Although I don't post too often, I really enjoy reading threads about other enthusiasts' builds, experience, and stories, so here's my own thread on my beloved car!
The beginning...
The M Coupe has always been one of my favourite cars. It was roughly 3 years ago when I purchased this car from the previous owner. It took me about a year to finally find the coupe that I wanted. The car had just passed 70k and the condition was immaculate. When I first saw the car, I knew that was the one. A couple basic mods was also part of the package, including TCKline single adjustable coil overs, Dinan throttle body and software upgrade, BBS RS-GTs, B&B Tri-flo cat back exhaust, and some audio stuff.
Here she is when I first got her.
I didn't have a goal, I was just stoked that I finally got the car. I always wanted something that's unique, looks great, and drives great. The M coupe fits the bill perfectly, but there are certainly areas that modification could improve, and so it began...
First mod I did was the steering wheel. The OE steering wheel was probably what I disliked the most.
Next thing I wanted was to improve my driving skills and really get to know the car in a safe environment, so I went for my first autocross event.
I was loving it...!
For better light output, new headlamps and HIDs were installed. I didn't exact love the look at the beginning, but it grew on me.
The question came to me, what do I want with this car? What can I live with and without? I want the car to be light, efficient, and fast, at the same time I still want it to have class, somewhat comfortable, not just stripped and looking crappy.
I decided that the car should go on a diet. As a relatively small car I felt that the car should be lighter than it is. I didn't like the way the audio parts were installed by the PO anyway, so I slowly removed the components.
And then, some preventative chassis and maintenance work was needed...
Dual ear diff mount with Randy's kit, camber adjustments, stiffer springs, new bushings...
Cooling system overhaul, clutch fan delete, aluminum radiator...
Car ran happily like so for a while.
Things didn't quite stop there...
996 brakes
Refinished with brembo sticker
Status Racing carbon fiber seats, Schroth 3" 4-point harness, and Sparco harness bar
And then I did my first ever real carbon fiber work...
During winter storage, car went on jack-stands as the BBS were sold...
Until the arrival of the CCW LM20s with Hankook RS-3s.
Not as grippy as R-Comps, not exactly the lightest wheels... But I think they look awesome and I can drive the car on the street, at autocross, and at the track using the same set of wheels!
There was a little hiccup along the way. Coolant had been sipping through the new radiator somehow, and suddenly the aux fan switch died. My car almost got overheated during a photoshoot, luckily nothing was damaged.
Because of that... new parts! Zionsville fan shroud and a s54 radiator through warranty replacement
At the same time, I decided to go a step further into lightening and stiffening the chassis...
TIG welded .095 DOM
Along with this...
Dry carbon fiber hood which still needs quite a bit of work!...
And that's where things are! Car's currently at the body shop. It's been a long rewarding journey and I still got lots more to learn and explore. Much thanks to community around to help me through my problems when I'm in need. This is going to be a project for a life-time!
Will be posting updates here with new progress. Follow me on instagram for latest updates @agfx. See y'all around
Last edited by agfx; 12-28-2013 at 05:30 PM.
Awesome write up! and best of all.... nice car
Very nice! I need a E36/7 in my life
1996 328i (m52B28US) OBD1 euro ZF 5spd. 3.23LSD conversion / Chem. PnP Head/ DINAN stg.2 CHIP/ VAC race valves/ S52 cams/ A/C delete/ fan delete/ Washer Fluid resv delete/ ARP head studs/ Cometic 140MLS / VAC Solid Engine/trans Mounts/ CAI / 2.5"Borla race exahaust/ NGK R spark plugs, M50 Mani, S50 Oil Res, Riot Racing HFTB, SAMCO Hoses, JBR FW, X-Brace, Mtech Front Bumper, RE RSMs, stoptech SS lines, Bilstein sports, H&R Race Springs, S52 Reinforcement plates, Kosei K1 w/ bridgestone RE960as, Brembo/stoptech slotted rotors, M3 Trailing arms, M3 Calipers, M3 Axles, ACS strut brace, weight reduction.
http://mbuild.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I know there are a few coupe owners in my area, hopefully we'll meet up for a little shoot some time this year.
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Thanks! Love your car too!
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Do it!
Love it.
wow lots of nice work on the Mcoupe.
Looks good dude!
Ramdom, but are those seats the FIA approved ones?
I love the work so far!
Props for taking an immaculate car and having the balls to start modding it
My kind of build! thumbs up!
Looks great man, I need to do something like that cf seat delete for mine.
IG @Bsaintmedia | Cammed LS6 Swapped E36 M3 "The GMW M3"
Excellent car! I hope to see more in here one day! Lmk if you ever want to trade for something a little more understated
Thanks guys!
And some progress on the hood...
Very very nice! How well do the Status seats fit inside the coupe? Do u have much room? I am assuming its the narrowest Status Ring model. What kind of bracket/mount/slider did you use? Would love to see more detailed pictures of the seats if you don't mind!
I am now an E30 driver!
http://www.cardomain.com/id/hadokenny
Check out my Audi S4 and S14 240sx(sold)
well done... nice
The fit is quite tight, the shoulder area barely clears the door card, and I have to mount the seat at higher position to clear as well. I am using status racing's side mounts with VAC floor mounts. Had to redrill the wholes on the side mounts, it would probably be a cleaner install using VAC side mounts with their floor mounts.
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And here's a minor update... hood test fitting...
Will be painted body colour and secured by aerocatch latches.
Last edited by agfx; 06-28-2013 at 02:48 PM.
Coming along very nicely! I love everything you've done so far.
Current cars:
87' Zinnorot 325is
91' Alpine white 318is
92' E30 Alpine white Mtechnic
97' E36 Alpine white M3/2/5
Hood and splitters installed! Car's finally back on the road!
I love it. Great Detail. Any ideas on exhaust?
GO Blue... Michigan
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