After nearly 14 months she's back where she is meant to be, in the high school parking lot. Got her off the jack stands last night and took her for a maiden voyage. I've got to give the brakes another bleed, but other than that I'd say this project was a 100% success.
Hits: We haven't gotten on it yet but even at partial throttle it pulls harder than full throttle did before, much harder.
She was tired at 230,000 miles. I don't know what kind of power it was making before the rebuild. Based on a top gear episode where they dyno'd some aging, neglected super cars I'd guess well under 100hp for sure.
Put on ST lowering springs off ebay and Bilsteins. What a difference! Not slammed but just right IMO. The lowness is a little shocking but I'm comparing it to what I became use to which was sitting a foot in the air on jack stands.
The UUC SSK with DSSR is really nice. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do, but it is fantastic. Rob and his team were a pleasure to deal with. For future surfers, the UUC clutch kit is a no go on an E30 M42, unless as Nick said, you're willing to do some major driveline customization.
The Luke Box, popular over @ R3V, is killer. We installed before but I forgot how great the sound system sounds. Not boomy craptastic but just really nice.
We drove till dark last night and I forgot how good the Cibie CSR's are. By far better then any other vehicle I've been in, including anything with HID's. I don't think they are available anymore but if you ever come across them grab them. They are gold.
No oil or coolant leaks
The 4.27 diff seems nice. We haven't had it on the freeway yet so the jury is still out, but this coupled with the increase in torque makes the car a lot of fun.
Power steering delete. Kind of a pain till you get rolling but nice other wise and a major leak source eliminated.
Miss: In a moment of boredom many months ago we plastidipped the Ronal LS's in white.
As they sat waiting to go on we came to the decision that it would look like Johnny D'bag's car like that. Nevertheless, I threw them on just to get it on the road and well, I guess I may be a D'bag cause I think they look pretty good. White plastidip on wheels blows because they show dirt like crazy and are impossible to clean so Bryce will probably be peeling dip this weekend.
Still to do: Need a tune but seems to run well on the chip Korman burned for the cams. I know "seems" is not a good standard to use. Just need to decide what route I want to go.
Need to install the skid plate as I could see that getting some use.
Transmission is weeping at the case joint (whatever it's called). If I get that sorted could it be I have a leak free M42? That would be something.
Blackstone Labs is local so I plan on getting engine oil analysis done. I've never done that before so should be interesting.
Body work or probably a better way to go a clean shell swap.
Many thanks to all of you for your help and advice. Warsteiner, Wazzu70 and Kelflaman especially. I owe you guys dinner at the very least and although we'll probably never meet, I feel it's important to point out that I feel like I gained some friends though this process, a sincere thank you. Ray Korman @ Autoworks for the great bench racing talks, wise advice and awesome head work. C&P Machine here in Fort Wayne for the block work, assembly help, and the patience they showed dealing with my endless idiotic questions. Metric Mechanic for the crank keyway. Scott @ Jim's Auto in Grabill for the encouragement and loan out of numerous tools to get the job done. Steve at Top End Performance for the rods and pistons. (Okay, cue music and get him off the stage)
