Rod

Cast iron has some very desirable properties. It is a relatively inexpensive material to cast and machine. Generally it is less prone to corrosion when compared to steel or aluminium when subjected to corrosive environments, this is due to the presence of intergranular graphite. Thermal cycling can result in corrosion, hence one reason why exhaust systems can corrode from the outside in. The corrosive compounts in the exhaust gasses will cause corrosion on the inside. Due to cast iron also being porrous it attenuates noise, in the case of an exhaust manifold noise radiating from within. The ability to cast thick wall sections means that the engine can be quite quiet, a definite advantage when marketing a car to a conservative public. Aluminium however is notorious for transmitting noise, and would probably not tolerate the heat of the exhaust gases, given that it is not actively cooled like the engine. Aluminium in this application would most likely fail from fatigue due to thermal cycling. Aluminium exhaust manifolds have been used with success on some two stroke engines, where the exhaust gases are cooler due to the greater presence of unburnt fuel and oil. Aluminium does have some definite weight advantages where it can successfully be used. Titanium is the ultmate answer, however it is extremely expensive. Stainless steel can also be used however one must allow for the fact that it is inferior in terms of heat conduction, which depending upon the integrity design may result in hotspots or meltdowns. Same old story really, the best is the most difficult to work with and is the most expensive. Cast iron is a friendly material, just do not subject it to mechanical shock as it is relatively brittle. Rod

Precision AutoWerk, be very careful! I took my e28 there a number of years ago when it was known as Bryce Sommerville and was very rather dissapointed with their attitude and workmanship. It appears that they did an excellent job of the panelwork, however the standard of their paintwork was amonst the worst that I had ever seen: runs in some areas and exposed primer in others due to insufficient paint. Eventually it got sorted out several weeks later when the staff from Jerry Claytons volunteered to help resolve the matter as they believed the paintwork was not of an acceptable standard. All the while the staff at Precision AutoWerk were only concerned about their profit (the condescending "we need to run a business" lecture by their manager) even though some of their craftsmanship was shocking. In the the end they did a reasonable job (many thanks to the staff at Jerry Claytons), now though it is apparent that some of the paint did not adhere very well as it is lifting away (there is no corrosion). Regarding the fact that they completely forgot to paint one side of a panel, they then stated that it is their policy only to paint panels which are externally visible, and leave all others bare with some wax applied as paint was expensive. In my experience this does nothing to protect against corrosion long term, they were just being stingy. I have seen some other work they have done which was good, but I would not take my car there again. Rod

"You can get anythin' you want..." I admit that there have been times when it would have felt nice to have some implements of destruction in the back to assist in venting my frustration. Seriously these days there seems to be alot of people in positions of power or authority who appear to have missed some fundamental concepts along the way. Quite some time ago I saw a parallel parking space painted across a driveway, handy if its your driveway. Soon the city councils will have yellow triangles painted next to every parking space to maximise revenue, this type of scheme would not surprise me. I think I need to go talk to Obie on the side... Rod

Article courtessy of granny herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/9/story....jectID=10384236 Apparently as been converted to RHD by Birds, interesting.

Udit Here is what the 17" BBS RK wheels look like on the E28. Next thing I intend to do is lower the car about 1" to 1.5", however the tyres you see are 235/45 and in hindsight 235/40 would have been better. Rod

I have 17 x 8-1/2" ET15 BBS RK wheels with 235/45 Pirelli P7000 tyres on my E28. No problem up front, however the rears can sometimes slightly rub the sidewall of the tyre against the inner mudguard under hard cornering if the road surface is uneven. For 18" wheels with 235 width tyres you would need 35 profile to keep the rolling radius near (slightly under) stock. Regarding looks the 17s on mine look big, not sure that I would like to go any bigger. Rod

Originally I was going to part it out, but now my thinking is to sell it as a complete car. Rod

If anyone here is interested in the entire car which still is drivable and nearly complete, price $1800. Car has current WOF & Reg. Has usual 535 options: electric sunroof & windows, air conditioning, ABS brakes. Rod

smithy: $20 plus your old steering wheel. Note that the leather needs to be restitched. At this stage I still need a steering wheel on the car so I can move it. Rod

bmwsparkle: The front lip is pretty much stuffed. It is cracked and broken in quite a few places. Really not worth fixing, that is unless you have your own plastic welding equipment and a whole lot of time. I was going to chuck it away, so you can have it for free, you just have to come and collect it. Rod

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Have a complete NZ new car which I am parting out. Has cloth seats, upholstery is tired but otherwise interior is okay. Has electric sunroof & windows, air conditioning. Engine, transmission, differential appear to be good. Telephone (09) 535 2216 a/h for more details.