Kepes

Good points, the current pad is quite rough and weeds grow in between the cracks (it's made from square 'patches' rather than just one single pad) so I think I'll go with a whole new pad, especially given that it needs to be raised. Got a my first quote on a kitset today, $11,500 (incl GST) for a 7.2m x 6m. Doesn't include power, pad, assembly etc. Does include delivery. That's with an access door, a window, and two roller doors. I don't need a window and I'm happy with just one roller door. How important is an access door? I assume it's required by law? Also in the notes it mentions having "Timber Fascia," is that like the lining inside? Good to get my first quote, will be interesting to see what they say when I get somebody to actually come round and have a look re anchoring the back and side to that existing concrete wall.

Not sure how thick it is, however before I was born there was a car port in that exact space where I want the garage, so I assume it is reasonably thick. The trouble with that concrete is that it is not smooth which makes jacking up the car with a trolley jack quite sketchy as the wheels on the jack can't move freely. Also lying on your back etc under the car is painful because of the little pebbles(?) in the concrete. Fantastic info... I will definitely mention engine lifting, do it once do it right. Interesting point about strength but like you say it's not much of an issue. The concrete wall is in quite good condition, the car port was fixed to it when it existed. I did think about putting the garage walls on top of it and will most definitely suggest it to whichever company I go with, hopefully saving a few dollars. The issue I see with it though is that there are drains in the wall, if you look at the photos you will see little circle cutouts, but I've never seen water gushing out of them and even after rain once things dry out there is no water 'trail' from them so they're probably already blocked

Cheers Andrew, exactly the type of info I was looking for, nice to get a price! Mine too will be close to the boundary so likely that I'll need a fire engineers report. No welding for me so power needs are not quite as complex. Ply lining is a great idea, never thought of that. Was total span easy to deal with and are you happy with how the garage has held up 7 years on? I would love to have a great big garage but i'm trying to keep costs down here and as you can see from the attached photos space is a bit of an issue. I would like to keep some space between the bedroom window (right) and the garage to allow light into the room. With a 5m wide garage there is about a 2.5m space between where the garage would be and the house (wall, not roof)

I never thought about that, thanks! Quick google search reveals that it can be a bit of an issue, but like you said good ventilation would be key. Ha, reminds me of when I had an engine block in the boot of my car for a week. The entire boot was soaked through because of condensation on the block

So as the rust on my E30 continues to get worse and a turbo build looms on the horizon, I've decided that it's time to build a garage. Before I make contact with the ~7 or so different companies who specialize in this area, does anybody have any first hand experience who could potentially reduce this list and sway me towards a particular company and point me in the right direction. The garage will be approx 5x7 or so, just big enough for one car and a little space to work/move around. It seems like a steel kitset may be the best bet, however if wood is cheaper then I'll go with that. I'd like to save money where I can. The kit sets also appear to reasonably easy to erect so I'll also consider doing that myself but have a professional lay the concrete slabs, sort out the consents etc. I'm still learning a lot about all of this and came here before contacting a garage company so please excuse my lack of knowledge, I've looked at everything I could find through google but there isn't a lot in terms of testimonials and a guide on pricing, although from what I can tell this should cost between 15-20k for a basic garage without electricity hooked up. I will attach a photo of the space where the garage will go tomorrow Thanks, Toby

Thanks guys, really appreciate it! I am far from experienced in this field but trying to learn as much as I can so the feedback is very helpful I removed the pistons today. Never done such a thing so it was really interesting to see everything in the block and get an understanding for what they do and where they are. I will take the block to be re honed and talk to the guy at the shop about bearings. I'll probably get him to do it for me as I don't really know how to measure the clearances and decide if I need oversized bearings etc... I need to start a project thread stat! Thanks again

I'm removing pistons from an m20 block because of some damage on the cylinder walls which occurred from water getting into one of the cylinders while it was in storage. The cylinders will be re honed Should I be replacing the piston rings? The block will be used in a turbo application but I'm trying to save money where I can Thanks

Yup, I've been pretty lucky with parts so far in terms of being patient and finding cheaper/used parts. I was hoping to spend around 5k not including suspension or diff. Looks like i'll be right around there using quality parts Edit: How difficult is it, realistically, to erect a garage on your own/with a mate (DIY) ? I'm living at home and we've got the space but seeing as I'll probably leave within the next year, can't really justify paying a company to put together a kit. Just a thought

Hey Stephen, I'm hoping it would be a maximum of ~3 months. Still not 100% sure but would like to have it all done for summer. That would be great, thank you! As far as I'm aware we're having a meet here in Wellington fairly soon (paint shop/demo meet?), it would be good to have a chat about it then

Hey team, Getting pretty serious with my turbo E30 build, as in I've almost collected all the main parts I'll need. (project thread will begin once I have all the parts!) Trouble is I don't yet have a garage to do the work in. There's one in Levin I can use, but I'm looking for something closer to Wellington city. Even just a corner of a warehouse or something. Probably looking to begin work in about 1-2 months time. If anybody has or knows of something in Wellington please let me know Thanks, Toby

ARP headstuds for an M20 motor, anywhere I can get them in NZ for a reasonable price or best to just go with somewhere like fcp euro?

Hey team, As per title looking for an engine stand in Wellington. Surely somebody has one they used for a project and no longer need? Cheers :~)

bought a turbo for it... and carted it home from sydney with me

SUPA30 "Super 30" Perfect for an E30, 330i, 530i or a car with an RB30.... but this is probably the wrong place for that type of advertising. Not much else to say, it is what it is! These are legit/government approved(?) plates issued by plates.co.nz. Not from overseas. Pickup in Wellington, happy to ship at buyers expense Edit: Now on trade me http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1090027138&ed=true $300 start price

Jumping to conclusions a wee bit there, Ron. This rattle is often indicative of a bad or worn throw out bearing. My E30 has the same 'issue' and is well loved. No issue with clutch operation. In fact, it's been like this since I bought the car 2 years ago. He has a brand new clutch and flywheel but just hasn't got a round to installing it. Sounds like he's onto it.

Wow, that is nice. Not a fan of the eyelids but hey, it's not my car.

It's amazing how much some new shoes and springs can improve a car. Look's really good now, good stuff. Also, I still have your centre cap. I will get it to you asap!

Look into DIY. It's really not too hard. Youtube is a good place to start. For parts go to Aliexpress. I have repaired several of my own phones from youtube tutorials and saved hundreds

Do some research of Red Line oils. They are a true group v synthetic oil unlike most of the oils sold off the shelf. Very high quality oil. Sold from BNT.

Buying a motor.... do they have a 'shelf life?' I'm thinking about buying a M20B27 for the block but being a student living in a place with no garage it'll be sitting for a few years. Will it be okay to use ? Thanks

Just came across this searching for m20b27 info. I've seen your touring around a bit. It's really nice! And i think you used to work with my friend Dalton at Toyota? Anyway, keen to hear more about your 2.7 swaps as I'll most likely go down that route too if I get a chance, and add a turbo. Welcome!

This sold for 90k about a year ago in wellington. Looked just as good. Maybe the brakes weren't so new... Not sure brakes are worth 85k though

Spotted EUROHO's old E46 with the green-ish wheels in Wellington. Never seen it in person before and it's very impressive. Stands out well. Was surprised to see it here. Hopefully they'll join the forum!

My NZ new pfl 325i also has none of the above so I wouldn't be surprised if yours didn't have the carbon canister

Oil was changed about 15,000km (1.5 years) ago with Red Line oil. I've heard it should be changed every 30,000kms. Sound accurate?