Spec E36 Build - 328i

[BMW4LIFE]

i feel like a troll for this build, but i'm local and i like the idea of SE36, just a few pennies shy of being able to get in on the fun.

for the cat delete, there's a writeup on here, but basically either AA o2 sims for $120
or spark plug antifoulers for about $15. you basically screw one antifouler into the other, then the o2 sensor into that, and screw that whole assembly into your midpipe for the post cat sensors)
what that does is pull the sensors out of the direct flow of the exhaust so the ecu "thinks" its seeingthe restriction from the cats but really isnt.

No worries, I appreciate the info. According to AA's website it only works for M3's. The spark plug anti foulers may work.

Best way to do it is send your ECU to BW and have them reflash the box to eliminate O2 sensors, EWS and the secondary air pump.

Thanks Mario! That is the answer I was looking for and it seems like the easiest and best option even if it is the most expensive. I will contact BW asap.

Welcome to the class! If you haven't already, you should join the spece36 yahoo mailing list.

Thank you! I will do that.

[TIATO]

Thanks Mario! That is the answer I was looking for and it seems like the easiest and best option even if it is the most expensive. I will contact BW asap.

No problem. Do it once, do it right. You instructing with GVC this weekend?

[BMW4LIFE]

No problem. Do it once, do it right. You instructing with GVC this weekend?

Unfortunately, no. I will be attending a bachelor party in Tampa Bay.

[TIATO]

Unfortunately, no. I will be attending a bachelor party in Tampa Bay.

LOL...you can instruct there. Enjoy.

[fakebaker323is]

I mabee wrong, but i thought that spec e36 was for the m-50's only (92-95), but that does look like a cool car, and i'm sure you can race it in a variety of other classes.

[HabberstadChris]

I mabee wrong, but i thought that spec e36 was for the m-50's only (92-95), but that does look like a cool car, and i'm sure you can race it in a variety of other classes.

Yes, you are wrong. SE36 incorporates all non-M 6 cylinder variants. It will be a great addition to the Northeast contingent.

[fakebaker323is]

yes, i am wrong, was thinking of spec 3 (nasa), i will have to do some research on spec e36 (bmw cca), i am currently building a spec 3 car, if i keep both rules in mind during build, mabee i can race in both series.

[tammer]

yes, i am wrong, was thinking of spec 3 (nasa), i will have to do some research on spec e36 (bmw cca), i am currently building a spec 3 car, if i keep both rules in mind during build, mabee i can race in both series.

Not gonna happen. There is very little overlap in the rules. I'm pretty sure this was done on purpose.

-tammer

[fakebaker323is]

Think you are correct, i have been looking at the spec e-36 guidlines, and it uses diffrent suspension components, lots of diffrences, oh well, just a thought.

[BMW4LIFE]

Update: First off, changed the spark plugs. 5 out of the 6 plugs were the NGK QUP and 1 was a champion that looked like it had seen better days. The 2 plugs towards the back of the motor were very corroded.



Second, I focused on building a brake duct kit with the help and advice from Chris @ BRM. He gassed beers and barked orders as I assembled the kit over the course of 4+ hours. It came out great and his help was invaluable.

Here are some pics:

[BMW4LIFE]

More baby steps with this build thread since I am still driving the car on the streets and sorting out any issues it may have before it hits the track for it's initial shakedown. It is a fun & comfortable car to drive and I have not had a bimmer with stock suspension for a quite a while.

On to some more boring stuff.

I bought the required 3.15LSD and a 6 bolt drive shaft from a fellow member. The diff has ~40K miles on it and looks to be in great shape except for some surface rust and grime. I sanded it down and painted it with hi gloss black caliper paint and it now has a nice shine to it. With such a clean chassis & platform to start with, I wanted to keep things consistent and build a really clean race car.

Some pics:

BEFORE




AFTER:

[mijgilbert]

Lookin' good!!

[BMW4LIFE]

Lookin' good!!

Thank you! Hope to see you out there next season.

[T Smith]

Thank you! Hope to see you out there next season.

Keep up the good work. I can't wait to race aginst you.

[BMW4LIFE]

Keep up the good work. I can't wait to race aginst you.

Agreed! Looking forward to it...

[bbh03]

Keep up the good work. Get her done by spring so you can help us fill the grid!

[thewheelguy1]

6 bolt input?? What car did that come from?
As far as I know, 6 bolt input was only use on E36 M3 built in before 95.
Not a big deal, you can swap out the 4 bolt input from the current diff. Just be careful setting the preload when you put it back together. Use Red loctite and a new crimp washer.
Also, from the pics of your new diff, those look like M3 output flanges which are larger than 325/328. But those are an easy swap, they slide right out.

Bob.

[BMW4LIFE]

6 bolt input?? What car did that come from?
As far as I know, 6 bolt input was only use on E36 M3 built in before 95.
Not a big deal, you can swap out the 4 bolt input from the current diff. Just be careful setting the preload when you put it back together. Use Red loctite and a new crimp washer.
Also, from the pics of your new diff, those look like M3 output flanges which are larger than 325/328. But those are an easy swap, they slide right out.

Bob.

Hey Bob,
I bought the diff from a guy on the forum and it was from a 95 M3 and included the drive shaft. He said that I should have no issues swapping it into my car. Hope he is correct.

[BimmerDawg]

Looking great! Keep it up.

[BMW4LIFE]

Looking great! Keep it up.

Thanks! I have close to a $1,000 worth of parts arriving for a long weekend of working on the car.

I will update the thread once the work is completed.

[tuckersmg]

You still in for Lime Rock?

[BMW4LIFE]

You still in for Lime Rock?

Yeah, but not with this car as it is not ready for prime time just yet.

I will bring the red rat M3 a.k.a. a street car named desire...

[HabberstadChris]

Yeah, but not with this car as it is not ready for prime time just yet.

I will bring the red rat M3 a.k.a. a street car named desire...

Just don't forget that all four of your tires are currently mounted backwards.

[BMW4LIFE]

I broke the padlock of my wallet and ordered the following parts that will be installed this weekend:

Ireland Engineering Aluminum Radiator
Fan Clutch
Belt for Alternator/Water Pump/Power Steering
Samco Silicone Hose Kits
Stewart Components Performance BMW Water Pump
Aluminum Thermostat Housing
Performance Thermostat - Temperature: 80C
Coolant Expansion Tank & Radiator Cap

I also ordered a few new sets of tools for the job.

The A/C system will also be removed during the cooling system upgrade.

[tuckersmg]

Looks like it will be a good weekend to work on the car. Lime Rock is gonna be wet and cold. If it snows, I will take the F250 on track.