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Thread: 97 E36 M3 Southeast DE/Time Trial Build #232

  1. #1
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    97 E36 M3 Southeast DE/Time Trial Build #232

    Hi Guys. I thought I'd document my second go around at an e36 M3 HPDE/TT build. The purpose for now is really to get back on track as soon as possible. I got the bug about 5 years ago and was going to DE events in the southeast pretty regularly. In total I've done 20 or so days. Not much, but respectable for a beginner. I started with my e46 ZHP at VIR, then moved to the SE with my F30 328, and eventually in 2013 picked up a clean '99 Estoril M3. Most of my events are at Roebling and Sebring, getting back to RA is high on the list.

    Fast forward to a Sebring NASA event in 2015 (IIRC). That resulted in an incident on the inside of turn one. Thankfully no injuries and only my car was busted. After that I had the frame straightened pieced the car back together. My first event in the rebuit blue car was last spring at Roebling with NASA. It just wasn't right. Air was getting under the hood, couldn't get the camber I needed, etc. Time for a new shell and transplant. Especially since I ultimately want to drop money into a cage.

    I found a relatively clean 97 with 200k. It had a blown head gasket with a selling price of $4k. I worked out a deal with a buddy. He got most the interior, engine, and diff for $2k. I haven't begun parting the rest, but I think I'll about break even with it. As for the blue car..stripped and sent to the smasher. RIP

    So the plan goes like this:

    1. Clutch, headers (maybe), and misc things while the engine is out. Install and button up.
    2. Swap rear subframe, swap brakes, struts, etc. Basically put the good chassis back together with some improvements.
    4. Light gut. Install race seats with 3pt. Hit the FIRM (a local lapping track. Nothing dangerous or fast) for a test day (Goal of Feb'ish 2016)
    5. Cross my fingers I have money left after tax time
    6. A little more gutting and install 4pt bolt-in.
    7. Do some NASA DE events (Spring-Fall 2017). Hopefully any bugs will be well sorted by then.
    7. Cage and setup car and myself for something more competitive (Winter-Spring 2018)

    It's a real long-term plan, but I'm realistic and want to get back on course ASAP since I sold the F30. Between work and family I really only get about 5-10 hours a week to work on it. Also, even in a semi climatic garage, summers in Florida are brutal to do interior work...or pretty much anything for that matter. I'd like to save that for winters if possible.

    TL/DR: See title

    Pics coming..
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  2. #2
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    '99 M3, '13 F30 328i
    The old car. Was fun while it lasted.



    Oops






    Back in business. The e46 is the off road #dirtye46 that J Franklin and Mike Skeen picked up and built a rally car out of. Jason started a thread for it here http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...rtE46-Dirty330




    New donor and swap time after weekend at Roebling.





    Where we are now. Parts waiting to go in.






    Last edited by Ronin951; 12-10-2016 at 10:17 PM.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  3. #3
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    E36 M3, jzxE28


    Is this the rallyroad transmission brace? I'm interested.
    instagram @andyitslit

  4. #4
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    Not sure. It's branded achilles, but I've seen similar on ebay and rallyroad iirc.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  5. #5
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    Good luck with the build. I still have intentions of getting into the racing scene but I get the mod bug BAD!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmw328m52 View Post
    Good luck with the build. I still have intentions of getting into the racing scene but I get the mod bug BAD!
    Thanks!

    Much needed cleaning day for car and shop. There was a ton of epoxy/sealant hat had leaked everywhere in the engine bay. Acetone was about all I had that would get it off. The rest was cleaned with the green stuff and a scotch brite sponge. Probably not best for the paint.



    The selector shaft seal was leaking. Replaced that and cleaned up. Green stuff and brake cleaner for the gearbox. Bellhousing wasn't too bad so I left it.

    Oh and the clutch is in. FX stage 2. I debated a sachs w/aluminum option, but can't beat $400. Fingers crossed.





    Next up is disassembly of subframe, etc. I'm trading mine with poly/delrin mounts for one with solids and reinforcements. Also headers on the way.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  7. #7
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    I have been running that clutch on my TT3 car for about two years now. No issues at all. Know quite a few other E36 guys with it as well and all really like it.


  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by darbyfam View Post
    I have been running that clutch on my TT3 car for about two years now. No issues at all. Know quite a few other E36 guys with it as well and all really like it.
    Good to hear. How did you break it in? Driving around town for 500 miles isn't really an option.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  9. #9
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    I went to the track and beat on it .


  10. #10
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    Might as well put an M50 manifold on it while the engine is out.

    Also, you're going to have to take +4 points for that OEM rear wing, so either remove it or get a Brooks Motorsports wing that'll actually be worth taking the aero points...
    '03 911 Turbo 6MT fun car
    '18 Toyota Land Cruiser Daily driver/Ski Machine/Off Roader
    '15 Cayenne Diesel Wife's DD
    '17 KTM 690 "Adv" 2 wheeled Adventurer

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by DocWyte View Post
    Might as well put an M50 manifold on it while the engine is out.

    Also, you're going to have to take +4 points for that OEM rear wing, so either remove it or get a Brooks Motorsports wing that'll actually be worth taking the aero points...
    Yeah picking a manifold up this weekend. Need to order the kit. Do you think a tune will do any good for manifold/headers/track pipe? I can flash out simple flags like EWS, O2's, idle, and revlimit, but stuff like timing are above my head.

    I'm unsure about aero, but a Brooks or Bimmerworld wing are at the top of the list for that component. To your point the stock one is worthless and I'll pull it once I make it to that end of the car. I just need to see what my points look like.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  12. #12
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    Yes, a tune will help bring back the loss in low end torque that the manifold causes. Really smooths out the power band.

    Brooks wings are sweet. I'm conflicted as I have a real deal OEM ltw wing on my car with risers, which I'm taking aero points for. However its nowhere near as effective as a Brooks wing, which I'd take the same points penalty for. I could easily sell my ltw wing for the same amount that the Brooks wing costs but then I wouldn't have a period mod on the car that's impossible to replace...
    '03 911 Turbo 6MT fun car
    '18 Toyota Land Cruiser Daily driver/Ski Machine/Off Roader
    '15 Cayenne Diesel Wife's DD
    '17 KTM 690 "Adv" 2 wheeled Adventurer

  13. #13
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    Headers mocked up. Only one problem (second pic). I was going to cut the front pipe to make the same diameter and weld on vbands. Problem is the angle is off and they are fully tightened.

    Maybe cut before the last bend on the front pipe?



    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  14. #14
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    Running a little behind schedule, but I have made some progress.

    @jfrankracing welded up my front subframe. I also traded my old subframe for his off his chump car. Pre welded with solid mounts.

    Progess..
    - M50 manifold w/ m50manifold.com kit. Great kit BTW!
    - DEI coolness
    - Tranny bolted up

    It's pretty much ready to go in, but I'm now debating the header decision











    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  15. #15
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    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  16. #16
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    Engine in and mostly buttoned! Waiting on a new non-ASC intake boot and tune from Markert Motorworks. Decided against headers. Too much of a pain for now. Hopefully it'll finally be running and rolling in the next week.

    Subframe etc is also ready to go in.



    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  17. #17
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    It's been an interesting few weeks. First, I hooked up the red-top battery I had from the previous car. Immediately all the lights came on, sparks flew, and the alternator started smoking. I spent about a week reading wiring diagrams, replacing fuses, testing relays, and looking for short circuits. Finally I took the battery to get tested and what do you know...the poles were reversed! My best guess is the battery had sat around for a while and fully drained. I must have hooked up my charger backwards. :shrug:

    Next up I had to assess the damage. Even with the new battery the alternator smoked, so I bought a cheap used alternator on ebay just to confirm that was the issue. Put it and and things seemed GTG.

    The next ordeal was getting the engine to crank. When I tried to start, there was just a click sound. Similar to what you'd get with a drained battery and just the solenoid engaging. After tons of testing, studying electrical diagrams (again), and learning more than I care about EWS II it finally cranked. Best I can determine I hadn't aligned the starter correctly...twice. There's an alignment pin, so there's really only one way in. However, I suspect the metal gasket between the engine block and bell housing, which the starter mounts to, allowed for it to tighten at a downward angle.

    TLDR; Pretty much no progress other than getting in the intake tract.

    PS: Anyone doing a M50 manifold swap that needs to plug the 12mmX1.5 hole in the bottom of the intake. A $3 drain plug is the perfect width and length.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  18. #18
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    Any Updates
    I'm an Aussie living in the States , love it
    Modestly dyslexic so for give the spelling.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by aussiebj View Post
    Any Updates
    A little belated. This has been a slow project for sure. I've been having back issues here and there, which is prolonging this "build". The good news is it's back on all fours and running! I'm finishing up a window regulator and have an exhaust leak that needs to be addressed. After that off for a test drive and maybe a better video.

    I'll post some pics, but here's a short clip of the exhaust note FWIW. This is using stock headers, Bimmerworld Magnaflow track pipe (https://www.bimmerworld.com/Exhaust/...Magnaflow.html) and AA (v2?) catback. Custom tune from Markert Motorworks.



    One thing I will say is what a difference the LTW flywheel makes. The revs are so fast and I can't wait to open it up a little. It's also amazing what a difference a new throw out bearing can make lol.

    BTW, if anyone is interested in taking on this project I'm open to offers.
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  20. #20
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    Back seat is ready for the roll bar. Tint removal was terrible. Had to use a high pressure steamer to get the last layer off.

    For sound deadening a heat gun worked best. Dry ice was a fail. Used xylene and goo gone to get the remnants.

    Also pulled the blower and had injectors cleaned.

    IMG_2438.jpg
    IMG_2439.jpg
    IMG_2362.jpg
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  21. #21
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    I love your determination in sticking with it. You'll really appreciate this car and have a ball with it.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by fbirch View Post
    I love your determination in sticking with it. You'll really appreciate this car and have a ball with it.
    Thanks! My back is sketchy, so generally it’s work on it til my back gives, recover 3-4 months, rinse, repeat. My time also competes with my two young kids. Luckily now I can put them to work lol

    IMG_2440.jpg
    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

  23. #23
    Join Date
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    '99 M3, '13 F30 328i
    Installed some lights this week. Wish I had done this with my past cars. As you can see LED is much better than factory lighting. I plan to do the front too, but need to figure out how the switching is going to work. Trying to get work done in a dark paddock is a huge pain, so I’m super excited about these!


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YXBEHQK..._2sNcFbBX6B34Q


    2003 330i ZHP (Sold)
    2013 EBII 328i M-Sport 6MT (Sold)
    1999 EB1 M3
    2017 Tesla Model S
    2005 996 Turbo

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