Resto-mod e21 BMW
Discussion
A bit more progress yesterday. I have a few more aluminium panels to make up, but it's really taking shape now.
Engelmann mirrors are just about the only aftermarket ones that suit an e21.
The only problem has been the crappy arches from Pesch. They are absolutely useless, but fortunately I have a UK supplier now and they're first class.
Engelmann mirrors are just about the only aftermarket ones that suit an e21.
The only problem has been the crappy arches from Pesch. They are absolutely useless, but fortunately I have a UK supplier now and they're first class.
Just about got the poly window kit in and working through other jobs, like alloy dash panel etc. The suspension is Gaz and the brakes are a Wilwood conversion.
My only thing at the moment is engine choice. Whilst I really like the idea of 200bhp from a supercharged m42, it means I would go from ModProd class to Sports Libre. That means I go from competing against modified road cars to competing against sports racing cars, where difference in performance is large. In the large sports libre class, I'm going to need to mix it with the single seaters to do well in class. So, I may need to look at running an m10 instead? I can get a 2002tii lump for reasonable money, including Kugelfischer injection. I know that's only 130bhp (on a good day) but with a cam and some head work, I think 150-160 is achievable. I could always fit Webers for extra cool?
My only thing at the moment is engine choice. Whilst I really like the idea of 200bhp from a supercharged m42, it means I would go from ModProd class to Sports Libre. That means I go from competing against modified road cars to competing against sports racing cars, where difference in performance is large. In the large sports libre class, I'm going to need to mix it with the single seaters to do well in class. So, I may need to look at running an m10 instead? I can get a 2002tii lump for reasonable money, including Kugelfischer injection. I know that's only 130bhp (on a good day) but with a cam and some head work, I think 150-160 is achievable. I could always fit Webers for extra cool?
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 22 May 05:03
Hi Mark,
I've been following this thread with interest, it looks like a really solid build with great attention to detail.
With regards the engine choice I don't suppose it matters too much as you're racing ( or does it....?) but would a carb'd M10 not be a more 'fun' engine that feels more alive than a supercharged M42 with I assume a very straight torque curve?
Having not raced before I don't know which would be better suited to you but I think I know which would look cooler! ( if that counts!)
Great build either way.
Regards
Mark
I've been following this thread with interest, it looks like a really solid build with great attention to detail.
With regards the engine choice I don't suppose it matters too much as you're racing ( or does it....?) but would a carb'd M10 not be a more 'fun' engine that feels more alive than a supercharged M42 with I assume a very straight torque curve?
Having not raced before I don't know which would be better suited to you but I think I know which would look cooler! ( if that counts!)
Great build either way.
Regards
Mark
Hi Mark,
I've been following this thread with interest, it looks like a really solid build with great attention to detail.
With regards the engine choice I don't suppose it matters too much as you're racing ( or does it....?) but would a carb'd M10 not be a more 'fun' engine that feels more alive than a supercharged M42 with I assume a very straight torque curve?
Having not raced before I don't know which would be better suited to you but I think I know which would look cooler! ( if that counts!)
Great build either way.
Regards
Mark
I've been following this thread with interest, it looks like a really solid build with great attention to detail.
With regards the engine choice I don't suppose it matters too much as you're racing ( or does it....?) but would a carb'd M10 not be a more 'fun' engine that feels more alive than a supercharged M42 with I assume a very straight torque curve?
Having not raced before I don't know which would be better suited to you but I think I know which would look cooler! ( if that counts!)
Great build either way.
Regards
Mark
Well we're going to stick with an m10, big valve head and rally cam, twin 40's and 4 branch exhaust manifold. It'll be simple, reliable and period correct. It'll also be more affordable and means I can get these.
I should be able to get 150-160 bhp with some porting of the head, so it'll still be fun in such a light car. The car was due to come home tomorrow but the forecast bad weather means it'll be Tuesday now. I'm excited!
I should be able to get 150-160 bhp with some porting of the head, so it'll still be fun in such a light car. The car was due to come home tomorrow but the forecast bad weather means it'll be Tuesday now. I'm excited!
A bit more progress and apart from some minor bits of trim and a drivers door lock, the body is nearly done.
I think the Minilites look pretty cool, but Stanced UK Ltd have offered some deep dish crosspokes, that will look period correct.
The battery arrived today and only weighs a couple of Kg's.
I think the Minilites look pretty cool, but Stanced UK Ltd have offered some deep dish crosspokes, that will look period correct.
The battery arrived today and only weighs a couple of Kg's.
I need to start putting a list of ''to do'' jobs together though, as I'd really like to get it finished for the Performance BMW Magazine track day at Brands Hatch on February 24th next year.
The engine I have is an e30 318i m10 and they have bigger valves as standard. I plan on using a rally profile cam from Cat Camshafts, as I figure I need more torque over outright power. I want to do some gas flowing and match the inlet ports to the manifolds, before fitting the Weber carbs. I also want the longest velocity stacks I can source, but as they're stupidly expensive, I am wondering if I could use lengths of silicon hose to extend the ones I have? I know it won't make huge power but it'll still be fun in such a light shell.
Apart from the engine, I also need to install the pedal box and sort the brakes. There are Wilwood calipers but I'm tempted to ditch the servo and mod the pedal, to get more leverage. Anyway, a few more pics.
The engine I have is an e30 318i m10 and they have bigger valves as standard. I plan on using a rally profile cam from Cat Camshafts, as I figure I need more torque over outright power. I want to do some gas flowing and match the inlet ports to the manifolds, before fitting the Weber carbs. I also want the longest velocity stacks I can source, but as they're stupidly expensive, I am wondering if I could use lengths of silicon hose to extend the ones I have? I know it won't make huge power but it'll still be fun in such a light shell.
Apart from the engine, I also need to install the pedal box and sort the brakes. There are Wilwood calipers but I'm tempted to ditch the servo and mod the pedal, to get more leverage. Anyway, a few more pics.
Chunkychucky said:
Gorgeous... Now to find an F2-spec M12
If only. If I had the cash I'd go with an s14 but it's going to be a hot m10 on 40's instead. In fact, it arrived at Rally Prep today and the head is coming off over the weekend, so that it can have some flow work done. As well as new timing chain and tensioner, a rally spec cam is going in. Also have a 4 branch, 40's and lightened and knife edged crank. I'm aiming for about 160 bhp and it should sound great with the carbs and a side exit exhaust.
Funnily enough I know Connaught Engineering had an m12 available but it was a variation taken from a sportscar, which differed slightly in length I believe? It was over £20k anyway, so well out of my league.
What I am doing though, is initially going to run the standard injected 1.8, but with a pair of Webers and 4 branch exhaust manifold. I also have a lightened flywheel, seeing as a new clutch will be going in anyway. The reason for this, is that we just want to get the car finished. Once it's actually driving we can start sorting the suspension etc and iron out any problems. Whilst that's going on, we can start building a hot 2.0 litre m10 to eventually replace the 1.8. I have been offered a 2 litre s14 that's in bits, but a rebuild will obviously cost a few quid. The idea of having that on a pair of 45's is quite an exciting one though!
Hopefully the tyres will be here tomorrow and I can get the new wheels bolted on.
What I am doing though, is initially going to run the standard injected 1.8, but with a pair of Webers and 4 branch exhaust manifold. I also have a lightened flywheel, seeing as a new clutch will be going in anyway. The reason for this, is that we just want to get the car finished. Once it's actually driving we can start sorting the suspension etc and iron out any problems. Whilst that's going on, we can start building a hot 2.0 litre m10 to eventually replace the 1.8. I have been offered a 2 litre s14 that's in bits, but a rebuild will obviously cost a few quid. The idea of having that on a pair of 45's is quite an exciting one though!
Hopefully the tyres will be here tomorrow and I can get the new wheels bolted on.
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