Discussion
Over the past few years I've been fortunate enough to buy and sell a few E30 M3 but have finally been able to get a keeper. I know it won't be to everyones taste, as it is slightly more track focussed than stock, but it's still compliant enough to be used on the road.
As far as I know it was UK registered till about 6 years ago, when it went to the Republic of Ireland. It also spent some time at the Nurburgring where it was maintained by Black Falcon. (sounds like a brand of condom)
The suspension has been uprated with H&R and includes new ARB's, poly bushes etc. Being a later 215bhp model it now has a DTM airbox, which sounds awesome, Alpha N, AFR and Nology leads. It only makes about 232bhp but still goes pretty well. Currently runs staggered 17'' BBS although I'm thinking of swapping to Compomotove TH. The grip with the Dunlop is really good and makes for some great B road fun. The bodywork is all Evo spec' and I've just added a few touches like the AC Schnitzer mirrors and Bonrath single wiper. I've also fitted my own Ridgard seats which I plan to have recovered in alcantara when I replace the carpet. The cage is a Safety Devices item.
I've put a few hundred miles on it over the past few weeks since I flew over to collect it and I'm going to do a fluids and plugs change in a day or two, before heading up to Wales for next weekend. A few people I know, who also have a thing for older Bavarian tin, are going to head down from Betws-y-Coed on the Saturday morning and aim for Sunday lunch at JFi Classics in Brecon. I'll try and get some photos and hopefully remember to take my GoPro for some footage of the other cars, which will include various 2002tii and an Alpina replica 2002 race car, that also runs an s14 engine.
Anyway, a few pictures. Please excuse the poor quality i-phone pics.
The white M3 on the right runs an e39 M5 V8 with close to 500bhp.
As far as I know it was UK registered till about 6 years ago, when it went to the Republic of Ireland. It also spent some time at the Nurburgring where it was maintained by Black Falcon. (sounds like a brand of condom)
The suspension has been uprated with H&R and includes new ARB's, poly bushes etc. Being a later 215bhp model it now has a DTM airbox, which sounds awesome, Alpha N, AFR and Nology leads. It only makes about 232bhp but still goes pretty well. Currently runs staggered 17'' BBS although I'm thinking of swapping to Compomotove TH. The grip with the Dunlop is really good and makes for some great B road fun. The bodywork is all Evo spec' and I've just added a few touches like the AC Schnitzer mirrors and Bonrath single wiper. I've also fitted my own Ridgard seats which I plan to have recovered in alcantara when I replace the carpet. The cage is a Safety Devices item.
I've put a few hundred miles on it over the past few weeks since I flew over to collect it and I'm going to do a fluids and plugs change in a day or two, before heading up to Wales for next weekend. A few people I know, who also have a thing for older Bavarian tin, are going to head down from Betws-y-Coed on the Saturday morning and aim for Sunday lunch at JFi Classics in Brecon. I'll try and get some photos and hopefully remember to take my GoPro for some footage of the other cars, which will include various 2002tii and an Alpina replica 2002 race car, that also runs an s14 engine.
Anyway, a few pictures. Please excuse the poor quality i-phone pics.
The white M3 on the right runs an e39 M5 V8 with close to 500bhp.
Thanks - I am really happy with it and especially glad that it's a) good and solid and b) has been well looked after by previous owners. (I'm trying to locate Robert McKeon if anyone knows him?)
I've been pretty impressed with the Alpha N so far but am planning to get it looked at by Paul Sheppard up at Circuit Motors near Castle Combe. We've been chatting for a couple of years re my e21, but I know he's got a good reputation when it comes to s14. I need to get to grips with the AFR as it's all new to me and I'm not really sure what that digital display is telling me?!
I'll post a pic or two later but if anyone can offer some advice please feel free. I'd also like to get a dyno run sorted so that I can see exactly what's happening through the rev range, plus I have a sump baffle to go in before I do any track days.
I'll let you know next time I head over to Joe's although I'm not far away. I think it's about time he gave his some use! He told me it's 2 years since it last turned a wheel!
I've been pretty impressed with the Alpha N so far but am planning to get it looked at by Paul Sheppard up at Circuit Motors near Castle Combe. We've been chatting for a couple of years re my e21, but I know he's got a good reputation when it comes to s14. I need to get to grips with the AFR as it's all new to me and I'm not really sure what that digital display is telling me?!
I'll post a pic or two later but if anyone can offer some advice please feel free. I'd also like to get a dyno run sorted so that I can see exactly what's happening through the rev range, plus I have a sump baffle to go in before I do any track days. I'll let you know next time I head over to Joe's although I'm not far away. I think it's about time he gave his some use! He told me it's 2 years since it last turned a wheel!
mark.c said:
e21Mark said:
Thanks - I am really happy with it and especially glad that it's a) good and solid and b) has been well looked after by previous owners. (I'm trying to locate Robert McKeon if anyone knows him?)
I've been pretty impressed with the Alpha N so far but am planning to get it looked at by Paul Sheppard up at Circuit Motors near Castle Combe. We've been chatting for a couple of years re my e21, but I know he's got a good reputation when it comes to s14. I need to get to grips with the AFR as it's all new to me and I'm not really sure what that digital display is telling me?! I'll post a pic or two later but if anyone can offer some advice please feel free. I'd also like to get a dyno run sorted so that I can see exactly what's happening through the rev range, plus I have a sump baffle to go in before I do any track days.
I'll let you know next time I head over to Joe's although I'm not far away. I think it's about time he gave his some use! He told me it's 2 years since it last turned a wheel!
Have a smooch around on s14power if you haven't already, there are some really knowledgable guys on there who have been messing with alpha N for years. I have been playing with mine on the laptop, only mild adjustments so that I can always put it back, but have had a good chat with Paul Sheppard who took the time to answer my many questions. Truth be told, now that I've sorted a more suitable daily I intend to get the 320is up to him and have him work his magic. As far as I can tell the car has been mapped beautifully for WOT and not a lot else !!! Not ideal for going to work.I've been pretty impressed with the Alpha N so far but am planning to get it looked at by Paul Sheppard up at Circuit Motors near Castle Combe. We've been chatting for a couple of years re my e21, but I know he's got a good reputation when it comes to s14. I need to get to grips with the AFR as it's all new to me and I'm not really sure what that digital display is telling me?!
I'll post a pic or two later but if anyone can offer some advice please feel free. I'd also like to get a dyno run sorted so that I can see exactly what's happening through the rev range, plus I have a sump baffle to go in before I do any track days. I'll let you know next time I head over to Joe's although I'm not far away. I think it's about time he gave his some use! He told me it's 2 years since it last turned a wheel!
As for Joe, we really need to get on to him, he tells me the same, that he hasn't had time for any of his own cars. I'm only twenty mins away or if your ever over Helston way and fancy a brew.
I think I've been pretty fortunate with the mapping that Black Falcon did. It's got a tiny flat spot at about 2.5k revs but nothing too bad really and from 5k on it really starts to pull strongly. I did mail Black Falcon to see if they still had any dyno sheets but they seem to be busy with Porsche now and the language barrier hasn't helped. I think I'll just wait till Paul can take a look for me.
This is the AFR gauge I mentioned earlier. I really know very little about them, so if you or anyone else can offer advice, I'm all ears.
This is where we head next weekend.
chrisr29 said:
AFR = Air Fuel Ratio.
14.7 to 1 is the optimum. A higher number than that is lean and lower number richer.
Keep an eye on it if you do any mountain passes as it may not have barometric compensation if it's running purely alpha n.
You don't want to go lean on that engine whilst thrashing it up the Stelvio!
Thanks Chris. Do you know functions of the 2 buttons? 14.7 to 1 is the optimum. A higher number than that is lean and lower number richer.
Keep an eye on it if you do any mountain passes as it may not have barometric compensation if it's running purely alpha n.
You don't want to go lean on that engine whilst thrashing it up the Stelvio!
They're few and far between but have seen a couple for about £16k 
, although I've seen them up around £22-25k more recently too. Even project cars seem to be upwards of £10k but I've only seen one in the past year or so. I guess the problem with project cars is they break for so much more. Evo cars are silly money now and I know of one that made upwards of £60k recently. I do wonder how much better they are to drive than a lowly 215 brake model though? I'm not sure how much higher values will climb?
, although I've seen them up around £22-25k more recently too. Even project cars seem to be upwards of £10k but I've only seen one in the past year or so. I guess the problem with project cars is they break for so much more. Evo cars are silly money now and I know of one that made upwards of £60k recently. I do wonder how much better they are to drive than a lowly 215 brake model though? I'm not sure how much higher values will climb?chrisr29 said:
AFR = Air Fuel Ratio.
14.7 to 1 is the optimum. A higher number than that is lean and lower number richer.
Keep an eye on it if you do any mountain passes as it may not have barometric compensation if it's running purely alpha n.
Been watching today and seems pretty close to ideal of 14.7 most of time.14.7 to 1 is the optimum. A higher number than that is lean and lower number richer.
Keep an eye on it if you do any mountain passes as it may not have barometric compensation if it's running purely alpha n.
Edited by e21Mark on Tuesday 15th July 12:40
Thanks guys, I'll put an email together after the weekend.
Changed plug leads this afternoon and adjusted throttle cable. Found a couple of nice Cornish roads for a road test to stretch its legs a little and the slight hesitation I had has gone.
Popped into Rally Prep for a catch up and to see the M3 I sold Monkey Harris. He was out at the Nicky Grist stages but sadly things didn't go to plan. It's a great car though.
Sorted out camera mounts for Wales but still need another SD card.
Checked the tyre tread while I was there. They're pretty big at 245/45x17's on the rear. I thinking of replacing the BBS with Compomotive TH soon though. (If anyone is interested in the BBS just shout)
Also have a new dash display I'm thinking of fitting.
Changed plug leads this afternoon and adjusted throttle cable. Found a couple of nice Cornish roads for a road test to stretch its legs a little and the slight hesitation I had has gone.
Popped into Rally Prep for a catch up and to see the M3 I sold Monkey Harris. He was out at the Nicky Grist stages but sadly things didn't go to plan. It's a great car though.
Sorted out camera mounts for Wales but still need another SD card.
Checked the tyre tread while I was there. They're pretty big at 245/45x17's on the rear. I thinking of replacing the BBS with Compomotive TH soon though. (If anyone is interested in the BBS just shout)
Also have a new dash display I'm thinking of fitting.
Sline said:
Perfect! Awesome car and must sound ever better with that airbox.
Just a teaser of the airbox from yesterday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUYbY-wpSN4&fe...
I've got a set of Magnecor in the boot, just in case the Nology leads fail me. I bought the Nology leads from the states (they weren't very expensive so if they fail I won't be too concerned) because I remembered reading an article in Performance BMW magazine, where they did back to back dyno runs. I thought the thinking behind the individual earths made sense but am quite willing to believe it's all smoke and mirrors.
I have every faith in Nigel and his opinion but I don't see why BMW leads can't be at least equalled by other manufacturers. Some people on e30zone just refuse to believe that anything BMW did can be bettered by anyone else. Anyway, I'll be keeping a close eye on how these leads perform.
Are these the same as the OE Evo leads?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3061-evo-iii-sty...
Going up to Rally Prep in the morning, to do an oil and filter change. (Shell HX7) I may do the plugs too, although they should just need checking as less than 1200 miles since a pretty extensive service.
I have every faith in Nigel and his opinion but I don't see why BMW leads can't be at least equalled by other manufacturers. Some people on e30zone just refuse to believe that anything BMW did can be bettered by anyone else. Anyway, I'll be keeping a close eye on how these leads perform.
Are these the same as the OE Evo leads?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3061-evo-iii-sty...
Going up to Rally Prep in the morning, to do an oil and filter change. (Shell HX7) I may do the plugs too, although they should just need checking as less than 1200 miles since a pretty extensive service.
I was actually on my way back up to Rally Prep www.rallyprep.co.uk where we changed the oil and filter. The old oil was still pretty clean but I know it's a good few months old. While we were at it we whipped out the spark plugs and they actually looked pretty healthy too. The mixture is obviously spot-on as the plugs were beige, although the gauge had already confirmed that much anyway. We replaced the Iridium plugs with regular NGK though, as the Iridium will often foul. Finally we checked brake pads, coolant etc and I just have tyre pressures to do tomorrow morning, before I head off to Brecon.
Am thinking of changing the brake pads (whilst I save for an AP big brake conversion) as the current pads just give off so much dust. They work OK and don't squeal too badly but I've always thought Hawk pads were really good for the money. They transformed by old 325i, which ran Wilwood 4 pot callipers. Has anyone else tried them on the M3?
Am just hoping we don't see too much rain this coming weekend.
Am thinking of changing the brake pads (whilst I save for an AP big brake conversion) as the current pads just give off so much dust. They work OK and don't squeal too badly but I've always thought Hawk pads were really good for the money. They transformed by old 325i, which ran Wilwood 4 pot callipers. Has anyone else tried them on the M3?
Am just hoping we don't see too much rain this coming weekend.
Well 460 miles via Brecon and just landed at BnB. 4 2002's for company and others joining us in the morning.
Journey was pretty uneventful save for some tit in a Passat estate who overtook anything in his path, whether it was safe to do so or not. About 25 miles from journey's end the bloody headlight bulbs failed. Odd that they both went but meant sidelights only, with pals in front and behind. After so many hours driving it was a hassle I could have done without. Hopefully I can find some new bulbs tomorrow or swap my main beam bulbs across instead? Apart from that though, the car was faultless and sounded awesome on the mountain roads.
Anyway, off to bed and hoping it stays dry tomorrow.
Journey was pretty uneventful save for some tit in a Passat estate who overtook anything in his path, whether it was safe to do so or not. About 25 miles from journey's end the bloody headlight bulbs failed. Odd that they both went but meant sidelights only, with pals in front and behind. After so many hours driving it was a hassle I could have done without. Hopefully I can find some new bulbs tomorrow or swap my main beam bulbs across instead? Apart from that though, the car was faultless and sounded awesome on the mountain roads.
Anyway, off to bed and hoping it stays dry tomorrow.
Fantastic weekend in Wales. Staying in Brecon tonight and head home tomorrow.
A quick taster of the weekend.
http://youtu.be/5jqogfgHHPU
A quick taster of the weekend.
http://youtu.be/5jqogfgHHPU
Fantastic weekend in Wales. Staying in Brecon tonight and head home tomorrow.
A quick taster of the days events.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5jqogfgHHPU
A quick taster of the days events.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5jqogfgHHPU
Edited by e21Mark on Monday 21st July 00:13
Was planning to go and watch some rallying locally last Sunday, but the journey up was cut short thanks to a front offside puncture. A new spare wheel was one of those jobs I'd pushed to the back of my mind, so I was duly punished with a 90 minute wait for the RAC. Mr RAC did his best to locate a new 235/40r17 but they're not exactly plentiful in Cornwall on a Sunday afternoon. I'd already rung around myself but he was determined to prove me wrong. Anyway, with a 3 hour wait for a low loader I persuaded him to use his multi-fit spare and follow me the 2 miles home. I then ordered a pair of Toyo R1R at £90 each inc delivery. I'm told they are the same compound as r888's but with better wet weather grip. I've only done about 20 miles on them so far, so all I can tell you for certain, is they're black and round.
A few days earlier I went up to Rally Prep where they kindly hooked me up with another Bonrath wiper conversion. They really helped me out and I'm extremely grateful as I would have had to re fit all the OE linkage etc, only to remove it again when the new kit arrived from the states. Yes, I could have just stuck with 2 wipers, but where's the fun in that?
You know you're in the right place when you look around and see some of the other metal laying around.
Monkey Harris' weekend office.
I'm also thinking of uprating the front brakes to Tarox 6 pots combined with a bias pedal box?
Next job though, is to check the geometry and wheel alignment after Wales.
Another client of RP drives this green number, with what equates to about 500bhp per ton thanks to its 900kg kerb weight! Slow it most certainly isn't but it's owner is 74! Brilliant! 8)
A few days earlier I went up to Rally Prep where they kindly hooked me up with another Bonrath wiper conversion. They really helped me out and I'm extremely grateful as I would have had to re fit all the OE linkage etc, only to remove it again when the new kit arrived from the states. Yes, I could have just stuck with 2 wipers, but where's the fun in that?
You know you're in the right place when you look around and see some of the other metal laying around.
Monkey Harris' weekend office.
I'm also thinking of uprating the front brakes to Tarox 6 pots combined with a bias pedal box?
Next job though, is to check the geometry and wheel alignment after Wales.
Another client of RP drives this green number, with what equates to about 500bhp per ton thanks to its 900kg kerb weight! Slow it most certainly isn't but it's owner is 74! Brilliant! 8)
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