Michael.

I wish I had an E38. One day

Hmmm is it really one? Looks like it just has the wheels... Can't quite tell but looks like steering wheel has standard BMW badge... shouldn't there be an Alpina badge there?

Sounds like an interesting idea, has this been done on track cars or similar? Would the clutch still be manually operated or do you think that too would be actuated remotely?

Yeah, I mean on the motorway the auto setup in manual mode (shifted off old cruise control stick) was really good, nice and quick, would be good on a track too I'd imagine... But down low around town 1->2 and 3->2 was somewhat harsh as 2nd had quite a complex multi shift solenoid shift sequence from factory that I just couldn't replicate without shift shock, plus I couldn't rev match and the engine brake feature is not nearly as direct as in a manual setup. While it worked it's just not nearly as fun as a manual would be.. at least I've finally concluded it by trying rather than just speculating!

Keeping it simple with a W58 supra 5 speed box.

Went for a drive around the block one last time yesterday while the car still has the 5 speed automatic. Also took the opportunity to take a short drive by video. In the end I got the 5 speed auto working reasonably well with a custom controller, but its just a bit too dull despite having quick shifts at higher speeds, the car needs 3 pedals so it's back off the road for a 5 speed manual conversion over winter. I knew it always needed it, but wanted to give the auto setup a go first.

Good work, looks fun.

I bought some through Gavin at Euro Italian a few years back, try him. He's a forum sponsor.

Looks good, does their coating offer any thermal protection? Heres an under side shot, this runner clears the stock shaft by nearly 5.00mm, I have another shot from the top somewhere http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q58/UZZ...344231273_n.jpg Yeah mine are one piece too, I went for mild steel so it didn't seem to be such an issue.

But why not spend that same money towards a rebuild kit (new piston washer etc) and clean the calipers up for a layer of paint. That way your servicing the brakes & making them look nice again. Win win!

Haha, keeping that momentum up is key! In regards to the axle line of the front wheels, approx what cylinder No. do you think would be above that point? I'm just trying to get an idea of how far back you will have managed to get the engine.

Awesome work. Where did you get your headers coated, HPC? I need to get mine done soon, starting to get a little rusty actually. With your header design, did you incorporate any expansion joints?

Fake things have their appeal to some I guess.

The grey pearl looks great! Nice work.

Sweet. Sounds good. Hah, yeah all the stock electrical plugs are usually brittle now, the majority of mine have lost their catch tabs or cracked complete, Had to replace a few! Yeah you'd want to get it as far back as possible in an E30 frame, I should have had mine positioned a bit further back in the E36.. that said after the first set of engine mounts I made another set to lower it 15mm and bring it back 25mm. I imagine you will be using a front sump for your setup?

Wow, that is some major work! Looking good.

I like ideas like the spoiler mechanism, but it could prove to be a waste of time unless your doing higher speed / wind tunnel comparison tests. Would it make much difference under normal track conditions? Never the less is has a fun value to it.

Ahh very nice, can't go too wrong with a Toyota V8. It's good measure to overhaul the basic components, like water pump, belts and bearings before installing it (but Im sure you already knew that) Are you using factory ECU or going for an after market one? The main issue with those vvti stock headers will be steering arm clearance, I had less than 50mm from the cylinder head face to the stock steering arm with the position of my 1uz in the E36, it meant for some tricky custom manifolds in the end.

The epitome of awful.

Avoid. That sort of mileage those Audis love to go wrong, a friend has an S4 2004 and it's got 175kms, in the last 5k kms it's done, hes had to spend over half the value in repairs... Besides, why not a try a 328i or 330i wagon, much more car for the money with a more reliable reputation. (slightly more $, yes, but worth it) I've always felt the A4 range to give a 'wet fish' impression.

Don't you have an E46 now though?... Missing something the E36s have?

That is a lot of car for $3500! Give it the TLC and it will be rewarding.

I think you should buy one and put an M62 into it.

Z4 Coupe would be my pick. A cool looking machine.

Yes yes, this thread does need more input.