Thought it was probably time... I have been playing with this as time, weather and funds allow over the last 6 months. Have been fortunate enough to have a lot of help from mates and people in the industry... Im getting pretty close to running now so will try to update as we go.
So far I started with a cheap sa 1990 325i auto. First weekend we pulled the motor and box out. From there i ordered some mounts from ebay, no surprise they needed more work to use than would have been involved in making custom ones. Bought a sr20de+t manual off a mate. Got mp auto parts to make a custom 6 puk clutch and put it together.
I wanted to do a 5 stud swap for a few reasons. 1. Front struts didn't need welding so easier to source, future proof, didn't need the expertise to fit, more cheap wheel options and better brakes. I used e36 328 front hud, caliper and discs, e36 m3 evo front arms, offset control arm bushes on the front, e36 318ti trailing arms and brakes with e30 subframe with camber and toe tabs, nolathane bushes e30 325 lsd and axles. I also used a AKG raised subframe bush kit to bring the alignment specs back to as close to standard as possible with the car lowered. Any additinal adjustments can be made by the eccentric bolts. Picked up a set of 15"n5 stud weaves cheap and put them on to sit the car on for now. Have actually grown to really like them and the fitment is great. For the suspension i have gone with yellowspeed adjustables, they made them in the configuration i wanted with the specs I wanted and within budget. It all bolted up as it should and feels good and looks good. Quality of the components is very good for the price, the only thing i might need to change is front spring rate as they are a little bit heavy for the little 4 cyl.
Next up we test fitted motor and worked out what needed changing. Pretty quickly realised the brake booster setup wouldn't fit. Went to pick a part with original setup and looked at everything to find similar bore, throw etc with a smaller booster. Turns out ae101 levin is pretty similar apart from bolt spacing being wider. Grabbed the setup from a levin and cut a plate and welded it to the e30 bracket.
Next up was pedal box, easy enough but very fiddly job. Especially when there isn't enough space in the driveway to open the doors.
This all fitted up we bled brakes and clutch with no issues.
The last few weeks i have been fiddling with the pipe work for intercooler and radiator etc. Its getting close and all sitting in place ready for it to go into the shop for welding.
The speedo had also done the common gear failure thing so i have a gear set to put in it.
Ordered a link g4 storm plus which is getting wired in the very near future.
Anyway thats pretty much where im upto. Hope it hasnt bored people to much and will try to keep this a bit more updated from now.
