i am new to the board and a new owner of a 76' 2002 and will hopefully gain knowledge and contribute some to others, but right now i have a few questions. what rpm are 2002's good to before they eat themselves. is anyone running cut down struts on the street and what are your comments abut them?

there is very little 2002 traffic here. mostly people hang out at http://ww.bmw2002faq.com or http://www.roadfly.org/

as for your questions. The bottom end on the 2002 is pretty strong, but the head in stock condition should not be taken past 7000 rpm. at that point you will start getting valve float and will destroy your rockers. but by that time you cam would not be effective any more anyway.

shortened strut coilovers. They are very musch streatable if raised all the way to the top. at the bottom you won;t be able to clear too many speed bumps or driveways.

here is a difference between cut strut coilover and regular strut coilover:
http://www.kgb-racing.com/images/mechanix/coilovers/coilovers_difference.jpg

and here is a picture of my car on the shortened coilovers:
http://www.kgb-racing.com/images/ax/ax070403_1.jpg

it's not easy to see from the picture, but the lowest point on the car is about 2 to 3 inches of the ground and it is the header and control arms.

on most lowered moddern cars the lowest point is the skirt, not on the 2002. it's somethign more important.

let me know if you have any more questions.

steve k.