<![CDATA[....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts.]]>Why Turtle Farts? Be as she's low, slow, and sounds like an elongated  fart due to the cherry bomb exhaust. 😬 Regardless, I'm glad she's finally on the road!

Backstory: I was looking for a clean E30 coupe since fall of last year, and found this '86 325es on Craigslist in Wisconsin Rapids last May... took the hour drive to Rapids and met with the owner who was best described as "eccentric".  

He had inherited the car from a friend following his passing and soon realized he didn't have the means to continue working on the car.

First impressions were good!  Completely rust free, lowered on bilstien's, all suspension bushings upgraded to poly, upgraded brakes, and best of all, it ran and drove.  

Unfortunately there was absolutely zero service history, but the car fax showed it came to Wisconsin from California in 2013.

It had a terrible driveline shudder and a cracked, but meticulously fixed with JB weld, oil pan. The expected cracked dash, non functioning odometer, and a/c are all present and accounted for. Other than that, most everything else is good. Following a bit of haggling and $2,900 later; she was on the back of a flatbed heading to my house on May 23rd. I felt pretty good with that.

I spent my free time this summer replacing the oil pan (thanks Snap!), the driveshaft, guibo, center support bearing, timing belt and other maintenance items, a good cleaning and polishing, and here we are!

My goal for this year was to bring it, along with my '89 cabrio, to the Door county Euro rally this September.

I plan on a mild restoration to follow in the upcoming years... the big question is: what do I want to do with the powertrain?

I want a mild, reliable build, and am thinking a turbo/hybrid (i) build utilizing the current engine, or a outright swap with a newer motor.... after looking under the hoods of a few cars at the E30 picnic, I was overwhelmed with the options and talent that is out there! I am excited to see where this goes.... 

-Tim

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/topic/4971/....and-so-it-begins-project-turtle-farts.RSS for NodeWed, 16 Sep 2026 04:01:28 GMTSun, 20 Aug 2017 22:30:07 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:19:33 GMT]]>Those look right at home

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/112284https://wibimmers.com/post/112284Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:19:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:13:40 GMT]]>New seats are in!   First impression is good... I really like the driving position and comfort, but I wouldn't want to be any taller with these....It would be hard to fit with a helmet on.

I personally think they look fantastic, definitely fit the period look.  

Would recommend if you're less than six foot tall!

- Timmer

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/112283https://wibimmers.com/post/112283Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:13:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:10:18 GMT]]>A little treat arrived today....😉. Still a lot of work to get in before the VintagePXL20220301212328466.jpg

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/112250https://wibimmers.com/post/112250Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:10:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:41:17 GMT]]>Winter maintenance time!!!

With supply chain issues, product delays, and other blah blah blah, I thought it is best to send the coilovers out for a refresh early to be sure they are ready by spring.

Huge shout-out to Fortune Auto for a quick and thorough refresh!  I sent the coilovers out on November 17 for new seals, oil, and an overall evaluation.

I already got them back and not only did the clean them up and overhaul them, the upgraded the springs to Swift springs, added the newer style  locking adjustment collars, new radial bearings, and replaced all the hardware! 😳😳

At first I wondered if they sent the wrong ones back, but the paint transfer from my red calipers was there, lol

Anyone looking at suspension, I don’t think I can say enough about Fortune auto… I even got a phone call today to make sure they were delivered in good condition and talk about any concerns they found during the overhaul.

Have a great Christmas all!

-Tim

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/111593https://wibimmers.com/post/111593Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:41:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:11:52 GMT]]>Almost spring update!   Took advantage of the warm weather this weekend and tackled the suspension upgrade...

Fortune Auto coilovers (thanks @KaiserRolls), new control arms, lollipops, poly bushings, and end links.  Should be a huge improvement over the 35 year old suspension bits.  
 

Unfortunately, my original Racing Dynamics strut bar doesn’t fit because the adjustment knob on the coilovers hits the center support.  I’ll put it on the wife’s convertible, and figure out which one to purchase for my car.

Hopefully this weather will continue and I’ll get her on the road soon!

- Timmer 

 

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/109144https://wibimmers.com/post/109144Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:11:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 25 Jan 2021 19:30:28 GMT]]>I didn't realize this s52 was modified the way it was, and I'm glad to see someone else with a high power s52! 

The cams really do come on around 3500-4k, I've had people ask if it's turbocharged haha. 

New suspension should be awesome!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/108824https://wibimmers.com/post/108824Mon, 25 Jan 2021 19:30:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:36:32 GMT]]>It was nice meeting you! 
 

I really wanted to see your E70 ice race haha

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/108814https://wibimmers.com/post/108814Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:36:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:41:56 GMT]]>Winter update!  Is it spring yet??

Thanks to @KaiserRolls for hooking me up and giving me a project to help pass the time!  This should help bring the old girl to the next level!  

Once I tear into her, I’ll post some pics of the 35 year old suspension parts coming out...0F39A50F-1331-4C4E-8D97-A46312E66181.jpeg

-Timmer

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/108813https://wibimmers.com/post/108813Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:41:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:07:38 GMT]]>LAMAS

lms

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106506https://wibimmers.com/post/106506Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:07:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:13:51 GMT]]>LMs

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106501https://wibimmers.com/post/106501Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:13:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:45:29 GMT]]>LM's hands down.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106499https://wibimmers.com/post/106499Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:45:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:38:38 GMT]]>The LM's look great.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106497https://wibimmers.com/post/106497Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:38:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 22:05:26 GMT]]>BBS by a mile. LMs have been my long standing favorite aftermarket wheel since NFS Underground.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106480https://wibimmers.com/post/106480Sun, 14 Jun 2020 22:05:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:39:44 GMT]]>Comparison photos, 17” Konig vs 16” BBS.... what does everyone think? 

I think if I had shadowline trim, the Konig’s would look better...

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106479https://wibimmers.com/post/106479Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:39:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:16:35 GMT]]>

SteelBlue said:

I think BBS mesh wheels would be an improvement. Car looks great.

What color is it? Zinno?

 I’ll take a pic with the BBS wheel and take it to a vote!

Yep, Zinno... although the respray is a touch darker

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106469https://wibimmers.com/post/106469Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:16:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 05:18:01 GMT]]>Paint work and fitment looks great

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106464https://wibimmers.com/post/106464Sun, 14 Jun 2020 05:18:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 02:52:54 GMT]]>I think BBS mesh wheels would be an improvement. Car looks great.

What color is it? Zinno?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106462https://wibimmers.com/post/106462Sun, 14 Jun 2020 02:52:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Sun, 14 Jun 2020 02:20:06 GMT]]>Looking forward to the E30 picnic! 

The old girl just got back from the paint shop after  having the rear valance and side skirts fitted.

Valance is DTM. Expense, terrible fit, horrendous finish, but enough sanding, refining, and a good paint job, it turned out pretty good!  I wish there was more options for the diving board cars.

Side skirts are from a Ford Taurus, trimmed and fitted.  Really happy with the outcome, and super easy.

I also fitted a set of Konig Lace wheels I refinished in a gunmetal metallic paint.  No entirely sold on the look, I think I prefer the BBS wheels a bit more

Overall, I think this exactly how I wanted the car to come together...subtle with a touch of attitude.  See ya at the picnic!

-Timmer

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/106461https://wibimmers.com/post/106461Sun, 14 Jun 2020 02:20:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Fri, 03 Jan 2020 17:42:28 GMT]]>

GunMetalGrey said:

Was this guy somewhat local to the valley?

I wish, but no, it was Chicago area

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103321https://wibimmers.com/post/103321Fri, 03 Jan 2020 17:42:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Fri, 03 Jan 2020 17:31:38 GMT]]>

timmer said:

Mark did the dyno tuning when the previous owner built the motor.

Was this guy somewhat local to the valley?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103320https://wibimmers.com/post/103320Fri, 03 Jan 2020 17:31:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:58:53 GMT]]>Thanks! The cams are good all around.... low end torque suffers a bit, but doesn’t affect drivability at all.  The engine really wakes up above 4,000 rpms when the cams and vanos are working together 😁

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103290https://wibimmers.com/post/103290Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:58:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Tue, 31 Dec 2019 04:40:02 GMT]]>

timmer said:

BC, ITB’s would be awesome!  Mark did the dyno tuning when the previous owner built the motor.  As it sat before the BBTB, it put down 274hp at the wheels on 93 octane. 

thats a great number! do the cams make it peaky?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103282https://wibimmers.com/post/103282Tue, 31 Dec 2019 04:40:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:27:48 GMT]]>

timmer said:

 Mark did the dyno tuning when the previous owner built the motor.  As it sat before the BBTB, it put down 274hp at the wheels on 93 octane. The ZF320 mates well with the 2.92 rear end too; nice easy revs on the highway with plenty of snap.  

You’ll have to take it for a spin next time we get together!

😮

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103276https://wibimmers.com/post/103276Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:27:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to ....and so it begins, project Turtle Farts. on Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:08:29 GMT]]>

SteelBlue said:

I did not realize this had BBS LM's. Favorite wheel of all time.

Didn't know they made this in 4x100. 17" or 16"?

Thanks! They are 16’s.  I have a set of 17” ACT wheels also that look good, but the BBS’s are my favorite...

BC, ITB’s would be awesome!  Mark did the dyno tuning when the previous owner built the motor.  As it sat before the BBTB, it put down 274hp at the wheels on 93 octane. The ZF320 mates well with the 2.92 rear end too; nice easy revs on the highway with plenty of snap.  

You’ll have to take it for a spin next time we get together!

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]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/103274https://wibimmers.com/post/103274Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:08:29 GMT