Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / Noise - Goes away when softly applying handbrake

« on: June 29, 2009, 02:32:38 PM »

Noise varies from a rotational "whooshing" sound to a rotational clicking sound.  Noise level varies masively too.  Quite possible that somethings rattled it's way loose in there, i'll pop the disc off once the current heat wave passes and take a look!  Hopefuly it is something simple... the car's had a lot of work over the past six months with a 'ring trip, dyno run and plenty of inappropriate driving in between so could be a number of things

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Engine + Driveline / Noise - Goes away when softly applying handbrake

« on: June 28, 2009, 03:44:06 PM »

I've just been on the Dyno and since doing so have developed a noise - Goes away when softly applying handbrake (just ever so slightly pull it up from the floor).

Any ideas anyone?  Obvious thought - handbrake shoes.

3

Suspension / Billy's VS Koni

« on: June 24, 2009, 05:24:57 AM »

If I were to contemplate doing a custom coilover conversion I'd most likely do this myself.  A mate recently did a conversion on a 1st Gen RX7 which went well.  I'm not keen on running coilovers at the front and not at the rear, and am not convinced I could create a coilover that would fit the rear.  Had a look at some GAZ coilovers, they do coilover for the front and then damper and spring for the rear with adjustable spring seats.  The explanation GAZ gave for this was that the construction of the rear turrets is not strong enough to take a conventional coilover.

4

Suspension / identify this shock please

« on: June 22, 2009, 01:23:44 PM »

yeah got the same on my 318is e30 at the mo

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Suspension / Anyone have experience of Nitron shocks?

« on: June 22, 2009, 01:21:39 PM »

will certainly keep you up to date... I've also got a Nitron on my Suzuki Bandit 1200 'fighter.  It has a spherical top mount, done 20k miles so far and no issues... not with the mount or the shock and it totally revolutionised the bike!

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Suspension / Billy's VS Koni

« on: June 22, 2009, 01:18:53 PM »

Well in the price bracket I can afford adjustment comes in only one form - combined/compression only.  The Koni adjustables really adjust rebound and due to the method used also has a mild effect on bound damping, from what I'm told not really enough to notice.

I've experienced Koni's in other cars, often found them a bit too stiff on the bound for UK roads but this is primarily my track car.  Am willing to trade adjustability at this price point if the B12s are in some way a better all round shock.

All I have to say is it's a shame Tein don't do a set of coilovers for the little bimmer!

7

Suspension / Anyone have experience of Nitron shocks?

« on: June 21, 2009, 02:10:10 PM »

We're running a set on an RX7 racer, will let you know how we get on with the mounts... not had any issues yet!

8

Suspension / Billy's VS Koni

« on: June 21, 2009, 07:54:26 AM »

So... finally after a long wait I have the readies to get the suspension sorted out!

I've whittled it down to the following choices and would now like to get everyone's opinions.

Billstein B12
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=3831160

Koni SSK
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=15258369

I'll also be replacing bottom arms with stock new arms/bsushes.  Bottom arm rear bushes with polly M3 offset bushes, and front strut top mounts either with new stock or camber adjustment plates (rear's are new already... open to options on camber adjustment plates).

Would like to know if anyone has experience with either the B12s or the SSKs and how you found the following:

1. General ride
2. Compression damping
3. Rebound damping
4. Corner entry
5. Corner exit
6. In corner stability
7. Braking control
8. Acceleration squat

Cheers!!

9

Suspension / Anyone have experience of Nitron shocks?

« on: June 19, 2009, 04:07:52 PM »

yeah she made it!  was an excellent trip... how'd yours go?  where in bristol are you... i'm over near bath

10

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / E30guydownunder's Track car build.

« on: June 04, 2009, 04:02:52 PM »

mate that is stonking, nice job!

I'm on phase 2 now... fixing stuff i didn't have time to fix before nurburg!

11

Engine + Driveline / Gbox and Diff Oil

« on: May 17, 2009, 12:42:17 PM »

Afternoon all!

I'm about to undertake replacing the drivetrain fluids... problem is I have no idea what fluids to use.  Having taken a look underneath there are no lables (green or orange) with the fluid types on.  I have a UK spec 1991 E30 318IS with an open rear diff.

Open to suggestions with supporting arguments!

Car is my track day thrash machine so gets some real abuse.  Here's what I've found so far:

Diff Oil:
75w90

Gearbox oil:
BMW Green label (SHC 630) Max-Gear 75W90

BMW Red label (DEXRON III) Synchromax

BMW no label (80W GL-4) SAE 30

12

Engine management / AC Schnitzer Chip

« on: April 22, 2009, 01:55:56 PM »

Just came across these too (I'm keeping any eye on what "rubbish" appears on ebay)... anyone know about them?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E30-318is-E36-318is-M42B18-chip-163HP-202NM_W0QQitemZ140316036583QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item140316036583&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

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Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / 9 Weeks to Build a E30 318IS Track Car - Nurburgring 12th April 09

« on: April 17, 2009, 12:08:26 PM »

Absolutely stonking weekend... 18 absolute flat out laps of the Nurburgring (six being mine), 1200 miles there and back and the car was completely flawless.

There's just a million things I could type about the weekend but best to go watch the vids... including String's 9.43 lap!!  WITH AN OFF!

http://www.youtube.com/user/vitamingrin1

14

Engine management / Mark D EAT Chip SALE!!!

« on: April 10, 2009, 04:47:12 PM »

Hey guys in the UK we have 95 RON fuel standard and it's also common for 98 RON, even 99 RON (in Shell stations only) to be available.

I believe the AC Schnitzer chip takes advantage of 95 RON fuel, but I've not come across anything for 98 RON (we call it super over here).  Anyone have any info on chips suitable for 98?

15

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / 9 Weeks to Build a E30 318IS Track Car - Nurburgring 12th April 09

« on: April 07, 2009, 05:55:42 PM »

So good news tonight!  The new adjustable FPR seems to have done the job and given me correct AFRs

So now it's a quick trip to BMW tomorrow for a code reading session (given up on trying to get mine to work), replace a bu**ered track rod end, tracking then service Stu's 350z.

The 3rd gen RX7 is now running, rumour has it the 1st gen is running too, thr 944 now has an MOT and the m42 seems good to go!

My word sounds like an adventure