Looking forward to ripping it apart this weekend and coming up with a list!