Messages

1

General Topics / Phase 2 is comp

« on: October 03, 2009, 11:04:53 AM »

I just picked up the car last night from Greg. I sourced a rack from Fosters in the Oregon. The thing about improving parts of your car is that often it reveals short commings in other areas... I'll get to that in a little bit. My first impression is that this was worth every penny.  The car feels like it now can properly respond to what I'm doing to the throttle with the steering!  the car feels like as I slid the rear and compensate with steering that it doesnt take much effort to get it pointed.  A huge confidence inspiring change.  There is a bit of a vibration though so Greg will look into it after the driving school in 2 weekends...  now for the other areas.  With the Springs and shocks installed and the steering up to standards i can corner a lot faster, if I over do it I stay in the throttle let the rear come out and point the wheels where I want it to go and it does it.  BUT!!!  that means things come up a lot quicker,... things that require a person to slow down and that means Brakes!!!  currently when I depress the brakes i feel a shutter comming from the rear and honesty the brakes feel soft.  SO my next phase will have to be Brakes (pads and Rotors all around and steel lines for feel and some Dot 4 .  i would like to figure out how to bias the brakes more to the rear so i have some more research to do and also figure out if I want to remove the ABS system or just unplug the fuse.  The weight of the ABS stuff is probibly no more than 20-30 lbs and it will be a huge undertaking.  So I might keep it in for a little but I really need to have more braking effort in the rear to help induce slides. Since we are still figuring out the lightened flywheel situation, I'm going for exhaust to free a few more ponies and get rid of some weight.  Not sure if I want to go for a high flow cat and 2.25 or 2.5 in dia. tubing. so any suggestions will be appriciated.  
thanks for reading...
I'll keep ya posted...

2

General Topics / Phase 2

« on: October 01, 2009, 12:19:07 PM »

Currently I'm building a 1991 318is for rallycross/auto cross. The first phase was handling and traction. I sourced a set of bilsteins and HR springs (50406) I thought that these may be a little low but the ride height actually remaind almost the same as I had due to stock spring sag. Because the car will be used for both Rally cross and Auto X I can just slow for the rough parts during rallycross and get a good skid plate. For the first phase I also had a 4.10 LSD installed. Greg M (A local mechanic here in the Seattle Area) installed everything and accommodate for my busy schedule. Phase 2 is steering. So a E36 rack is being installed as I type, this is in work by Greg as well. Phase 3 will be a lightened flywheel and steel brake lines. Then the car will probibly go to Oregon for a proper skid plate at All Wheels Driven (http://www.allwheelsdriven.net/) in Bend. I've raced with Barrett for a few years now seen his work and trust that he'll come through. Not sure what to do about more power later... I just want to learn how to drive the car at first so I will see. Rally has taught me that reliability and car control ability usually should come before horse power...

My prior Rally cross car was a 1988 VW GTI so it should take a little getting used to. To make up for my lack of time behind the wheel in a RWD car (i had a Trans AM and a Mazda RX7 in highschool 25 years ago but since then all my cars have all been FWD's and Subaru's) to make up for that lack of seat time and to gain skill, I"m taking Paul Eklund's rally/rallycross school the weekend of 10th in Oregon. (http://www.get-primitive.com/) I've done this school in my VW and I saw a dramatic increase in my abilities after the class.


If anyone is interested in the build and results let me know. I dont see a ton of interest in Rally her on this forum so I want to make sure I'm not boring anyone.

Miller Dumaoal

also if you are interested in Rally here is out my team's Myspace page. a few good pics can be found
http://www.myspace.com/atl_motorsports

3

Electrical / ingnition wiring for push button start.

« on: September 17, 2009, 11:42:17 AM »

i'm looking for information on the wiring for my ignition so that I can use a momentary switch/button to start the car. i need to know what wires to put a switch to for accessories and running and what wires to connect for the start. From what I can see of the wiring diagram. the Red should go through a on off switch to Green for accessories and running.  The Red  should go through a momentary switch to the Black/yellow wire for start.  

for those curious I'm taking out the steering wheel lock and the ignition tumbler is toast.  since this will be a rally/cross/autoX sunday thrashing car. i'm not to concerned about having a key to start.
thanks for you help
Miller
this is for my 1991 318is

4

General Topics / locked ignition

« on: September 14, 2009, 07:49:35 AM »

I tried that.  i believe my lock cyl is stuck.  I tried the whole paperclip by the key thing and had no luck.  i just couldnt get it to pop free.  i'm having the car towed tonight and need to get either a locksmith or tow it to a BMW mech to get the darn thing out,  it sucks because I've been wrenching on cars for more thank 20 years and this thing has kicked my rear!  if anyone in the NW wants to try and free it up I'd pay ya for the help.  its pretty frustrating

5

General Topics / locked ignition

« on: September 12, 2009, 01:51:41 AM »

tonight I pulled into a guest parking stall. at my apartments and shut off the car, when I went back the key didnt turn all the way to start the car!! it goes to the first position the unlock the wheel but thats as far as it goes.  i cant go the the accessory position to roll up or down the windows.  it just chimes letting me know that I have a key in the ignition.  does anyone know whats happening?  i had to push the car into the neighbors stall.  i hope I dont get towed.  HELP!!!

6

General Topics / rally BMW

« on: August 25, 2009, 12:59:47 PM »

I'm not sure if anyone Rallies a BMW on this forum but I'd be interested to know if anyone does.
we have a team that does ok and I'd like to get mine in the dirt a bit more
here is our myspace page if your interested. mind you its not a BMW but I think its pretty cool.
Miller Dumaoal

http://www.myspace.com/atl_motorsports