clutch kit ordered. assorted seals, bushes, guides associated with clutch job ordered, along with new badges and a set of plugs.
Cambelt done in 2011, just4000kms ago. Do I do the belt only as tensioners will be barely worn? It's an old engine - need to track down why it's a bit smokey on start up. At 257k kms is it getting a bit long in the tooth, or does it just need some good running to clear out the buildup of doing just a few hundred kms a year of village running? It certainly needs new leads, dizzy cap, rotor, and coil, to bring the electricals back up to snuff.
and I'm thinking about how to play this.
It'll need some body/rust & paint in the new year, to keep her in good order for the longer term.
I'm working on a plan to get mechanical remediation (clutch/cambelt/suspension) done sept/oct so I can make e30 Megameet in November. Definitely needs rear antiroll bar.
In the mid-term (next three years) It needs to meet it's primary job - teaching my kids to drive mid next-year to early 2021. So a tractible easy-to-drive 4cyl manual e30 coupe. And its secondary job is providing me with a bit of lightweight classic e30 fun... and quite possibly some Surgery Classic Sprints action at Manfield. It's destined to live in storage much of the time, I think.
To meet these dual-modes of operation, I'm thinking either:
a) stock trim ? This is simple, big on the driver training, low on cost and not much on the sprint action. Or
b) 318iS mode ? Basically some suspension first (318iS spec - heavy bars, not particularly low, decent shocks/springs) and a disc brake rear. Then M42B18 in place of M40B16. Relatively straightforward. Hubcaps on for teaching parking. ?Basketweaves for general fun use. At least the 14" rim keeps the tyre budget affordable! I prefer the idea of option b) because it takes care of maintenance, takes advantage of BMW Lego, and yet sticks to the factory formula. I guess a cert would be needed in our modern world.
And then there's 2021 onward: Transformation/conversion to become sister car to Andy's MY E30. Collect conversion parts from 2020 in preparation. ?
What can you guys tell me about M42 conversion for an e30? Are they still plentiful to source from e36 iS and Ti? Which Motronic would I need? I guess I'd need new engine mounts, the coil-on-plug electricals. Cooling hose and radiator changes?