View Full Version : E36 track car buildup
jmitro 05-04-2006, 10:08 PM Just bought a 93 325i with 170K miles from a fellow bimmerforums member, it's being stripped out to be a track car. The car was really dirty inside, but it doesn't matter as it is all being trashed. The compression was a fairly even 210-225 across all 6 cylinders, and apart from a bad CV joint and leaky power steering apparatus, it's in decent shape. I'm doing the usual preventive maintenance, and will add a rollbar, harnesses, and Ground Control suspension in the next couple weeks. Comments welcome. Here's the starting point:
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/100_2451.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0006.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0003.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0012.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0014_copy1.jpg
jmitro 05-04-2006, 10:14 PM Initial photos of the interior stripped out and the seats installed. Still waiting for the Autopower rollbar and harnesses. A lot of the wiring needs to be cleaned up, too. Oh, and there was a full $5.85 in SPARE change throughout the car. Oh, and two New Hampshire toll tokens. yee haw
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0017.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0019.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0037.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0036.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0035.jpg
banndit 05-04-2006, 10:21 PM Cool!!!!
Can't wait to watch the progress.
B
jrtcbmw 05-04-2006, 10:54 PM looking good so far. good luck
autocross97 05-04-2006, 10:58 PM keep us updated
b a m f 05-05-2006, 12:41 PM > subscribed <
old skool 05-05-2006, 05:22 PM Are you going to leave the carpet cut up like that or remove the whole thing?
jmitro 05-05-2006, 06:04 PM the carpet is entirely removed except the driver side footwell. i left that partly to have a flat, smooth surface for resting my feet, and partly because it was a PITA to remove. i may remove it later and replace it with some sort of hard, flat footrest. i'll have to get some ideas from some racecars i see.
GriFF3n 05-05-2006, 06:36 PM How are those seats, im looking for something that offers better grip for my ass around turns, but comfortable enough for long rides?
GriFF
jmitro 05-05-2006, 08:04 PM the seats are not real comfortable for long drives, although i have a fairly tolerant rear end, so it doesn't bother me too much. they are rigid and don't allow any backwards movement to stretch. look into some reclining sport seats that sparco or recaro makes, and corbeau makes some as well that are more affordable.
windnsea00 05-05-2006, 08:46 PM Are you reinforcing the subframe?
cbouchez 05-05-2006, 09:09 PM Are you going to remove all 4 door panels?
jmitro 05-13-2006, 02:37 PM No, i will not remove the door panels, just because it looks ugly IMHO with bare doors and the window mechanisms. but some could argue that bare floors look ugly too. :cool i do need to reinforce the subframe, and now would be an excellent time. i'm on a timetable, though, so it may not get done until later.
Here's new photos of the suspension removed and the front Ground Control pieces installed. New control arms, bushings, reversed 96-99 strut hats, and the Koni SA front struts with 450lb springs. Also, I'm using the M3 rotors and calipers F/R with new stainless steel lines on the way. These old bushings look ugly :D
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0062_copy1.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0041.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0063.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0090.jpg
STEVE36 05-13-2006, 03:17 PM great start!
n24tg 05-13-2006, 04:30 PM subscribed too
banndit 05-13-2006, 08:31 PM looking good!
B
jmitro 05-20-2006, 08:20 PM new photos. I got the driveshaft out and discovered that all three bolts connecting to the flex guibo were either stripped, missing, or sheared off!!! No problem, I have an M3 driveshaft with new center support bearing that's going in, as well as my M3 LSD. Also got SS brake lines, and my new Koni shock adjuster! The Koni adjuster knob is too shallow to fit into that deep hole in the reversed strut hats, so I made my own out of a water meter key.
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0132_copy1.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0131_copy2.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0133.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0134.jpg
Hey, how did this baby photo get in here? :D
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0129_copy1.jpg
banndit 05-20-2006, 08:31 PM excellent progress!
B
banndit 05-20-2006, 08:31 PM excellent progress!
B
AEBI73 05-21-2006, 02:24 PM how do you drive the car with the seat with such a lean? can you reach the stearing wheel with the harnes on?
jmitro 05-21-2006, 05:43 PM how do you drive the car with the seat with such a lean? can you reach the stearing wheel with the harnes on?
despite looking like a bad rake, the seat angle is actually exactly where it should be for me. much more forward and i feel like i will fall into the steering wheel. my knees and elbows are bent at just the right angle so the seating position is perfect for me. i don't have the harnesses in yet, but i can assure you i will be in perfect position with them on.
CKKrause 05-21-2006, 09:39 PM Good Stuff! I did the same thing with a '95 2 door Calypso w/similar miles.... I went with a full cage and Turner JP stock suspension setup so I can race it later this year when I get my License.... Took it to the track for one weekend and it was big fun...even after tracking a 944 Turbo for a year or two...... I had all the same issues...
Good Luck,
-CKKrause
jmitro 05-22-2006, 12:18 AM what's the JP suspension consist of, and what's your weight limit for your class? is that stock or prepared? do you have a weld-in cage?
luckytopher 05-22-2006, 12:31 AM maybe, just for looks and sound while still being lightweight... use the spray-on rhino-liner for the flooring on the entire interior? it's cheap, easy, durable, and will help the appearance
cypha44 05-22-2006, 01:35 AM sweet looks good man! are you going to be doing a motor swap also?
jmitro 05-25-2006, 10:42 PM nah, i'm happy with the interior the way it is....no spray on bedliner. in fact, here's pics of trial fitting of the autopower rollbar which I received today. cypha....no motor swap planned yet, although when I actually get to drive it I'll see how well the motor runs. so far all i've done was a compression test.
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0199.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0200.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0202.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0205.jpg
Next is bolting it down and then installing the G-force harnesses. Then the interior will be done. :D
autocross97 05-25-2006, 10:48 PM lookin good dude.
cypha44 05-25-2006, 10:58 PM solid! did yo weld the cage in or is it bolted?
coldblooded 328 05-25-2006, 11:19 PM great car. nice to see all the work being done. keep it up, cant wait till its done
jmitro 06-04-2006, 01:42 PM Thanks for the compliments. No, i did not weld in the rollbar. it's an autopower unit and the fitment is not very good. i now wish i had a weld-in rollbar made, but i guess this will do for now. Here's the finished bolted-in rollbar:
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0263.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0275.jpg
I also fabricated some mounting plates for harnesses and welded the bolts to these plates, then welded the plates to the chassis. These are nice and solid, will not pull through.
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0273.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0278.jpg
jmitro 06-04-2006, 01:47 PM I decided to go ahead and reinforce the chassis joints in the rear suspension, as well as the sway bar brackets. All in all, they look pretty solid.
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0262.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0269.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0277.jpg
I also changed the valve cover gasket, as the old one was leaking. I've got tubular OBDII headers to install as well, just no photos at this point.
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_0096.jpg
CoolJoe 06-04-2006, 02:13 PM Looking good. :thumbup: Really looks like a fun project.
boostE36 06-04-2006, 10:29 PM Keep up the great work bro!
Tuff Guy 06-05-2006, 01:29 AM looking good
cbouchez 06-05-2006, 01:48 AM Your car is looking great!! keep us updated!
jmitro 06-15-2006, 05:49 PM more progress:
harnesses installed:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0281.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0284.jpg
OBDII headers were sourced, the gaps in the mating surface filled, O2 sensors plugged, and these were installed. Next is the (EDIT) UUC exhaust:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0308.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0310.jpg
jmitro 06-15-2006, 05:54 PM I intended on using the M3 driveshaft, LSD, axles, and rear suspension, but the driveshaft would not mate up to the 325 tranny. So I reinstalled the 325 driveshaft and LSD, and everything distal to that is M3 parts. the rear suspension/axles are very difficult to work on, especially the CV joints and rear wheel bearings. I have already ruined one brand new bearing and a bearing puller trying to change one bearing. Once this is done, it will simply be a matter of reinstalling the exhaust, Hawk HP+ brake pads, bleeding the brakes, and getting alignment. Car is getting close to being done.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0313.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0312.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0314.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0318.jpg
reno5658 06-15-2006, 06:39 PM how did you mount the seats with just the corbeau aluminum side mounts?
overall car is looking good.
T///MH 06-15-2006, 08:08 PM nice project, looking forward to more updates!
davidb72 06-15-2006, 09:38 PM Sweet. I have a 94 325i that I am considering doing the same thing to. Right now it's a daily driver. Keep up the good work.
jmitro 06-15-2006, 11:05 PM how did you mount the seats with just the corbeau aluminum side mounts?
overall car is looking good.
basically, the side mounts bolt directly to the seat at two mounting points on the side of the seat, and then the aluminum mounts bolt to the bottom bracket which is then bolted to the floor mounts of the chassis. does this answer your question?
it's a bit more complicated than that (i had about four trial and error fittings of the seats in various heights and rakes) and they are not adjustable for height/rake or for/aft without unbolting the mounting brackets and adjusting them. the corbeau E36 brackets were poorly made, so I had to customize the aluminum brackets to fit my needs
CKKrause 06-16-2006, 12:53 AM Great job!
Way back in May you asked about my suspension and cage. I actually got the J-Stock suspension from Turner which is custom valved Bilsteins, 575# front springs, 675# rears, and sways, which are something like 27mm/24'mm front and rear. I decided to get a nonadjustable suspension so I don't have anything to adjust and can work on me!!!! With about 3.4 degrees front and 2.3 degrees rear camber, it's on rails...
Cage is by Tony C and is full weld in. To tell you the truth, my wife talked me into it as she was not comfortable with the bolt in I was going to do for some reason...I think she had just seen a big GrandAm crash on the tube...(does that mean she cares about me???!!!! LOL!!) Anyway, it is really fun, fast, neutral, and easy to drive. I can't wait for Wednesday the 28th... 8 - 20 minute session in HPDE4 @ Thunderhill...
-CKKrause
CMPNS8N 06-16-2006, 01:11 AM Followed your sig.. subscribed!
I wanna see a cam swap.. F the classes.. it's way fun to just go to HPDE's in a cheater-car ;).. and it makes Bimmers get noticed in mixed sessions! they all think that all the e36's are invincible lol..
Actually, I followed a CSL in a session in my 440hp camaro and proceeded to buy an M3 haha..
Keep goin man! looks good.
Ausbimmer 06-16-2006, 07:16 AM Looking good keep it up.
M52 POWER! 06-16-2006, 08:11 AM Hew do you have the part numbers for the sub-frame reinforcement plates?
jmitro 06-16-2006, 10:43 AM thanks for the compliments!
CK - is your car optimally set up for any particular class? you mentioned the JS suspension and you have the cage, but i'm wondering if other things have been maxxed out (like engine mods etc) to make it competitive in class? are you DEing or racing now?
CMPSN8N - it may get a cam swap or even motor swap if this 170K motor blows on me. but i haven't even had it out of the driveway, so i don't know yet.
M52 power - i don't have the part numbers except for Turner's which are 4111225649 for the chassis plates. this is not the BMW part #s. you can order these plates through www.turnermotorsport.com
CKKrause 06-16-2006, 04:39 PM I am DEing with NASA in HPDE4 and plan on getting my license to race later this year. The car is going to be a J-Prepared class car. Currently it is a J-Prepared "light". which means no cams or upgrade TMS chip yet and the motor is old! It does have the suspension mentioned earlier, fan delete, sunroof delete, short shifter, TMS E36 chip, full tread RA-1's, and a bunch new maintenance parts, but is no where near the 2900 (with driver) weight limit. Since I still drive it to the track it still has side windows and AC and my wheels are not particularly light!!!! Otherwise it's only a fire system away from JP legal, if not particularly competitive... I'll try to post some pictures....
-CKKrause
jmitro 06-17-2006, 12:02 AM yea, i'd love to see your car. you can go to photobucket and upload photos for free.
i don't feel my skills, time, or money are conducive to racing yet, so i'm building the car as a fun(?) learning experience and maybe down the road i'll try to race. the car has a lot of M3 parts (brake calipers and rotors, axles, rear suspension parts) which may not be legal for certain classes, so it's really just a DE car that doesn't meet any rules criteria. maybe if i ever get serious about racing i'll build it to meet specs. i'd like to see your cage.
CKKrause 06-17-2006, 12:05 PM LOL!!! I don't have the skills, time, or money either, but @ 54 I'm going for it anyway!!! Seriously though, I ran a variety of Porsches in DE's over the past 5 years and I want to try the next level... My car is a bit of a glorified DE car, but it will be safe... Btw, I use stock brakes and have been going about 2:13-14 @ Thunderhill(good time for DE) with no fade....
I'll try and get pics up today, although it has street tires on it right now.
-CKKrause
reno5658 06-17-2006, 07:56 PM basically, the side mounts bolt directly to the seat at two mounting points on the side of the seat, and then the aluminum mounts bolt to the bottom bracket which is then bolted to the floor mounts of the chassis. does this answer your question?
it's a bit more complicated than that (i had about four trial and error fittings of the seats in various heights and rakes) and they are not adjustable for height/rake or for/aft without unbolting the mounting brackets and adjusting them. the corbeau E36 brackets were poorly made, so I had to customize the aluminum brackets to fit my needs
i have a fx1 pro seat and hate those side mounts. using the mounts with the vac plates. so far i love the seat
jmitro 06-18-2006, 09:49 AM the seat is adequate. it's not as comfortable as other seats, but it does the job inexpensively. the mounts, i agree, are not ideal
CKKrause 06-18-2006, 03:19 PM jmitro-
Here's some pics of my 180K track car with street tires/wheels on it-
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0806.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0807.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0808.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0809.jpg...
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0812.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0813.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0811.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i206/CKKrause/IMG_0810.jpg
-CKKrause
bloxsom 06-18-2006, 03:55 PM ooooo soo cool!! i want a track car to build!!!!!
hahaha i am going crasy!
still have to finshed up my 332!!!
coldblooded 328 06-18-2006, 11:41 PM your car is coming along great. the interior is all set, keep it up. cant wait to see everything else that is yet to come
bonoz 06-19-2006, 01:05 PM WoW :drool:
SO much work... you're quite experienced.. most I've done is a brake job. And that took me a day.
Good job car looks fabulous. I want to do the same.. get an old bimmer and track it..
personally I'd have gone with an E30 because it's more performance less luxury compared to E36.
But E36 isn't a bad choice either. Good luck.
I love the fact that from the outside, it looks totally stock. If you ignore the rollbar :shifty
jmitro 06-19-2006, 05:54 PM why would i want it to look totally stock?
jmitro 06-21-2006, 10:34 PM update..... i tried replacing the right rear wheel bearing....TWICE.....before finally giving up. i ruined two new wheel bearings and a bearing puller, and spent around $250 in parts and tools, before deciding the car has won and i have lost.
i've rebuilt a 944 engine and rebuilt most of this car, but this is the only time i've given up doing a mechanical repair myself. attempt it at your own risk....
i may have a leak from the brand new SS brake lines, but I'll check it out tomorrow. otherwise hopefully the car will have it's maiden track day this weekend.
jrward 06-22-2006, 01:16 AM Looks like a fun project. I've got two suggestions for this weekend....
1.) dump that washer fluid... weight reduction
2.) pull the snorkel off the front of your airbox, really frees things up quite a bit
Keep up the good work, nothing better than high milage budget racers.
jmitro 06-23-2006, 09:41 PM thanks for the suggestions. the washer fluid isn't that much. what weighs more is the A/C components, which I will remove in the next month or so.
I finally got the car back to running condition. The new rear wheel bearing is in, and I spent last night installing the rear sway bar, dropping the rear ride height, and installing the Ground Control RTAB shims. It's getting an aggressive alignment tomorrow, then to the track on Sunday. I also swapped the front strut bar over from my M3, and have a set of Turner Motorsport sway bars on the way. Car should handle well, and be fun to drive. I'll post some update pics.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0359.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0352.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0350.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0353.jpg
jmitro 06-23-2006, 09:44 PM more photos:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0355.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0358.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0356.jpg
EDIT - photo removed
habibijaan 06-27-2006, 12:17 PM nice rides man....
banndit 06-27-2006, 01:43 PM how was the shakedown track event?
B
jmitro 06-27-2006, 02:07 PM the trackday went well. engine was great....no fluid leaks, smoking, overheating, funny noises, or anything else. the suspension is still getting a shakedown to fine tune it correctly, and there's a funny rubbing noise that i think is the right rear e-brake shoes. otherwise the car did fine. the only real problem is that the brake pedal feel is soft and low, even though the stopping power is good enough to activate the ABS. toward the end of the day, i gained enough confidence to stand on the brakes, but in the next month i'm going to try to investigate that a bit more. maybe a better fluid will help, another bleeding, and maybe a new master cylinder. thanks for the car, bandit. my plans are to slowly evolve it into a track only car over time, probably club-racing legal.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/812_BMW.jpg
n24tg 06-27-2006, 03:13 PM bitchin cars
de45t 08-06-2006, 07:45 PM Hell Of A Car
Anything NEW ??
jmitro 08-07-2006, 12:14 AM Why yes, as a matter of fact there is. I bought a used UUC exhaust here on bimmerforums (much louder than stock), used Turner sway bars, and new Kosei 17x8.5 wheels. Oh yeah, and an X-brace. The Bridgestone street tires were mounted on the wheels until I use them up. Also, I installed a new set of Hawk HT-10 pads for the track this weekend, and compared to the HP+, these pads ROCK! awesome stopping power, so much they were overwhelming the tires. I have a brake cooling kit to install, just haven't had the time yet.
Also, the car is no longer street-legal, as I removed all the seatbelt hardware. Only harnesses now. I have a tow truck and trailer, so I'll be trailering the car to the track from now on. Finally, it will get a welded in rollcage this winter....I'll post some pics when that happens. The car is moving along.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0584.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0586.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0587.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0589.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/brakecoolingkit.jpg
Flavcool 08-07-2006, 01:25 AM My car and urs used to be twins!
Looks great man. I wish I had the knowhow to tune everything on my car myself and stuff. Mine pretty much is stock.
jmitro 08-15-2006, 10:08 PM brake cooling kit installed:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0739.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0742.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0743.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0779.jpg
ProjektMayhem 08-15-2006, 10:27 PM great buildup! outstanding work!
jmitro 08-16-2006, 12:20 AM thanks for the compliments. next up is removing the windows and having a cage welded in
M52 POWER! 08-16-2006, 12:28 AM With the brake ducting can you turn the wheel lock to lock without it rubbing?
Tuff Guy 08-16-2006, 12:45 AM ^yeah thats kinda cool
sweet project, wish i could keep my car and do something like this!
vector006 09-12-2006, 11:18 PM Been following your build, nice job. What was your budget, how much do you have into it?
jmitro 09-13-2006, 01:37 PM thanks for the compliments.
the car was purchased for $3500 including shipping. altogether (with purchase price) it has about $9000 in it now. this includes routine maintenance, Ground Control suspension with camber plates and RSM, Turner sway bars, Kosei K1 wheels, used UUC exhaust, OBDII headers, Corbeau seats and G-force harnesses, and any welding, plus random things like wheel studs and three (!!) rear wheel bearings. it also has M3 brakes with new Hawk HT-10 pads, bimmerworld brake ducting kit, and I had to purchase a used left rear suspension assembly.
I am building the car for BMWCCA J-prepared club racing, and just bought some M3 cams. Over the winter it will get a full welded 6-point cage and a few other safety items, in hopes it will be legal to start racing next year. i'll post more pics when my camera is working again.
jmitro 09-13-2006, 01:44 PM With the brake ducting can you turn the wheel lock to lock without it rubbing?
unfortunately, no. not with the 8.5" wheels. after going to the track, i found that the air ducting had been squashed and rubbed quite a bit. i either need a spacer or something to take care of that.
jmitro 09-17-2006, 06:08 PM more photos - this time of the dash being removed, and removal of the heater core, HVAC components, sound deadening, and a bunch of accessory wiring.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0826.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0828.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0837.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0839.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0843.jpg
davidb72 09-17-2006, 07:23 PM Awesome job, now would be a good time to put in a new (NON-AIRBAG) steering wheel...
Really, really nice job though...
Tuff Guy 09-17-2006, 07:31 PM coming along well
jmitro 09-17-2006, 08:46 PM thanks. i'll be getting a suede momo or sparco wheel, maybe with quick disconnect.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0847.jpg
cypha44 09-20-2006, 03:35 AM your project has come a long way since your 1st post! looks awsome! can't wait to see the finished product! great work!
WeiBCoupeE36 09-21-2006, 06:08 PM wow joe...ur ride is comin along great..i just read thru all of this. i remember when you had the other M. whats happenin to the DSII's you had on there?
jmitro 09-22-2006, 10:03 AM thanks. PM sent
Ronnaferd 09-22-2006, 11:48 AM Track cars are sick! Just read the whole thing as well. >subscribed<<SUBSCRIBED>
OlRoguelO 09-22-2006, 01:15 PM Great read, keep up the good work!
TIATO 09-26-2006, 10:14 AM jmitro,
nice work and looking great. Please elaborate as to what fitment issues you had with the autopower roll bar.
328iJunkie 09-26-2006, 10:28 AM koseis FTW.... i been wanting to do this to a 325 since i got my 328... build a beater track car...
jmitro 09-26-2006, 11:47 AM thanks. the rollbar was formed with the two forward legs too far inboard, so they bolt to the really soft part of the floorpan. if they were farther outboard, they would bolt to the harder floorpan, and maybe even could be welded to the sidesills. as it stands, i will remove it this winter and sell it so i can have a proper 6 point cage welded in. i had a nice high speed spin cresting a hill this weekend, and was really hoping the car wouldn't flip. makes me really want that rollcage.
sweet e36 pimp 09-26-2006, 08:23 PM the car looks great. i've been wanting to do the same... maybe next year, if i have the resources.
jmitro 11-01-2006, 07:25 PM a few more updates:
I installed Ground Control race front camber plates, and changed the spring rates from 450/550 to 600/700 lbs. I also installed some used R-comps and went to the track this past weekend. Turn in and steering response were increased, but this being my first time to be on R-comps, I wasn't very comfortable. My lap times were the same as before on Bridgestone street tires. Nonetheless, the car corners flatter. I also recently purchased and installed a Sparco wheel with quick release adapter. It's a beautiful piece. Next up is the S50 cams and the cage. The car is about done with tracking for the year.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0965.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0967.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0971.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0972.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/40_BMW.jpg
GottaLoveAvus 11-01-2006, 08:39 PM looks very good...how much did everything end up costing you?
jmitro 11-01-2006, 08:50 PM thanks. by the time the car is finished (ie, cage and other related safety materials such as fire system, window net, and rebuilding the head with the S50 cams) it will have roughly $13K in it including the purchase price. This includes Kosei wheels, M3 brake calipers and rotors, Hawk HT-10 pads, bimmerworld brake cooling kit, TMS sway bars and reinforcements, G-force harnesses, necessary welding, UUC exhaust, Sparco wheel and quick release, Corbeau seats, Ground Control track/school suspension with RSM and front camber plates, wheel stud kit, OBDII headers, x-brace, front strut brace, and maintenance stuff like new fluids, rear wheel bearing, belts, and water pump/thermostat and housing.
The vast majority of expense was for parts, most of which I purchased used (great deals out there). Consumables are all new. All the work I did myself except for the rear wheel bearing. Having someone else do the work would increase the cost by a factor of 150-200% i would estimate
Sido323i 11-01-2006, 09:15 PM good work
BeemerBuyer 11-01-2006, 09:45 PM just read the whole thread...
Im very jealous :shifty Looks like a blast, I cant wait untill I have a track'd out E36 beater.. I think I would wash mine tho.
jmitro 12-03-2006, 09:24 PM more photos: the adhesive sound deadening mats that are glued to the floorpan and center tunnel were removed and weighed....25 lbs worth. the sunroof has been bolted in place and sealed with silicone. Also installed an ECIS intake and Recaro SPG Profi seat (thanks ///MRacer). Lots of little racecar parts up next like window net, fire system, and hood pins.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_1014.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_1055.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_1016.jpg
nhocky318 12-04-2006, 12:20 AM wow good progress. keep us updated and good luck
95 530i PIMP 12-05-2006, 11:45 PM calypsorot track cars = sex
SQ Bimmer 12-06-2006, 12:12 AM Just awesome. I remember running into this thread a while ago, I wish I had subscribed to it. If not for 95 530i's bump, I dunno if I woulda seen it!
drkblu318ti 12-06-2006, 12:17 AM Damn pretty sweet, i wish i too had some money to make a track car!
nhocky318 12-06-2006, 01:39 AM looks good man. fun project. keep us updated looking forward to seeing this finished product.
jmitro 12-10-2006, 09:22 PM Thanks again. I installed the Ground Control Rear lower control arms....what a pain...the exhaust, sway bar, axles, and differential had to be dropped. Also new Powerflex RTABs.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0027.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0032.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0034.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0038.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0039.jpg
A ///Monster 12-18-2006, 06:12 AM looks great! now lets see pics of the cage Joseph.
WeiBCoupeE36 12-18-2006, 03:36 PM very nice!!! now who wants to do my cab's in the rear....i can do the front....but after seeing this..i dont know if i wanna do mine. lol
MtbikingKing27 12-23-2006, 06:17 PM nice job man, you're my hero!
Eclipse223 12-23-2006, 08:11 PM OMG that is sweet what u r doing, R u planing on doing anything to the Eng? Like turbo or anything. SOrry if u said something about it already just got on the boards last week and skimed the topic and pics
?
jmitro 12-30-2006, 05:14 PM looks great! now lets see pics of the cage Joseph.
here you go. the cage is getting close to finished....these photos show most of the tubes in place, but not all welds are finished and there are a few more tubes to be placed, but you get the general idea. I especially like the custom seatback brace!:D
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0100.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0101.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0103.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0104.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0107.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0108.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0111.jpg
GottaLoveAvus 01-01-2007, 02:40 PM every time i look @ this thread it keeps getting better, good luck with this, i would hope to do this one day
somudo 01-01-2007, 04:28 PM love the car man. little unique things like that seat brace and the quality of work always keep me subscribed. how much more do you have planned for the suspension?
eibachkid 01-01-2007, 04:54 PM little off topic but did you buy a tool set or just bought everything(tools) separate? im debating on whether i should buy a tool set for all kinds of work on e36
jmitro 01-01-2007, 10:56 PM Thanks guys. not much more planned for the suspension...it's pretty much done. That includes GC struts/shocks with 600/700lb springs, GC camber plates and RSM, GC rear lower control arms, Turner sway bars, and the powerflex bushings.
eibachkid....i'm 34 and have been doing mechanical repairs for about 15 years. i've gradually bought all my tools including air tools. i don't have one big set, just a bunch of different tools all mixed together.
jmitro 01-17-2007, 06:53 PM Final update....the car has the rollcage finished. It's pretty much legal now except for a fire system, to be installed soon. The rollcage has some nice custom touches, like the cutoff switch panel, custom dead pedal, seat back brace, and the dash mounts were cutoff and welded directly to the cage itself. Nice. I've enjoyed the transformation of this car over the last 8 months, and hope it's helpful to others.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/cutoffswitch2.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_38.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_39.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_16.jpg
jmitro 01-17-2007, 06:56 PM a few more photos:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_23.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_21.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_29.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_31.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_36.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_25.jpg
NHbmw325I 01-17-2007, 07:11 PM thats awesome! I want to do a bit more suspension work, but I dont think I would need reinforced bushings, and weld on plates, etc. maybe if I did tracking.
Must handle so well!
autophile 01-18-2007, 04:27 AM Awesome. Thanks for the write up. Hope to see you at Hallett this summer!
adrenajunkie 01-18-2007, 01:12 PM I just gutted my 93 326is, including door panels. Need advice on suspension- want to do it all over, for under a grand. What do you suggest? Also, will a 4-point bolt-in cage work or should I have a local guy fabricate a 6-point weld-in with door beams?
old skool 01-18-2007, 01:31 PM I intended on using the M3 driveshaft, LSD, axles, and rear suspension, but the driveshaft would not mate up to the 325 tranny. So I reinstalled the 325 driveshaft and LSD, and everything distal to that is M3 parts.
You can swap input and ouput flanges on the M3 LSD in order to use it with the 325 drive shaft and axles.
You should consider buying a 328/M3 tranny as they aren't that expensive and are nicer. Then you could use the M3 drive shaft, M3 diff without swapping flanges, M3 axles. However, if you use M3 axles, you need to change out to the M3 rear trailing arms/hubs/brakes/dust shields. That is a lot of work, but you have already done a lot.
IF you already have the M3 parts to do the rear end swap, I would just go ahead and buy the M3/328 tranny.
old skool 01-18-2007, 01:36 PM I just noticed that you did install the M3 brakes and rear trailing arms. So I take it you have M3 axles, diff and drive shaft, tranny installed now?
Did you put the dash back on?
Pzary3233 01-18-2007, 01:37 PM Very nice build up! I am going to look at a 325is parts car today and this has me all excited about the possibilities!
Edit, do you have any close ups of the cage where it meets the dash as well as the front cross bar before the dash went back in the car?
Thanks for an awesome thread!
old skool 01-18-2007, 01:37 PM Also just noticed that your rear shocks go way up inside the interior of the trunk. Can you explain this a little?
jmitro 01-18-2007, 10:51 PM I just gutted my 93 326is, including door panels. Need advice on suspension- want to do it all over, for under a grand. What do you suggest? Also, will a 4-point bolt-in cage work or should I have a local guy fabricate a 6-point weld-in with door beams?
my suspension setup is the Ground Control track/school kit with Turner sway bars and some other stuff. Altogether this would run over $2000 with all the parts I have in it. Do a search under suspension....there's a ton of information. to answer your cage question, that depends on whether or not you want to race. If so, you should look at the rules of the class you plan on racing in. In my opinion, a proper welded 6 pt cage is always safer than a 4 pt bolt in rollbar. look at your floorpan....the bolt in attaches to the SOFTEST part of the floorpan. wouldn't take much to punch it through.
Also just noticed that your rear shocks go way up inside the interior of the trunk. Can you explain this a little?
yes, i did reinstall the dash...see the photos of the rollcage above.
the car is built for JP class racing with BMWCCA, hence I cannot use an M3 engine or tranny. differential is free, however. I am therefore using an M50 engine with matching tranny, 325 driveshaft and 3.15 LSD (3.91 LSD on the way), M3 axles, hubs and rear brake rotors. I plan to install S50 cams in soon.
the shocks are Ground Control koni adjustables with GC rear shock mounts.
Very nice build up! I am going to look at a 325is parts car today and this has me all excited about the possibilities!
Edit, do you have any close ups of the cage where it meets the dash as well as the front cross bar before the dash went back in the car?
Thanks for an awesome thread!
One of the dash mounts and the custom deadpedal: Also, you can see the front crossbar in the bottom photo behind the dash, and in the first photo of the post for 12-30-06.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_34.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_24.jpg
old skool 01-18-2007, 10:54 PM Weird. I have GC track/school kit with GC RSM and my shocks don't stick way up in the trunk like that.
old skool 01-18-2007, 10:56 PM Also, can you tell me about the curved flat bar that you have supporting the back upper section of the race seat? I haven't seen that before. what is its function?
Greg S 01-18-2007, 10:58 PM the car is built for JP class racing with BMWCCA
So when do you plan to start racing? I think I'm aiming for early '08, JP also...
jmitro 01-18-2007, 11:25 PM So when do you plan to start racing? I think I'm aiming for early '08, JP also...
I'm going to start COMMA racing at Hallett this year. It's a low budget but fairly competitive race series outside of Tulsa. Later this year I will look at BMWCCA after I get my feet wet at Hallett.
old skool....the Konis are top adjust instead of bottom adjustable, maybe that's why they are so tall at the top. I'm not sure. The curved piece you mention is a custom seat back brace built by my cage builder. It obviously fits my seat only in the current position. It's non-adjustable, but since no one else will be driving my car (at least not long term), it doesn't matter. I had to get the seat placed in the correct location before it was built, so now I can't move the seat at all. No matter, it has VAC floor mounts and Recaro side mounts with no sliders.
old skool 01-18-2007, 11:30 PM Cool. FWIW I also have top adjustable Konis. :shifty
I don't know why but I am really curious. Maybe you can post a close up picture of one of the mounts?
iflytii 01-25-2007, 01:52 AM Looking good Joseph! Can't wait to get out to Hallett again!
jmitro 01-25-2007, 10:24 AM thanks. i plan on being at Motorsport Ranch at end of February, and first race at Hallett at end of March.
now i'm prepping for some paint. yowzers
Greg S 01-25-2007, 02:48 PM thanks. i plan on being at Motorsport Ranch at end of February, and first race at Hallett at end of March.
now i'm prepping for some paint. yowzers
I'll see you at MSR end of Feb.
jmitro 01-31-2007, 09:48 PM for some crazy reason i thought I could paint my car: had to buy a big compressor to keep up with the DA sander. now I need a cool paintscheme. Any suggestions?
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0034-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0038-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0039-1.jpg
iflytii 01-31-2007, 09:55 PM Paint it all black except leave the front fenders/valance grey primer? :-D
Greg S 01-31-2007, 09:59 PM Joseph, you're fucking crazy!
hinzm3 01-31-2007, 10:15 PM woah big change from when I saw the car last. Can't wait to see the finished project.
PirateJake 01-31-2007, 10:18 PM wow... can't believe i've been missing out on this thread until now... great job... i'm looking forward to getting out of college and doing this to my E36 (after purchasing an E46 M3 in a couple of years :buttrock:)
as for color scheme... i'd say either black it out or go with white and do the tri-color M scheme all the way across, over, or around it
*subscribed*
jmitro 01-31-2007, 10:19 PM ha, yeah, i get obsessed with a project, but at least it gives me something to do outside work.
bob, i want something unique ;)
Greg S 01-31-2007, 10:23 PM Don't paint it black. How about:
http://sonypictures.com/movies/talladeganights/site/images/header.jpg
jmitro 01-31-2007, 10:29 PM sweet!!
camiloteram 01-31-2007, 11:04 PM for some crazy reason i thought I could paint my car: had to buy a big compressor to keep up with the DA sander. now I need a cool paintscheme. Any suggestions?
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0034-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0038-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0039-1.jpg
Nice K1's, no matter what color you paint your car, paint those a nice glossy Black. Sex :buttrock
Pzary3233 02-03-2007, 09:47 PM yes, i did reinstall the dash...see the photos of the rollcage above.
One of the dash mounts and the custom deadpedal: Also, you can see the front crossbar in the bottom photo behind the dash, and in the first photo of the post for 12-30-06.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_34.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/rollcage_24.jpg
Thanks for those photos, how much did you have to cut from the dash? Sorry for the noob question!
jmitro 02-04-2007, 12:56 AM I didn't cut anything from the dash, just removed the dash mounts from the chassis and welded them directly to the rollcage instead. we had to shorten them in order to get them to fit.
millertimebmw03 02-04-2007, 01:06 AM Hey, AWSOME BUILD!!!
Can you shoot a photo of your rear swaybars? I'm looking at the mounting ends. Did you just put a bolt through the swaybar and into the stock swaybar link? THANKS!!!
sPoofe36 02-04-2007, 02:38 PM paint is to heavy!! leave it bare metal
skiboard06 02-04-2007, 02:44 PM paint is to heavy!! leave it bare metal
rust city
Ronnaferd 02-05-2007, 05:47 PM Pick some exotic color and remember it will be getting lots of chips on the front from the track racing :)
awesome build.
how about kawasaki green?
m3wannabe510 02-06-2007, 03:52 AM Amazing job....my car is slowly gutting itself (damn door panels), so this would be a great project in the future! I say you go with flat black, then paint the kosei's black. Flat black is a cheap job, leaving you with more money to buy cams or other motor goodies.
-Wale
propr`one 02-06-2007, 04:05 AM For some reason, boston green strikes me as a great track car colour.
having said that,
all e36 4drs should be black
/flame suit on
Good middle ground is porsche midnight black, a friend of mine has a e36 in that colour, its absolutley stunning.
incredible build, i'm dreaming along with most everyone else on this thread:)
jmitro 02-10-2007, 01:47 PM more photos: support brace added to the A pillar. Paint prep is done and I'm ready to shoot.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0061.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0058.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0065.jpg
Ollie1662 02-10-2007, 07:41 PM You don't see too many avus 4 doors.:devillook
Greg S 02-10-2007, 07:51 PM What color?
jmitro 02-10-2007, 08:01 PM probably some variation of red and black. probably black in the front to hide the rubber that is thrown from cars ahead
Greg S 02-10-2007, 08:18 PM The other cars are supposed to be behind you :shifty
ben1996328i 02-11-2007, 01:34 AM w/e you paint it its going to be beatifull
ooo i know
FLATBLACK :)
i saw an sti that color omg was it sick and it was done with spray paint
Greg S 02-11-2007, 01:54 AM w/e you paint it its going to be beatifull
ooo i know
FLATBLACK :)
i saw an sti that color omg was it sick and it was done with spray paint
That was in Sport Compact Car or something...
alvizzo913 02-11-2007, 02:47 PM Flat back FTW. What an awesome project, I can't wait till I get the time and money to do something of the same.
ben1996328i 02-11-2007, 03:13 PM yup yup i still have a pic of that car on my wall.
sadly they discontinued the project car. the photo says broken center differential of the month. apparently it broke the center diff.
i think the paint added 30hp and decided it was to brutal for the center diff. :-P
JohnnyScene 02-12-2007, 01:50 PM this thread is addicting im subscribed awsome write up aswell! BTW where did you get your auto pwer cage from and how much are you going to sell it if you havent sold it yet thanks!
jmitro 02-12-2007, 02:30 PM thanks. I got it from I/O port racing. It's still available. $450 shipped if interested.
PrestoMB 02-12-2007, 02:54 PM Awesome thread cant beleive I never saw it. Updates and pics of the car painted?
sausrigging 02-12-2007, 03:44 PM Lets see a photo of my old intake on this car!
jmitro 02-12-2007, 04:13 PM yes, I have a photo at home, but I still need to load it up. I will with my next update which will be paint photos
alvizzo913 02-13-2007, 05:19 AM Pardon my ignorance, but is the car still street legal?
Zimzorga 02-13-2007, 05:31 AM ^^hahaha....
alphaxxn 02-13-2007, 06:46 AM Pardon my ignorance, but is the car still street legal?
No.
The addition of harnesses + the removal of the stock SRS system and seatbelts are one main contributor to the fact that it's not street legal.
I love the build so far. Can't wait to see painted pictures.
brendanMdub 02-13-2007, 10:36 AM this is such an amazing build, o how i would love to do the same.
you should go with Avus blue or something..or go crazy and just do Leguna Seca Blue
autophile 02-13-2007, 07:49 PM Paint it Leguna Seca Blue with small Black, Yellow, and Red stripes angled down toward both front wheel wells from the sides of the hood. I don't remember seeing any cars with that combo. Or do the roof in the Black, Yellow, and Red.
JohnnyScene 02-13-2007, 09:28 PM any pics of the cage out side of the car?
jmitro 02-14-2007, 01:02 AM Sausrigging - here's the intake. Johnnyscene - can't really see the cage from outside very well, at least not in the angles I have so far.
I do like laguna seca blue and have thought about that color. but the cost of multiple colors of paint is very expensive (nearly $700 for all the prep, primer, surfacer, two paint colors, clear coat, and reducers so far!! three quarts of red paint alone was nearly $300!) plus the car's interior is the original Calypsot red. To keep from having different interior and exterior colors, I am painting the car red with some black graphics. So far i've got the primer shot.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_1057.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0068.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0066-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0070.jpg
sweeeeet. cant wait to see the finished paint. subscribed as well :)
jhstealth 02-14-2007, 02:28 AM o wow man im soooo jealous lol, i cant wait to see it with the repaint, good stuff
autophile 02-14-2007, 12:38 PM Lookin' good!
:eatpop:
Patiently waiting for pics of painted car. Hope the weather cooperates soon. Or is your Paint Booth heated?
psyyambmw 02-19-2007, 10:22 PM Umm! don't U think about losing some weight w/ carbon fiber hood. :)
Greg S 02-19-2007, 10:29 PM Umm! don't U think about losing some weight w/ carbon fiber hood. :)
That's only like 10lbs and it's not legal in JP.
sausrigging 02-19-2007, 10:31 PM Looking good! I htink i read somewhere that e36's have like 70+ pounds of that rubbery underbody coating, considered removing any of that?
Greg S 02-19-2007, 10:46 PM Looking good! I htink i read somewhere that e36's have like 70+ pounds of that rubbery underbody coating, considered removing any of that?
That helps keep the body from rusting, also he is building the car to a spec weight so getting the car as light as possible isn't the idea/goal. Also the underbody coating is very low on the car(low CG)...
graywolf316 02-19-2007, 10:47 PM wow this is my first time on this thread and thats awsome you have come a long way....looks awsome u gonna do a turbo or SC....or just build up the motor?....i just bought a 325is red...5 speed very quick car way! faster then my 318 but im just gonna do some cosmetic fix's and sell it i dont have the time to deal with a project car right now...im lookin for a drakkar m3 preferbly odb 1 3.0L...i my dream project car is an 850.....but any way great job on all that!
Greg S 02-19-2007, 10:49 PM HAHA... NVM, I won't even bother.
ben1996328i 02-20-2007, 01:59 AM http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0066-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0070.jpg
dude that is soooo sick. i like how the paint room looks. i did something similar when i had to paint some stuff but it was more like 4ft by 5ft and 5 ft high. but it was aggg i had a fan with a filter set up to it and it heated and circulated the air it was agggggg i mean aggggg
i dreamt about it one night. my mom was like wtf are you seriouse ha and i used like plastic that was sooo thick i could vacume it. i made shure it was air tight too with like 20 layers of duck tap
best thing ive built the paiint job on the other hand turned out sub par
maybe it come to better use when i paint the red on my taillights
jmitro 02-20-2007, 02:44 AM Greg's doing all the talking for me :) Like he said, no CF hood...not legal. No supercharger, again not legal. The weight should be around 2600 without me or fluids, so it should be pretty close to minimum weight for racing class. I haven't weighed the car yet.
Pics up soon....I got finished painting and just need to reinstall all the trim etc. Also, have to get the car aligned because of the rear LCAs I installed. Stupid me, I've already scratched the paint :mad but it will get blemishes soon anyway :rolleyes
Greg S 02-20-2007, 02:47 AM See you this weekend.
theruss1an1 02-20-2007, 03:16 AM Paint interior white and get nascar bars :D
-Serge
tman62 02-21-2007, 12:15 AM All i can say is WOW.
I love it!!!
jmitro 02-21-2007, 01:12 AM Thanks. Here's preliminary pics of the paintjob. I know it's kinda plain, but I'm going to put the LTW flag in black on the back corners, and then there's all the decals to put on the car. I still need to wetsand and buff the paint, which will make it look smoother. Plus I have the carbon fiber spoiler to install on the front bumper that you can see in the pics. Next up...alignment and to the track this weekend. See you there Greg.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0081.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0086.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0085.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0087.jpg
TIATO 02-21-2007, 09:00 AM Amazing transformation. Keep up the great work.:alright
alvizzo913 02-21-2007, 09:44 AM Wow, paint job looks awesome, good luck at the track this weekend.
Looks good man, kill em all at the track!
Ronnaferd 02-21-2007, 09:23 PM excellent 2 tone paint job! it will look even better with the black flags on there. Let us know how you do at the track :buttrock
autophile 02-21-2007, 09:48 PM Which track are you going to?
I just see BMW, Ducati on the Hallett schedule.
Greg S 02-21-2007, 10:09 PM Which track are you going to?
I just see BMW, Ducati on the Hallett schedule.
MSR-C
CKKrause 02-21-2007, 10:55 PM Joseph-
That is looking fantastic!!! I think the color scheme is going to be great, particularly with the flag decals.... You done good!!
-Chuck
autophile 02-21-2007, 11:05 PM Well, the car looks great. I'll see you at hallett!
Matt85 02-21-2007, 11:29 PM great job so far. cant wait to see it completed.
e36bmdub 03-02-2007, 05:07 AM hmm so i wonder if its been completed after all this time?!? :)
jmitro 03-02-2007, 11:01 AM Yep, just waiting for my decals to put the final touches on. You can see photos from this weekend's track event here:
http://www.hart-photography.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=1257&PHPSESSID=0a94afe617f2dc8fc34e51ae722227ab
Mill-town 03-02-2007, 11:24 AM wow...thats so amazing! was that your first time paint? I love that paint both.. lmao nice job keep up the good work.. I would love to see more pics.
iflytii 03-02-2007, 12:09 PM Paint looks really good Joseph! Can't wait to see it in person!
autophile 03-02-2007, 02:19 PM Lookin' good!
Was there a 5th session? The photog had 5 groups of pics, but looks like you were packing up for the drive home.
Did you have a good shakedown run? Was it a HPDE or a timed event or what? If it was competitive, how were your times in your class?
Just curious, overall just hope you had a good time and didn't break anything!
jmitro 03-02-2007, 03:29 PM thanks,
there were 3 sessions on Sat (1 cancelled due to high winds) and 4 on Sunday. I drove every session, it was great. No competition, just dialing the car in and getting used to R compounds.
Dino Antonov 03-06-2007, 10:51 PM more updates please
jmitro 03-08-2007, 11:32 PM here's a pic of the paint and early decals. I am waiting for the rest of the decals to arrive. I also took the plunge.....S52 swap! So instead of a rebuilt M50 engine, I'm going to install a used S52 motor and tranny, and go IP for club racing instead of JP. Can't wait!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0102.jpg
graywolf316 03-08-2007, 11:38 PM wow looks great. good job on all the work. good choice with the s52 i would have done the same.
EuroBeem 03-09-2007, 12:01 AM absolutely sick job! what makes it awesome is that you did basically everything yourself. nice work!!!
Righteous 03-09-2007, 12:25 AM Yeah the only thing I have ever done on my car was changed the right side turn signal bulb.
I want to in the future become a skilled mechanic like you. So this thread gives me a lot of inspiration. Awesome car. And awesome thread.
alvizzo913 03-09-2007, 02:25 AM here's a pic of the paint and early decals. I am waiting for the rest of the decals to arrive. I also took the plunge.....S52 swap! So instead of a rebuilt M50 engine, I'm going to install a used S52 motor and tranny, and go IP for club racing instead of JP. Can't wait!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0102.jpg
:eyecrazy Awesome! Are you doing everything with the swap by yourself? Best of luck, keep us updated!
328isDriver 03-09-2007, 02:50 AM Very Very nice! looks like the perfect track car!
Greg S 03-09-2007, 11:57 AM I'm going to install a used S52 motor and tranny, and go IP for club racing instead of JP. Can't wait!
Damn you!
jmitro 03-09-2007, 12:33 PM Damn you!
:D :redspot :alright
jmitro 03-26-2007, 09:58 PM Allright guys, final post as the car is essentially done (except for the S52 swap) and I had my first race this weekend at Hallett in OK. It was fun as hell!! My car isn't competitive as it is in the GT2 class at Hallett, but maybe with some more power and better gearing (and driver improvement!) it will be. I finally installed all the decals and the fire suppression system, which is a 2.3L AFFF system with three nozzles. All I need is some gearing to pull me out of the corners, and more power. And stickier tires. etc etc. Thanks for all the enthusiasm and responses, hope this thread was helpful and inspirational for all you grassroots racers out there. Thanks to Sean Grubb with iZoom.com race graphics, as well as to all you guys who have helped answer my questions when building this car. And thanks to Scott P. at Hallett this weekend for helping me fix my broken swaybar mount so I could keep racing.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0120.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0119.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0117.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0121.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/812_GT2.jpg
alvizzo913 03-27-2007, 07:16 PM Congratulations, best of luck on the track!
jmitro 04-07-2007, 12:56 PM S52 swap in progess with OBDI conversion. Also, I got a 3.91 LSD from Ray Mason :buttrock as well as 3.5" CAI/HFM and 24lb injectors, Turner pullies, and UUC aluminum flywheel and M5 clutch. No cams right now. I can't wait to get this car on the track now!!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0129.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0140.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0144.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0143.jpg
NAe36 04-07-2007, 01:53 PM this car is sweet and almost makes me want to do this to my car.:evil2
seth 325i 04-07-2007, 01:59 PM that is a sick car! good job!! looks great keep it up
PrestoMB 04-07-2007, 06:51 PM Awesome man. Your car is going to fly. Are you going w/ J.C. Software? Also did you get the Temp sensor and Coolant tube from Turner Motorsports?
jmitro 04-07-2007, 07:09 PM thanks. yes, Turner software, ECIS intake, and Turner coolant tube and temp sensor
MreedBMWM3 04-30-2007, 11:34 PM Wow... Joseph, Outstanding! I love the new paint job. I can't wait to see you and the car at Hallet.
Your project is quite inspiring, I hope to do something like this in a few years.
Best of luck!
bmw buddy 05-01-2007, 12:09 AM what r u doing with the old trans?
jmitro 05-01-2007, 10:08 AM thanks. yes, i still have the old engine and tranny
CLEANM3whipz 05-01-2007, 11:14 AM Damn this guy is not playing lol car looks clean! props for you doing all the work too
CLEANM3whipz 05-01-2007, 11:16 AM Stupid question...but whats a fire suppression system??
jmitro 05-01-2007, 01:19 PM puts out a fire in the cabin or engine compartment
skiboard06 05-01-2007, 01:33 PM way sick post pics of engine swap progress please, thanks joe
-Jon
jmitro 05-08-2007, 11:45 PM Another photo at Hallett before the S52 swap.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/A_275.jpg
S52 swap and OBDI conversion in progress and completed:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0157.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0161.jpg
And finally, final race preparation for my BMWCCA rookie club race at Motorsport Ranch in Texas. Thanks to the Tricia and Fran at BMWCCA, they worked hard and got my license approved quickly so I could make this race. I had to mount an AMB transponder, install the HANS device, fabricate some aluminum door panels, and add some balast, all in addition to completing the S52 swap and getting the car aligned. Did not even have a test run before going to the race. The car ran pretty well except for a significant oil leak which I am now tracing down.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0167.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0170.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0174.jpg
NAe36 05-09-2007, 12:39 AM thats awesome man, how bad was the s52 swap? Im throwin around the idea right now.
miklm 05-09-2007, 02:29 AM http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0174.jpg
Jeez, I see why Dale @ EvoSport was making an issue of the sponsor decals... Those look terrible on a dark colored car.
Otherwise, great work! Inspirational.
speedster 05-26-2007, 08:18 PM joseph, ready to do the same swap to mine?//
jmitro 05-27-2007, 12:30 AM ha, let me get mine sorted out first....had to leave early from the race this weekend because i blew a headgasket. damn.
skiboard06 05-27-2007, 01:00 AM boo about the headgasket. Pics of the freshened engine bay?
jmitro 05-28-2007, 05:26 PM i may have a couple photos of the engine, but it's nothing special. looks pretty much like the one before except the M badging. here's some from this weekend. thanks to Matt and M3Jhawk for sharing them with me.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/h.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/Hallett4.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/Hallett7.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/812_BMWcca.jpg
JohnnyScene 05-28-2007, 06:42 PM wow great work i remebr when you started this car sure has come a long way good job!
de45t 05-28-2007, 07:07 PM nicely done!!
tEckniks 06-14-2007, 11:11 AM :eek: amazing
iflytii 06-22-2007, 02:05 PM Joseph, you going to make it to Hallett this weekend?
deep throat 07-10-2007, 02:40 PM Subscribing
Stoggs 07-11-2007, 01:21 PM I enjoyed reading your buildup... Im subscribed. I might have missed it, but how much weight did you lose by gutting the car?
jmitro 07-23-2007, 07:58 PM a few final photos to add the carbon fiber PTG wing I just got today.....thanks phily. Stoggs.....the stock weight is around 3200 lbs. the car's race weight with half tank of gas is 2790. without the rollcage and added safety features the car probably lost over 400 lbs.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0001.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0003.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/jmitro2000/IMG_0004-1.jpg
deep throat 07-23-2007, 09:10 PM Needs a wash ;)
sPoofe36 07-23-2007, 10:30 PM does the wing provide any function? actually creates significant downforce?
busterhax 07-24-2007, 02:29 AM how are them schrick cams treating ya?
jmitro 07-24-2007, 09:49 AM thanks guys. yes, the wing should create some effective downforce, or rather, reduction of lift. it's got three angles of attack for adjustability.
the cams are great. engine seems to have good power and reliability now that i've got things worked out. have you got yours installed yet?
93ride 07-24-2007, 11:22 AM Damn I read the whole post now Im here...at the end...and Im upset...good story and very impressed with what u have done
busterhax 07-24-2007, 01:08 PM thanks guys. yes, the wing should create some effective downforce, or rather, reduction of lift. it's got three angles of attack for adjustability.
the cams are great. engine seems to have good power and reliability now that i've got things worked out. have you got yours installed yet?not yet, i need to find a day when im off and my buddy is off so he can drive me to RRT so i can drop it off and pick it up in one day
Storz 07-24-2007, 01:32 PM Absolutely incredible build, I just read through the entire thread. Your determination is an inspiration and having a log of the complete build is really nice anyone planning to do a build, as it gives a general idea of what to do first and so on...
Congrats, great looking car!
bitcore 07-30-2007, 02:48 AM Amazing. I love this thread. You are doing what I wish I could be doing with my car.
However... you car seems to be missing a minor detail that's inexpensive and would up it's badass factor 2x: some mean looking eyelids!!:buttrock and maybe some ellipsoids, or at least bust out the high grit sandpaper on those plastic lenses :) Next to those great looking clears, shiny new paint, and crisp decals, that hazy plastic distracts me. I mean, you already re-sprayed it, might as well take that one last small step. At the very least, drivers in-front of you will subconsciously feel slightly more intimidated if they weren't hazy, and mean eyelids tells em you are serious - cause your car has it's serious face on.
busterhax 07-30-2007, 02:53 AM eye lids ftl. its not a show car man. really itd be better not to have headlights at all, why should he put ellipsoids in? no point in putting a nice paint job considering most track cars get bumped here and there
jmitro 07-30-2007, 09:38 AM thanks for the compliments. i'm not real crazy about eyelids, and ellipsoids would be a waste of money since the headlights are never on and they might get cracked anyway. rocks are a common threat.
bitcore 08-06-2007, 01:53 AM Whip out that sandpaper then!
mellena88 08-07-2007, 04:23 AM wow... that was a fun read
ropehnd 08-16-2007, 11:27 PM I just read the whole thread...sweeeet bro. How often and how long were u workin on the car.
Good luck on da track!
|
|