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Quick update. No big progress as I have been dealing with lower back issues. I did find a great deal on some OEM M3 Contour wheels. I snatched them up, and love how they look on the car. The contract really helps.
I got the car cleaned up this weekend and let it idle in the driveway. The car always fires right up and idles like a champ. I was hoping to get out for a drive and enjoy this wonderful fall weather, but the back is still not 100%. Here are a few additional pictures all cleaned up.
Looks really nice Andrew -- the ride height, the way the new wheels/tires fill up the wheel well. And those wheels have a bit of an "OEM" look that makes the car even more of a sleeper. And I know a thing or two about sleepers!
BTW, found a 1.5" larger diameter steering wheel that works perfectly, and had a 9 - bolt pattern that was within a few millimeters of the bolt pattern for the adapter that was on the car. It's a LeCarra steering wheel (Lokar) with a 9 bolt, 4" pattern (101.6mm). My Formuling wheel/adapter was a 98mm pattern. So I was able to hand file the openings in the adapter a bit and the new wheel went right on.
Last edited by Michael Yount; 11-20-2022 at 05:50 PM.
This is a great thread. Thanks for getting me motivated. I've got an L33 engine, a trans and a E30 although I'm torn between the E30 and E36. Might be easier to strengthen the rear and maybe bigger tires with the E36.
@Michael Yount Don't forget the other BMW nomenclature of Bummer = That is the feeling you get when you see the repair bill of owning a BMW.
@LSswap thank you man and I am happy to be an inspiration. Typically I am the opposite of that. More like a guide of what not to do haha. I love LS swapped E30's and honestly I probably would have gone that route if I wasn't able to get the E36 shell for so cheap. The problem with E30's is that the price for a good one is crazy. E36's are getting that as well. If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out!
Quick update. Took the car to get a full alignment and corner balance. This is the longest trip I have taken the BMW on (over 100 miles round trip). The car did great, but there are some exhaust leaks at the v bands i need to address. The fumes are rough when sitting in traffic. By the time i got home I felt like I had been to a Willie Nelson concert hahaha.
I was super happy with both the weight and balance of the car. The total weight was around 3,060 with me in the car (i am light as a feather coming in at 260lbs) so the car by itself is around 2,800 lbs. Also the weight distribution was damn near 50/50 (53/47) so happy there as well.
Mine weighed (if memory serves) 2990 with all the junk in the trunk removed and about 1/8th of a tank of fuel - 54/46. With the junk in the trunk, I was at 3036, 53/47. Of course, I'm full interior, A/C, cruise, tunes, etc. And my weight is without my 185 lbs.
Took the car out for a long drive today and had an absolute blast. Every time I drive this this I come back pumped fully of adrenaline hahah. Here is a quick walk around video I took before heading out.
09-26-2022, 09:23 AM
