Gerta318is

[monty23psk]

No problem, anytime. If you have other projects, let me know. I have done a lot to this car. Only thing I haven't done is paint the car or mount tires.

[Gerta318is]

Thanks, I think that I am going to do the brakes while I am at it ... one of the front lines is cracking.  I'm replacing the the front Right caliper with a brand new one too, along with UCC SS lines, ATE powerswirl front rotors/Pagid pads up front, brembo blanks/textar pads for the back.  

The wheels are all off so it makes sense to do it now.  

I also have a damnable powersteering leak from somewhere that I have to locate.  I curse the previous owner who did half ass crap to this car.

[Gerta318is]

So I've been steadily working on this brake refit as time allows.  I've had to overcome some issues that I created for myself with the SS brakelines and there have also been some issues that pre-existed my getting the car.  the first was a frozen and stripped screw holding one of the front brake rotors on.  I had to drill that puppy out ... thank god I was replacing the rotor and the new rear rotors have new set screws.  The passenger rear brake line is either cross threaded or the old rubber line broke off on the hardline. Got a call into a friend for some assistance.  

Because the line is loose yet f'd up ... the resevoir went dry, so now I think I am going to have to burp the ABS ...

[DesktopDave]

The list goes on, doesn't it?  At least you're fixing it all the right way.  I'll bet you can't wait to get her off the jacks, eh?

[Gerta318is]

So close Dave yet so far.  I really need it done this weekend so I can get 'er aligned, smogged, and then tabs.  It would be nice to drive the car once before the weather is to crappy to want to.  After a year in the garage she needs to be washed badly.

[Gerta318is]

Finally.  The car is resting on the ground after a little over a year on jackstands.  I need to put the front valance back on, realign the hood, and install the sunroof panel but the monster brake job and suspension work is finally done.  I had stripped one of my soft fittings and had to order a new line.  When the line came in I ran out of time (moving) so I flared the end of the line on the car and installed a fitting from the new line.  So far when I bled the brakes everything is holding up.

[DesktopDave]

That's a big day there...she's rolling on her own suspension!  Congratulations!

I had a fair amount of trouble lining up an e30 hood...they're cumbersome without a helper. I used a few towels on the rear quarters of the hood to slide it back & forth yet keep it from scratching the quarter panels.  I got it nearly perfect (but still managed to scratch the clearcoat).  I also discovered that lithium is an excellent grease for the hood pivot.  Great time to lube the hood release latch too.

I'll bet that was tough while moving; no way I'd have gotten anything done in a situation like that...once I had a parts car like that, on jacks in the garage while I pulled bits...that e30's ending wasn't as happy though...

[Gerta318is]

Dave - you ain't lyin'!  It was a ton of work.  All my tools, etc ... are at the old house.  Fortunately it's only a mile and a half from the new house so I can make an easy day of it when I work there.  I forgot that I need to install the new euro elips too ... So much to do before next E30 Picnic.

[Gerta318is]

Oh, and happy Thanksgiving ... if you are reading this then get off of the computer and spend some time with humans.

[DesktopDave]

LOL...not until 4pm EST...

Happy Xgiving to you (and yours) as well.

[Gerta318is]

So finally got around to installing the valance ... had to order one of the filler panels from Blunt, so I installed that too.  The car looks like she was meant to look.... installed the Hella Euro Elips and tried to get the sunroof panel lined up with the headliner panel.

[Gerta318is]

Update 4/1 - Engine has developed a leak of fresh oil ... hmmm.  It was leaking coolant too until I figured out the bleeder screw wasn't in far enough.  I just want to pull this engine and helicoil the shit out of it plus reseal every last seal ... It never ends.

So now I need M42Club help as I am thinking of doing that after I build up an engine to swap in there.  Here's what I am thinking:

The "plan" - acquire a cheap used motor and begin researching options for a rebuild. The ultimate goal is not " because racecar" or FI or even turbo.  My thoughts is a sports minded tourer and DD. No leaks, no squeaks, driveable. Initial thoughts on acquiring parts:

1. S52 Pistons
2. M44 Rods
3. S50 Main bearings
4. MM valves and behives
5. VW Lifters (or MM ones)
6. M47 crank (well I can dream)
7. MM Lightened flywheel
8. All new timing gears and gaskets (Blunttech)
9. COP kit - already have Rob e30 or HQMotorsport one

What I need to figure out is what machining costs and/or clean up I need and what the costs should be on that.  If you have some experience with this type of rebuild I'd love to hear what you think.

[Gerta318is]

So ... 1996 318ti M44 block fell into my lap.  Not literally but for a reasonable price (500 delivered to my door).  In talking to metric mechanic it seems like this might be the right way to go.  It has the crank, pistons, and connecting rods that I am looking for so this might be the next step.  Thoughts anyone on what I should be looking for?

[Gerta318is]

Bumping this up because I finally have the new engine in and running ... a couple of annoying things to resolve but I hope to post an update with links to pictures soon.

[DesktopDave]

I always look forward to your updates...so much going on down there!

Can't wait for the pics. I have a spare motor up here that has me thinking the same thing...unless it ends up in an E21...