Messages

1

Suspension / Rear Suspension Limits

« on: May 16, 2014, 11:52:01 AM »

Someone mentioned that the rear suspension can't handle the power I'll be putting down with the engine swap I'm doing. This is the first time I've ever heard that the E30 trailing arm suspension is limited.

Is this the case? If so, can someone provide some links to threads/pages that help detail what can be done to upgrade it?

E30s wining at tracks all the time (and I don't mean heavily modded) seems to be counter to is argument. He made it sound as though so much power would twist the rear suspension or something.

2

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / Re: 1UZ Swap (w/ future SC)

« on: May 13, 2014, 09:16:44 AM »

That's a v8. They must weigh more than a m42.

The 1UZ is 390lbs. So probably a tad over the M42, as I can only find ~420 for the M42 with G240.
470 with all acc. (1uz), but I only plan on using the alternator, as I am with the M42.
It's an all alloy engine with Nikasil-lined sleeved cylinders. The weight is on par with LS1s. Only it's cheaper. If it's a bit over the M42, I'm fine with it. I took out all the AC crap, and the front end is noticeably higher than the rear. Hopefully, it'll sit back down where it used to be.
 

A g240 will not take that kind of abuse, not for long anyway.

Yeah, I wouldn't expect it to last too long. My 4th syncro was already half way out the door, so I figured it wouldn't matter. Then again, maybe keep it around to rebuild for whatever I put the M42 in.

Maybe g260 or g265. G260 is common but not 265 but there are also zf gearboxes from the e36 that will work.

I'll have to look in to it. I did find mention that the e36 M3 gearbox would work, but I think it was the equivalent of the W58.

Wolf 3d that's a blast from the past, don't think it will be to smooth with that v8 not enough memory/speed to handle all the throatle positions and cylinders and boost. It will work but not very smoothly!

Yeah I guess it's YMMV in this case, but I figure if it was used on 6-cylinder turbo Porsches back in the day that it should work fine on this. If it doesn't work out, I'll keep it around for whatever I land up putting the M42 in, and go with the latest MegaSquirt. I just didn't want to spend any additional money on an EMS.

3

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / 1UZ Swap (w/ future SC)

« on: May 12, 2014, 01:15:15 PM »

My cars been down for a while, for a number of reasons. I decided to pull the trigger on a Toyota 1UZ after seeing someone's thread on r3v. It's a 98 VVT-i, so 290 HP and 300 ft-lbs.

I picked one up of ebay for $1k. Should be here soon. I plan on taking the opportunity to replace the rods and pistons, so I don't have to do it when I put the SC on. Other rebuild stuff to make sure it's sound when I eventually get around to starting it all up.

Here's my problem: transmission.

The reason is I'm planning on buying a 2.3L Whipple SC. From most info online, provided internals are upgraded, it'll more than double power ratings. I want to plan out a gearbox swap now instead of blowing one up while driving, possibly limping home, and then finding a solution.

I've read plenty on people using the W58 for stock, and R154 for FI (both Toyota). The R154s are $$$ on ebay. rob_e30 found the limit of G240's being around 300. I guess I could use the current box I have in stock form until I decided to go with the SC. There's a company that rebuilds R154 so they are better than new with better syncros, micro polishing and other stuffs. But the rebuild requires a core, and the cost is $2800. That gets a clunky gearbox that can easily handle 600 ft-lbs. JCwhitney has some transmissions. The tremec TKO 600 is just about the cost of the R154 rebuild, but I still need to get a bellhousing and possibly adapter place fab'd up, so sourcing the R154 is the cost of the fab work.

Anyone else have ideas on a viable alternative? Are there any BMW gearboxes/transmissions that could be adapted? I liked the idea of going dual clutch, as some of them come with their own computer, but I never saw prices, so I'm wagering that it's probably going to be more than $10k. Should I look for certain make/year salvages to pull from (for dual clutch)?


I'll post pics up and do a bit of detailed build info as I go.

As for other stuff:

I have a Wolf3D from Wolf EMS sitting in my closet, so tuning the standalone and the regular bits that go with that (wideband). Need to plan on an exhaust, as I want it to sound goddamn sweet. Better than the fucking Mustang I saw on the road the other day.

The 1UZ used fluid filled mounts, too. I just don't know dimensions. I'll see about using the new ones I bought for the M42, as the engine is about the same weight. That was the main reason I went with the 1UZ instead of rebuilding the M42: more power but same weight. Just need to fab some brackets. Hopefully the engine has the mount brackets still on the engine. I wanted to see how close they line up.

I have no idea if it's a front, mid, or rear sump, as apparently the engine had different ones for the different vehicles it was in.

I'm contemplating smoothing out the engine bay and doing a wire tuck while everything is out. Currently in the process of cutting out the front support (radiator), as I'm replacing it. Looking in to doing a removable one, as it'll make things easier in the future.

Bought some Hella Euro smilelys couple weeks ago. Planning on using the FX-R projectors with bmwman91's adapters.

4

Exterior / Re: FX-R Projector Retrofit, Part II

« on: May 08, 2014, 10:59:59 AM »

I got hold of a set of Euro Hellas, so I'm definitely interested in getting some adapters. I remember in the other thread you posted some plastic ones you had made. I thought I'd post this if you hadn't seen it yet http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=321623

Dunno if they would work with the FX-Rs, but just food for thought. Maybe have him print the adapters?

5

Exterior / Re: FX-R Projector Retrofit, Part II

« on: April 22, 2014, 12:10:13 PM »

Do you know if the housing is the same as the Depo headlights?

If not, where is a good place to source the hella ones? I've been searching for a bit, and there are no new assemblies on ebay. There's a driver's side on amazon, but no passenger side.

6

Exterior / Re: My FX-R Projector Retrofit Thread

« on: October 09, 2013, 08:32:49 AM »

Frak. That is sexy. FYI, you can go to a autozone (or whatever near you), and they should have a combo DIY gasket kit. Big sheets of cork and rubberised material. They're almost the size of A4 paper. At least something to start with. Just make sure you have some sharp exacto or craft knives to cut them easly. Def look forward to the finished product.

7

Swaps, Turbos, Buildups / Buildup: My quest for NA 280 hp

« on: July 24, 2012, 10:45:15 AM »

what brakes are you putting on? the rx7 ones?

8

Engine management / Both CPS? at the same time?

« on: July 07, 2012, 12:50:34 PM »

just sharing my experience. a few years ago, I had a similar problem. I tried troubleshooting it for a weekend, but I didn't have time to finish. took it to a shop, and it even confuzzled him. he did eventually find out the problem. it was the main crank pully. if you look at it, the rubber vibration dampener is what holds the timing marks for the hall effect pickup for firing the injectors and iginition. the rubber had seperated and the "timing disc" had slipped, resulting in timing being completely off.

I'd go and see if the "timing disc" can be moved by hand, or if there is any play what-so-ever. also, he had to replace the sensor, as he said the disc breaking free smashed into the sensor. he even showed me the old pully. it was completely separated from the main pully. it blew me away. I just couldn't figure out how BMW engineers thought it would be a good idea. I was pissed and happy at the same time. I had my BMW back, but I was completely pissed off that BMW engineers could do something so stupid.

9

Engine + Driveline / Cracked My Thermostat Housing...Should Have Known Better [PICS Added 6/25/11]

« on: June 29, 2012, 03:42:48 PM »

Just to put my experience in there. I had to replace the thermostat a few years ago. I was working, and I couldn't wait for the gasket. I ran to autozone to buy gasket maker (or it was called something similar) meant for quick fixes for the thermostat housing. I cleaned everything up, squeezed that stuff onto the housing and bolted it up. I haven't had a leak or anything since. This must have been around 2007.

10

Suspension / Steering rack opinions

« on: April 25, 2012, 02:06:35 AM »

I stuffed in a rack from a 1997 Z3 1.9L. This is the one you want...2.7 turns L2L.

Where did you source your rack from, parts yard, or online?

11

Member Profiles / enildeR

« on: April 15, 2012, 02:38:51 PM »

Finally got around to putting the M3 steering wheel in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/enilder/6934451674/
I'm glad to say goodbye to the big, ugly, air bag steering wheel.

My right engine mount tab (on the sub frame) broke.  Need to run to a u-pull-it and get another front sub frame.

Bought the tuner motorsports mounting reinforcement kit for the engine and sway bar mounts. Going to get those in this month.
Going to replace all the bushings in the rear subframe.

Bought a new driveline and a slightly used rear end from Gooch on the forums. Going to put both those in soon. The rear end has been making a "whirring" noise ever since I bought the E30.

Thinking about going the route of replacing the timing case from the M44. Bigger oil pump, no more timing idler sprocket.

It also seems that the engine was drinking coolant. I'd have to top it off every once in a while, but I could never find a puddle under my car. Whether it was sitting for a while, or just after hard driving. I really hope it's not a cracked head. My guess is that the head gasket needs replacing. The mileage is at aronud 270k.

If I go the M44 timing case route, thinking it would be a good time to swap the timing assembly for the Metric Mechanic single row chain setup.

Looking to get the RX7 brakes going. I bought the brackets in a group buy in 2010. Never got around to sourcing the brake calipers. If anyone knows of someone selling the right set, let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to try and find them new from NAPA or something next week.

12

Engine + Driveline / Denso Iridium plug failure

« on: April 12, 2012, 11:26:07 AM »

Did you use the NGK iridium or other type of plug?

13

Engine + Driveline / M42 Vibrating

« on: March 02, 2012, 12:56:06 PM »

Oh. Welcome to the board, too! Just noticed that these were your first two posts. I used to live in Tustin. Man, I really miss Newport!

14

Engine + Driveline / M42 Vibrating

« on: March 02, 2012, 12:54:16 PM »

Was there a conclusion on this? Was it a bad motor mount or something else? Mine was doing the same thing. Although, it did not get worse for a while. It didn't get really bad until I made a very hard stop on the freeway because of stopped traffic. The hard stop pushed the motor, and as a consequence finally broke the motor mount tab. (It was previously only bent.) FYI, if it is a bad motor mount, you can pickup a front subframe from any other e30. They're all the same (I didn't know if they differed between motors, as some cars are like that).

...And if that is the case, and you do land up replacing the subframe, do yourself a favor and buy this reinforcement kit.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4079-e30-front-subframe-reinforcement-kit.aspx

15

Exterior / My FX-R Projector Retrofit Thread

« on: February 23, 2012, 12:29:25 PM »

just to be clear... the adapter is going to mate with the plastic housing with only epoxy/sealant? or are there going to be any screws?