ROOOD's BMW E30 335I
Discussion
Hello everybody!
It's about time I joined PH, I've been meaning to for ages!
I can't believe the size of this site! There's more here than I could ever read in a lifetime!
Anyway, I thought my first post on here should be introducing my old car.
E30 Zone members can move along now as you're all probably bored of seeing it!
Firstly I bought a 1989 BMW 535i manual on Ebay for £234.
As soon as it the strip down began: Engine & gearbox, radiator, engine loom and ecu, downpipes, propshaft etc.
Once the engine was in the garage I completely stripped it and gave it a good freshen up with new crank bearings, piston rings, timing chain and sprocket, water pump, gaskets oil seals, plus a Schrick camshaft, ported head and manifolds and an E28 BMW M535I flywheel and clutch.
During the engine rebuild I purchased a fairly tatty 1988 BMW 325Ise in diamond black metallic.
This was immediately taken off the road and stripped of engine & gearbox, suspension, brakes, some unnecessary bits of trim such as the glovebox, rear head-rests, fog lamps, mud flaps, electric aerial, horrid rear spoiler and all soundproofing - under bonnet, all the stuck on stuff on the floors and inside doors and rear quarters.
Electric windows and mirriors were converted to manual and excess wiring removed.
This all saved a reasonable amount of weight.
The front seats were replaced with a pair of Corbeau recliners and an O.M.P. six point roll cage fitted.
The brakes were upgraded with drilled and grooved, but standard size discs and EBC Greenstuff pads and Goodridge braided hoses.
The engine eventually went in and the exhaust made up, the front half of the 535I prop mated to the rear half of the E30 prop, then measured and the front section shortened and an electric blow-through fan installed.
A limited slip differential with a BMW Z3M mounting bush was fitted at this point also.
The 535I engine loom was slightly modified where it plugs into the E30 body loom to get everything to fit where I wanted it and to make the 'econometer' and heater to work.
After the car became road legal the work continued.
I removed the rear axle, fitted new anti roll bar drop links, Powerflex bushes everywhere, BMW E46 rear damper top mounts with BMW Z3 reinforcement plates and new metal brake lines.
Later on I fitted new front wishbones, brake lines, roll bar drop links, strut top mounts and Powerflex bushes.
Along with front and rear G-Max dampers, H&R springs and H&R adjustable anti roll bars.
Attention then turned to the bodywork.
I'd already fitted a smaller, subtler boot lip spoiler, tinted the rear lights, front and side indicators and headlamps (in a cunning, legal way!), fitted a BMW 318IS front lip spoiler and a set of BBS 15" deep dished alloy wheels.
Then I had a mate help me tidy up the metal work including a few small rusty patches and one new rear wheel arch.
I spent about three whole days prepairing the car then my mate also repainted it - original colour. The grey bumpers were clour coded too.
Whilst refitting everything I renewed bumper inserts, number plates, scuttle grilles and boot and bonnet badges.
Progress hasn't stopped there though!
After a year or so I had a bigger plan for the engine.
The rebuilt engine was removed and replaced with another 535I engine, off Ebay for £150.
Just in time to drive to the 2007 LeMans 24 Hours with a group from the E30 Zone and White Rabbit Racing.
Just recently I've satisfied my strange fetish for suede in cars with a BMW E30 M3 steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake grip and gaiters.
That's where I'm up to at the moment, it took two years to get there!
The next stage to come very soon is a set of huuuuge front brakes to replace the weedy 260mm front discs.
I have a set of E32 BMW 740I/750I front calipers, pads and master cylinder and a pair of re-drilled Audi TT 312mm front discs.
There is also a pair of inverted Bilstein dampers in the picture, just need some rears now!
The wheels will need to be replaced by a set of 17" wheels, of which I have required two sets to choose from.
Then there is going to be a BIG and very exciting (for me) development under the bonnet, but that's a secret at the moment!
I also co-own a 1987 Maserari Biturbo which was recently featured in Practical Performance Magazine's article on their £999 Challenge.
The idea being to race down a quarter mile strip and a slalom course in the fastest car possible and spending under a grand on it!
The 'Maserusty' owes us about £900 so a qurter mile time of 15.6 seconds isn't too bad I suppose!
The best thing about it is telling people loudly in the pub that I drive a BMW and a Maserati, don't you know!!!
...But the less said about that car the better really!
We didn't win the challenge but we did have the best keyring!
And it was a great day out, loads of fun.
I hope that wasn't too much for you!
Bye for now!
It's about time I joined PH, I've been meaning to for ages!
I can't believe the size of this site! There's more here than I could ever read in a lifetime!
Anyway, I thought my first post on here should be introducing my old car.
E30 Zone members can move along now as you're all probably bored of seeing it!
Firstly I bought a 1989 BMW 535i manual on Ebay for £234.
As soon as it the strip down began: Engine & gearbox, radiator, engine loom and ecu, downpipes, propshaft etc.
Once the engine was in the garage I completely stripped it and gave it a good freshen up with new crank bearings, piston rings, timing chain and sprocket, water pump, gaskets oil seals, plus a Schrick camshaft, ported head and manifolds and an E28 BMW M535I flywheel and clutch.
During the engine rebuild I purchased a fairly tatty 1988 BMW 325Ise in diamond black metallic.
This was immediately taken off the road and stripped of engine & gearbox, suspension, brakes, some unnecessary bits of trim such as the glovebox, rear head-rests, fog lamps, mud flaps, electric aerial, horrid rear spoiler and all soundproofing - under bonnet, all the stuck on stuff on the floors and inside doors and rear quarters.
Electric windows and mirriors were converted to manual and excess wiring removed.
This all saved a reasonable amount of weight.
The front seats were replaced with a pair of Corbeau recliners and an O.M.P. six point roll cage fitted.
The brakes were upgraded with drilled and grooved, but standard size discs and EBC Greenstuff pads and Goodridge braided hoses.
The engine eventually went in and the exhaust made up, the front half of the 535I prop mated to the rear half of the E30 prop, then measured and the front section shortened and an electric blow-through fan installed.
A limited slip differential with a BMW Z3M mounting bush was fitted at this point also.
The 535I engine loom was slightly modified where it plugs into the E30 body loom to get everything to fit where I wanted it and to make the 'econometer' and heater to work.
After the car became road legal the work continued.
I removed the rear axle, fitted new anti roll bar drop links, Powerflex bushes everywhere, BMW E46 rear damper top mounts with BMW Z3 reinforcement plates and new metal brake lines.
Later on I fitted new front wishbones, brake lines, roll bar drop links, strut top mounts and Powerflex bushes.
Along with front and rear G-Max dampers, H&R springs and H&R adjustable anti roll bars.
Attention then turned to the bodywork.
I'd already fitted a smaller, subtler boot lip spoiler, tinted the rear lights, front and side indicators and headlamps (in a cunning, legal way!), fitted a BMW 318IS front lip spoiler and a set of BBS 15" deep dished alloy wheels.
Then I had a mate help me tidy up the metal work including a few small rusty patches and one new rear wheel arch.
I spent about three whole days prepairing the car then my mate also repainted it - original colour. The grey bumpers were clour coded too.
Whilst refitting everything I renewed bumper inserts, number plates, scuttle grilles and boot and bonnet badges.
Progress hasn't stopped there though!
After a year or so I had a bigger plan for the engine.
The rebuilt engine was removed and replaced with another 535I engine, off Ebay for £150.
Just in time to drive to the 2007 LeMans 24 Hours with a group from the E30 Zone and White Rabbit Racing.
Just recently I've satisfied my strange fetish for suede in cars with a BMW E30 M3 steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake grip and gaiters.
That's where I'm up to at the moment, it took two years to get there!
The next stage to come very soon is a set of huuuuge front brakes to replace the weedy 260mm front discs.
I have a set of E32 BMW 740I/750I front calipers, pads and master cylinder and a pair of re-drilled Audi TT 312mm front discs.
There is also a pair of inverted Bilstein dampers in the picture, just need some rears now!
The wheels will need to be replaced by a set of 17" wheels, of which I have required two sets to choose from.
Then there is going to be a BIG and very exciting (for me) development under the bonnet, but that's a secret at the moment!
I also co-own a 1987 Maserari Biturbo which was recently featured in Practical Performance Magazine's article on their £999 Challenge.
The idea being to race down a quarter mile strip and a slalom course in the fastest car possible and spending under a grand on it!
The 'Maserusty' owes us about £900 so a qurter mile time of 15.6 seconds isn't too bad I suppose!
The best thing about it is telling people loudly in the pub that I drive a BMW and a Maserati, don't you know!!!
...But the less said about that car the better really!
We didn't win the challenge but we did have the best keyring!
And it was a great day out, loads of fun.
I hope that wasn't too much for you!
Bye for now!
Edited by ROOODBOY on Thursday 31st January 00:51
Edited by ROOODBOY on Wednesday 13th May 00:22
Edited by ROOODBOY on Wednesday 13th May 00:23
Thanks guys! 
The BMW hasn't been easy going at all, it took a long time, blood, sweat, almost tears!, broken tools, an angry girlfriend and a credit card account in melt-down to get it shiny and reliable!
And it replaced this...
... I was gutted to sell my RX7 after owning it for a year but single figure fuel consumption cut into my beer money too much!
The BMW hasn't been easy going at all, it took a long time, blood, sweat, almost tears!, broken tools, an angry girlfriend and a credit card account in melt-down to get it shiny and reliable!
And it replaced this...
... I was gutted to sell my RX7 after owning it for a year but single figure fuel consumption cut into my beer money too much!
Edited by ROOODBOY on Thursday 31st January 01:01
Thanks dudes!
As far as engine swaps go the M30 (as long as it's the later E32/E34 type) is a comparitively straight forward conversion.
I bought specific engine mounting brackets from Germany to do this conversion, had the propshaft shortened and the exhaust was home fabricated. They were the trickiest parts.
It is all tight for space, the distributor cap is VERY close to the radiator and I chopped the air con belt part of the crank pulley off as under heavy braking that contacted the radiator! I also bashed a small part of the bulkhead in with a big hammer to give a little room at the back of the cylinder head.
As far as the weight goes, the M20 (320/325) engine isn't a lot lighter, and with the battery and washer bottle in the boot and a few other excess parts removed it's not a lot different.
Ok, a four cylinder E30 might feel a little better, understeer slightly less etc. but the M30 makes up for it in torque and power and I love the straight six noise!
The torque is great for controlling the rear end when it breaks loose!
As far as engine swaps go the M30 (as long as it's the later E32/E34 type) is a comparitively straight forward conversion.
I bought specific engine mounting brackets from Germany to do this conversion, had the propshaft shortened and the exhaust was home fabricated. They were the trickiest parts.
It is all tight for space, the distributor cap is VERY close to the radiator and I chopped the air con belt part of the crank pulley off as under heavy braking that contacted the radiator! I also bashed a small part of the bulkhead in with a big hammer to give a little room at the back of the cylinder head.
As far as the weight goes, the M20 (320/325) engine isn't a lot lighter, and with the battery and washer bottle in the boot and a few other excess parts removed it's not a lot different.
Ok, a four cylinder E30 might feel a little better, understeer slightly less etc. but the M30 makes up for it in torque and power and I love the straight six noise!
The torque is great for controlling the rear end when it breaks loose!
Yeah, we kind of knew the Maserusty wouldn't win the event but it was a great laugh, and a day to remember!
A standard E34 535i engine should put out about 215bhp and about 230 lb/ft torque.
Despite my exhaust and ecu chip a doubt the clunky old engine in mine at the moment is putting out that much...
... I've got plans to remedy that quite soon though, and in a big way!
A standard E34 535i engine should put out about 215bhp and about 230 lb/ft torque.
Despite my exhaust and ecu chip a doubt the clunky old engine in mine at the moment is putting out that much...
... I've got plans to remedy that quite soon though, and in a big way!
I did manage to lose a sizeable amount of stuff from the car but I never weighed it. The soundproofing that is stuck all over the floors and on the inside of the doors and rear quarters is surprisingly heavy!
With the roll cage and the bigger engine I'd guess it to be about the same as a standard 325i, which I think is about 1180kg or so.??
My plan, which work has already started on, is a big ol' turbo!
I'm hoping to have the original engine back in the car and turbocharged sometime this spring / summer and I'm aiming for somewhere around 350bhp.
Much more is certainly possible, but not with my budget.
With the roll cage and the bigger engine I'd guess it to be about the same as a standard 325i, which I think is about 1180kg or so.??
My plan, which work has already started on, is a big ol' turbo!
I'm hoping to have the original engine back in the car and turbocharged sometime this spring / summer and I'm aiming for somewhere around 350bhp.
Much more is certainly possible, but not with my budget.
Aww, thanks again for the kind words everyone!
I'll keep progress of the turbo conversion updated when the work really starts properly. I'm mostly just gathering parts at the moment.
Morningside - here's some more of the 'Maseratty'.
I bought it on Ebay for £550!
It was already stripped out with the bucket seats and harnesses, and the inside was brush painted in a fetching shade of white emulsion.
Possibly with a hint of peach...?
We did also remove some other unecessary or broken stuff, for added lightness!
Some of the bodywork looked a little lighter than it maybe once was too, but we won't dwell on that!
It's not really this shiny, cameras do lie!
With new oil, spark plugs and fuel hoses, the boost wound up and a pair of Renault 5 GT Turbo intercoolers...
It was still quite slow!
Our little rest on the M1 on the way from Kent to York Raceway for the PPC £999 Challenge!
We really should have checked the clearance of the bottom radiator hose to power steering oump pulley after we moved the radiator back to fit the intercoolers in!
At the event, and showing off our shiny motorbike rear cans - with removable baffles.
We managed a 15.6 second quarter mile, not too bad for a rusty turd that cost about £850 to buy and modify!
Group hug!
The car has now sat decaying some more outside my house.
I can't even drive it because the splines inside the steering wheel boss all ground themselves smooth, so the steering wheel just spins round and round!
Anyone got a steering wheel for a Mas..... no, thought not!
It might be revived soon, when the weather turns a bit better perhaps.
I'll keep progress of the turbo conversion updated when the work really starts properly. I'm mostly just gathering parts at the moment.
Morningside - here's some more of the 'Maseratty'.
I bought it on Ebay for £550!
It was already stripped out with the bucket seats and harnesses, and the inside was brush painted in a fetching shade of white emulsion.
Possibly with a hint of peach...?
We did also remove some other unecessary or broken stuff, for added lightness!
Some of the bodywork looked a little lighter than it maybe once was too, but we won't dwell on that!
It's not really this shiny, cameras do lie!
With new oil, spark plugs and fuel hoses, the boost wound up and a pair of Renault 5 GT Turbo intercoolers...
It was still quite slow!
Our little rest on the M1 on the way from Kent to York Raceway for the PPC £999 Challenge!
We really should have checked the clearance of the bottom radiator hose to power steering oump pulley after we moved the radiator back to fit the intercoolers in!
At the event, and showing off our shiny motorbike rear cans - with removable baffles.
We managed a 15.6 second quarter mile, not too bad for a rusty turd that cost about £850 to buy and modify!
Group hug!
The car has now sat decaying some more outside my house.
I can't even drive it because the splines inside the steering wheel boss all ground themselves smooth, so the steering wheel just spins round and round!
Anyone got a steering wheel for a Mas..... no, thought not!
It might be revived soon, when the weather turns a bit better perhaps.
Edited by ROOODBOY on Monday 4th February 19:34
Yeah, I'm still kind of strangely attracted to old scrap!
Especially Italian scrap!
When I was a nipper there used to be a small Maserati dealership in Maidstone, I used to ride down there on my BMX to look at them on a saturday.
They barely ever sold any as it was nearly always the same two or three Biturbos every week! A 425, a Coupe and a Spyder.
There's always this one!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/324820.htm
It's a two door AND it's got an interior so you won't see the rusty floors!
I've seen several Biturbos sell for less than a grand, but you should be a little careful. Not that I was!
Especially Italian scrap!
When I was a nipper there used to be a small Maserati dealership in Maidstone, I used to ride down there on my BMX to look at them on a saturday.
They barely ever sold any as it was nearly always the same two or three Biturbos every week! A 425, a Coupe and a Spyder.
There's always this one!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/324820.htm
It's a two door AND it's got an interior so you won't see the rusty floors!
I've seen several Biturbos sell for less than a grand, but you should be a little careful. Not that I was!
Edited by ROOODBOY on Monday 4th February 20:11
Right folks, update time!
When I was building my E30 335i I got to know a well known bloke on the E30Zone (Toby Unna) who had (unknown to me at the time) put an M30 engine in an E30 long before me. Then after I got mine on the road, Toby (and it was covered in PPC magazine, for which he writes articles occasionally), fitted a turbocharger to it.
I was inspired and wanting more performance (as my car was still slower than the Mazda RX7 I owned previously) I decided to go the turbo route as well.
To cut a long story short, Toby recently made the decision to break up his E30 335i turbo for parts.
As I had become quite friendly with Toby by now, he gave me first refusal to buy any parts I wanted from his car.
I couldn't resist, and here is what I've bought.
And a little bit of piping and wiring to sort out!
When I went to collect these parts Toby's car was still road legal and complete, so we went for a drive.
I've been a very fortunate car enthusiast and I've been lucky to have passengered in and driven many exotic and very fast cars.
I knew this was going to be a quick E30 but the performance astonished me, I've been in slower Ferraris!
It was running a totally standard block and head with over 100,000 miles under it's belt and set at 9 psi of boost. It recently showed 296 bhp on a rolling road, with potential for plenty more!
The kit includes:
XS-Power T04E turbo
Custom downpipe and exhaust system
Blow off valve
External wastegate
Home-made exhaust manifold
Custom inlet manifold
Volvo/Saab intercooler and piping
E28 M30 radiator
M30 sump with stub for turbo oil return welded on
Oil feed pipe
Fuel pressure regulator
K&N air filter
Vauxhall / Saab ignition coil
Megasquirt mappable ecu
I hope to start getting things under way in the next few weeks with the brakes and turbo gear, I'll keep you posted.
When I was building my E30 335i I got to know a well known bloke on the E30Zone (Toby Unna) who had (unknown to me at the time) put an M30 engine in an E30 long before me. Then after I got mine on the road, Toby (and it was covered in PPC magazine, for which he writes articles occasionally), fitted a turbocharger to it.
I was inspired and wanting more performance (as my car was still slower than the Mazda RX7 I owned previously) I decided to go the turbo route as well.
To cut a long story short, Toby recently made the decision to break up his E30 335i turbo for parts.
As I had become quite friendly with Toby by now, he gave me first refusal to buy any parts I wanted from his car.
I couldn't resist, and here is what I've bought.
And a little bit of piping and wiring to sort out!
When I went to collect these parts Toby's car was still road legal and complete, so we went for a drive.
I've been a very fortunate car enthusiast and I've been lucky to have passengered in and driven many exotic and very fast cars.
I knew this was going to be a quick E30 but the performance astonished me, I've been in slower Ferraris!
It was running a totally standard block and head with over 100,000 miles under it's belt and set at 9 psi of boost. It recently showed 296 bhp on a rolling road, with potential for plenty more!
The kit includes:
XS-Power T04E turbo
Custom downpipe and exhaust system
Blow off valve
External wastegate
Home-made exhaust manifold
Custom inlet manifold
Volvo/Saab intercooler and piping
E28 M30 radiator
M30 sump with stub for turbo oil return welded on
Oil feed pipe
Fuel pressure regulator
K&N air filter
Vauxhall / Saab ignition coil
Megasquirt mappable ecu
I hope to start getting things under way in the next few weeks with the brakes and turbo gear, I'll keep you posted.
Edited by ROOODBOY on Tuesday 19th February 01:51
Thanks again guys!
Yeah the RX7 did stand out a little, still missing it sometimes!
What do you drive?, I'll most likely remember your car if it's something tastey!
You won't see the Maserati for a while, it failed the M.O.T. badly on rust and engine emissions. It could be a gonna!
But if I can sort the engine out I'll have a go at the bodywork too. We'll see.
A few things have happened with the E30 too, when I get a few minutes I'll update properly.
Yeah the RX7 did stand out a little, still missing it sometimes!
What do you drive?, I'll most likely remember your car if it's something tastey!
You won't see the Maserati for a while, it failed the M.O.T. badly on rust and engine emissions. It could be a gonna!
But if I can sort the engine out I'll have a go at the bodywork too. We'll see.A few things have happened with the E30 too, when I get a few minutes I'll update properly.
I'll look out for you Andy!
Right, update time!
I have changed my seats!
The Corbeau recliners have been replaced by these proper 1980s looking E30 318is seats.
The rear seat needed a bit of cutting and chopping to make fit round the roll cage.
The 318is rear seats are also a lot lighter in weight than the original 325ise ones.
I have painted and re-sealed the calipers and re-fitted the pistons and new bleed screws. I'm just waiting for a machine shop to make me up some caliper mounting brackets.
I have made up some aluminium spacers for the rear spring seats, just to raise the back end a few millimeters (I'm fussy like that!).
In anticipation of fitting the big brakes I have had to sacrifice the deep dish BBS 15" wheels for a set of TSW 17" ones. I don't like the look as much but... I'd rather be able to stop!
I've done some work on the engine:
I pulled apart the external wastegate, partly out of curiosity to look inside and it gave me chance to check and clean it all. There was also a broken mounting bolt so I renewed all four.
I have stripped the oil pump ready for a freshen up, as components for the pump are available seperately.
The bottom end is now totally stripped.
And so is the top end.
Before I build the engine up again I'm currently reading the first of two books I bought about turbocharging, so I can understand more of what I need to do, or not do!
The Maserati failed it's M.O.T.. Would you beleive that!
It's a good job I've just bought a welder! I'll need a large gas bottle and large roll of mig wire too!
The engine isn't too healthy on one bank either, if that can't be sorted it could be the great big Maserati garage in the sky for this one!
I'll let ya'll know!
MrFlibbles said:
Toby's a nice guy - when I met him he had just put the 335 together in NA form, and it was still running standard 316 drums... 
Toby is real gent, and very clever too! Right, update time!
I have changed my seats!
The Corbeau recliners have been replaced by these proper 1980s looking E30 318is seats.
The rear seat needed a bit of cutting and chopping to make fit round the roll cage.
The 318is rear seats are also a lot lighter in weight than the original 325ise ones.
I have painted and re-sealed the calipers and re-fitted the pistons and new bleed screws. I'm just waiting for a machine shop to make me up some caliper mounting brackets.
I have made up some aluminium spacers for the rear spring seats, just to raise the back end a few millimeters (I'm fussy like that!).
In anticipation of fitting the big brakes I have had to sacrifice the deep dish BBS 15" wheels for a set of TSW 17" ones. I don't like the look as much but... I'd rather be able to stop!
I've done some work on the engine:
I pulled apart the external wastegate, partly out of curiosity to look inside and it gave me chance to check and clean it all. There was also a broken mounting bolt so I renewed all four.
I have stripped the oil pump ready for a freshen up, as components for the pump are available seperately.
The bottom end is now totally stripped.
And so is the top end.
Before I build the engine up again I'm currently reading the first of two books I bought about turbocharging, so I can understand more of what I need to do, or not do!
The Maserati failed it's M.O.T.. Would you beleive that!
It's a good job I've just bought a welder! I'll need a large gas bottle and large roll of mig wire too!
The engine isn't too healthy on one bank either, if that can't be sorted it could be the great big Maserati garage in the sky for this one!
I'll let ya'll know!
Edited by ROOODBOY on Tuesday 22 April 21:47
Edited by ROOODBOY on Tuesday 22 April 21:58
I'll look out for you Andy!
Right, update time!
I have changed my seats!
The Corbeau recliners have been replaced by these proper 1980s looking E30 318is seats.
The rear seat needed a bit of cutting and chopping to make fit round the roll cage.
The 318is rear seats are also a lot lighter in weight than the original 325ise ones.
I have painted and re-sealed the calipers and re-fitted the pistons and new bleed screws. I'm just waiting for a machine shop to make me up some caliper mounting brackets.
I have made up some aluminium spacers for the rear spring seats, just to raise the back end a few millimeters (I'm fussy like that!).
In anticipation of fitting the big brakes I have had to sacrifice the deep dish BBS 15" wheels for a set of TSW 17" ones. I don't like the look as much but... I'd rather be able to stop!
I've done some work on the engine:
I pulled apart the external wastegate, partly out of curiosity to look inside and it gave me chance to check and clean it all. There was also a broken mounting bolt so I renewed all four.
I have stripped the oil pump ready for a freshen up, as components for the pump are available seperately.
The bottom end is now totally stripped.
And so is the top end.
Before I build the engine up again I'm currently reading the first of two books I bought about turbocharging, so I can understand more of what I need to do, or not do!
The Maserati failed it's M.O.T.. Would you beleive that!
It's a good job I've just bought a welder! I'll need a large gas bottle and large roll of mig wire too!
The engine isn't too healthy on one bank either, if that can't be sorted it could be the great big Maserati garage in the sky for this one!
I'll let ya'll know!
MrFlibbles said:
Toby's a nice guy - when I met him he had just put the 335 together in NA form, and it was still running standard 316 drums...
Toby is real gent, and very clever too! Right, update time!
I have changed my seats!
The Corbeau recliners have been replaced by these proper 1980s looking E30 318is seats.
The rear seat needed a bit of cutting and chopping to make fit round the roll cage.
The 318is rear seats are also a lot lighter in weight than the original 325ise ones.
I have painted and re-sealed the calipers and re-fitted the pistons and new bleed screws. I'm just waiting for a machine shop to make me up some caliper mounting brackets.
I have made up some aluminium spacers for the rear spring seats, just to raise the back end a few millimeters (I'm fussy like that!).
In anticipation of fitting the big brakes I have had to sacrifice the deep dish BBS 15" wheels for a set of TSW 17" ones. I don't like the look as much but... I'd rather be able to stop!
I've done some work on the engine:
I pulled apart the external wastegate, partly out of curiosity to look inside and it gave me chance to check and clean it all. There was also a broken mounting bolt so I renewed all four.
I have stripped the oil pump ready for a freshen up, as components for the pump are available seperately.
The bottom end is now totally stripped.
And so is the top end.
Before I build the engine up again I'm currently reading the first of two books I bought about turbocharging, so I can understand more of what I need to do, or not do!
The Maserati failed it's M.O.T.. Would you beleive that!
It's a good job I've just bought a welder! I'll need a large gas bottle and large roll of mig wire too!
The engine isn't too healthy on one bank either, if that can't be sorted it could be the great big Maserati garage in the sky for this one!
I'll let ya'll know!
Edited by ROOODBOY on Tuesday 22 April 21:47
Edited by ROOODBOY on Tuesday 22 April 22:00
PJR said:
PPC articles most be OLD!? I got the latest one only a few days ago, and there an article about Toby's E30 335i turbo. No mention of it being broken up. His E30 was one of the better cars to read about in PPC so im somewhat disappointed he's decided to break it, if it was running so well? 
Conversely, I'll look forward to reading how you get on with his turbo bits! 
P,
Yes, the articles are a few months behind! Conversely, I'll look forward to reading how you get on with his turbo bits! P,
Toby sadly decided to break it up for personal reasons, I won't divulge his private life on here though. I even tried to pursuade him not to, before buying a load of his parts!
I'll keep my progress updated.
Jack - If I'm taking more than one passenger, which isn't often, I just unbolt the diagonal!
About time I updated here as quite a lot has happened with my ol' car!
Firstly, a gratuitous moody looking photo, just because I like it!
Brakes upgraded from these...
To these...
A very welcome and effective upgrade!
Another set of wheels, unfortunately these have turned out not to be especially round wheels, so another set is in the pipeline.
Engine out again, and a little extra fitted...
Front panel modified to fit Saab / Volvo intercooler.
Wiring in the Megasquirt ecu proved to be a slight problem!
In the end the car was sent away to a Megasquirt expert, fitted with a new ecu (I blew the other one up) and mapped.
Here's how it pretty much is today, back on the road.
It's no Ferrari F40 but for a twenty year-old 3-series it goes very well with 300bhp or so, although it's not yet been on the rollers.
Better tyres and a taller ratio diff are ready for me to fit when I get time, wheelspin in third gear at 70+mph in the wet keeps your attention!
The boost comes in quite smoothly from around 3000rpm, and the 3.5 litre torque makes it not so laggy.
The conversion was a complete pain, more expensive than budgeted for (aren't they all?) but it's a complete blast to drive, especially blowing away some expensive machinery, and with the 316 badge on the back.
I'm hoping to get it on a rolling road, Santa Pod and a track day as soon as I can...
Firstly, a gratuitous moody looking photo, just because I like it!
Brakes upgraded from these...
To these...
A very welcome and effective upgrade!
Another set of wheels, unfortunately these have turned out not to be especially round wheels, so another set is in the pipeline.
Engine out again, and a little extra fitted...
Front panel modified to fit Saab / Volvo intercooler.
Wiring in the Megasquirt ecu proved to be a slight problem!
In the end the car was sent away to a Megasquirt expert, fitted with a new ecu (I blew the other one up) and mapped.
Here's how it pretty much is today, back on the road.
It's no Ferrari F40 but for a twenty year-old 3-series it goes very well with 300bhp or so, although it's not yet been on the rollers.
Better tyres and a taller ratio diff are ready for me to fit when I get time, wheelspin in third gear at 70+mph in the wet keeps your attention!
The boost comes in quite smoothly from around 3000rpm, and the 3.5 litre torque makes it not so laggy.
The conversion was a complete pain, more expensive than budgeted for (aren't they all?) but it's a complete blast to drive, especially blowing away some expensive machinery, and with the 316 badge on the back.
I'm hoping to get it on a rolling road, Santa Pod and a track day as soon as I can...
Edited by ROOODBOY on Monday 15th December 03:12
Thanks!
I've also read bad things about these turbos, and although it's hardly the last word in turbo technology, it is certainly doing a sterling job so far!
I've already annoyed the drivers of a Jag XKR, a big Mercedes (I don't know which model, I didn't see the back of it!) and a 911 (996) Carrera!
I do wonder how long it's all going to last though!
I've also read bad things about these turbos, and although it's hardly the last word in turbo technology, it is certainly doing a sterling job so far!
I've already annoyed the drivers of a Jag XKR, a big Mercedes (I don't know which model, I didn't see the back of it!) and a 911 (996) Carrera!
I do wonder how long it's all going to last though!
Thanks!
I finally got round to putting some round wheels on!
Lenso RS5, actually noticeably lighter in weight than my previous two sets as well.
Plus, with a set of Bridgestone RE030s on them it's helped a little with the grip too!
Looking forward to some track and dragstrip action when the weather improves!
I finally got round to putting some round wheels on!
Lenso RS5, actually noticeably lighter in weight than my previous two sets as well.
Plus, with a set of Bridgestone RE030s on them it's helped a little with the grip too!
Looking forward to some track and dragstrip action when the weather improves!
Thanks Craig!
E30s are still good fun to drive, much cooler than a boring modern thing in my opinion!
As long as you buy a half decent one and maintain it correctly there is no reason why it shouldn't be a good, reliable car!
I have spent a silly amount of time fettling mine, and I'm far from finished yet!
Once I have swapped the diff, wired in the wasted spark coil pack and had the ecu mapped properly I will get it on a dyno, hopefully in the near future!
E30s are still good fun to drive, much cooler than a boring modern thing in my opinion!
As long as you buy a half decent one and maintain it correctly there is no reason why it shouldn't be a good, reliable car!
I have spent a silly amount of time fettling mine, and I'm far from finished yet!
Once I have swapped the diff, wired in the wasted spark coil pack and had the ecu mapped properly I will get it on a dyno, hopefully in the near future!
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