My restoration project: 1998 BMW M3
04-30-2014, 07:49 PM
#32
05-09-2014, 10:01 AM
#33
So this past week i had a chance to get some new parts in, one of them being reinforcements for the front subframe and rear subframe sway bar. I wish i knew how to weld!! Luckily i found someone locally that does custom metal work and repairs rims. The E36 is notorious for having some weak points on the subframes and rear trailing arm pockets so i figured while the suspension pieces were out i would get them done. Currently looking for a mobile welder to come weld the rear trailing arm pocket reinforcements. If anyone welds or knows anyone that does mobile welding, please give me a shout!! Below are pics, cheers and happy friday ppl!!
Aiden
This is what the front subframe reinforcements look like from a company called AKG whos the leader in BMW bushings.
Welded in! TIG welded, should be good for a long time especially after powdercoating the suspension pieces.
Rear sway bar reinforcements welded to the rear subframe. With stiffer suspension and over time, the sway bar tabs tend to bend and break in the e36 bmw.
Next will be CV Axle rebuild with brand new boots and caps with repacking them with Redline CV2 grease!! Stayed tuned.
Aiden
This is what the front subframe reinforcements look like from a company called AKG whos the leader in BMW bushings.
Welded in! TIG welded, should be good for a long time especially after powdercoating the suspension pieces.
Rear sway bar reinforcements welded to the rear subframe. With stiffer suspension and over time, the sway bar tabs tend to bend and break in the e36 bmw.
Next will be CV Axle rebuild with brand new boots and caps with repacking them with Redline CV2 grease!! Stayed tuned.
05-13-2014, 06:13 AM
#36
LOL, i'm assuming you had a chat with your cousin Simon! Let me finish the build, it would be great if you can give me a run or 2! I was talking big and saying it will be a e92m eater...but who knows, I'm hoping to land around 300-310WHP after tune weighing in right around 2900 with a few things stripped out, maybe strip more out of the interior and lighter battery, try to get to 2800lbs.
05-23-2014, 05:30 AM
#37
Whats up guys, i missed the bear mt drive due to the m3 and a bunch of parts taking up all the garage space....what a bummer. But on a good note the progress is coming along. Its just some of the parts, especially the small BMW only items that are a pain in the ass to gather. Still waiting on approximately 50 parts to show up then on with freshening up the engine and trans for the swap. Here is how the engine looks now, on stand with the trans removed, wiring harness removed to custom make a wiring harness.
I also got every single suspension component on the car itself powdercoated. I figure it would last me for quite some time. I have to say....powdercoating is f%*king amazing. I absolutely love it. I did think it was pricey at first but the amount of work that goes into it, sand blasting, powder coating, baking, clear coating...its a lot of work!! I went to go pick this up yesterday, it was like Christmas to receive so many things in nicely wrapped packages! I left it in the wrapping until i'm ready for reassembly. I forgot the name of the color i picked but it was a 2 stage with clear, a bit more expensive but worth imo. The powdercoater i used was TRG Coating out in Stockholm NJ. Tom is a true professional and was recommended by a friend whos big in the EP3(old daily i had) crowd. I'm glad I went to him. Some other powdercoaters were reluctant to offer the turnaround time as well as the price, some didn't even bother corresponding back. Most importantly, his work is 2nd to none imo. Here are a few teaser pics. I'll post more when I actually get to unwrap them and install!
After getting some cheap ebay headers(Supersprint Replicas), i found the fitment to be way off so i returned the POS and got some proven headers. The Euro E46 M3 got the catless headers which frees up around 20+HP and a bit more with the right tune. Even though its used, i felt the OEM quality is tough to beat. Less bling, but less headaches.
Ebay Headers...FAIL
Euro Headers...WIN!
I also got every single suspension component on the car itself powdercoated. I figure it would last me for quite some time. I have to say....powdercoating is f%*king amazing. I absolutely love it. I did think it was pricey at first but the amount of work that goes into it, sand blasting, powder coating, baking, clear coating...its a lot of work!! I went to go pick this up yesterday, it was like Christmas to receive so many things in nicely wrapped packages! I left it in the wrapping until i'm ready for reassembly. I forgot the name of the color i picked but it was a 2 stage with clear, a bit more expensive but worth imo. The powdercoater i used was TRG Coating out in Stockholm NJ. Tom is a true professional and was recommended by a friend whos big in the EP3(old daily i had) crowd. I'm glad I went to him. Some other powdercoaters were reluctant to offer the turnaround time as well as the price, some didn't even bother corresponding back. Most importantly, his work is 2nd to none imo. Here are a few teaser pics. I'll post more when I actually get to unwrap them and install!
After getting some cheap ebay headers(Supersprint Replicas), i found the fitment to be way off so i returned the POS and got some proven headers. The Euro E46 M3 got the catless headers which frees up around 20+HP and a bit more with the right tune. Even though its used, i felt the OEM quality is tough to beat. Less bling, but less headaches.
Ebay Headers...FAIL
Euro Headers...WIN!
05-23-2014, 09:37 AM
#40
Thanks guys, and yes....old ice hockey it is...haven't laced them up in almost 8 years. I need to get back out there, maybe when my daughter is 3-4 years old.
Will keep you guys updated with more progress shortly. This weekend should be a busy one. I have a welder coming to weld in reinforcements on the undercarriage of the car tomorrow then i'll start putting in all new bushings, finish the cv shaft rebuild and installing all the powdercoated stuff. Can't wait to get this thing on the road and get it moving.
Anyone local, like fort lee, palisades park area want to come help with the tear down today or tomorrow morning??
I'm serious if anyone wants to help. Even a extra set of hands would help a lot. I'll offer free beer and use of any tools i have in the future including the shop press and ingersoll rand 7150 impact wrench!! Also, anyone need anything welded, like mentioned i have someone coming to do custom welding. This guy is amazing, out of PA but driving out here to do some serious welding. He restores hot rods and makes custom cars/rat rods for a living. Let me know, he'll be at my garage 11am.