Ratch's 318iS Resto is back!!!

[Speedtouch]

I see. Sounds like you need to get the correct tap and die bit to clean up the thread then, or use a longer/shorter bolt with the same thread, as appropriate.

[e30topless]

What I have is four diff bolts with the heads cut off. Screw into the diff with fingers, raise diff into place so that the studs go through the subframe holes and one by one replace them with the correct bolts.

now that is an Idea I like !

it's pot luck fitting Diff's I have had some fit real easy and a few that have put up a horrific fight

there should be an access panel in the boot so you can do it from upstairs

[gcs325i]

What I have is four diff bolts with the heads cut off. Screw into the diff with fingers, raise diff into place so that the studs go through the subframe holes and one by one replace them with the correct bolts.

now that is an Idea I like !

it's pot luck fitting Diff's I have had some fit real easy and a few that have put up a horrific fight

there should be an access panel in the boot so you can do it from upstairs

I'm sure flywheel bolts are the same size and pitch as diff bolts as we used an old dual mass one with a grove cut in it to clear the threads on a rusty/hammerited diff then airline'd out the swarf. And if your garage is anything like mine there's always more than a few flywheel bolts kicking about.

[gooner1]

Got some Flywheel bolts here Ratch, if needed.

[Royalratch]

Cheers dudes.

But its going away to be repaired properly and fitted by someone else - I can't stomach doing it again. I've already done it twice.

I used brand new bolts too. This diff must have been gorilla'ed in its past life.

[Royalratch]

What I have is four diff bolts with the heads cut off. Screw into the diff with fingers, raise diff into place so that the studs go through the subframe holes and one by one replace them with the correct bolts.

now that is an Idea I like !

it's pot luck fitting Diff's I have had some fit real easy and a few that have put up a horrific fight

there should be an access panel in the boot so you can do it from upstairs

Threaded rod or long bolts (M10 1.5 pitch) threaded in from below may work better as you can then remove them from below where theres tonnes of room - not much up top once offered up to the beam.

[pacerpete]

I love removing diffs Not so keen on replacing them, unless its a 'safety conversion'

I always run a tap through the threads before fitting , clean the bolts and give them a shot of WD or similar. Paint thickly applied by a well meaning paedo can make life tedious unless the threads are cleaned before fitting.


The turds looking good Ratch !

[Royalratch]

So over looks - need to be on the driving yo.

The current diff is so bad this one upgrade is gonna make such a diff.

[pacerpete]

So over looks - need to be on the driving yo.

The current diff is so bad this one upgrade is gonna make such a diff.

Yes, I remember the howl. You were a brave man heading to France with that racket going on !

[Royalratch]

I was distracted by the steam pouring out the bonnet innit.

[Royalratch]

Bump lol.

Update en route.

[magpie]

welcome back RR

[Royalratch]

Checking in to take the pulse of this place.

Got the beast out of storeage and time to spruce up the suspension. All new B4s fitted here, new top mounts and bump stops etc with new Eibachs but just on the front. New Toyos also. Wasn't gassed about the extra -15mm drop over MTEC but wanted to see how it looks and pretty happy. The new dampers on the rear also perked it up a touch so sits quite well. Not so much of that E30 front wheel gap and the 8Js on the rear get a touch more space now. I may not fit the new rear springs if it drives okay. Tyres are 50 front and 45 rear.

[Speedtouch]

Hi Ratch,
Great to hear from you again, and nice to see you still have your 318is from way back (Nov 1997, so nearly 28 years - that's good going !) What mileage has it now covered?

[flybynite]

Ha Ha Welcome back! Pulse is a bit weak here these days but some still hanging on

I think it sits well Personally I have always thought the FL looked better with a bit of forward rake with the lower rear arches. I am going to try and squeeze 8.5 in the rear of my FL so may ending up having to give the middle bit of the arch a gentle roll to even it out, but it will have a touch higher rear end for definite.

[NoTurbo]

Hey man. Nice going! I still have mine too

[Royalratch]

Hi Ratch,
Great to hear from you again, and nice to see you still have your 318is from way back (Nov 1997, so nearly 28 years - that's good going !) What mileage has it now covered?

Hey man. Maybe done 140K? It hasn't done 1,000 miles in the past ten years tho! Trying to use it more now rather than let it rot away in storeage. It's not mint enough to be a garage queen / value position.

It does feel good to drive such a thing today tho and in London, a clean E30 gets you 2-3 questions / compliments minimum from all sorts every time you head out.

[Speedtouch]

140,000 miles is very low, considering the age. I currently have a 2009 Abarth Grande Punto on just under that.

Are those real Alpina wheels or replicas? Whichever, they suit it nicely. I presume you managed to get the new diff fitted in the end?

[Royalratch]

Are those real Alpina wheels or replicas? Whichever, they suit it nicely. I presume you managed to get the new diff fitted in the end?

Yep genuine Alpina staggered rears etc. LSD fitted ages ago and running well.

[Speedtouch]

Nice, must be a pretty sweet ride, I imagine.

[flybynite]

Yep genuine Alpina staggered rears etc. LSD fitted ages ago and running well.

Brave! given the state of the roads these days I'm not sure my C1 323 is going to get them back when it gets on the road! might get a set of maxilites and keep the originals for best.

[rix313]

Looking mega. My iS always sat a little high at the front. Never thought of combining the spring options to level it out. Looks good for it.

[Royalratch]

Looking mega. My iS always sat a little high at the front. Never thought of combining the spring options to level it out. Looks good for it.

Cheers dude. Was worried it might mess with the ride but it's totally fine. Clearance at the back for 16 X 8 and no chance of rubbing at the front but also no nasty wheel arch gap either.