Before i started doing my E36-LS1 conversion i had started working on my old E30. The plan was to drop a 1998 E39 5 series motor into it (2.8ltr, alloy block, 24V DOHC Vanos) which has plenty more go than the std SOHC iron 6 that came out in the E30's, plus the benefit of being lighter with an alloy block. I also put a lightened flywheel in and a M3 clutch.
I started on the suspension, wanting more adjustability and also a better stud pattern/offset to allow a better choice of wheels, also i wanted bigger brakes. I also wanted a faster ratio in the steering so a E36 rack was put in at the same time.
I purchased an old shell from the wreckers, so i could start to 'dummy' everything up. I got as far as engine and gearbox in and half the wiring sorted, and 90% of the suspension done (before the E36 came along).
This week i finally found a suitable body to transfer all my 'good' stuff over to, i spefically wanted a late model S2 E30, 2dr in White. I found a 318 cheap, which suits me fine as all the 4cyl stuff (motor/diff and susp) will be replaced with my other gear.
It will go down to my mates place in a few weeks to get a custom set of extractors made like these
Suspension wise i have had some camber/toe plates milled out (copy of a kit they sell oversea's) to correct the alignment when you drop E30 in the rear. Once done the subframe was powder coated and E36 compact traling arms were put in for their 5 stud pattern, better offset and also bigger brakes. New wheel bearings/bushes and brake lines/rotors were done at the same time.
Up front it copped some E30 M3 offset caster bushes, and also some 98+ M3 lower control arms ($$$), E36 325 hubs.brakes and some E36 M3 koni coil overs and E36 M3 sway bar links (go from strut to sway bar direct rather than lower control arm). Also a E36 steering rack with some custom PS lines.
Wheels i purchased a set of BBS RC 17x8 ball polished.
I have decided that i will throw all the suspension into the new shell next week, but i won't tackle moving the motor across until the E36 is driving.
Anyway pics (grey body=old, white=new)
E36 rack conversion
M52 before i put the M50 inlet manfold onto it and the E34 sump
Mess
New body (Seat cover is to cover the fucked front seat, recaro's will go in shortly.
Not much more will happen now until the E36 is driving. The end plan it to have both the white E30/2.8 and the E36/LS1 sorted before the end of the year.
Btw, the grey shell will be for sale if anyone wants a track hack or project.
I started on the suspension, wanting more adjustability and also a better stud pattern/offset to allow a better choice of wheels, also i wanted bigger brakes. I also wanted a faster ratio in the steering so a E36 rack was put in at the same time.
I purchased an old shell from the wreckers, so i could start to 'dummy' everything up. I got as far as engine and gearbox in and half the wiring sorted, and 90% of the suspension done (before the E36 came along).
This week i finally found a suitable body to transfer all my 'good' stuff over to, i spefically wanted a late model S2 E30, 2dr in White. I found a 318 cheap, which suits me fine as all the 4cyl stuff (motor/diff and susp) will be replaced with my other gear.
It will go down to my mates place in a few weeks to get a custom set of extractors made like these
Suspension wise i have had some camber/toe plates milled out (copy of a kit they sell oversea's) to correct the alignment when you drop E30 in the rear. Once done the subframe was powder coated and E36 compact traling arms were put in for their 5 stud pattern, better offset and also bigger brakes. New wheel bearings/bushes and brake lines/rotors were done at the same time.
Up front it copped some E30 M3 offset caster bushes, and also some 98+ M3 lower control arms ($$$), E36 325 hubs.brakes and some E36 M3 koni coil overs and E36 M3 sway bar links (go from strut to sway bar direct rather than lower control arm). Also a E36 steering rack with some custom PS lines.
Wheels i purchased a set of BBS RC 17x8 ball polished.
I have decided that i will throw all the suspension into the new shell next week, but i won't tackle moving the motor across until the E36 is driving.
Anyway pics (grey body=old, white=new)
E36 rack conversion
M52 before i put the M50 inlet manfold onto it and the E34 sump
Mess
New body (Seat cover is to cover the fucked front seat, recaro's will go in shortly.
Not much more will happen now until the E36 is driving. The end plan it to have both the white E30/2.8 and the E36/LS1 sorted before the end of the year.
Btw, the grey shell will be for sale if anyone wants a track hack or project.
Comment