'85 e30 Race Buildup - Feedback?

[StoneCold]

After the death of my e21, following 5 successful years on the track (3 enduro championships), I have decided to build an early 318i and continue racing in ITB (U.S. SCCA club racing).

I was giving a free 1985 car (owner lost the title) and have stripped it to the shell. I am currently in the process of sandblasting it (in, out, and under). After a coat of POR-15 and paint, the buildup will begin.

Carryovers: Cage, Fuel Cell, Camber Plates, Quickrelease steering wheel, and seat.

I have questions, but first let me tell you that I will be running a welded 3.9, 4.10, and 4.25 diff. I've found in the past that I didn't need the rear sway bar on the e21, and got used to the handling of a locked rear. I have come to this board because helpful past threads in these forums have kept my 88ix and my '82e21 alive. Also, googling 318i race prep has proved there isn't much out there for these cars, so here goes:

1. Solid Aluminum Subframe Bushings or Poly?
2. I've heard good things about the Powerflex Bushings. Any users out there with feedback for the control arms, trailing arms, or subframe?
3. I was given a pair of spherical control arm bearings. Feedback?
4. Any leads on "inexpensive" stainless steel brake lines?
5. Coilover Brands : likes/dislikes/prices?
6. Spring Rates and Preferred Brands: Front and Rear?
7. Any other feedback, suggestions, web links, sources of info?
8. ECU —a adjust existing or DIY ie. “Megasquirtâ€a ?

Thanks everyone.

[Silverfang]

I can vouch for the powerflex subframe bushes, they really tighten up the feel of the back end, from what experiance i've had with them (looning around Milton Keynes's roundabouts here in the UK ) They've proven very good

[JimmyC]

I would stay clear of the control arm bushes from powerflex if I wasa you, we have had 2 race cars throe them in 2 consecutive meets- I think I will be putting a standard set back on now.

aeroqui brake pipes are good and reasonable

and coilovers, Gaz or Leda

'85 car will be nice and light too

Good Luck

[Taffy]

[quote="StoneCold"]
1. Solid Aluminum Subframe Bushings or Poly? Solid for racing everytime
2. I've heard good things about the Powerflex Bushings. Any users out there with feedback for the control arms, trailing arms, or subframe? They're not bad but not as good as Superflex
3. I was given a pair of spherical control arm bearings. Feedback?
4. Any leads on "inexpensive" stainless steel brake lines?
5. Coilover Brands : likes/dislikes/prices? Leda are ok but if you want quality then Intrax or Moton are the way to go
6. Spring Rates and Preferred Brands: Front and Rear? Eibach and Hypercoil, we ran 375 front and 250 rears and it worked well
7. Any other feedback, suggestions, web links, sources of info? www.xlraceparts.com, www.e30.de,
8. ECU —a adjust existing or DIY ie. “Megasquirtâ€a ? DTA are very good and reasonably priced and above all easy to use

I've talked to a couple of the E36 SCCA racers a few times, the racing looks good, wouldn't mind coming over and having a crack at one, anyone hire cars?

[StoneCold]

thanks for the input.

JimmyC, I've never hear of Gaz or Leda coilovers. May be available only on the other side of the pond. I loose 65lbs in race weight by moving from the e21 to the e30. Thanks for the well wishes.

Taffy, I know of a guy that rents out race-prepped Mazda Miatas (very popular in the SCCA curcuit these days). Here's the link:
http://www.flatout-motorsports.com/rentals.php

These cars are very competitive in their class. i don't know of anyone in my area renting out BMW's, but then again, Money talks........

As additional questions come up, and I'm sure they will, I'll post them up for your thoughts.

Cheers,

StoneCold

[Rizzo]

Growing selection of stuff here http://rallynuts.com/motorsport/BMW%5FE30%5F1991/ including bushes, brake lines etc. Hope that helps.

[Taffy]

Yeah Leda are decent club racing shocks, virtually every car in Kumho BMW used Leda at one point or another and I can do some good deals on their kit as i'm a dealer. Cheers for the link, i'll give drop them a line