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Thread: Building my forever e36

  1. #1
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    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325

    Building my forever M3 e36

    So I am finally building my dream e36. This is my 6th different e36 that I have owned but will finally be the one built exactly how I have always wanted. Car is 1995 Avus blue texas car (no rust ). Bought it as a rolling chassis.

    IMG_3738_zpsgz0bn6hz by thedude60526, on Flickr


    As I picked it up (minus the wheels)

    IMG_3626 1_zpsssq5qrnr by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Got her home and front end disassembled.

    So first off was power train. Was originally going to put a S52 in but was having a hard time finding a good one. Than a m52 popped up locally for $200 and couldn't say no.

    IMG_3666_zpsgjvf3jcn by thedude60526, on Flickr


    Decided was gonna do a complete rebuild complete with a m54b30 crank, rods, pistons, s52 cams, obd1 conversion with pink top injectors and 3.5 intake. I know its not the easy route but this is something that has intrigued me and decided to go ahead with it.

    IMG_3670_zpsn3c7tdfn by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3693_zpszyfxqvqj by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3696_zps9i4p4fn7 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3697_zpsrgahye2l by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3699_zpsdez40d8i by thedude60526, on Flickr

    completely tore the motor down. Was glad I did as I found oil pump nut loose, a random washer in cylinder 2, and some surface rust from sitting in the cylinders so off to machine shop.
    Last edited by thedude60126; 07-03-2017 at 05:09 PM.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  2. #2
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    Next started tackling suspension while I wait on engine parts. Car previously had a turbo motor in it and could already see some cracks in the subframe so pulled that out

    IMG_3760_zps7gzv12aq by thedude60526, on Flickr

    welded in the akg subframe reinforcement kit. Not going to show off my terrible welds but they work

    Next got some AKG LCAB bushings and new control arms and tie rods

    IMG_3789_zpselr2cr2s by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3788_zps20igzoxc by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3759_zps8kdiy77x by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3771_zps927ojp8l by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Going with Koni struts and H&R sport springs for the time being (this will be a street car so didn't think coil overs were needed)

    IMG_3839_zps5bzbgfrp by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Also started getting engine parts. Nothing beats coming home everyday with a new box of stuff on the front porch

    IMG_3823_zpsmbhirvbn by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3824_zpsr69x1rih by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3826_zpsjfvpvlmv by thedude60526, on Flickr
    Last edited by thedude60126; 07-03-2017 at 10:48 AM.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    97' m52 turbo
    Nice, congrats.

    Going boost? Right?

  4. #4
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    1999 BMW M3 Coupe
    Very cool, great thread.
    1999 M3/2/5 - Titanium Silver - Track/Weekend Toy


  5. #5
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    96 328i, 92 318i
    Definitely keeping an eye on this thread looks like a hella fun build .

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by DotBeta View Post
    Definitely keeping an eye on this thread looks like a hella fun build .

    Thanks man. Yeah I am really exited for it. Have never been able to this before with such a clean platform
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  7. #7
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    So picked up a used stock front sway. Sanded it down and painted it black and installed. Came out pretty good. Rest of suspension should be in tomorrow and get that buttoned down.

    IAFH6154_zpsyykouz53 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    Last edited by thedude60126; 07-03-2017 at 10:50 AM.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  8. #8
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    Got the new GC rear strut mounts installed. Suspension is done. Full setup is koni adjustable struts/shocks, H&R Sport springs, AKG LCAB bushings, new control arms and tie rods, Stock hats (trying to keep this with a street setup.

    FTVO2195_zpsvldqdfqv by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3822_zps88zvcglv by thedude60526, on Flickr

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by 328iFun View Post
    Nice, congrats.

    Going boost? Right?

    At some point i'm sure it will happen at some point but for right now going na
    Last edited by thedude60126; 07-03-2017 at 10:51 AM.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  9. #9
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    '08 E90 / '96 E36
    Quote Originally Posted by thedude60126 View Post
    texas car (no rust ).
    I'd kill for that.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by jno View Post
    I'd kill for that.

    Yeah only took 12 years and half a dozen e36's to find one
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  11. #11
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    Suspension and brakes are finally done. Also got this beauty from a fellow member. Couple knock sensors and I have all my conversation parts.





    Next is interior pulled the trashed headliner and sunroof panel to recover. Also picking up these vaders, rear seat and door panels. Condition isn't perfect but plan is to eventually re leather them and price was too good.






    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  12. #12
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    Picking up headliner this weekend and couple motors and gears need for the seats. Hoping mid next week to be putting the interior all together. Exited to start to get this thing together
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  13. #13
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    Nice build. Im subscribing. Is the chassis a genuine M3? What conversion are you doing? obd 1 to 2?

  14. #14
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    Genuine 1995 M3. OBD1 conversion as tunes are a lot cheaper and just in general less shit.

    Update- New headliner covering order along with a few other bits. Machine shop is hoping end of the week to have the head and block done and then the real fun begins
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  15. #15
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    I'm confused as to how you are converting to obd1 when you have a 95 m3 which is already obd1.

  16. #16
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    ^^He means because the engine is an M52. And I'm assuming the chassis came w/o harness.

    Nice build. I don't know what 'rust-free' means...haha (from another IL-er)
    BMW CCA Illini Chapter Vice President
    1995 M3
    - My Favorite DIY's and FAQ's



  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Moron95M3 View Post
    ^^He means because the engine is an M52. And I'm assuming the chassis came w/o harness.

    Nice build. I don't know what 'rust-free' means...haha (from another IL-er)
    Yeah after owning so many of these the fact that every bolt on this comes off with easy and everything is so clean I am just not used to it.

    Quote Originally Posted by rajicase View Post
    I'm confused as to how you are converting to obd1 when you have a 95 m3 which is already obd1.
    As Moron95M3 explained perfectly I am using a OBD2 motor in a OBD1 car and had no engine harness when I purchased the vehicle (Vehicle actually had a OBD2 harness when it had its previous turbo motor in it before I owned it). So converting everything to OBD1 just for ease of use and cheaper tuning options.
    Last edited by thedude60126; 06-13-2017 at 11:02 AM.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  18. #18
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    PS are you racing lemons july 22 at autobahn? I had signed up, but some other financial stuff came up so I put the lemons car on hold.
    BMW CCA Illini Chapter Vice President
    1995 M3
    - My Favorite DIY's and FAQ's



  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Moron95M3 View Post
    PS are you racing lemons july 22 at autobahn? I had signed up, but some other financial stuff came up so I put the lemons car on hold.

    Nope ran into the same issue. No cage this year for the car so just trying to get as many auto cross days in and maybe few track days but need to get this baby done first
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by thedude60126 View Post
    So converting everything to OBD1 just for ease of use and cheaper tuning options.
    I have found that the BMW tuning industry largely considers OBD1 to be dead obsolete tech, so tuning choices have become limited.
    If you DIY, the "cheaper" part of the equation disappears into investment into equipment.

    OBD2 means a large increase in engine control parameters - plus being able to directly download and upload tunes instead of the old-fashioned chip-burning process.
    Eat, drink, and be merry - for tomorrow we drive.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by JEC928 View Post
    I have found that the BMW tuning industry largely considers OBD1 to be dead obsolete tech, so tuning choices have become limited.
    If you DIY, the "cheaper" part of the equation disappears into investment into equipment.

    OBD2 means a large increase in engine control parameters - plus being able to directly download and upload tunes instead of the old-fashioned chip-burning process.

    Very true and if I was doing anything remotely crazy I would be obd2 but for the time being car is simple bolt on's which there is ample tuning options. We will see what happens though.

    - - - Updated - - -

    So cheep engine build as expected just hit the wall. Head and block are in bad shape (head is slightly warped and all intake valves are fucked) and block needs a bore. Scraping the hybrid motor and for time picking up a s52 hopefully this weekend and dropping that in. Just want to get this thing running.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by JEC928 View Post
    plus being able to directly download and upload tunes instead of the old-fashioned chip-burning process.
    One of these turns OBD1 tuning into the same simple flashing process as OBD2 (in fact it's faster, about 10 secs for a full flash):

    http://www.moates.net/ostrich-20-the...eed-p-169.html

    ost2_items.jpg

    100_1738.jpg

    I've had one in my 93 325is full time for the last 2 years. Works like a hot damn!

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by JEC928 View Post
    I have found that the BMW tuning industry largely considers OBD1 to be dead obsolete tech, so tuning choices have become limited.
    Who needs 'em?

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by jakermac View Post
    One of these turns OBD1 tuning into the same simple flashing process as OBD2 (in fact it's faster, about 10 secs for a full flash):

    http://www.moates.net/ostrich-20-the...eed-p-169.html

    ost2_items.jpg

    100_1738.jpg

    I've had one in my 93 325is full time for the last 2 years. Works like a hot damn!

    ooohhhh very good to know.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by jakermac View Post
    One of these turns OBD1 tuning into the same simple flashing process as OBD2 (in fact it's faster, about 10 secs for a full flash):

    http://www.moates.net/ostrich-20-the...eed-p-169.html

    ost2_items.jpg

    100_1738.jpg

    I've had one in my 93 325is full time for the last 2 years. Works like a hot damn!

    ooohhhh very good to know.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

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