Messages

1

Suspension / How to do the impossible - rear subframe mount

« on: November 11, 2007, 07:56:32 PM »

I had something similar happen with my 84 E30. Beating it out from the top with a long rod did not work at all. The angles are all wrong, and you are fighting the aluminum/steel corrosion problem. You need more torque/leverage.

Here is what I did. I bought a tap and tapped the inside of the bushing. It was  a big sucker. I screwed a bolt in from the bottom. Now you really have something to hit. Then I took a long rod and beat the sxxt out of it from on top. Chemistry aside, the 2 pieces finally let go.

Best of luck.

P.S. if you go back with the Powerflex urethane bushings, I noticed there is not enough "stack height". I had to have some washers made to take up the difference. My car is a track car, and I wanted it to have Zero movement.

In any case, use plenty of anti-sieze compound on the new pieces for the next guy that takes it apart.

2

Suspension / Coilovers?

« on: August 29, 2006, 09:36:01 PM »

I have the gound control setup on my 84 E30 318is supercharged. What a great setup. The conversion is relatively easy, but is not for the faint of heart. You do need a welder to attach the parts to your struts (front only). Rear is a drop in deal.I used 375 front/450 rear for the street. Really liked it. It is now a track car and I use 450/450, but feel I might be better off with 550/450. I do not use  a rear bar, and love the way it feels. The main reason for coil overs is to LOWER the car, but don't forget...you benefit wildly by corner weighting the car, and that can only be done with coil overs.

3

Suspension / Ground control data

« on: August 29, 2006, 09:27:58 PM »

I have an '84 E30 318is SUPERCHARGED, 160HP on the ground.  It was street driven with ground control springs 375 front/450 rear. I really liked it for the street. And yes, it was probably a little soft up front.  BUT, as many people have pointed out, as conditions change, so should your springs.  Not very practical on a street car.  My advise is to err on the side of soft.  I have since made the car a track car, and use 450/450 springs.  I am considering going to 550 in the front, but this may require me to re-install the rear swya bar. I do not use a rear bar on the 450/450 setup, and the car is REALLY hooked up, and yes it does roll a little bit. REMEMBER, err on the side of SOFT. It works in more situations than HARD does.  Good luck! STEVE