Ellie The M3

[Angelic0-]

I hope there are clear indicators on your to do list....

I love your Vaders..... best looking seats... not the best functionality...

Clean looking car....

[Angelic0-]

what engine is your bmw e36 beacuse it does not look like a S50B30 that come in a e36 M3?? the intake and exhaust maniforlds are different on yours than a S50B30

US M3s kind of sucked.... the Bavarian automaker decided that US people were worse drivers than EU people, and didn't want them to hurt themselves...

Pretty stout engine though if you ask me

That's why LSx swaps are common in the US.... while they are considered vandalism in EU

[Kielan]

LSX swaps aren't that common in these cars stateside...

[SeanDub]

I've seen more 1j than lsx

[Kielan]

I've seen more 1j than lsx

Yup.

[jrcanes55]

Just got back from UNCC yesterday and this was in the mail so I installed it. I soldered up a resistor so I can keep stability control but I have no AST and the car feels like it gained between 5 and 8 Hp. The power band also feels a bit smoother but that could be because I fixed the vacuum leak.


Installed with the resistor all done


Traction control throttle body and old intake boot completely removed


Final engine bay shot.


That's all I've got for today. Tomorrow I'm either going to completely remove my washer tank/pump/lines, or just paint the container black. I haven't decided yet.

I also went to cars and coffee today, I parked next to some Corvettes that had there hoods popped and I was getting way more attention with my engine cover than they were. Also had a couple people ask who I got to paint it.

[jrcanes55]

Well guys putting all the arguments behind lets continue with the build. I came home last weekend to pick my car up. I needed to drive down to Georgia for hockey games.

Put about half a quart of oil in (Still has a leaky rear main seal) and headed out.

She was flawless. I averaged 29 MPG over the whole trip.

I stopped at the BMW Zentrum in SC and Got to see some sweet BMWs. Mainly these, the E30 M3, Formula 2 car, and a racing bike.


Also got a shot outside with the big BMW sign and fountains


Then got back and decided I needed an intake.

What to do?
My friend just got a velocity stack for his Maxima so he gave me his old K&N cone filter.
So I've got an intake but I don't want it just sitting there soaking up heat. I need a heat shield. I came across this on VW Vortex a while ago and wanted to do it. (Flame suit on)


That was just a mock-up. I'm still not sure if I want to go through with it.

I went to the store and got a connector and a 45* elbow and relocated the cone further away from the motor.


My problem now is that I can use that mini keg and it'll be kinda cool or I can do it right and use some sheet metal and make an actual heat shield. I have both on hand so i'll probably do both.

Anyway, I got reallllllyyyyyy bored so I went apeshit on my interior and tried to get my dent out.

Sadly the metal is to soft and the work area is to small to safely "pop" it out. So I decided to leave it. But i'm leaving the interior out for a while I want to pull the carpet out and shampoo it but that will have to be over winter break.

Now it looks like this just with the front seats back in.


It's so much lighter and you can really tell. I'm having a ton of fun whipping through the twisties behind my house.

I went ahead and removed the washer bottle and lines completely (both nozzle hoses were dry rotted and not working well/at all) as well as the cruise control actuator, again not working


and made my "heat shield."


**** if you want. It's not permanent.


Christmas is probably going to bring new brakes, sways, and springs. I'm in desperate need of the brakes. They're warped really badly.
I'll update again then.

[LukeyBabes]

It's an s52, US engine.

I was about to say arnt m3s ment to have ITBs.

[jrcanes55]

I was about to say arnt m3s ment to have ITBs.

US Models do not. Sadly.

[LukeyBabes]

That sucks! I will have to bring one with me when I eventually move to america.

[jrcanes55]

That sucks! I will have to bring one with me when I eventually move to america.

Bring a spare for me

[jrcanes55]

Well over my Christmas break I went off on my suspension, I was sick of my ride height so I cut on of the dead coils off my H&Rs and then chopped my bumpstops in half to compensate. As a result the suspension feels no different. Just slightly lower. I also turned my rear adjusters all the way down and I'm finally pleased with my ride height.





Also fixed my sheared strut bolt.






Chopping Bumpstops




The dead coils cut


Then an oil change, went back to 0w-40



Then started on a straight pipe. I picked up another stock exhaust for $40 and chopped it. It's still in the works.




Then finally pulled my headrests, I redid the bench with headliner and now it's black again and you can't tell I ever had headrest. I'll post a pic of that later today.


Also got brand new rotors and pads but I can't find the pics.

Finally did a photoshoot with a friends Maxima. The pictures didn't come out as good as i'd hoped but whatever.

[kboers]

Clean Car.
First off I'm glad it's 5-speed because I'm sick of automatic cars. Period.
Second, I'm glad you're willing to get your hands dirty with the car even if it's just to learn more about working on it.
Third, Who cares if you didn't pay for the car, or insurance, or the repairs? If you don't have to then why bother?

Needs moar low though

[jrcanes55]

Just got hit and run the other day. Should be getting moneys from the insurance company. I'm thinking about getting the new raceland ultimos and then getting 500# custom Tein springs.

[Zic]

that shock / spring combo wont last, i would stick to the h&r.

looks great man keep it up.