some updates on the spec e30 build

#1

i figured i’d put up somewhat of a build thread. pics might help.

introducing the shell. 1991, non sunroof 318.

m42 powah!!

#2

standard pile-o-parts…

gutting interior… we left some sound deadening in as we’re didn’t want to be underweight.


look ma… no trunk tar… thank god for '91 cars :slight_smile:

#3

m42 making an exit:

engine bay before:

and after:

#4

cage is in:

#5

another pile-o-parts… this time new parts waiting to be bolted on:

#6

motor is rebuilt and back for install. Paul did my engine rebuild and he did a very thorough job.

i’m also using his baffled oil pan. here’s a closer view:

and from the other side :

#7

Very nice Kish.

I envy your new steering box. You going to leave your power steering intact? The clean engine bay is nice too.

I’d lose the sound insulation in the driver floor pan. Weight in the rear good. Weight in front not good, especially on the driver’s side.

The new engine looks pretty. Apparently there is a way to rotate the oil filter adapter piece such that the oil filter hangs down yet you can still connect the OEM oil cooler lines. That would get the oil filter out from under the intake manifold and make it more accessible. Might be worth trying.

I also envy your oil pan, especially since I’m about to buy one.

#8

thanks scott. power steering will be deleted. i got the small aluminum blank so the stock banjo bolts can be retained. good point about the sound insulation in the driver side. yes, we’re going to try rotate the oil filter. The pan is a very nice piece. you will like it.i had paul throw in a brand new oil pump too so hopefully, oil pressure will not be an issue in this motor :slight_smile:

#9

Like the orange block! So when is that thing ready for battle?

Peter Thibault

#10

should be end of may. won’t be race ready for april njmp unfortunately.

#11

Nice Job! Looking forward to seeing it at the track.

#12

Hope we have a good field for the May NJMP event.

BTW the orange block really takes the focus off the lower part of the picture…:wink:

Peter Thibault

#13

Yeah what exactly is that thing on the bottom of the engine stand !? :blink:

#14

that’s a paul poore clutch. i’ll attach better pictures of it later.

#15

better pics of the clutch

#16

got the RA-1s mounted/balanced on the new wheels:

motor/front suspension is ready to go in:

rear suspension is assembled:

camber plates test fitted:

swapped the oil filter around:

rear suspension is in.

fresh coat of paint in the engine bay, removed some extra brackets we won’t be needing any more and cleaned up the wiring harness to strip out everything but lights, abs, fan.

325is airbox bracket is welded and painted (remember this is a 318 shell)

#17

Damn! Looking real good

#18

Have to do anything special with the oil cooler lines when you flip the filter?

#19

nah, they fit.

#20

coming down the home stretch:

motor is in!!