Got our new Project E30!

[MikekiM]

Finally got the new project E30 to the shop.
Plans are for a S14 (E30M3) engine swap, 5-lug conversion, and a bunch of other goodies! Our goal is to turn this into our weekend track car. Stay tuned as the project continues..

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5266.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5271.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5274.jpg

[huitzi]

congrants!!! and keep us updated, im sure soon itll be a sweet car:tup:

[RavinJetta]

Can't wait to see the updates on this project

[v2rocket]

oh god those are so sexy

[bugzy]

cars clean !! cant wait to see it in action

[MikekiM]

Just to update...
Started a little of the body work, got the fender pounded and smoothed out.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5286.jpg

Started stripping out the interior so we can pull the A/C, carpet, and prep for the new S14 wiring harness.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5292.jpg

Motor's coming in this weekend, hoping to have have the M42 out by the weekend so next week we can clean up the car, reinforce the subframe, and prep to put the S14 in the following weekend!

More details to follow.

[Paul]

awesome Mike! looking good.

[Tom (aka Godzilla)]

I wanna come play.

[SYNYSTAGLI]

I can swing hammers too ;) call me if ya need a lil help on the weekends.

[chris]

I bet that's gonna be one Sik ride when you're done :tup:

[MikekiM]

I'm working on it Sat and probably Sun this week, feel free to swing by if you want.

[cynicalgeek]

You doing any work on the S14 or just keeping it stock?

[MikekiM]

We're going to keep it stock for now. It was rebuilt last year, so it should be good for a while. Plus I think we're going to keep the money and put it towards a CF hood, trunk, fender flares, and the 5-lug conversion.

[Bimmer Pilot]

Out of curiosity, why the s14 swap over an s50 or s52?

[cynicalgeek]

The S14 is a lot lighter which equates to better handling on the track.

Mike, you plan on changing to the aluminum control arms? If you can get a deal on them, let me know... I could use two sets of them. ;)

Might want to look into putting an e36 steering rack in it too...

[MikekiM]

Out of curiosity, why the s14 swap over an s50 or s52?
Yeah, as Dan said the weight is a big issue. Plus the S14 really likes operating at higher revs, great for a track motor.
And finally it's virtually free, so can't turn that part down.

[MikekiM]

Mike, you plan on changing to the aluminum control arms? If you can get a deal on them, let me know... I could use two sets of them. ;)

Might want to look into putting an e36 steering rack in it too...
We're going to work on the suspension a little later. We'll probably overhaul it completely new bushings, and the 5-lug conversion. I think that'll be a little later, probably around the first of the year. Doesn't it already come with ALuminum arms? I hadn't checked yet.

We were tossing the idea around on the faster steering ratio of the E36. Any idea how hard it's to change with the motor in there?

I know the E36 rack fits in the E30m3, do you know if it's the same column on the 318is, since it has an airbag?

[cynicalgeek]

We're going to work on the suspension a little later. We'll probably overhaul it completely new bushings, and the 5-lug conversion. I think that'll be a little later, probably around the first of the year. Doesn't it already come with ALuminum arms? I hadn't checked yet.

We were tossing the idea around on the faster steering ratio of the E36. Any idea how hard it's to change with the motor in there?

I know the E36 rack fits in the E30m3, do you know if it's the same column on the 318is, since it has an airbag?
No, the aluminum control arms are an e30 M3 part. That's what I'll be using on my 325is and the M3, but they're expensive. In both cases, I don't feel like dealing with control arm bushings, so I'll be using the Treehouse eyeball arms. Bimmerworld sells them now. In the case of the e30, the eyeball arms clear the e36 exhaust that I'll be putting on it. Not sure if you'll be able to use them, depending on your class.

My understanding on the steering rack is that it's a fairly easy swap on all e30s. Sorry, I don't know much more than that - I've thrown the idea around but haven't thoroughly researched it yet. I know Zionsville sells a turnkey kit for $450-600, depending on how many turns lock-to-lock that you want. Depending on what I learn and what I can find, I might just go that route.

[MikekiM]

Bummer, someone told me they added the alum arms on all E30's starting in 1990. Looks like mine are the cast ones as well.

I saw the Zionsville kit, and it's nice they don't charge a core exchange on the rack, only the joint parts. I'll probably give 'em a call on Tuesday, it's nice to swap it out with the subframe out completely. Sure is much easier.

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Just got back from Mikes shop..he's pretty much gutted the ride and is unbolting the driveshaft right now......gonna see about going back if the wifey lets me. I bought some San Miguels dark and some other good stuff for some work he did for me a while back...I don't think anyones even touched those 12ers.....yet;)

[Cicada]

hot.

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Just got back from Mikes shop again, didn't really hit the beers like I thought I would. We got the motor out...now the fun stuff ;)

[mike]

Nice car, pretty rare and in stock form out handle the M20. I'm too far to help but have access to all the factory manuals for E30 and S14 if you need any info PM me

[MikekiM]

Just a quick update. With Manny's help we got the motor out. No major hiccups. The steering column was a little stubborn, but once we got that out we were home free.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5298.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5300.jpg
BAAAAD
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5306.jpg
GOOOOD
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5305.jpg

[ncttrnl]

Awww man... I wish I knew you guys were working on this. I probably could have cruised up to help for a bit.

There is a joke in here somewhere but... I seem to have a natural talent for taking cars apart. Putting them back together is where I run into issues.

[cynicalgeek]

Awesome work guys.

Tony, um yeah, I won't touch that one... ;)

[v2rocket]

omg the s14! i covet that engine!!!!

[MikekiM]

Just another quick update.

Spent the weekend cleaning the S14, tranny, engine bay. Pulling a lot of the sound damping panels, and just cleaning up the inside.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5347.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5348.jpg

We got the subframe reinforced partially, and the motor is now in! Using new 740il motor mounts we got the motor seated back about 1/4" and lower 1/4". Fits perfect.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5344.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5346.jpg

We don't have the tranny in yet, so the motor is being held in place with some bungy cords, just to prevent it from rocking around. It's only supported by 2 engine mounts right now, and it isn't very stable.

Next week is a big week. We've got the entire front suspension coming together.
H&R RSS Coilovers, Delrin offset control arm bushings, new TRE's and ball joints, strut bearings, and the full 5-lug conversion in front.

Stay tuned for more updates!

[ReNNeN.CaRL]

GL on this project Mike.

[scottn2retro]

What's the final objective for the project? Race car?

[MikekiM]

Just a car we can take to weekend track events, driving schools and such.
We won't be racing with it.

[MikekiM]

Finally got much of the front suspension in.
Stock cast iron control arms, all new ball joints pressed in, and new delrin offset control arm bushings.. (Can you say vvviiibbbrraattiooonn)

Had new tie rod ends put on, and new dust boots for the steering rack as well.

Only waiting for some lower knuckle pieces to come in, then we'll have the entire front suspension ready to go back in.

Got the driveshaft and tranny in this weekend as well.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5363.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5365.jpg

[MikekiM]

Couple more pics from more modding.

Plugged the heater core coolant lines.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5378.jpg
And the return from the heater core
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5375.jpg
And the money shot with the new coilovers in.
H&R RSS with a 629lb/in front spring rate. :)
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5380.jpg

[ReNNeN.CaRL]

looks good.

[DTMGTI06]

This project looks sick Mike...Will I get to see it this weekend When I am out there >>>>That would be sick....GL !!!:tup:

[D2A4]

Holly batman, nice H&R. How much are they? I want one set for my M3.
Ryan

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Nice work!!!

[MikekiM]

Another quick update.
Got the car running! But turns out the oil cooler we got has a leak, so off to wait until we get another one.

Got our Odyssey battery all mounted. 23lbs vs 34lbs for the Die Hard that was in there.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5801.jpg

We installed an oil filter relocation kit. If you've ever seen the oil filter location on these guys, you know what I'm talking about. Changing that filter sucks big time.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5803.jpg

Put in a new throttle cable. Thanks Jake!
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5804.jpg

E36 M3 front brakes ready to go in.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5806.jpg

And all the sound deadening crap is pulled out.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5808.jpg

Last, we need to pull some more wiring harness out. Need to finish up our rear brakes, then we should have thing rolling again, off to have a roll bar setup put in.

[addicted2thevr6]

this thread is amazing, i am jealous

[MikekiM]

And a few more updates from the weekend.

Got the E36M3 front brakes on along with the E46 17" wheels. Starting to look pretty good! We're gonna need about another 10mm of spacer up front to fill out the wells with the new fender flares. Tires are sitting a touch too close to the struts as well.


http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5812.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5815.jpg

[xXJakeXx]

awesome work guys. :tup:

[krakkaNW]

awesome car and project

[MikekiM]

More updates from the week coming fast and furious.

Glass is all out, just a little prep to start some body work.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5840.jpg

Door is out, waiting for new manual windor regulators to replace the electric windows.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5845.jpg

Started to work on the rears finally.
Planned are new poly subframe bushings, poly trailing arm bushings, new big case 4.10 LSD, new axles, new brake lines, and the hubs/bearings for the 5-lug.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5847.jpg

New diff in front, old diff in back.
Both are 4.10 LSD's, just the case sizes are different for better oil capacity and cooling.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5848.jpg

Fender flares arrived. Looks like they need a little custom fitting.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5850.jpg

Fiberglass decklid. A mere 6lbs!
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5851.jpg

New stainless lines installed over the subframe. These aren't really easy to get to, so now is the best time to change them. Changing them with the subframe in place looks like it'd be a realy PITA.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5852.jpg

[bugzy]

Nice !!

cant wait to see that on the track

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Good work Mike...call me if ya need any help on the weekends bro...next weekend is the end of soccer till spring...unless she gets picked up for a allstar tourney.

[cynicalgeek]

Awesome work Mike! Yeah, the short SS lines are a PITA with the subframe in.

[EDM]

Lookin good!!:tup:

[Damon]

:lurker:

[MikekiM]

Here's just another quick update with some pics.
We went with manual window cranks and regulators. This saved us about 5 lbs overall, not as much as we wanted, but not bad when you add in all the wires and buttons that got removed also.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5881.jpg

We took the car outside over the weekend for a quick spin. It drives! and so far everything's working out just fine. The fancy dashboard we've got going now will be replaced with the original one. :)
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5883.jpg

Our new euro rub strips showed up as well, which will help make the body look much nicer, as well as remove a few ounces from the wiring and bulbs. :)
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5884.jpg

[RavinJetta]

Coming along great Mike

[xXJakeXx]

looks awesome mike! :tup:

[MikekiM]

Couple updated pics..
Cage is currently going in, just a couple crummy pics from the installer.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5916x.JPG
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5917x.JPG

New Recaro seat arrived! 20.5lbs
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5912.jpg

Couple parts we picked up.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5915.jpg

[MikekiM]

And the full cage pics.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5916.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5917.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5919.jpg
Rear shock reinforcements
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5922.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5924.jpg

[iflyM3]

Awesome!!! hehehe, i want you to install a Roll-cage in my E36!!! hehehe...

[StrungOutScott]

Damn, makes me want to buy something just to cruise up and check that bad boy out. You guys get wheel bearing kits?

[zide]

really great thread adn read, keep up the good work and progress pics! thumbsa up for all the hard work, and soon enough youll be :smokem:

[bimmerZ5]

nice project. any plans to reinforce the rear diff mount area?

[MikekiM]

You guys get wheel bearing kits?
Absolutely!.. Fronts, rears, and anywhere else you might need 'em.
:tup:

nice project. any plans to reinforce the rear diff mount area?
We're running stock diff mount for now. We'll check it regularly, and should there be a problem we can always do that later. We've already reinforced the front motor mount tabs and the rear sway bar endlink mounting tabs.

[MikekiM]

Another quickie little update. Things are moving a little slower now since body work is pretty time consuming. I had to bring in some help from some friends to strip the old DiamondSchwartz paint off. We're fixing most of the small dings and dents (the pass door was from a donor car) so we can get this thing painted. We changed our minds and are going with Electric Red (a la E39 and E90) instead of Helrot.

Here are a couple progress pics.

New CF hood test fitting. We are going to paint this (what a shame) so this may be the last picture you'll see of the pretty weave.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5977.jpg

Rage Evercoat Extreme filler being used here. Lots of sanding still to do
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5979.jpg

Fiberglass trunklid test fitting. We hope to use the stock hinges minus springs to hold this thing in.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5980.jpg

And for those that like that Style 44 look here's another side shot
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5981.jpg

We're out getting some paint quotes now, hopefully should be painted in the next couple weeks.

[Paul]

nice! looking good mike... can't wait to go for a ride ;)

[bugzy]

when you think you'll have this bad boy ready for some action

maybe do a lil feature on it for SCE

[bugzy]

can you leave the center CF weave exposed and just clear it ? ;)
just for that added bling ;)

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5977.jpg

[MikekiM]

Just a quick update.
We're still waiting for some parts so we can finish up the paint and body work, but we're getting REAL close. :)

A quick before/after of the body (in case you missed the before pics)
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5286.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5979.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_5981.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6132.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6133.jpg

Refinished the wheels as well, just since we had some down time.
There's a stock wheel thrown in the pics just for comparison. It's cracked, so we didn't bother fixing that one. The paint was Wurth silver, from a can. Comes out real nice. We realize they're track wheels, so we didn't spend too much time on them. There still are some nicks and stuff, but since we bought these wheels used, they were in various states of different shades of color/finish/damage. Figured we'd at least make them all match.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6139.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144.jpg

[bugzy]

looks plenty sexy to me !!

[MikekiM]

We *finally* had everything we needed to start painting today. We set up a temporary spray booth with some intake and exhaust fans. It's a lot of plastic and PVC, with an EZup tent to kind of keep the structure from wobbling around.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144a.jpg
Picked up an IR air compressor 14.7CFM @ 90psi, along with some driers, hoses, and a Devilbiss sprayer. Everything we needed to get our spraying done!.
Getting started with some practice spraying the inside.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144c.jpg

We're using a Five Star product which was setup to be a Primer/Sealer, perfect for use on bare metal. You can thin this product differently for a Primer/Sealer, or for build primer. Our first coat down was thinned out as a Primer/Sealer. Our second coats were a medium build.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144d.jpg

The wheels on the car are pretty much garbage wheels, so I'm not worried about the overspray.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144g.jpg

Painting the cage and interior is really difficult! It's hard to reach all the angles and nooks.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144h.jpg

We setup the doors, trunk, and hood separately so we can spray them horizontal. Sanding is easier this way and you can get all the jams easier. Just prior to primer we did dust the entire car down, then used a oil/grease remover from 3M pretty much everywhere to remove all our fingerprints and etc.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144k.jpg

Remember that pretty CF hood?
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144o.jpg

That body work we did is looking pretty good with some paint on it.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6144t.jpg

Letting the primer dry overnight, we should start block sanding tomorrow, followed up with another coat of primer! And in case anyone asks, this is my first time ever attempting any body work. So far so good!

[bugzy]

i love the spray booth

dropped by the shop today after Parts4vw GTG, like the setup :)

[Monster8V]

Whats the plan for this car Mike?

[MikekiM]

Mostly just HPDE's. Nothing competitive planned at the moment. Mostly a project so we can have a fun track car.

[Monster8V]

Mostly just HPDE's. Nothing competitive planned at the moment. Mostly a project so we can have a fun track car.


Ahh, ok, I thought maybe you were building a Spec E30 car! Great class!
Looks good man!

[MikekiM]

Base coat and clear coats have been put down!
Here's a sneak peek after a coat of the base coat.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6161a.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6161i.jpg

[oc-audica]

thats some great progess... love it

[RavinJetta]

Looking great Mike

[LUDXSPD]

Mike,

Car looks great. Question for you.

I'm building a Spec E30 car and am looking for prices for a cage. Can you PM me a quote for a cage like you have except with 3 bar door bar driver side and 2 bar dor bar passenger side?

Thanks.

[Brk4Euros]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

[Bimmer Pilot]

Looking good Mike !

[MikekiM]

Finally got the car out into the sun!
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6177.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6179.jpg

[GTIcrazy]

Wow...fantastic work. :headbang:

Can you make me one?

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Nice Work!!!!

[Streamline]

Amazingly sexy car.

[SoCalglxVR6]

Red Hawt!

[RavinJetta]

Looks great

[Brk4Euros]

Mike that Bimmer is looking awesome!!!!

[MikekiM]

Finally some recent pictures with the body all painted.
The first paint job came out pretty crappy, so we redid major portions.


Here are current photos with it all buffed up.
Still repainting some of the shadowline trim to finish it up.
Getting exhaust work done as well.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6325.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6327.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6331.jpg
[img]http://www.vagworld.com/pics/g

[RavinJetta]

Looking really good Mike

[318daily]

Looking good.

I got so much love and respect for cars built from the ground up like that.

[GTIcrazy]

The car looks awesome and those wheels look HUGE...

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Impressive work Mike!!! Ya did good!

[bugzy]

should do the lower chin in trim black, and sideskirts in trim black too ;)

[MikekiM]

Here are some pics of the exhaust.
Done by RPM in Vista.

2" Y collector into a 2.5" outlet (to add a bit of restriction)
Then 3" to a high-flow cat and a 14" straight through Magnflow.

The cat's there only temporary for now until we get the trailer setup. Meantime we can drive it on the street without too much to worry.

http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6332.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6333.jpg
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6334.jpg

And of course we stuck with a single tip a'la original 318is. :)
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6335.jpg

[xoutofstepx]

sound clips?? :)

[Tom (aka Godzilla)]

Stealthy. I like.

[xXJakeXx]

So sexy :tup:

[matt316felix]

love it when a project comes together.. congrats and good job!

[8atman]

Just amazing man!!! you are my hero haha. I would love to see this thing in person some day.

Ash-

[MikekiM]

For all those wheel haters out there, we picked up some new wheels finally.
18.4lbs 17x8. Should allow us to eliminate a couple of the spacers we've got now.
Time to pickup some tires now.

http://www.vagworld.com/Mike/IMG_6647.jpg

[SYNYSTAGLI]

Whatcha doing with the old ones?

[bugzy]

nice Enkei's

very strong light wheels for track use

[MikekiM]

Whatcha doing with the old ones?

Probably going to put some street tires on them and use them for the street or rainy track days. :)

[SYNYSTAGLI]

cool, I thought they would look good on Manny's E28 but he didn't agree...lol

[karmakid]

think i just lost a billion of possible future incarnations of myself :P wicked ride, love the stance...

[MikekiM]

Back to work on the car, we had some new door cards made. They're AL for now until we decide later to go something more exotic like CF or something.

The door was CMM'd for a perfect fitment making it easy for us to duplicate later down the road.
The grab handle we simply reused onto the door so we can close it. Just need to figure out some color, and repaint that inner door.
http://www.vagworld.com/pics/gal/E30%20318is/IMG_6901.jpg