FuturisticConcept Art BMW E36 with a V8 on a bottom dollar budget

[HipMF]

Can't imagine the number of strange looks/people taking picture while driving something like that to Milwaukee.

Jdesign said:

I even managed to (painfully) drive it to Milwaukee and back.

Curious... what's the painful part? Rub? Steering wobble? What's this thing like to drive?

[Jdesign]

HipMF said:

Can't imagine the number of strange looks/people taking picture while driving something like that to Milwaukee.

Curious... what's the painful part? Rub? Steering wobble? What's this thing like to drive?

Surprisingly it drives straight and true with no noticeable shaking. I got it up to 90+ and it was fine. The painful part is that although it’s lifted, the suspension is very stiff and the race seat that’s in it is not comfortable for long journeys as half the padding is missing. Better seats would make it much more enjoyable to drive.

[Jdesign]

Im still chasing the heat issue. Originally I replaced the cabin filter which had 10lbs of leaves and debris smashed into it. That somewhat fixed the heat, but I still have weak heat to the dash vents. I have a new heater valve in hopes that fixes my problem. The other thing it might be is the heater core which I plan to flush when I do the valve.

[Jdesign]

Replaced the heater valve and flushed the heater core last night. It really needed it. 
 

It took a few buckets to finally get some clear water. 

After all this work, it seems like the heat is much better, but the flap door for the dash vents must be the issue. I get strong defrost and floor air, but not mid level. It sounds like the air is hitting something rather than flowing through. Might have to pull the dash apart. 
 

One last thing is I painted the wheels. It’s been bothering me because they looked so trashy. I must say the black isn’t dirty enough yet, but it looks a lot better.

[jc43089]

The flaps are operated by stepper motors.  On my '93 I have had issues with intermittently the mid level ones won't open.  The sound changes to a sound like the fan is blocked and whistling.  I haven't tried fixing it though, but I imagine either the stepper has an issue or linkage is sticking.

[Jdesign]

jc43089 said:

The flaps are operated by stepper motors.  On my '93 I have had issues with intermittently the mid level ones won't open.  The sound changes to a sound like the fan is blocked and whistling.  I haven't tried fixing it though, but I imagine either the stepper has an issue or linkage is sticking.

YUP that's exactly what's going on. Ive watched the linkage and it all seems to move as its intended to.  At this point im not sure what's the best (cheapest) option. I might just replace the steppers with manual levers or something stupid. I just want to fix it quick and easy.

[Jdesign]

Welp I removed the steppers and just fixed the doors into my desired location. I officially have heat. I can still control the temp and all the vents so it might just stay this way. 

Driving it around nice and toasty. 

[YoungCR]

seeing that in a apartment basement garage makes me smile

[B C]

Please tell me this is the winter daily driver.

i’d love to see some old-timer get utterly confused about what kind of car it is by the sensory overload they would receive.

[Jdesign]

B C said:

Please tell me this is the winter daily driver.

i’d love to see some old-timer get utterly confused about what kind of car it is by the sensory overload they would receive.

The looks I get are hilarious. I will daily it as much as I can, although its kind a pain in the ass getting in and out of a fixed back race seat. Maneuvering around the target parking lot is also very obnoxious.

[Jdesign]

White knuckle riot in the snow. Traction is limited with these old mud tires, and a welded diff makes almost any throttle input spin the tires. 
I will be sure to post here when I end up stuck in a ditch .

[Nick_08]

This is a badass machine you've built here. It's gotta be fun to drive around. Can't imagine the looks/comments you get. 

[jc43089]

With the hobbyist plates you aren't supposed to drive in January, although keep them covered with road slop and snow spray and you should be fine. 

[YoungCR]

jc43089 said:

With the hobbyist plates you aren't supposed to drive in January, although keep them covered with road slop and snow spray and you should be fine.   

No fear the government gives you a work around first hand. 

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2750.pdf

[jc43089]

Not exactly, that's only to operate for 5 days.

"6. If you need to use the vehicle for more than 5 days you will need to re-register the vehicle under the regular registration provisions"

[patsbimmer1]

jc43089 said:

Not exactly, that's only to operate for 5 days.

"6. If you need to use the vehicle for more than 5 days you will need to re-register the vehicle under the regular registration provisions"

They'd have to catch you more than 5 times in the month of January.  I guess it depends on how close the FBI guy following Jason around is paying attention to this end of days war wagon.

[Jdesign]

Nick_08 said:

This is a badass machine you've built here. It's gotta be fun to drive around. Can't imagine the looks/comments you get. 

Most common is "COOL!....what the the hell is it?"

[Jdesign]

YoungCR said:

No fear the government gives you a work around first hand. 

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2750.pdf

jc43089 said:

Not exactly, that's only to operate for 5 days.

"6. If you need to use the vehicle for more than 5 days you will need to re-register the vehicle under the regular registration provisions"

patsbimmer1 said:

They'd have to catch you more than 5 times in the month of January.  I guess it depends on how close the FBI guy following Jason around is paying attention to this end of days war wagon.

Im aware of the DMV 5 day pass, but I'm a risk taker and snow slop seems easier. Besides I'm mostly driving back roads anyways with an occasional stop at the Starbucks for a white gurl frappe.

[HipMF]

Jdesign said:

a white gurl frappe. 

triggered

  made the mistake of clicking on a suggested video; worst photoshop ever (amongst other things...)

[Jdesign]

Found some nice contrast