CamB

I think you should do it right (and with the baffle) - it would be really stink to find you had to remove the sump again as oil was backing up into the turbo.

I couldn't agree less! Overpowered and under-engineered is half the fun.

Is it: - a clutch problem (clutch not disengaging, so won't go into gear); or - a gear problem (physically won't go in, despite clutch working); or - a linkage problem (maybe the linkage is flopping around). He really needs to have a proper look. It sounds potentially serious...

That won't help your problem?

E30 with Z8 money spent on it - now we are talking.

Did you really get a written quote for that? I am impressed.

The box will need the bellhousing modifed as well (if it doesn't have the sensor holes in it).

Some of the guys racing do it - they (substantially) reinforce the strut towers to take the weight, and usually convert them to take coilover shocks with a rod end. Reinforcement involves tying the strut towers together with a bar and triangulating to the floor, usually. I've also seen reinforcement added to the shock mount on the trailing arm. It's quite a lot of work! I wouldn't convert standard shocks. Alternatively if you have a look at www.ground-control.com they have an adjustable perch arrangement which works in the standard spring position. TBH it's not a great system - I stuck it in JiB's car the other weekend and your ability to raise/lower the car within sensible height ranges, and keeping in line with certable rules, and sensible spring rates ... is a bit compromised. Having said that, it is pretty good with his spring choice (approx 600lb/in) and my choice of height (which isn't too low, so it isn't too badly cambered). I believe it uses 60mm springs.

OK, I LOL'd. In the spirit of this $25k discussion, I will offer you $30k for the finished car you speak of. That's a $5k "profit" for you (since you haven't given a value for the car!).

My experience with Jamex is they are good if you want low with standard shocks (they are pretty low spring rates). In other words, a bit crap.

That's a very valid rant. I hope the perpetrators feel a little (or a lot) ashamed.

Do you mean the race series shocks? I can't be bothered re-reading the thread. Info from the race series site:

LOL, JiB's probably got the indicator. Bloody North Shore.

Surely there are more than 10. I have to laugh at the "destroying the BMW image/look". Given you can buy a semi decent E30 or E34 for about $3k I'm not sure there is much "image" left in them. Given how poorly such a (stock) E30 or E34 in that price range drives (unless its a very well maintained one), I am not sure there is much driving pleasure either

I agree - he drives it in public (not that there is any other way). He can't be that hung up on it.

To be fair I did the same maths. However, recent experience has suggested that at very least you need to double any off the top of the head estimate of "put it all together" due to a combination of additional time required, cost over-runs, and massive scope creep (the "while you are in there" mentality).

Yeah I agree - E28 M5 for under $25k very optimistic unless its a POS. Finding one would be even harder, haha.

Well not wanting to appear a maths geek... ... but an 18% **loss** would see you dividing the 214hp by either 0.82 (for 18%) or 0.75 (for 25%). In which case 25% would be spot on for Brent's cars.

Haha - you're cheating big time on the $25k limit. There is no way #1 could be done for $25k, and the 2002 would have to be an aftermarket turbo (the real thing is $40k and up) and the E30 M3 would be a bit nasty at $25k.

I agree - hence the quote marks. And remembering my engine hp figure is from the '70s, when they had more elastic methods of measuring HP. Mind you, I run a full suite of anciliaries - an alternator (haha). I do have a water pump but no fan.

Apparently Dyno Dynamics is on the conservative side so maybe a little more than the 18% mentioned above. 250hp is badass especially given its only on 6psi. As previously mentioned my 2002 M10 made 102hp on the same dyno, and was a factory "130hp" engine (in good condition and pretty low km).

LOL. My list = your list (seriously). Would probably swap the E39 540i motorsport for an E34/E28 M5.

Sell yours and buy this? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-181986435.htm Would guess at least $15k to buy and install an M3 engine and trans and get it wired in, and then your brakes and diff will probably be inadequate. I'm kinda making that figure up though - first big issue would be finding an M3 engine... And since Glenn's saying "no you can't" then chances are that, while you could (you can do anything if you pay enough), it will cost a lot more than I guesstimated in $15k.

FWIW, the passage of time will do a pretty good job too if it's exposed to the elements.

I disagree with this - there's only one chance to be young and do stupid things and I reckon people should take it.