Discussion
Thanks guys. It's funny but I did wonder if there might have been a bit of a backlash against my modding the 02? My intention has been to try and make it a 60/70's version of the E30 M3, with light weight and high revving 16V four pot combined with nimble handling and decent brakes. It should make a good noise too.
We're a bit stuck at the moment, as we need an inlet manifold for the S54 ITB's and we're still waiting on fabrication. The main issue is the M42 inlet ports are a different shape to the S54 ITB's so the manifold needs to marry the two. We could have got around that issue by using S50 throttle bodies but they're 3 times the price and that extra cash would pay for the DTA ECU. This has been expensive enough as it is and I'm already working 2 jobs to pay for it. Hopefully we'll have an inlet soon but if anyone knows where I can source one please shout?
I'm still looking at LSD options but I think that'll need to wait till next spring? I'm thinking a new Gripper seems the best value.
I'm just off to the workshop to try and give the cars underside a thorough inspection. I know there's no corrosion but the underseal needs replacing in some areas. If I'm really going to daily drive the 02, I want to make sure it remains solid. I also want to try and improve on the headlights but without changing the units for modern alternatives. I do quite like the period rally look though, so might go for a pair of yellow cibié spots?
We're a bit stuck at the moment, as we need an inlet manifold for the S54 ITB's and we're still waiting on fabrication. The main issue is the M42 inlet ports are a different shape to the S54 ITB's so the manifold needs to marry the two. We could have got around that issue by using S50 throttle bodies but they're 3 times the price and that extra cash would pay for the DTA ECU. This has been expensive enough as it is and I'm already working 2 jobs to pay for it. Hopefully we'll have an inlet soon but if anyone knows where I can source one please shout?
I'm still looking at LSD options but I think that'll need to wait till next spring? I'm thinking a new Gripper seems the best value.
I'm just off to the workshop to try and give the cars underside a thorough inspection. I know there's no corrosion but the underseal needs replacing in some areas. If I'm really going to daily drive the 02, I want to make sure it remains solid. I also want to try and improve on the headlights but without changing the units for modern alternatives. I do quite like the period rally look though, so might go for a pair of yellow cibié spots?
Well another month has passed by and we are still waiting on the billet inlet manifold to enable running the S54 throttle bodies. It might have been a little easier to have gone with the S50 ITB's as they match the port shape of the M44 but they're considerably more expensive. I could have also just gone with silicone hoses to mount them but given the time, effort and cash that's gone into the conversion I just wanted it to be right.
Were I able to have gone with an S14/2.3 swap I would have wanted to also fit a carbon air box to make the most of the ITB's and the induction noise. That said, I've had some custom stack made and it would be a shame to hide them away. The new wiring loom for the management is also finished so the "to do list" is significantly shorter.
I've also been thinking of swapping out the driver seat in favour of the Cobra RSR version. It has way more lateral support and certainly has the right aesthetic that I'm after. I'll leave the passenger seat as it is though. I'm also looking to upgrade the oil pressure and temperature gauges, along with water temperature. I don't have any concerns re future engine reliability whilst it's stock but eventually I'd like to fit more aggressive cams and port the head. All that's a way off yet but my goal is to have a 200+ brake, normally aspirated screamer in the 1602.
Were I able to have gone with an S14/2.3 swap I would have wanted to also fit a carbon air box to make the most of the ITB's and the induction noise. That said, I've had some custom stack made and it would be a shame to hide them away. The new wiring loom for the management is also finished so the "to do list" is significantly shorter.
I've also been thinking of swapping out the driver seat in favour of the Cobra RSR version. It has way more lateral support and certainly has the right aesthetic that I'm after. I'll leave the passenger seat as it is though. I'm also looking to upgrade the oil pressure and temperature gauges, along with water temperature. I don't have any concerns re future engine reliability whilst it's stock but eventually I'd like to fit more aggressive cams and port the head. All that's a way off yet but my goal is to have a 200+ brake, normally aspirated screamer in the 1602.
The plan is to hook up the DTA management and get the mapping done. Once it’s running properly we can start making it look nice. I want to crackle black the cam cover and try and keep it looking at least of period ish. It should sound pretty sweet too.
Apart from that we’ll also be replacing the water pump and cam chain tensioner for the sake of reliability.
Apart from that we’ll also be replacing the water pump and cam chain tensioner for the sake of reliability.
Well the injection and ITB's are all fitted now and I'm just waiting on some new injectors. The throttle pedal and linkage have been fabricated and we're not too far from being at a point where we can start the engine. As previously mentioned (I think) the plan is to get it all up and running before whipping it all back out again and making it look pretty. It's not being built for show but I still want it to look right!
Obviously the M44 is a much newer engine but I want to try and make it look more period correct with influence from the BMW M12 and Schnitzer twin cams of the 70's.
So I want this...
|https://thumbsnap.com/ScvgptQE[/url]
to resemble this...
[url]
Ditching the OE square plastic oil filler cap has certainly helped and after a couple of cycles in the dishwasher, I'll have a go with some satin black 'crackle finish' paint.
Obviously the M44 is a much newer engine but I want to try and make it look more period correct with influence from the BMW M12 and Schnitzer twin cams of the 70's.
So I want this...
|https://thumbsnap.com/ScvgptQE[/url]to resemble this...
[url]Ditching the OE square plastic oil filler cap has certainly helped and after a couple of cycles in the dishwasher, I'll have a go with some satin black 'crackle finish' paint.
I would sand/polish the ribs on the rocker cover if it were mine ...
I had a 1970 Lotus Elan with an alloy rocker cover; mine was the standard one but the Big Valve version had a crackle black finish with the ribs polished and they looked really good.
You could always try the polished look first and then paint it again if you don't like it !!
I had a 1970 Lotus Elan with an alloy rocker cover; mine was the standard one but the Big Valve version had a crackle black finish with the ribs polished and they looked really good.
You could always try the polished look first and then paint it again if you don't like it !!
Looks great. Have you thought about doing a 6-speed? The M40/2/4 share a bellhousing pattern with the 6cyl engines including the M54, meaning a late model (2004 onwards I think) E46 330i 6-speed ZF box (smaller and lighter than the Getrag used on the M3) would bolt on. Handy if you're using it daily as you will be able to stack close ratios without losing cruise rpms. I've been thinking about doing the same on my E36, would require a custom gearbox mount and a shortened prop but not much else.
Things are progressing, albeit slower than I had hoped, but I'm saving my pocket money for more shiny bits. The suspension is off now and I've actually sent the front struts away to have them converted to coilovers. Although this is mainly for the street, I do want the option of doing some track days so I figured 'in for a penny' etc. Who can resist shiny bits anyway?
I also opted to take a look at the diff' as it's well past its best after 48 years. I figured that doubling the original power might be a big ask of it, so opted to go all out with a new LSD. I've also been looking at boxing the rear trailing arms for strength and upgrading the mounting bushes. That said, I may just go with new OE ones as I don't want the ride to become too harsh. Mind you, I've also been looking at getting a rear cage so maybe I should just go full classic race car instead?
I'm still hoping that we can get all this done in time for the Goodwood Retro Rides event on 16/17th of May. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH-VTtS1m-0
I also opted to take a look at the diff' as it's well past its best after 48 years. I figured that doubling the original power might be a big ask of it, so opted to go all out with a new LSD. I've also been looking at boxing the rear trailing arms for strength and upgrading the mounting bushes. That said, I may just go with new OE ones as I don't want the ride to become too harsh. Mind you, I've also been looking at getting a rear cage so maybe I should just go full classic race car instead?
I'm still hoping that we can get all this done in time for the Goodwood Retro Rides event on 16/17th of May. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH-VTtS1m-0
Edited by 1602Mark on Friday 31st January 18:28
It's been a busy few weeks of getting shiny stuff lined up for the 02. I opted to replace the stock e36 radiator with a competition spec one and a separate alloy expansion tank. I also figured a new electric fan might be prudent, along with a 10 row oil cooler and sandwich plate adapter for the filter. The final part is an oil catch can, although I was thinking of getting a strut brace? Everything comes with a lifetime warranty which adds some of peace of mind.
With the front struts off and their being converted to coilovers the engine is also coming out, the subframes and cam cover went to powder coat. I had hoped to get the rear trailing arms 'boxed' for extra strength and replace the mounts for something firmer. That said, this is a car I want to use regularly and I don't want the ride to be too hard and crashy. It may be better to just fit new OE items instead, although it's not a job I want to have to repeat.
I also got some nice Cibie spots, as OE 02 headlights are bloody awful. I did find some new OE headlights but you snooze, you lose and someone else bought them instead. That said, I think there are some early Golf lights that will be persuaded to fit the BMW carriers. That said, I don't want too many new parts taking away from the original look of the 02. I love the way the car looks and it's only the mechanical stuff I want to drag into the 21st century.Mind you, although not an OE part on the 02's, I do like the look of the wing top air splitters pictured above. They're a bit pricey though.
I still need to decide what to do with the alloys? I know most people seem to junk the 13'' rims but I love them. Hopefully I can find some aftermarket 4 pot brake calipers to fit under them though, as tii ones are silly prices nowadays. I've been thinking of polishing the outer lips on the BBS and doing the centre spokes in a light, satin gold finish? I'm hoping ARM might have some slave rims I can borrow so that I can get them sorted, or at least sent off to be sorted.
I'm also searching for a second Britax race harness for the passenger side but the only one I can find is £275! That's a bit too rich for my pockets so I may buy a cheap black 3 point and some Britax patches? Then I'll just need to find some way of ageing it to match the original. Easier said than done I imagine.
https://www.driftworks.com/bmw-e30-e36-performance...
https://www.passionautofrance.com/collections/bmw-...
With the front struts off and their being converted to coilovers the engine is also coming out, the subframes and cam cover went to powder coat. I had hoped to get the rear trailing arms 'boxed' for extra strength and replace the mounts for something firmer. That said, this is a car I want to use regularly and I don't want the ride to be too hard and crashy. It may be better to just fit new OE items instead, although it's not a job I want to have to repeat.
I also got some nice Cibie spots, as OE 02 headlights are bloody awful. I did find some new OE headlights but you snooze, you lose and someone else bought them instead. That said, I think there are some early Golf lights that will be persuaded to fit the BMW carriers. That said, I don't want too many new parts taking away from the original look of the 02. I love the way the car looks and it's only the mechanical stuff I want to drag into the 21st century.Mind you, although not an OE part on the 02's, I do like the look of the wing top air splitters pictured above. They're a bit pricey though.
I still need to decide what to do with the alloys? I know most people seem to junk the 13'' rims but I love them. Hopefully I can find some aftermarket 4 pot brake calipers to fit under them though, as tii ones are silly prices nowadays. I've been thinking of polishing the outer lips on the BBS and doing the centre spokes in a light, satin gold finish? I'm hoping ARM might have some slave rims I can borrow so that I can get them sorted, or at least sent off to be sorted.
I'm also searching for a second Britax race harness for the passenger side but the only one I can find is £275! That's a bit too rich for my pockets so I may buy a cheap black 3 point and some Britax patches? Then I'll just need to find some way of ageing it to match the original. Easier said than done I imagine.
https://www.driftworks.com/bmw-e30-e36-performance...
https://www.passionautofrance.com/collections/bmw-...
If you mean the pics just above, unfortunately that's the Kooglewerks car and not mine. That said, mine isn't going to be far off as there are a few bits the same.
I'm hoping that there's a big box of shiny bits on a van heading to my house. The only thing is I'm at work so hoping the neighbour will take it in for me?!
I'm hoping that there's a big box of shiny bits on a van heading to my house. The only thing is I'm at work so hoping the neighbour will take it in for me?!
1602Mark said:
Managed to get a pair of Cibie Oscar from James at JFi Classics but still searching for a second, possibly slightly smaller, set. I'm not entirely sure how I intend mounting them yet either as I intend keeping the front bumber, whereas the car pictured has deleted it. I still need to find some new headlights too, as the chrome reflectors are pretty badly corroded in my originals. That said, 02 headlights are pretty woeful anyway so maybe I'll just rely on the spots for occasions where I actually need to illuminate where I'm going?The front struts are still off being converted to coilovers but I've decided to lose the crosspokes and go with some genuine Minilites instead. They're still 13's though, albeit a little wider at 6J. I now need some 185/60's to wrap them in.
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