Feeler for interest in BTB exhaust/manifold Group Buy

[Nay]

Damn. We really need a volunteer. You'd think that we would have at least one test dummy in a 325i with a rack upgrade.

So how far does the normal BTB manifold entrude into the steering column? mm's, cm's, inches? Could we not figure this out, then just tell the guy at BTB this pipe (and maybe another one) needs to be 'x' amount in this direction?

[Madhatter_]

add me to the list, doesnt have to be a v3, original one will do me, but ill take what I can get. Only hitch is sending it down here to aus, but it seems thats not a problem (or wasnt last time).

[Dave_M3]

Damn. We really need a volunteer. You'd think that we would have at least one test dummy in a 325i with a rack upgrade.

So how far does the normal BTB manifold entrude into the steering column? mm's, cm's, inches? Could we not figure this out, then just tell the guy at BTB this pipe (and maybe another one) needs to be 'x' amount in this direction?

I can take measurements of a normal rack on a 325i and one with a rack fitted with a E36 rack with the lower E36 UJ and also one with a E30 column fitted to the outer holes and get measurements and check it with a E30 fitted with a BTB1
But to be honest, BTB would really need one in their workshop as it's not really as simple as moving x pipe in this much and over that much as it could have an effect on the rest of the manifold too.

[Brunos_Bimmer]

ill have a BTB 2 manifold and down pipes whenever this group buy is going to go ahead.how long will it be for a BTB2 manifold to get started? how much was it again?

[Nay]

Damn. We really need a volunteer. You'd think that we would have at least one test dummy in a 325i with a rack upgrade.

So how far does the normal BTB manifold entrude into the steering column? mm's, cm's, inches? Could we not figure this out, then just tell the guy at BTB this pipe (and maybe another one) needs to be 'x' amount in this direction?

I can take measurements of a normal rack on a 325i and one with a rack fitted with a E36 rack with the lower E36 UJ and also one with a E30 column fitted to the outer holes and get measurements and check it with a E30 fitted with a BTB1
But to be honest, BTB would really need one in their workshop as it's not really as simple as moving x pipe in this much and over that much as it could have an effect on the rest of the manifold too.

I thought about that afterwards. But surely if he knew his size limitations, he could work on a normal 325i and flow the pipes accordingly, whilst keeping to the ideal size limitations? Although ideally he should need a rack.

I was thinking? Is there anyone who would drop their 325i down regardless of whether they had a rack? And some kind sole could send joe at BTB a cheap E36 rack to botch in there to work with? I assume that he would possibly need the car to run, but I doubt they'll need to drive it so wouln't have to bother with a fitting kit? Although, some other kind sole may be willing to send them the rack's mounts?

[dano0]

im back off holiday in a week and would be able to offer my car if some one will sell me a e36 rack conversion ill fit it asap and get my car to them and they can have it for a week im in malta so pls can people text me with a price on the kit posted to swindon many thanks danny
my mobile number is 07887748166

[Nay]

Conversion kits are around £150 i believe, maybe a tadd cheaper or whatever. An E36 rack can be had for easily < £50. You can then use your existing track rods if they are good (although, it would be a good time to replace them) and you'll have everthing you need for the conversion.

Dave_M3 should be able to hook you up with a fitting kit. E36 rack should be easily sourceable in the mainland. Breakers, Zoners etc.

If you could do this mate then you would have made a fair few peoples day

So the E36 rack is identical size and fitting to the Z3 rack? just to be sure!

[dano0]

i have manual steering at the mo so ill need every thing pump pipes brackets ect ect im good for my word so no let downs so its all down to other zoners nowthe car could be there by 2 weekends time

[Nay]

Good man. Keep us posted.

I believe you can use the E36/Z3 steering racks in non-PAS if you prefer?

We'll hold you to your word

[oakey]

I assume that the btb3 will be a fair bit more expensive than the btb2??

[mattrs]

What is the difference between the 2 and 3 please? Is it just the suitability for the rack conversion or are there some other differences?

[Nay]

There is the original BTB manifold, which i think was improved and that is called the BTB2. The BTB3 is the name that we have given to a manifold that still needs to be made. The BTB"3" is one that we are trying to get made up to accomodate space to properly fit an E36 or Z3 rack, as the previous manifolds intrude into the steering rack space when a rack upgrade is used because the steering columns position is changed when fitting a new rack.

[da4x4turbo]

I really hope this works out.

[Dave_M3]

I'll send the spacers for mounting no problem at all if they are able to get a 325 and a E36 rack together.

[Morat]

I think the original BTBs were mild steel and the BTB2 are stainless... there might have been other differences as well.

[mattrs]

There is the original BTB manifold, which i think was improved and that is called the BTB2. The BTB3 is the name that we have given to a manifold that still needs to be made. The BTB"3" is one that we are trying to get made up to accomodate space to properly fit an E36 or Z3 rack, as the previous manifolds intrude into the steering rack space when a rack upgrade is used because the steering columns position is changed when fitting a new rack.

Cheers.

[Dave_M3]

Fitting kit is £140 posted. Might be able to make it alittle bit cheaper if it gets the ball rolling for BTB3s though

The 6 branch will have to have enough clearance for mounting in the front or rear holes of the subframe too and also with the spacers above,below or one half spacer top and bottom for those that want to keep the original steering geometry.

[Nay]

We need to get this rolling....

Whos the test dummy and me and maybe someone else could organise the sending of an E36 rack to Joe and Dave might be kind enough to donate a set of rack mounts...

thats all thats needed isn't it?

[dano0]

Fitting kit is £140 posted. Might be able to make it alittle bit cheaper if it gets the ball rolling for BTB3s though

The 6 branch will have to have enough clearance for mounting in the front or rear holes of the subframe too and also with the spacers above,below or one half spacer top and bottom for those that want to keep the original steering geometry.

is that £140 for every thing to convert from manual to e36 power steering

[nm1]

i want a btb3 as well i want noise and handling, im a greedy whore

[Nay]

Fitting kit is £140 posted. Might be able to make it alittle bit cheaper if it gets the ball rolling for BTB3s though

The 6 branch will have to have enough clearance for mounting in the front or rear holes of the subframe too and also with the spacers above,below or one half spacer top and bottom for those that want to keep the original steering geometry.

is that £140 for every thing to convert from manual to e36 power steering

Thats everything. Just the rack is needed.

Just need to source you an E36 rack! If I where you, its a good time to replace your track rods as well. Unless the ones on your E30 are still solid!

Well, you say manual rack. Do you not have PAS in yours? If so I'm not sure whats needed to fit PAS, but soo many E30's have it so I'm sure on of the breakers that comes up for sale should do you all the parts you need. If not, I'm sure you can run the E36/Z3 racks as a manual rack, even if it was just for the time being.

[Dave_M3]

Fitting kit is £140 posted. Might be able to make it alittle bit cheaper if it gets the ball rolling for BTB3s though

The 6 branch will have to have enough clearance for mounting in the front or rear holes of the subframe too and also with the spacers above,below or one half spacer top and bottom for those that want to keep the original steering geometry.

is that £140 for every thing to convert from manual to e36 power steering

You'll need a PAS pump and resivoir with the feed hose... The PAS column is different too I think so might need one of them but you'd pick up those few bits in a breakers for peanuts.


Running a PAS rack manually works but you need to plum it up so that the fluid stays in the rack as a PAS rack without fluid feels awful.

[bss325i]

Running a PAS rack manually works but you need to plum it up so that the fluid stays in the rack as a PAS rack without fluid feels awful.

And fail a UK MOT.

[Dave_M3]

Well, there's that too

But I was meaning it as even as a temporary fix it isn't really the best idea plus your rack would be goosed in no time too without the fluid.

[dano0]

right the list of bits i need is
e36 rack
pas pipes and resivior
rack to colombe joint
alternator bracket and pas pump
pls add to this list if i have missed any thing or pm me if you can supplie any of this cheers danny

[Nay]

right the list of bits i need is
e36 rack
pas pipes and resivior
rack to colombe joint
alternator bracket and pas pump
pls add to this list if i have missed any thing or pm me if you can supplie any of this cheers danny

Then a set of spacers for mounting (can be custom made, or botched...) and either some new hoses for the PAS to cover for the slight extra distance, or bend the pipe on the rack to fit the original hosing.

[dano0]

OK I'm back off holiday now so who can supply me what.
can any one with any of these parts pls pm me prices posted to sn3 4ns
ideally it would be nice to get this all togeather for fitting next week so it can go to banbury next weekend

[Nay]

Hardest part to get is the rack itself. Concentrate on finding out what rack you want and then call up (or try online) with some breakers. They are the best place to find them.

All E36 racks are good i believe and are probably the easiest and quickest to locate. Z3 being probably the hardest and most expensive. I have a Z3 rack, but there is no hope in prising that out of my hands after waiting 6-7 months to find that.

Although I live in Jersey, if you really want I can try and find some E36 racks online.

What is the E46 racks like? Still identical to the others?

[dano0]

ill get the rack not a problem there its just the custom parts and the other bits

[Nay]

Depending on your budget, Dave_M3 can possibly sort you out the fitting kit for roughly £140 and then some new track rods (if yours are even remotely knackered, good time to replace them) and that should be it.

Unless your trying to collect some parts yourself.

Let us know how it goes and fire away with any q's you need answering.

[dano0]

cheers ive sent dave m3 a pm about exsactly whats included in the kit so i can get a parts list sorted i have got tomorrow off so i might be able to go down the scrappy and get any thing else thats needed i really want this done for asap dont think my sport will be ready for gaydon so id like to show it off at santa pod
Dont worrie ill have lots of questions

[dano0]

right i have an e36 316 pas rack and coupling and all the e30 pas steering parts just need to get it fitted this weekend whats the best way to get the steering coupling to fit
do i use the old non pas holes and use the original coupling or use the pas holes and and conbine the e30 joint and e36 joint
many thanks danny

[Nay]

Not sure about PAS.

You should be able to use the coupling from the E30. The E36 one can be used but requires you to make up an adapter.

[MJJ_ZX6RR]

Great news that a BTB3 car volunteer might be coming together, good on you danny.

I am going to be away for nearly three weeks on my hols. If anyone wants to progress this in my absence, just give Joe Ellis a call at BTB - 01327 261797, joe@btbexhausts.f9.co.uk .

Joe is up to speed with what we are trying to do, the next step is simply to get a modified rack car up to him and get the first BTB3 made directly onto that car. After that, Joe has the jig to do as many manifolds as we all want.

Martin.

[Nay]

Great.

I think a locking of this thread will be needed soonish (once its definate). Danny can set up a thread in the technical section or p.m. me or dave (i'm sure he wont mind ) with questions and I'll see what I can do to help.

Then set up a new group buy thread soon for definate "BTB3" manifolds.

Martin, did you find out a rough price for the BTB3 with say, 5 or 10 of us all in?