Whoops, just had a moment of weakness...

[Butters]

Well I've been building up to a car purchase for the last 6 months to buy myself a fast convertible (most likely an E46 M3) that will come in about 4-6 weeks just in time for the Millau Tour. The thing is I got a little distracted and let an idea that was playing in the back of my mind for a while get to the front and bought something else! :)

Tomorrow morning I am going to collect a totally original and unmolested 1990 325i (E30) Manual Coupe in Calypso Red. It's done 101000miles from new with full sevice history (main dealer up until 10 months ago), every tax disc and MOT from new and fully serviced. I am going to strip it and gradually turn it into a very competent track day machine. I paid £850 for it so am chuffed to bits. It is a really solid shell with only light surface rust to the rear arches which I will sort out and none anywhere else. Still plenty of research to do but the first things that spring to mind are as follows...

First stage: Ready to track 2-3 months...

1. Get car checked over thoroughly and sort any advisories.
2. New wheel bearings all-round as these will be the first thing to go on track.
3. Track Pads and braided brake hoses
4. Strip her out
5. Detail the outside and roll arches (paint rears)
6. Lightweight buckets
7. Harnesses
8. M3 E30 bushes, new wishbones and drop links
9. Fully adjustable coilover suspension
10. Lightweight racing wheels with tyres
11. New open face helmet instead of my Arai full-face

Second stage: Nice to haves...

12. Strutbraces front and rear
13. Limited slip diff
14. roll-cage
15. full stainless steel exhaust including 6 branch manifold
16. fibre glass bonnet and boot
17. perspex windows
18. Wilwood 4 pots on front

Then start looking at how to make it faster...
Forced induction most likely using either a rotrex supercharger or going turbo...


The reason behind this purchase is that I love doing trackdays and love tinkering with cars. If I track the M3 I will get some horrendous bills plus want to start upgrading suspension, wheels, exhaust etc which isn't cheap on the E46. With a set of tyres coming in at £1000 a track day or two will get really expensive. This way I can leave the M3 as it was meant to be and keep it original. I also get to tinker with the E30, have a dedicated trackday car and all the parts, upgrades and tyres are a fraction of the price. When you think I just bought the car for less than the cost of a set of M3 tyres it all starts to make sense. Also if I did have an accident on track (touch wood I won't) I'll be bending something of lesser value and all upgraded parts will be transferable to another car...

So that's it...tomorrow is the start of an exciting new project for me which will continue to evolve and improve over time. The plan is very much to get my hands dirty and enjoy learning a thing or two about prepping my own car.

I'll get some pics up over the weekend...

James. :party:

[Dan H]

:party:

Nice car, had one for 6 years - loved it.

Will drag out a picture. . . .

[Dan H]

That was easy to find, here she is. . . .

http://www.petrolheadnirvana.com/torque/picture.php?albumid=13&pictureid=130

[Butters]

Very nice Dan, looks great. I had a convertible one about 3 years ago just to get it out my system as had always wanted one. Great engines!

Mine is identical only Calypso Red (metallic burgundy colour). Wouldn't have been my first choice although it's a lovely colour to be honest. Would have preferred something a bit more motorsport orientated like White, Black, Imola Red or Silver but with the age these cars are now and so many old nails out there beggars can't be choosers!

James. :)

[Harsh]

i never managed to get my hands on an E30...i had a couple of E36's but i always liked the look of them..

i think you've got yourself a great track car there James,
you going to come and play on our track day now?

[Butters]

Hey Bachi thanks, really excited about this project. Going to take my time with it and enjoy it.

I'd love to do the event on the 1st but will be on a Stag Do that weekend unfortunately. Probably not a bad thing as I'd like to get through the first phase before tracking her so that it will feel nimble and well suited to the job at hand rather than wafting about.

Definitely keep me posted on the next one...:coolgleamA:

James. :)

P.S. I'll take some pics when I get back tomorrow...

[Ben-san]

More like a moment of clarity J. Good thinking!

I know what you're thinking :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e88/bleow/Misc/b5c67284.jpg

[Butters]

Well Ben if only I could have stretched to an E30 M3 but to me this will feel like my own race car so will get a great experience all the same. So without further a do here are some pics from just after I collected her. They were taken on my iPhone so excuse the terrible quality!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/Louise/wr.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/Louise/wr-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/Louise/wr-1.jpg

I got the train from Sevenoaks to Wolverhampton via London on Saturday morning and drove her 160 miles back. She didn't miss a beat and was such a smooth drive. I am so happy with it! Having covered another 50 or so miles in it today and enjoyed it so much I am left thinking that this car is actually too good to strip and track as planned. It's almost a shame to do it but then I have bought it with this intention so am not going to let that phase me. I guess that I'll have to start a build thread somewhere...

Oh and she has a name. :)

One of my best friends locally bought a white E30 325 this time last year with the same intention. His is now ready and about to hit the track for the first time before a trip to the 'Ring in April. For some random reason he decided to call his Thelma which has been the name we have run with for the last 12 months. I have now been told in no uncertain terms that my car has to be called Louise so there you have it...

Louise, welcome to Petrolhead Nirvana. :coolgleamA:

James.

[Harsh]

welcome on board Louise,

james, you've rather got me thinking now!

[jumplead]

james, you've rather got me thinking now!

*cough* horse *cough*

[Harsh]

*cough* horse *cough*


Silence *I KILL YOU!!*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

[jumplead]

Silence *I KILL YOU!!*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

*cough* http://fyad.org/xu0y *cough* ;)

[Butters]

james, you've rather got me thinking now!

That was careless of me Bachi, apologies. :smilielol5:

Ok so I'm going to pump a couple of thousand into it over the next few months but it will be a fantastic track tool with consumables a quarter of the price of those on an E46 M3. Going to really enjoy having something to tinker with also...

No updates as yet because I have been too busy since collecting her and have commitments for the next few weekends. The plan is therefore to start buying lots of parts so that I can crack on when I free up in a few weeks time. I've also decided to pull out of a planned Nurburgring trip over Easter weekend as it will give me 4 clear days to work her, making lots of progress with the car. :)

So what do you fancy then Bachi?

James.

[Harsh]

I'm not sure,
Bruce and I were toying with the idea of buying a drift car a couple of years ago just to play with and that thought has stayed with me.

bought the Atom as a track car which is just sublime but having something to tinker with and throw around is still there..
maybe a 200sx?

[Ben-san]

No no. You want something to throw around sideways, it has to be one of these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcOBKYSKToo) :D

[Harsh]

i clicked and all sorts of things happened.....firewalls, access denied, rule infringment

scary stuff..

maybe need to look at the link to you tube when i get home then? :)

[Ben-san]

i clicked and all sorts of things happened.....firewalls, access denied, rule infringment

scary stuff..

maybe need to look at the link to you tube when i get home then? :)

Just ye old youtube though...

[Butters]

Ok so here is a mega update. I had a moment of madness last week when I decided it would be a good idea to sell the E30! Having driven a Boxster S 1700 miles arounf France on the Millau Tour I jumped back in this and it felt poop! To be fair to the E30 thought the two can't be compared and now I am back in it I love it again. For what the car is worth and the money I'll get it is too good an example to sell so soon and great honest cheap fun so I am moving on to the next stage. I have been too busy to start working on the car over the last couple of months since buying it so in that time have just been using it and gathering parts for the trackday transformation. I have covered around 2000 miles in two months and it hasn't missed a beat so I am really pleased with the purchase. Having enjoyed it sooooo much I decided that the car was too good to strip and cage so am going to make all the chassis tweaks as planned but maintain an interior as I am going to use the car as my daily also. This means I can get the full benefit of the car and save some money over the Summer not running this and a new to me E46 M3 as originally planned. Cash in the bank which is great.

Two weeks ago I fitted a complete black and grey interior from an MTECII 'Sport' model which gives the occupants more support with its much larger bolsters than the comfort spec ones usually found in an 'SE' model. The keen eyed among you will spot the deeper genuine 318is chin spoiler that I have added also. My interior was beige and the new interior is black and grey. Fortunately a friend of mine has just stripped his to build a track car so I was able to grab all his grey interior bits including the full carpet which I fitted along with the interior. A hell of a job but well worth it as it has transformed the interior of the car from an old man's cruiser into a far more supportive and modern feeling sports interior whilst maintaining an original and classic look to the car overall. Being the 'sport' seats there is also far more adjustment which has enabled me to get the fronts much lower in the car than the 'comfort' spec originals. It now feels a much better place to be sitting lower in the car. :coolgleamA:

So here goes, out with the beige...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo3.jpg


Found this stamp under the carpet too which was cool...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo4.jpg


And in with the grey Sport interior...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo6.jpg


So below are some fresh shots of the car from when I had my moment of madness and was going to sell. The first time it had been cleaned since buying it which is unheard of for me :leaving: . Sport interior with the complete carpet/shelf etc from my mates car installed and the new 318is lip spoiler at the front.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5845_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5844_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5838_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5839_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5840_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5841_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5842_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5843_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5846_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5847_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5848_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5849_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5852_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5853_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5854_RT.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5858_RT.jpg


I have also sourced a set of original Hartge wheels for the car which are 7.5x16" monoblocks ET25. I ordered some 215/40/16 Toyo T1-Rs over the weekend which should be here this week. The wheels need a refurb but I am waiting for some brand new wheels centres and badges coming from Hartge Germany so that everything matches perfectly. The ones on there are ok but a little worn and therefore loose and don't want to worry about one flying off!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5864.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/IMG_5863.jpg


Ok so now the slightly interesting update is out the way here is the build up to the good bit. :)

I have unfortunately been too busy with my work to get my hands dirty on the car hence why I came close to selling it. Even so, I want to see this through so for me it’s an exciting week. I dropped the E30 off with the guys at Alltech Garage in Tunbridge Wells over the Bank Holiday weekend.

They have recently prepared their own E36 M3 and E30 318is track cars which I have seen in action at Brands on top of all the other Veedub stuff they get up to. They're a top bunch of guys and know their stuff so I have entrusted them with taking on the work. They’re getting started today so I may get it back by the weekend if all the parts turn up in time...

• New expansion tank (as current one is knackered).
• New Cambelt (it’s nearly due but given this will be getting tracked I don’t want to risk it).
• H&R Cup full suspension kit (60mm front and 40mm rear drop)
• H&R Anti-Roll Bars
• New Droplinks
• New Lower Arms
• E30 M3 Eccentric bushes for a little negative camber up front
• Powerflex bushes replacing others removed
• Solid aluminium steering guibo (for a sharper steering feel)
• Up-rated brake pads for track

This is what I have supplied and requested plus we’ll address any other advisories should they crop up...

This car will feel completely different when I pick it up, I can’t wait...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roll on the weekend...whoop whoop!!!

James. :party:

[Dan H]

:party:

Looking good, the interior makes a fantastic difference :)

[Redex R]

You did exactly the right thing , very few cars in my opinion suit a "beige" interior , a colour which always reminds me of Morris Marinas :ack2: which always matched the owners hearing aids...

[Harsh]

Those were the guys who bought Rovers....

Redex is right, looking really good James

[Dan H]

How's it all going James?

Looking forward to the next update :)

[Butters]

Ok so a bit of an update chaps. To cut a long story short I was supplied the incorrect suspension kit from H&R. They sent a kit for a convertible which weighs 130kgs more than the coupe. The result was longer rear springs so I collected the car and it was really jacked up at the rear. Darren and Rob at G-Werks resolved the ride height issue by contacting H&R and getting them to dispatch the correct springs. The only difference between the two kits is the rear springs so the car went back into Alltech Garge for round two.

Here are some pics from round one when all the front chassis mods were done. All new bushes, droplinks, lower arms, H&R Cup suspension and H&R Anti-roll bars.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-7.jpg

So round two...

- Fitting of the correct lowered and uprated springs (H&R 40mm Coupe rear)
- Goodridge brake lines
- Uprated brake pads
- Limited slip diff as fitted to the Alpina E30
- Fully polybushing the rear subframe
- Custom fabricated brackets welded to rear axle allowing for rear camber adjustment
- Perished rear exhaust section replaced with another

The guys did an amazing job on the car. Once removed the whole rear subframe, dismantled, de-rusted, re-sprayed, polybushed and re-built it. At the same time the brake lines were upgraded, calipers rubbed back and re-painted black and a full service including all belts and cambelt done too. A seriously thorough job and what a difference it has made!

Dismantled, refurbed with replacement LSD...awaiting bushes from Powerflex...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/RearAxle.jpg

Finally they arrive! Rebuilt...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/BuiltUp.jpg

Unfortunately we were seriously let down by Powerflex supplying the bushes which took twice as long as promised. As a result I missed my slot at the body shop so had to take the car to Le Mans unfinished. This wasn't the end of the world as it was a great opportunity to give the car a run and see how she had been transformed. With a few days to go I decided in Le Mans tradition to treat the car to a few stickers. I decided to go with a Retro race/hill climb look and feel so ordered some 50cm white door roundels and some driver and co-driver names to complement the race look.

So wheels on and the correct ride height with stickers for Le Mans... B)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-2-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-4.jpg

Seeing as I missed the bodyshop I decided to spend n afternoon on the car getting the paint as best I could in the time as I hadn't yet waxed it since buying the car (because I intended to get it all painted). Given more time I would have done more but only had the afternoon so went with the following...

- Wash
- Clay Bar
- Rinse
- Leather
- Meguiars (Ultimate Compound on with polisher/off by hand)
- Meguiars Tech Wax 2.0 (on with polisher/off by hand)

The results were amazing removing all swirls and giving a pretty impressive shine. Looked great so me and my co-driver Geoff packed the boot and got an early night ready for a 4:30am start the next day!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-3-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/photo-6.jpg

The car drove like an absolute dream on the way down there. Such a great cruiser on the motorway and then so nimble on the N138 B-Road which we drove for the last 80 miles or so. I was in a little convoy of friends from the PN group made up of an E46 M3, TVR Sagaris, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise and a TVR T350. They all loved the E30 and were suprised how well it kept up. ;)

So that's about it for now. The next steps are to get her into the body shop so she can look fantastic for the Summer and get a track day booked asap! Can't effing wait. B)

Apologies for all the iphone pics (rubbish) but you get the idea...

James. :)

[Butters]

At last, a picture not taken on an iPhone. :ack2:

Here's a shot from Le Mans...more to follow. :coolgleamA:

James.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/DUBGT/E30%20Calypso%20325i/H221UVO_LeMans_SML.jpg

[chevy-stu]

Car did look nice at Le Mans, only those few tiny body bits to sort but seemed nice and 'purposeful'..