Messages

1

How-To's / DIY Short shifter (P/N's, prices, step by step)

« on: November 03, 2008, 03:23:07 AM »

I just installed a Z4 2.5L shifter. In a side by side comparison with the stock 318is shifter, the Z4 shifter doesn't look that much shorter. The top portion is probably less than an inch shorter, while the lower portion was slightly shorter. After installation, the Z4 shifter, again, looked slight shorter but the throws were definitely shorter but slightly more notchy than the original.

I was hoping for a much shorter length as depicted in the pictures. Anyone share the same thoughts?

2

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / S14 swap

« on: November 03, 2008, 12:35:28 AM »

I'm researching the details about swapping a S14 into my 318is. I tried a search on this forum but found nothing. Any thoughts?

My M42 is running super solid and has very low miles. The AC still works and everything else. I'd hate to swap in a S14 and lose some of that reliability and cold air.

3

Engine + Driveline / S14 $1000: Should I?

« on: October 19, 2008, 07:23:29 PM »

There is someone locally that is selling an S14 motor/trans/ecu/wires for $1000. It has about 130K miles and the maintenance on it is questionable.

Is this a fair price?

4

Engine + Driveline / Changing valve cover gasket

« on: October 12, 2008, 04:57:55 AM »

I just completed the job but had a question:

Are there any consequences to overtightening the valve cover bolts? I don't know the torque specs on the bolts so I tightened it until it was quite snug. The valve cover gasket "bulges" a bit and I don't know if that's normal.

5

How-To's / DIY Installing a $25 Keyless Entry System

« on: October 09, 2008, 03:11:53 AM »

Thanks for the tips everyone. I left the trunk deadbolt as-is because I don't think I'd ever deadbolt it anyways.

The install was super easy - 4 wires total. I took longer making the wiring look nice than it took actually installing the unit.

I bought my keyless unit from tintnelectronics on ebay and had a good experience.

6

How-To's / DIY Installing a $25 Keyless Entry System

« on: October 09, 2008, 12:40:48 AM »

This is interesting. Can you explain why would you want to deadbolt the trunk and clarify how you made the connection to the "lock" wire? Thanks!

I installed a keyless entry device in the trunk as described above. It worked great. However, I found that I could no longer deadbolt my trunk using the trunk lock. When I deadbolt my trunk, the trunk lock would keep the "lock" wire (green/black) grounded. The central lock controller would then ignore any input from both the "lock" and "unlock" wire coming from the trunk. That means the keyless remote can no longer lock/unlock the doors/trunk.  (It still accept inputs from the lock/unlock wires from the doors. Thus central lock still works if you use the key on the doors.)

My solution is to permanently cut the trunk "lock" wire from the trunk lock. The cut is made between the point where I tapped into it and the point where it connects to the trunk lock. (i.e. after the cut, the trunk "lock" wire is then only connected to the output of my keyless  entry device).  I did not have to cut the "unlock" wire.

I can now deadbolt my trunk and can use my remote to lock and unlock my doors. If my trunk is not deadbolted, then the remote will lock/unlock my the doors as well as the trunk.

Note: only do this if at least one of your doors can be locked/unlocked with the key, that way you know you can still lock/unlock your car with the key when your remote stops working.

7

Engine + Driveline / Changing valve cover gasket

« on: October 08, 2008, 12:49:25 AM »

You only need to put some sealant on the half moons at the rear of the head. Put the sealant on the actual head surface, not the gasket. And you don't need to lube the gasket either. Only do this for "o" rings.

Thanks very much

8

Engine + Driveline / Changing valve cover gasket

« on: October 07, 2008, 03:00:19 AM »

I did a search but the words valve, cover, gasket came back with too many useless results. I bet someone here can answer me in less than 30 seconds.

When installing a new valve cover gasket, do I need to dap silicone sealant around the cover? Do I need to lube up the rubber gasket with some oil?

I changed the gaskets on other cars but it's been a long time ago. Thanks!