e30 325i Cabriolet modifications

Thu Oct 23, 2014 11:07 pm

Evening all, I was looking for some friendly advice on what route is best to take so sensitively modify my e30 cab.

Currently it has a full exhaust system apart from the six-branch manifold which I would like to add, any suggestions on which brands to look at would be appreciated. I know B2B are the best but maybe slightly too steep for the overall project I want to achieve.

After the manifold and cold air intake, where would you suggest going next? I have purchased a new chip from 'Speedtouch' but yet to fit. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers in advance

Sat Oct 25, 2014 8:24 am

Get LSD fitted or your existing LSD if fitted fully rebuilt by Gareth on E30 Zone. Makes a world of difference.

As for exhaust manifolds .... BTB is supposed to be one of the best with around 10bhp increase

Make sure had full service so everything on BMW Inspection II Service so is running correctly

Sat Oct 25, 2014 8:36 am

Good advice there, also worth getting the injectors cleaned, strip and check all the brakes, replace parts as required

Sat Oct 25, 2014 10:41 am

Thanks for the tips, have an LSD fitted but a rebuild sounds like a good option. Any idea of cost or a rough idea? I'll touch base with Gareth. I was thinking of a drilled disc conversion, any recommendations or experience of a good choice? Also how do I upload photos to a topic?

Cheers ! N

Sat Oct 25, 2014 10:45 am

I can't remember the exact price is reasonable. You will have to send him a PM. Bear on mind New BMW LSD is £1500, Quaife LSD is £1200, Kaaz 2-way is £800

Sat Oct 25, 2014 10:47 am

nshaw88 wrote:Thanks for the tips, have an LSD fitted but a rebuild sounds like a good option. Any idea of cost or a rough idea? I'll touch base with Gareth. I was thinking of a drilled disc conversion, any recommendations or experience of a good choice? Also how do I upload photos to a topic?

Cheers ! N

Photos

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... forum&f=20

I don't know about brake conversions. Sorry. Try the wiki.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:02 am

All those cheap exhaust manifolds, drilled discs and air intakes are a waste of money have no gains. Its best to spend the money fixing things wrong with the car.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:22 am

Blitz wrote:All those cheap exhaust manifolds, drilled discs and air intakes are a waste of money have no gains. Its best to spend the money fixing things wrong with the car.

THIS !!!! and being an old 'verty there will be PLENTY wrong / f0000ked !

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:42 am

... edited... wrong link, you need to use the BBcode link

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:44 am

nshaw88 wrote:

?

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:46 am

Trying to upload a photo Pete but with no luck!!!

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:47 am

The link works if you remove the [img]&[/img] markers.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:49 am

pacerpete wrote:
nshaw88 wrote:
?

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=171644

Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:51 am

when you say changes are you after performance or handling, or just cosmetics?

If you want performance and handling, then I wouldn't start with a vert, although both are achievable to some degree. However a cabby is made for cruising.

Cosmetically, I highly recommend brows!

Sat Oct 25, 2014 12:18 pm

Being a vert performance certainly isn't my main goal but I have been looking at the possibility of a BTB manifold. I certainly won't be purchasing any of the cheap bits you see advertised on eBay as I'm fully aware it's not worth while. I'm located in East London and would like a full service and a thorough going over from a specialist, PacerPete is that come thing you could help me with? I've heard you're a very busy man but I'm assuming that's for all the right reasons!! I'll get some photos up. She's in good condition with extensive documentation of service history and bills etc.

N

Sat Oct 25, 2014 12:21 pm

Pete is your man, but be warned, he WILL try and sell you some brows.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 1:28 pm

This is rather embarrassing but a somewhat honest introduction to e30 Zone. My car currently won't start in the middle of Central London! Hilarious I know. It's doing everything other than start, when I de-immobilise it and try to turn the key it's just not turning over. Similar to when you try and start on auto in gear. Ignition light etc all turn on but no action.

Kind regards,

Stranded e30 owner

Sat Oct 25, 2014 1:39 pm

I have an old cabby that was in good nick with extensive history when I bought it. Full service, new shocks, new brakes and discs and refurbed injectors made a massive difference...felt like a new car in comparison to when I got it...

Sat Oct 25, 2014 2:21 pm

nshaw88 wrote:This is rather embarrassing but a somewhat honest introduction to e30 Zone. My car currently won't start in the middle of Central London! Hilarious I know. It's doing everything other than start, when I de-immobilise it and try to turn the key it's just not turning over. Similar to when you try and start on auto in gear. Ignition light etc all turn on but no action.

Kind regards,

Stranded e30 owner

Have you got roadside assistance cover

?

Sat Oct 25, 2014 2:43 pm

Does you car have the standard factory OBC/immobiliser, or an aftermarket one?

See the Zone troubleshooting guide:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... oubleshoot

You may need to bridge the main and fuel pump relays, or hook a lead directly from battery +12V to the ignition coil.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:01 pm

Lights coming on and no turn over sounds like the alarm system. Have armed and disarmed it!?

Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:04 pm

All sorted. After much arming/disarming and shouting she started. I disconnected then reconnected the battery which seemed to reset it. Thanks for the help, the roof is now down albeit a little chilly. :O) N

Mon Oct 27, 2014 3:00 pm

I have a cabbie. And I'd give it a while before you start thinking of blinging her up. They cost enough just doing all the bits that need doing but your never going to see. In fact just bringing her back up to speck with all the rubbers sorted, rear diff sorted and various 'service' type stuff makes a hell of a difference. And a new roof as and when it's required (and it will be) will be anything between 500 to a grand if fitting is required as well (advised, because they are a bit of a bugger unless you know what your doing).

Rust will be your biggest expense. Get the carpets up and check the pan, especially the passenger side. 325's drink quite heartlily so every BHP increase you get will reflect in that. And being a cabbie, they weigh in quite considerable more that the tin tops (Although they carry the weight with far more style). If you've lowered her at all then you'll eat tyres, front and rear. Although sorting the rubber's out will help that alot.

So yea, unless you can afford it, work on the practicalities not the style. She's still a good motor without the gold medallions.