Sam Webber's e21 320is

[SamuelWebber]

Finally saved up the money to buy parts. I'll be buying the gc conversion kit, paired with mk1 struts. My question is, should I buy front and rear mk1 struts, or do mk1's in the front, and e21 bilsteins in the rear?

[HUNTERMILLS]

Def e21 Bilsteins in the rear man.

[e21mark]

Hi Sam. I love how fate had a hand in bringing you your e21. Seems some things are just meant to be.

I run coilovers and staggered 8 & 9Jx15's with with 205/45 & 215/50 rubber. Obviously there's been a bit of arch work to make sure I can drop it as low as I'd like. You'd probably need to put a stock car next to mine to see it though, as I didn't want it to look much different from stock arches. I'm lucky that I have a friend with good bodywork skills and he has worked to dress the arches and increase clearance. Obviously we have also run a bit of camber and stretched the tyre walls slightly too.

I quite like the idea of bags but we're a bit behind you guys for air over here. Mind you, I had a limited budget also, so have used a lot of parts saved from my old car.

The euro bumpers look great. I think dechroming them works really well on dark coloured cars like yours and Nics. Anyway, look forward to seeing more updates as they happen.

[SamuelWebber]

Thanks a bunch guys.

Sorry, but more questions. Do I need to spend more on mk1 Bilstein sports as opposed to the cheaper oem replacements for the front struts? I don't intend on tracking the car at all. It's a daily/cruiser. What spring rates front/rear should I consider? Also, is there any addition hardware/parts I should think about (aside from camber plates)?

Thanks

[HUNTERMILLS]

Thanks a bunch guys.

Sorry, but more questions. Do I need to spend more on mk1 Bilstein sports as opposed to the cheaper oem replacements for the front struts? I don't intend on tracking the car at all. It's a daily/cruiser. What spring rates front/rear should I consider? Also, is there any addition hardware/parts I should think about (aside from camber plates)?

Thanks

I think the point of the mk1 front struts is that they're shorter than the oem struts. Thus making it easier to get your car lower.

[SamuelWebber]

Right, I got that part. Just was wondering if anyone had tips on what brand to use.

[SamuelWebber]

Anyone? Trying to place an order asap..

[Queef|Chief]

Car looks great man!

[TheNeek]

Anyone? Trying to place an order asap..

You always get what you pay for.

[e21mark]

Decent quality stuff is usually cheaper in the long run. Also, suspension determines how nice your car is to drive. If you start cutting corners, it'll ruin the ride and spoil the enjoyment of your car.

[SamuelWebber]

Small Update:

Came home from school today because this stuff arrived at home and I was too anxious to wait until spring break. Only item not pictured are koni mk1 struts which should be here next week. Over spring break, I'll be building the coilovers and putting them on the car, but probably wont have tires by then. Regardless I'm excited to see how it sits!



Also learning some more wood and leather working skills so I'm hoping to create some personal accents in the cars interior.

[drosas]

Cool stuff so far

[SamuelWebber]

Not too many pictures but, update nonetheless:


My friend Nate and I took apart the strut assembilies, after breaking and re-welding the collar nuts (damn spot welds) and shortened them two inches, welded, painted, electrical taped, etc. The Koni mk1 gti strut inserts were too wide in diameter, so I'm going to ship them back to ecs with hopes of a refund. they better.
Bought stock mk1 inserts, should do the trick..
Ended up with this:
(iphone pics, sorry. Just hesitate everytime i'm about to grab my dslr with greasy/dirty hands...)



Oh and the rear coilovers are built and installed too. Hoping to bring the car to dod7.

[SamuelWebber]

Did some test fitting with the coilovers finished up. New tires are on order (195/45/15) so the current stance isn't quite as dialed as it will be when I get the new tires on. Ran into trouble up front, with the wheels rubbing on newly installed tie rods. Ordered 4mm spacers and extended bolts that should do the trick. Took some shots from around the car...car's filthy too. don't mind that.

[Nerdiest]

love me some e21. looks great!