Full Track M3 Restoration Advice Needed

[bezabaza]

Hi All,

I need some advice and wanted to post here before going to Facebook in hope the forum has some more knowledgeable folk.

My 1990 M3's bodywork is quite tatty in places due to it having the original paintwork, etc. It's not a garage queen and has been mostly used for track days the past couple of years and has a roll cage, half stripped out, etc.

It's actually Mark Brown's build that many of you might be familiar with having features in Performance BMW magazine and the huge thread Mark created on Piston Heads.

With this in mind I want to get it fully restored but kept as mostly a track weapon but comfy enough for weekend drives. I.e. keeping the roll cage but some creature comforts such as carpets, radio, etc. Call it a "Clubsport" spec.

I'm handy enough to nut and bolt strip it down myself but can anyone recommend someone UK based to then:

A) Prep the body work/blast the body.
B) Paint
C) Optionally rebuild the car and suggest any enhancements/strengthening that should be done whilst going through the above work.

It has the original S14 but I'm thinking of keeping it safe and fitting an S54 or LS, modern ABS, traction control, electric PAS, etc if possible. Basically the usual want of a modern drivetrain and gadgets in the M3 shell.

Again, any recommendations of who has experience of such work or pointers would be appreciated.

So far I have been looking at BMP conversions to do the work and have been meaning to contact them with some real details but thought I would ask here first.

Thanks,
Sean

[JungleGus]

Ahoy there Sean.

I'm a big fan of Barry's work (BMR Performance) and Impact Bodywork has done great work on my car - a lot will depend on how much work you need done/want to do yourself in terms of prep.

Is yours the Red (Zinno) one with Compomotive TH's and Toyo R888s? I seem to recall there being a video out there, but may have the wrong car.

I would strongly recommend keeping the S14 (ideally in the car, or at least keeping all the bits for it) - the car is much better balanced and more original (although that is a debate on it's own) - and will hold far more value than with an S54 or LS.

It's your car, but another 6/8 cylinder swap isn't super special and having been through a lot of hassle with the M5x conversion - it takes a LOT to do it well, and even then it's debatable benefit. Even more so for the LS would be my guess.

Good luck and as always - add pics! I find Imgur the easiest

Cheers,
Gus

[bezabaza]

Hi Gus, thanks for the response. Yeh, that's mine, pic below. How do you make images a little bit smaller?

Thanks for the recommendation, I've heard good things about BMR over the years too. I'm in the North West but happy to travel for a decent shop.

And to be honest now I am thinking of keeping the S14. It's not exactly standard anyway and has a standalone ECU. Plus I have another high power car too it would be silly to throw money and potentially ruin it.

I think the main challenge is sorting out the bodywork, then add some nice bits such as an MK60 ABS system.

[JungleGus]

Nice, I thought that car was well done. I've always liked the TH's also - what are they like to drive on (may be tough without a point of comparison). I do love the colour combo with the wheels and zinno.

If you're up North I'd talk with DanThe as well - I'm not sure on bodywork options up there though.

[bezabaza]

Don't get me wrong, it's been done well but it's still 30 years old and need some of the body work sorted out. I want to give it what it deserves and get it back to near perfect .

The wheels are great, the only issue is limited airflow which I think is contributing to the brakes retaining heat so got some Apex ARC-8s to try out soon.

Yeh I know DanThe, got a steering link off him for an S50 conversion I did on my previous E30. I'll give him a shout too.

Cheers

[bezabaza]