E28 - the long slog
Discussion
E28 brakes shouldn't be an issue until the sphere based servo has to be removed as part of any modification process, then it really ought to be time to deal with all the linkage issues and put a proper pedal box in. A very good friend of mine owns an amazing E28 528i racer which has championships under its belt, with standard M5 pads lasting literally years.
That car is just out of Southampton now, and heading for my workshop soon, as its too loud for this country with a straight through side exit pipe (!!) so I can get a good look.
My own car is next for the sphere chop, as it still has the standard power steering pump driven servo setup, with E34 M5 front calipers and discs, and E34 M5 nurburgring vented rears.I'm told that an E34 540 master ylinder is the one to use to get the pedal right, haven't tried one yet though as pedal feel and travel appear ok so far, when it's back on track it could be quite different!!!
That car is just out of Southampton now, and heading for my workshop soon, as its too loud for this country with a straight through side exit pipe (!!) so I can get a good look.
My own car is next for the sphere chop, as it still has the standard power steering pump driven servo setup, with E34 M5 front calipers and discs, and E34 M5 nurburgring vented rears.I'm told that an E34 540 master ylinder is the one to use to get the pedal right, haven't tried one yet though as pedal feel and travel appear ok so far, when it's back on track it could be quite different!!!
Edited by Flatinfourth on Friday 24th January 10:22
Output Flange said:
e21Mark said:
I'm going over there tomorrow, to check progress on my e21, so I'll ask what he's running?
Did you get a chance to ask?
Edited by e21Mark on Wednesday 29th January 04:31
One of the other issues I've had with the race car is that on both track days I've done in it, twice I've been kicked off for excessive smoking.
The first time was down to it running stupidly rich, which is now sorted. The last day saw a couple of puffs of blue smoke on the overrun, which wasn't unexpected or excessive, but the TDO decided it wasn't on.
So, the head is coming off for a refresh. That leads on nicely to a "while it's off you might as well..." situation, so the plan is to get the head ported and gas flowed, then rebuilt with some M30B35 valves (1mm bigger), an Alpina B10 replica cam and then fit a performance chip (the last two being supplied by Fritz Bits).
It already has a free flowing exhaust fitted, and the inlet manifold isn't restrictive. The chaps at Fritz reckon this setup is good for 270-280bhp. I reckon I'll be doing well to get 240bhp, but we'll see.
If I have time, I'd like to get it on a rolling road before and after to see what the differences are. The only slight issue is that this all needs to be completed by the 13th Feb, so there's not a whole lot of time, and it can't be started until mid/late next week.
Happy days.
In the meantime, the M5 is currently getting a new fuel tank, so new jacking points, new HT leads and plugs and assorted other little odds-and-sods that it needs prior to heading off for paint. Should be ready to collect next week to then drop to the paintshop.
The first time was down to it running stupidly rich, which is now sorted. The last day saw a couple of puffs of blue smoke on the overrun, which wasn't unexpected or excessive, but the TDO decided it wasn't on.
So, the head is coming off for a refresh. That leads on nicely to a "while it's off you might as well..." situation, so the plan is to get the head ported and gas flowed, then rebuilt with some M30B35 valves (1mm bigger), an Alpina B10 replica cam and then fit a performance chip (the last two being supplied by Fritz Bits).
It already has a free flowing exhaust fitted, and the inlet manifold isn't restrictive. The chaps at Fritz reckon this setup is good for 270-280bhp. I reckon I'll be doing well to get 240bhp, but we'll see.
If I have time, I'd like to get it on a rolling road before and after to see what the differences are. The only slight issue is that this all needs to be completed by the 13th Feb, so there's not a whole lot of time, and it can't be started until mid/late next week.
Happy days.
In the meantime, the M5 is currently getting a new fuel tank, so new jacking points, new HT leads and plugs and assorted other little odds-and-sods that it needs prior to heading off for paint. Should be ready to collect next week to then drop to the paintshop.
No, he's ditching the hydraulic and going with a remote servo, if it still needs it.
I've got the paperwork from TWR, when they offered m30 performance options, and the spec' you're planning is the same as their 240 bhp option.
Beware of ECU generic chips. Especially anything claiming Group A and Alpina. I was at a dyno session with the white 635 that used to be in Practical Classics and it was awful. Over fuelling, flat spots all through the rev range and barely making 190 bhp. So much for the claims.
I had the head done and used a cam from Cat Camshafts, who do several m30 profiles. Schrick would have been nice but cost a packet.
I've got the paperwork from TWR, when they offered m30 performance options, and the spec' you're planning is the same as their 240 bhp option.
Beware of ECU generic chips. Especially anything claiming Group A and Alpina. I was at a dyno session with the white 635 that used to be in Practical Classics and it was awful. Over fuelling, flat spots all through the rev range and barely making 190 bhp. So much for the claims.
I had the head done and used a cam from Cat Camshafts, who do several m30 profiles. Schrick would have been nice but cost a packet.
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 30th January 16:07
M5 went in today for paint, now that the sunroof is sorted and various other things done. Rewarded me by the fuel pump packing in, which is nice. It gets sold after it's painted.
Race car hasn't changed much - yet. Got Silverstone this Sunday and Brands at the end of May, then it's getting an M88 fitted in June.
518i is buried under a garage full of M635CSi parts that I need rid of. I'm in a bit of a quandary with it at the moment, over two points:
1) I've gone off the colour of it
2) I've gone off the idea of S50ing it
What I think I really want is an immaculate white 518i that's still a 518i. I don't drive fast on the road any more, so 300bhp in it doesn't really appeal that much. But we'll see.
Race car hasn't changed much - yet. Got Silverstone this Sunday and Brands at the end of May, then it's getting an M88 fitted in June.
518i is buried under a garage full of M635CSi parts that I need rid of. I'm in a bit of a quandary with it at the moment, over two points:
1) I've gone off the colour of it
2) I've gone off the idea of S50ing it
What I think I really want is an immaculate white 518i that's still a 518i. I don't drive fast on the road any more, so 300bhp in it doesn't really appeal that much. But we'll see.
Output Flange said:
What I think I really want is an immaculate white 518i that's still a 518i. I don't drive fast on the road any more, so 300bhp in it doesn't really appeal that much. But we'll see.
I can't help with a 518, but I could help with a nice 520i auto, early style, 80k miles.
I haven't forgotten this.
The M5 is now done:
and just needs to find a new owner.
The race car has an M88 engine fitted, but is lacking an exhaust at the moment:
and the 518i has been banished to live outside on the trailer, under a cover.
Having a bit of a fleet re-jig at the moment, hopefully with the aim of making more time and space for the 518i. If I can get it finished over the winter then it might well become next year's daily.
The M5 is now done:
and just needs to find a new owner.
The race car has an M88 engine fitted, but is lacking an exhaust at the moment:
and the 518i has been banished to live outside on the trailer, under a cover.
Having a bit of a fleet re-jig at the moment, hopefully with the aim of making more time and space for the 518i. If I can get it finished over the winter then it might well become next year's daily.
Is there any reason as to why you're choosing the 518i as a DD v the magnificent and now completed M5? I see you've alluded to fast road cars not holding the appeal they once did but still, the M5 is a belter!
I had the M40 in my 318i and it was truly terrible and can't imagine picking it over an M88/S50?
Each to their own of course and pardon me for being so nosey!
I had the M40 in my 318i and it was truly terrible and can't imagine picking it over an M88/S50?
Each to their own of course and pardon me for being so nosey!
The 518i will be an S50B30 by the time it's on the road. One thing about the M5 that makes it a little less ideal for DD duties is that the gearing feels quite short. The S50 will be bolted to a 6 speed box, and although I'm starting with a shorter diff ratio than standard (3.64) if that feels too much then I can swap in a 3.07 or similar instead, to make it closer to stock.
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