Lifted E30 V2

[GunMetalGrey]

HipMF said:

It's hard to bash the intercooler into a log or a rock when it's on top. Plus it gives you an excuse to cut a hole in the hood and put a ridiculous scoop on it.

This is exactly why I don't want to do it though. 
I browsed things that would work as a top mount and they are either super expensive or used for a specific application (and still spendy) that has weird inlet and outlet flanges. The most cost effective route is front mount.

[GunMetalGrey]

I had to buy a new battery for this last night, as the one in it wasn't doing the job. 
For some reason when there wasn't enough power to start it, the starter wouldn't disengage (still trying to turn it over) even when it was barely turning at all. Turning the key off doesn't do anything, disconnecting the starter solenoid wire doesn't do anything, the only fix is disconnecting the battery. Not a fun game. 

All is as normal with a good battery. 850 CCA of glory.

Hooked up a boost gauge last night and wasn't surprised to see that I frequently am not getting wastegate pressure, the wheels on the turbo must have been a bit more worn than I thought. I was seeing about 10psi (wastegate is 13.5) so I will need to throw a snail at it sometime. 

Got the cluster temp gauge functioning, temp was moving around a bit, but the lower hose wasn't getting hot. I have avoided using the bleed screw on the thermostat housing because it looks like it's in crooked and finding a new housing is impossible it seems. May have to bite the bullet and tackle that this weekend. 

Should have a late model expansion tank on the way soon thanks to @KaiserRolls so I will be able to think about putting a hood on soon. Still not sure what I want to do about exhaust. Stacks are cool and all, but I want to put things on the roof of the car and not have them end up black. 
I thought about exiting right in front of the rear wheel again, but I realize now that I got stuck on the exhaust pipe climbing over things. I may go center exit rear, which would double as a fuel heater (barely). 
 

Aaaannd one that I forgot to upload. Forgive my childish laughter, it was the first time driving it.

[B C]

Whatever you do, dont lose the turbo noises. Those are awesome!

[suspenceful]

Video #2: "I love how it just dumps right out the hood".

Everyone agrees

[GunMetalGrey]

Oh. Side note. I do know how to shift, but the damn clutch pedal is all weird. I have an E46 flywheel and clutch in it right now, and something must not be appropriate (self adjusting issues?)  because the clutch pedal has two "spots" in it and doesn't release quickly. 
If I get ambitious this weekend I may switch the flywheel and clutch back over to the E stuff.

[KaiserRolls]

Put a huge Cummins sticker on the back window, and some deer skulls and maybe a bowtech sticker. Lets people know you’re not afraid of anything

[Jdesign]

Awesome man. Just pure awesome. I need to come check this thing out.

[GunMetalGrey]

Got the block heater wired up! Now my block can be warm all winter long!

I also made up a gauge plate, and went a touch nostalgic on it, it is made out of the license plate that the swapped e30 had on it for it's whole life. Thought it was kind of cool. Holds the glow plug switch as well as a couple gauges. Should do the trick. The super cheap boost gauge is hella bright so that may have to be changed. 

I also modified the throttle brackets and put an e34 cable in the car so the throttle is no longer sketchy, but that doesn't really deserve a picture. 

Next steps involve modifying things from their current place to a place that allows me to get the hood on the car. This is primarily coolant stuff and exhaust.

[Jdesign]

Maybe just some window tint on the super bright gauge?

[B C]

That bright gauge is comical [emoji16]

[stealthbimmer]

Mask off the numbers and just spray bomb it black

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

[GunMetalGrey]

I am likely going to put a cover over it or just put the light on a switch. Shall see, for now it will just blind me.

My dad asked for this video today, which I kind of forgot about. Always good for a chuckle.

I've always thought the noise once I got up there was the tires slipping, but I now see it was the rear bumper touching the ground. Impressive. 
It looks so much more boring in video!

[GunMetalGrey]

Got the alternator mount figured out the other day, isn't anything great, but it works and drives the water pump just fine.

I cut apart the existing power steering brackets as the shape of them caused belt interference with the primary belt, and that was no good.
Was going to weld it back together, but realized there isn't much of a need for it. So it shall do for now!

Got the appropriate upper radiator hose in, fits much better!

 

[straight6pwr]

does the factory m21 have a block heater??

[GunMetalGrey]

straight6pwr said:

does the factory m21 have a block heater??

Sure does!

[Jdesign]

The block heater is pretty awesome, that video is even better!!. As im sure you are aware, replace those v-belts before you snap one!

[GunMetalGrey]

It's starting to look better. Though I know it will never look good. 
Added an air filter to the turbo, as well as a boost controller in the off chance I can get more than waste-gate pressure. 
Made a mount for the fuel filter as well as installing the late model style expansion tank. 

I worked on bleeding the cooling system last night and feel pretty confident that I got it right the first go, which is nice. 

More things to do, weld plate over EGR port on the intake tube (currently has a kinked hose on it), route crank case breather somewhere, create an actual exhaust. 

Things are nearing completion for the swap! Then it's back to chassis based goodness!

[B C]

Back to daily driver duty in january then eh? Nice work dude, very quick work on this a-typical project

[GunMetalGrey]

Jdesign said:

The block heater is pretty awesome, that video is even better!!. As im sure you are aware, replace those v-belts before you snap one!

Haha, I actually didn't notice that. The main belt (Water pump and alt.) is new, due to needing a custom length.
The power steering belt is clearly old and should be replaced now that I look at it. Though I could also just wait for it to break lol. 

Snap said:

Back to daily driver duty in january then eh? Nice work dude, very quick work on this a-typical project

I somewhat fear for starting it in the cold, especially knowing that the starter sticks if it doesn't start. Going to try leaving it outside this Tuesday (high of -1 here....) and see if it starts on its own (fuel gel, battery, tolerances etc) and I guess if it passes that test I may drive it frequently. 
The more I drive it the more I want to change the clutch over, so maybe driving it a lot is a good idea. 

Thanks for the kind words!

[jc43089]

It's Tuesday, did it start?  My gas e36 barely started...