The GMW - E36 with a 5.3 and a CD009
Last edited by TNspeed1; Jan 7, 2023 at 07:53 AM.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
One of the main things I have been working on is getting my trailer ready. Due to the low clearance of the car I had to add about a 3' dovetail on to my trailer for easier loading. I also added a winch as well.
Regarding the car I have been chipping away at a handful of small items.
First was the exhaust. The last version of my Y pipe was way to low and self clearanced pretty quick, also some of the V bands didn't mate well leading to exhaust leaks. The new Y pipe mounts to the transmission mounts and tucks up much higher. Also all the V bands seal as they should.
Here is quick exhaust clip
Next I have been wanting to redo my coolant overflow tank. I am currently running a small Amazon overflow tank and I have battled with the little push lock fittings leaking and not sealing well. Because of this I decided to make my own that would tuck in front of the drives side wheel well. This is what I came up with.
I need to finish welding on the mounting tabs and then I can plumb everything in and fill the tank.
Lastly I got some break duct air vents that I need to get installed. After that I plan to do a nut and bolt check and put the car back down on the ground.
Things seem to be on track for the start of the Autocross and track season.
Last edited by TNspeed1; Feb 20, 2023 at 11:48 AM.
And, of course, just be prepared. I used PCA track events to work the bugs out of mine before my first SCCA event. There will be weak points you find -- seals, gaskets, leaks, bearings, bushings, etc. And thermal performance will also become more clear - for better and for worse.
The overflow is complete, painted and plumbed in.
Also made a battery hold down for the trunk.
I need to do a nut and bolt check and finish the ramps on my trailer and I should be looking pretty good for next weekend.
We only made 5 runs and unfortunately I DNF'd my first two laps along with my last. I should have taken more time on my first run to make sure I had the layout down, but I went to quick and missed a couple gates. That meant I had to figure out what I missed on the second run which I did, but only after missing the same gate. Run 3 was clean but slow. Run 4 I picked up 6 seconds. On my 5th run I was on track to shave another 4 seconds off my previous time putting me in line with the other guy in my class, however I got two aggressive in the final portion and spun. The car definitively needs more grip.
Here is a video from my best run of the day.
Here is the car tucked away after a good day of abuse.
Next is another Autocross on May 7th, and Track Night in America event on May 3rd.
I have been working on wiring lately, and to be honest I would rather slam my hand in a locked car door then work on wiring. I have the ecu mounted, the engine harness pulled in, and everything in its general location.
I have been able to get the car to turn over, but for some reason I am not getting fuel to the rails. I plan to take some time tomorrow, and track the issue down with the fuel system.
I also got the Collins Adapters shifter mounted, and it is a super nice piece.
I also built a tear down table for my rear end. I have enough back problems as it is, and didn't want to have to work on the ground anymore. Once I can get the engine to fire in the car I will then turn my attention to breaking the rear end down and redoing the entire thing.
Thanks for following along.
The car performed great but I did find that I need to roll the front fenders and raise the suspension some. This became apparent after I shredded my passenger front tire in the last session (picture below).
I also need to make some adjustment to my exhaust. Currently it is pointing to far up and heating the bumper.
Here is a quick video of me being chased by a F80 M3. The second lap is where I shred my front tire going into the first hair pin.







