Resto-mod e21 BMW
Discussion
Well it won't be long now and MIB will be back on the road. In fact, it's that close now that it's actually MOT'd and as of next week, insured and taxed! Insurance has been found through Heritige who were the only ones to come back to me, after I'd submitted a pretty extensive list of modifications. They also agreed an insurance value that is close to what the build actually owes me. I'd hate to actually add up everything I've spent though and were it not for the generosity of Pristine Bodyworks, I simply could never have completed such an detailed build. There is so much custom fabrication involved and that has eaten up some serious man hours. The whole braking system, apart from the rear calipers and pedals, is bespoke and totally redesigned. There is no longer a convoluted linkage of rods and pivot points. The old servo, mounted on a big lump of steel and taking up loads of space, was binned and a nice, new and much smaller servo used instead. There has also been a lot of work done on the hubs, as with the width of the wheels we did not want to run spacers to compensate for the difference in offset. This in turn meant the wheel arches needed to be reworked to allow clearance. We wanted this to be subtle though and not look too different from the stock arch profile. There are lots of smaller detail changes too, such as the Stack gauges in the dash and the aftermarket door mirrors, which meant fabricating blanking plates for the deleted ones.
Anyway, hopefully I can post some pictures very soon and put some miles on the engine. Once that is done, it'll be the Jenvey ITB's and mapping.
Anyway, hopefully I can post some pictures very soon and put some miles on the engine. Once that is done, it'll be the Jenvey ITB's and mapping.
Hopefully this month will see MIB hit the road once more. 
It's been a while but the build has been between other jobs, in order to try and keep costs down to a minimum. Pristine have also moved premises and suffered more than their fair share of hold ups, none of which were their fault. So much of my car is now custom and even seemingly small tasks, like re engineering the single wiper, can eat up the hours. Anyway, we are literally 98% done now and aiming for the sharknose meet at the end of the month.
The Laguna Seca blue paint is done and is currently being polished to a show finish. Obviously the paint is the first thing people see, so it's understandable that Mick is taking the time to make sure it's the best it can possibly be. I have also opted to have the Rota alloys done in a dark satin gold so they contrast with the blue. I opted against a boot spoiler and but imported a 320is front spoiler from the states. I also have a rear window louvre to try on the finished car. The only other exterior detail changes are the single wiper, Engelmann door mirrors and black chrome kidney grill. The wheel arches have been re worked to clear the 9x15" alloys and 205/50 & 215/50 tyres. It's subtle, but next to a stock E21 it's clear the arches have been flared. The overall stance is really nice, with an aggressive and squat look. The twin 323i silencer look really adds to it, although I'm searching for some E46 M3 tips.
Inside the rear seat has been deleted and the whole of the rear has bespoke plywood panels, which were carpeted in black. The rear cage has been done in body colour and provides a nice contract. The Recaro seats were bought a couple of years ago and are black leather, with grey alcantara centre panels and seat cushions. They have quite thick bolsters and are really lovely seats. They were also a steal at just £200 for the pair! What Mick has had to do though, in order for them to fit properly, is reduce the height of the sub frames. It's pretty common for non E21 seats to sit way too high and leave no headroom. The driving position feels like you're perched up too high as well, which is why the sub frames need modifying. I've also replaced the inertia seat belts with 4 point harnesses from Safety Devices. The dash now houses addition gauges from Stack, for oil pressure, water temperature and volts. It's a very subtle mod to the dash but really adds to the overall look. The finishing touch is the Prototipo steering wheel, saved from my old car, plus a stainless steel, weighted gear knob from Storm. As it's primarily a road car, there's a decent stereo fitted, with Nakamichi head unit and amps, with Focal speakers and Clarion under seat sub. The carpets are all black and custom fitted.
The engine conversion is really nicely done and the bay is now free from clutter. The OE fuse box was binned and a modern blade fuse type now sits beneath a panel in the passenger footwell. The OE brake servo is also gone, so no more pedal linkage or lump of steel mounting the servo up front. The whole bay has a really clean, uncluttered look and the engine itself looks just right. The plan is to lose of the plastic bits from the engine, so I have a custom alloy coil pack cover and Jenvey ITB's will replace the m50 inlet. There is also a polished 6 branch exhaust manifold fitted, along with Cat fast road cams and a lightened flywheel. I'll put the car on a dyno eventually but would guess at about 260'ish BHP?
The whole of the braking system has been replaced and uprated wherever possible. The new servo is one usually used to upgrade VW campers but it's perfect for the E21's dual circuit system. It's also nice and compact, so easy to tuck out of the way. The new from calipers are billet 4 pots with Hawk competition pads. The best thing is the lack of linkage, so no more flex in the pedal. I always found E21 brakes to be a bit lacking but am really pleased with the way this conversion came together. It wasn't hugely expensive and is relatively easy to do. The LEDA coilover/Whiteline ARB suspension is also freshly rebuilt and poly bushed throughout, with a quick rack fitted also.
I'm sure there is plenty I have missed but overall this car is about as close to a new E21 as I could get. I know it won't be to everyone's taste but that was never the goal. I simply wanted an E21 I could enjoy driving every day and that would be fun. I also wanted it to be quick, stop and steer in a way that made me want to drive it. I'm extremely grateful to Mick at Pristine, for his patience and his hard graft. I can't wait to pick it up and attend a few shows but, most of all, I can't wait to drive it! :launch I'll post some photos very soon but hopefully we'll get some UK cars to a few of this years shows.
It's been a while but the build has been between other jobs, in order to try and keep costs down to a minimum. Pristine have also moved premises and suffered more than their fair share of hold ups, none of which were their fault. So much of my car is now custom and even seemingly small tasks, like re engineering the single wiper, can eat up the hours. Anyway, we are literally 98% done now and aiming for the sharknose meet at the end of the month.The Laguna Seca blue paint is done and is currently being polished to a show finish. Obviously the paint is the first thing people see, so it's understandable that Mick is taking the time to make sure it's the best it can possibly be. I have also opted to have the Rota alloys done in a dark satin gold so they contrast with the blue. I opted against a boot spoiler and but imported a 320is front spoiler from the states. I also have a rear window louvre to try on the finished car. The only other exterior detail changes are the single wiper, Engelmann door mirrors and black chrome kidney grill. The wheel arches have been re worked to clear the 9x15" alloys and 205/50 & 215/50 tyres. It's subtle, but next to a stock E21 it's clear the arches have been flared. The overall stance is really nice, with an aggressive and squat look. The twin 323i silencer look really adds to it, although I'm searching for some E46 M3 tips.
Inside the rear seat has been deleted and the whole of the rear has bespoke plywood panels, which were carpeted in black. The rear cage has been done in body colour and provides a nice contract. The Recaro seats were bought a couple of years ago and are black leather, with grey alcantara centre panels and seat cushions. They have quite thick bolsters and are really lovely seats. They were also a steal at just £200 for the pair! What Mick has had to do though, in order for them to fit properly, is reduce the height of the sub frames. It's pretty common for non E21 seats to sit way too high and leave no headroom. The driving position feels like you're perched up too high as well, which is why the sub frames need modifying. I've also replaced the inertia seat belts with 4 point harnesses from Safety Devices. The dash now houses addition gauges from Stack, for oil pressure, water temperature and volts. It's a very subtle mod to the dash but really adds to the overall look. The finishing touch is the Prototipo steering wheel, saved from my old car, plus a stainless steel, weighted gear knob from Storm. As it's primarily a road car, there's a decent stereo fitted, with Nakamichi head unit and amps, with Focal speakers and Clarion under seat sub. The carpets are all black and custom fitted.
The engine conversion is really nicely done and the bay is now free from clutter. The OE fuse box was binned and a modern blade fuse type now sits beneath a panel in the passenger footwell. The OE brake servo is also gone, so no more pedal linkage or lump of steel mounting the servo up front. The whole bay has a really clean, uncluttered look and the engine itself looks just right. The plan is to lose of the plastic bits from the engine, so I have a custom alloy coil pack cover and Jenvey ITB's will replace the m50 inlet. There is also a polished 6 branch exhaust manifold fitted, along with Cat fast road cams and a lightened flywheel. I'll put the car on a dyno eventually but would guess at about 260'ish BHP?
The whole of the braking system has been replaced and uprated wherever possible. The new servo is one usually used to upgrade VW campers but it's perfect for the E21's dual circuit system. It's also nice and compact, so easy to tuck out of the way. The new from calipers are billet 4 pots with Hawk competition pads. The best thing is the lack of linkage, so no more flex in the pedal. I always found E21 brakes to be a bit lacking but am really pleased with the way this conversion came together. It wasn't hugely expensive and is relatively easy to do. The LEDA coilover/Whiteline ARB suspension is also freshly rebuilt and poly bushed throughout, with a quick rack fitted also.
I'm sure there is plenty I have missed but overall this car is about as close to a new E21 as I could get. I know it won't be to everyone's taste but that was never the goal. I simply wanted an E21 I could enjoy driving every day and that would be fun. I also wanted it to be quick, stop and steer in a way that made me want to drive it. I'm extremely grateful to Mick at Pristine, for his patience and his hard graft. I can't wait to pick it up and attend a few shows but, most of all, I can't wait to drive it! :launch I'll post some photos very soon but hopefully we'll get some UK cars to a few of this years shows.
Well I messaged Mick @ Pristine today, to ask if we'll be ready for the Shark Nose meet on the 30th? Basically it all hangs on whether this rogue noise/vibration has been cured when the box goes back in. He's going to let me know next week. Either way, we're pretty close now.
The paintwork is awesome. :P
The paintwork is awesome. :P
Well they whipped off the gearbox and it seems a breather had worked loose, so was vibrating and making a racket. Hopefully it'll be going back together this week and will solve the noise issue there was when the engine was running. There are also several loose ends to be sorted and they will get the car ever closer to being completed. All being well I'll have an update on Friday, but I think they're still aiming for me to have the car back by the end of the month.
Well it seems that Cat may have supplied the wrong cams, as there is a resonance / noise on the induction side that just can't be cured. It does improve if the VANOS is disconnected but there is definitely something that's not right. Bottom line is the cams will have to come out and be returned to Cat in Belgium. Meanwhile, the stock cams will go back in, unless I can find a pair of US spec M3 cams asap?
Inside, pretty much all of the interior retrim is completed. The rear seat has been deleted and that whole area panelled and carpeted. There is an AC type centre console, which I sourced in Australia, to house the stereo etc. It's a subtle modification but just gives a different, yet factory look. The cage also needs to go back in using stainless bolts, as they'll be on show due to the cage feet sitting on top of the black carpet, rather than under it. The Recaro seats are in and the runners have been dropped significantly, so as to be sure I sit low in the car. Usually non e21 seats just sit way too high.
The wheels are off being done in a satin gold finish. I'm not usually a fan of gold rims but I think they'll be a nice contrast with the blue. Magnus Walkers blue 911 is a look that I really like, with a slight rake and wide hips. I know an e21 is no 911, but the whole squat look is something I think both cars can share given the right ride height and wheels.
We're so very close now.
Inside, pretty much all of the interior retrim is completed. The rear seat has been deleted and that whole area panelled and carpeted. There is an AC type centre console, which I sourced in Australia, to house the stereo etc. It's a subtle modification but just gives a different, yet factory look. The cage also needs to go back in using stainless bolts, as they'll be on show due to the cage feet sitting on top of the black carpet, rather than under it. The Recaro seats are in and the runners have been dropped significantly, so as to be sure I sit low in the car. Usually non e21 seats just sit way too high.
The wheels are off being done in a satin gold finish. I'm not usually a fan of gold rims but I think they'll be a nice contrast with the blue. Magnus Walkers blue 911 is a look that I really like, with a slight rake and wide hips. I know an e21 is no 911, but the whole squat look is something I think both cars can share given the right ride height and wheels.
We're so very close now.
Good news, final straight now. On the noise front, I'm wondering what could making that noise and was reminded of an E36 M3 Evo I ran a few years back. That car made a noise/ vibration that frustrated the life out of me and once it was in my head I couldn't ignore it. The noise was from the front of the engine predominately but transmitted along the head and sounded very vanos esque. Just under 2k later for a brand spanking new vanos and the noise was still there....all apart again and it was eventually traced to worn cam gears, might be worth a look before you send the cams back.
Well I had hoped to have the e21 back but we have been dogged with hold ups. It seems Cat supplied the wrong cams so they had to come out and the OE ones went back in. Hopefully Cat will swap them and we can fit them when the Jenvey ITB's go on, after the summer.
The rad has also started weeping for a third time! It came out again yesterday and went back to AH Fabrications, for them to build a new one. It's another expense I could do without but it's cost us enough time already. While we wait for it to arrive, the rest of the fitting up can be done. The wheels also need coating in dark satin gold.
A taster of what's to come.....
The rad has also started weeping for a third time! It came out again yesterday and went back to AH Fabrications, for them to build a new one. It's another expense I could do without but it's cost us enough time already. While we wait for it to arrive, the rest of the fitting up can be done. The wheels also need coating in dark satin gold.
A taster of what's to come.....
Edited by e21Mark on Saturday 6th June 22:09
Well it's nearly finished and will be ready for the Retro Rides show next month.
The throttle bodies won't be going on for a while longer though, as I want to put a few miles on the car and give Cat time to sort the correct camshafts. I don't want to install and map the DTA management, only to have to do it again a month or so later.
I'm really looking forward to having it back though.
The throttle bodies won't be going on for a while longer though, as I want to put a few miles on the car and give Cat time to sort the correct camshafts. I don't want to install and map the DTA management, only to have to do it again a month or so later.
I'm really looking forward to having it back though.
Good to hear it's almost there. I remember it well from a run, I think Boxing Day 2011.
I liked the colour then which I thought was Henna but the new LSB is going to be awesome, especially with gold wheels.
Pity for me you've moved so far, not much chance of seeing it on another Tunnel run!
I dig up some pics I have of it back then:
It was LOUD then, made my Z3 with the same engine and a Supersprint cat back sound quiet!
I liked the colour then which I thought was Henna but the new LSB is going to be awesome, especially with gold wheels.
Pity for me you've moved so far, not much chance of seeing it on another Tunnel run!
I dig up some pics I have of it back then:
It was LOUD then, made my Z3 with the same engine and a Supersprint cat back sound quiet!
I think I could be convinced to attend another run. I really enjoyed them and the mix of cars that attended.
Seeing those pics reminded me just how much I loved my old orange E21. It was one of the very first M52/2.8 conversions and we learnt a few lessons, which have been put into practice on the new car.
Funnily enough, a couple of people have said how they think gold wheels will look awful. Mind you, people said the same when I swapped out the twin headlights for poverty spec' singles!
Less than 4 weeks and the new car should be on the road!
Seeing those pics reminded me just how much I loved my old orange E21. It was one of the very first M52/2.8 conversions and we learnt a few lessons, which have been put into practice on the new car.
Funnily enough, a couple of people have said how they think gold wheels will look awful. Mind you, people said the same when I swapped out the twin headlights for poverty spec' singles!
Less than 4 weeks and the new car should be on the road!
Edited by e21Mark on Saturday 25th July 07:45
Hey Mark , I never knew that MIB was no more ! I think I saw it around Guildford once when I was having a very boring lunch at Sainsbury's , before I had my current E21 . Looking forward to seeing the end result ! I think I'll aim to do some meets next year some time . Keep the posts coming !!
nearly there, looks great, gold works well with the blue. ( are the tyres staying?)Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff