Johnmadd's e30 Journey

[Johnmadd]

That paint looks super shiny. So, what do u think about the paint job quality ?

Thanks Fredo. The paint has some imperfections, dust under the paint a little and not enough clear coat imo. Although I have to wait about 6 weeks before I can wax and try to buff out the imperfections. I'd say it's a 6.5 of 10. That being said, for what I have into it, it is satisfactory for my dd.

[az3579]

Thanks Fredo. The paint has some imperfections, dust under the paint a little and not enough clear coat imo. Although I have to wait about 6 weeks before I can wax and try to buff out the imperfections. I'd say it's a 6.5 of 10. That being said, for what I have into it, it is satisfactory for my dd.

If you're happy, we're happy. :thumbsup

[cakM3]

...The paint has some imperfections...

It will all buff out with some elbow grease John :thumbsup

[Johnmadd]

Drive shaft was slapping the floor so I put a new csb on and I'm nice and smooth now. Painted the outside left and right grilles satin paint made for outdoor plastic and also painted the kidneys black chrome.

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

[az3579]

Drive shaft was slapping the floor so I put a new csb on and I'm nice and smooth now. Painted the outside left and right grilles satin paint made for outdoor plastic and also painted the kidneys black chrome.

:like

[brettbimmer]

Drive shaft was slapping the floor so I put a new csb on and I'm nice and smooth now. Painted the outside left and right grilles satin paint made for outdoor plastic and also painted the kidneys black chrome.
Excellent! Look forward to more photos of the new mods. Ha, ti started whining a few weeks ago and I am just about to order a new CSB. Looks to be relatively straightforward - drop exhaust, heat shield, pull driveshaft completely and replace. Damn thing only last 277,000 miles.

[Johnmadd]

:thumbsup


:like

Thanks guys.


Excellent! Look forward to more photos of the new mods. Ha, ti started whining a few weeks ago and I am just about to order a new CSB. Looks to be relatively straightforward - drop exhaust, heat shield, pull driveshaft completely and replace. Damn thing only last 277,000 miles.

Thanks Brett. I may throw a pic up. The drive shaft, text me before you go for it, I can probably give you a few tips as this was not the first time I've done this job.

[Johnmadd]

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150209_131639.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150209_131639.jpg.html)

[brettbimmer]

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150209_131639.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150209_131639.jpg.html)
Oh that looks so choice against Imola! (Yes, I made a Ferris B. reference). And you even caught the E34 in the background for good measure.

[bcleaver]

Looks great man. Any more shots of it?

[Johnmadd]

:shifty :shifty :shifty :shifty

Looking into a track car, ran 12.49 1/4 mile before upgrades :shifty :shifty :shifty



http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150227_154711.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150227_154711.jpg.html)

[Johnmadd]

350 chevy 700r4 600 hp rated ... bueller?

[az3579]

That gauge cluster is killing me.

[cakM3]

That gauge cluster is killing me.

lol....

[Johnmadd]

That gauge cluster is killing me.

Haha, yeah. It does look better in person though. :shifty This car is not about looks though.

I doubt I'll get it, but it's got a custom fuel cell/exhaust/driveshaft and still runs bmw diff, for $2200. It sure would be fun.

[az3579]

Haha, yeah. It does look better in person though. :shifty This car is not about looks though.

I doubt I'll get it, but it's got a custom fuel cell/exhaust/driveshaft and still runs bmw diff, for $2200. It sure would be fun.

It looks like it is a drag car... is that all you want to do with it? Drag cars are not set up for corners, so just keep that in mind.

[Johnmadd]

Couple weeks ago a guy walked up to me as I was refueling my e30 and asked how I liked it, I was like "I love it, so easy to work on and I had it repainted recently". I told him it was white with a black front and he then said "that's the car I remember seeing around town, you have had that car a long time and that's what I want to do... take my time and do it". I went over today to see his new to him 1987 325i vertical that started when he bought it and now does not, I'm going to lend him a cps and see if that helps, oh yeah, crank and no spark issue with good coil but nothing when hooked up. #oldcarproblems #rambling

[ELCID86]

Hope you can help a fellow Bimmerican out John.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Johnmadd]

I may have a new journey to explore. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated, please don't hold back.

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/Screenshot_2015-05-22-17-11-20-1.png (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/Screenshot_2015-05-22-17-11-20-1.png.html)

[Johnmadd]

92 on the body and 66 on the swapped m50.

[danewilson77]

Buy it Johnny. Bring to meet. Let me :drool on it.

Interior condition? Details?

[Johnmadd]

Buy it Johnny. Bring to meet. Let me :drool on it.

Interior condition? Details?

Here's the deets.
http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/Screenshot_2015-05-22-17-11-31-1.png (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/Screenshot_2015-05-22-17-11-31-1.png.html)

[danewilson77]

Dayum.

[Johnmadd]

Dayum.

Yeah. I would likely make the zhp my dd and see what I can get for my current e30... and 401k loan or lein on the zhp.

[az3579]

Hmm. Honestly I'd say S50 or go home. An M50 is not enough of an upgrade over an M20 IMO.

[Johnmadd]

Hmm. Honestly I'd say S50 or go home. An M50 is not enough of an upgrade over an M20 IMO.

Yeah, but the thing is its only got 92,000 on the body, and it looks fucking awesome already... I can just maintain it and mod it from this point.

[Johnmadd]

I am getting my daily dose of speed from the zhp at this point.

[johnrando]

Sure LOOKS sweet.

[Pip]

Feel free to not answer but what does something like this sell for in your area? I bet it'd be in the 10k range in CA

[Johnmadd]

Mor3 than CA.

[Pip]

Mor3 than CA.

To be fair my number was just double what I see junk listed for. I could easily see paying more for a well maintained and beaut of a car.

[Johnmadd]

To be fair my number was just double what I see junk listed for. I could easily see paying more for a well maintained and beaut of a car.

This would be a unicorn here where I'm at.

[az3579]

10k is on the higher end for a swap car. The originals seem to be right there in value if well cared for.

Values for these cars are all over the place right now. I see a really nice one for less than 4k at the moment, while I see something around the same price that needs a bit of work.

[Hermes]

How much?

Unless it's a steal, I would just keep your current car

[ELCID86]

How much?

Unless it's a steal, I would just keep your current car

+1 I hate to see ppl going into debt for a depreciable item.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[az3579]

I'd have to agree with JP and Shawn here. Because the E30 is your daily driver, it isn't worth buying a pristine E30 because it is just going to have the same problems down the road. If you daily the E46 and keep the E30 has a show or weekend car, then it makes more sense to spring for it.

[Johnmadd]

How much?

Unless it's a steal, I would just keep your current car

$8500. My e30 has soooooo many miles on it that it would never be anywhere close to this one. I just recently noticed the floor pans are rusting through, I could actually see stereo wiring I ran under the carpet years ago from under the car. I really love e30's and would love to have a really nice one. I had thought about reaching out to you to see what you might be able to get your hands on.

[Johnmadd]

+1 I hate to see ppl going into debt for a depreciable item.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

I wouldn't really be going into debt, I would do it where I still have money in the bank to fall back on and a small loan to pay back in increments.

[Johnmadd]

I'd have to agree with JP and Shawn here. Because the E30 is your daily driver, it isn't worth buying a pristine E30 because it is just going to have the same problems down the road. If you daily the E46 and keep the E30 has a show or weekend car, then it makes more sense to spring for it.

The main problem with my e30 mileage on the body and structural issues, but when I got it it was a pos, I revived it the best I could while learning the ins and outs of it. It would be easier just to maintain one like I'm looking at. It would be a show/weekend car for sure. I would love to pull up to bimmerfest east in a very nice e30 like this one.

[Johnmadd]

Big update tomorrow :) and :drool

[brettbimmer]

LS1 swap complete yet? 😜

[Johnmadd]

LS1 swap complete yet? ��

:rofl I like my m20.

Thanks to BP for bringing these all the way from ct.

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150830_163103.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150830_163103.jpg.html)

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150830_163135_1.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150830_163135_1.jpg.html)

Staggered Ronal LS set of wheels 15×7.5 , I am super happy guy right about now :biggrin

[cakM3]

congrats John on your new wheels! :thumbsup

[Johnmadd]

congrats John on your new wheels! :thumbsup

Thanks Chuck.

[brettbimmer]

Hey John, they look great. Always a fan of those wheels, and hopefully they should be pretty strong and resist bends. Likewise, they look awesome on the E30s!

[Johnmadd]

Hey John, they look great. Always a fan of those wheels, and hopefully they should be pretty strong and resist bends. Likewise, they look awesome on the E30s!

Thanks bro!

[az3579]

We're glad you like them, John. We have other E30 goodies too that I forgot to tell you about, but we figure we'd let you recover first. :biggrin


Hey John, they look great. Always a fan of those wheels, and hopefully they should be pretty strong and resist bends. Likewise, they look awesome on the E30s!

These wheels call for 50 profile tires; there's no way you're bending one of these given proper tire pressure. lol

[Johnmadd]

We're glad you like them, John. We have other E30 goodies too that I forgot to tell you about, but we figure we'd let you recover first. :biggrin



These wheels call for 50 profile tires; there's no way you're bending one of these given proper tire pressure. lol

Thanks BP, more goodies... here goes my wallet lol.

[az3579]

Thanks BP, more goodies... here goes my wallet lol.

BBK? Sport seats? :)

[Technoman]

Just read this whole thread, great stuff and great job in making this one look great again. I am a huge fan of E30's and currently own a 91 318is in Alpinweiss that my wife tells me is the true love of my life (she's a little jealous methinks...).

Absolutely love those Ronals, been looking for a nice set for a while..

[Johnmadd]

Just read this whole thread, great stuff and great job in making this one look great again. I am a huge fan of E30's and currently own a 91 318is in Alpinweiss that my wife tells me is the true love of my life (she's a little jealous methinks...).

Absolutely love those Ronals, been looking for a nice set for a while..

Thanks man! Feel free to post some pics of your baby, And by that I mean the car lol.

[Technoman]

Thanks man! Feel free to post some pics of your baby, And by that I mean the car lol.

This is she..

When I first got her, 4x4 ride height. Drove her almost 200 miles with completely blown front struts, was like driving am old Cadillac..

21365

As she sits now after a complete suspension overhaul with Vogtland springs, Bilstein Sports up front and KYB AGX on the back from a Camaro. Wheels are TR Motorsports in 15x8 until I can find some Euroweaves or Ronals.

21366

Added an early OEM Mtech1 rear spoiler recently..

21367

[Johnmadd]

Very nice techno! I really like that spoiler. That car looks very clean �� VIR sticker, do you live in VA?

[Technoman]

Live just outside of Raleigh but VIR is my home track (no decent road courses in NC). I race Chumpcar, WRL and a couple of 24hrs of LeMons races, about 10-12 a year and at least three of those are at VIR. Be back there in December for a Chumpcar race. We also race at Summit Point in W.VA.

When I was looking for an E30, I really wanted one that was rust free. I lucked out in finding this one at a dealer in SC, he had just shipped it in sight unseen from an auction in CA. It had some dings in a few places but my PDR guy did an amazing job on getting her straight. All original paint and while far from perfect, I will leave her as she is..

[danewilson77]

I'm in favor of those wheels.

:hashbrowns

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[Johnmadd]

I'm in favor of those wheels.

:hashbrowns

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Thanks big guy. :)

[danewilson77]

Thanks big guy. :)
You have the same ones?

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[Johnmadd]

You have the same ones?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

These are the ones you drool on and the other are just winter setup, I still can't believe I have a winter and summer setup for this car.http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20150830_163135_1.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20150830_163135_1.jpg.html)

[danewilson77]

Ahhh....correct.

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[az3579]

I still can't believe I have a winter and summer setup for this car.


The reality. It's real.

[Johnmadd]

The reality. It's real.

The journey has been long my friend.

[Technoman]

These are the ones you drool on and the other are just winter setup, I still can't believe I have a winter and summer setup for this car.

Yeah, that's just silly, you should get rid of the Ronals, I could even send you the TR's in exchange...

[az3579]

My E30 that these wheels originally came from. You're going to love these wheels...


http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171140.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171219.jpg

[Johnmadd]

Yeah, that's just silly, you should get rid of the Ronals, I could even send you the TR's in exchange...

Ummm... no. :rofl

[Johnmadd]

My E30 that these wheels originally came from. You're going to love these wheels...


http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171140.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171219.jpg

Yes I will, gotta do a little maintenance before they go on first. It will look very similar to your old car.

[az3579]

Yes I will, gotta do a little maintenance before they go on first. It will look very similar to your old car.

Personally I feel the euro bumpers made my car, but you have plastic so you don't have to worry about it. :thumbsup
The euro front grilles help as well. It gives the car a more serious look.

We have a set of black leather sport seats with matching rear if you want 'em. :biggrin
He'll let 'em go for cheap...

[Johnmadd]

I have a tan/NB set in my basement that need Re upholstered, so they would have to be really inexpensive and really good condition for me to bite. You didn't like my black comfort seats :dunno lol jk

[az3579]

I have a tan/NB set in my basement that need Re upholstered, so they would have to be really inexpensive and really good condition for me to bite.

Well my friend was literally saying "I'll just give them to him..." (not sure if he meant literally or "really cheap") because he wants to get rid of all the E30 stuff he has and nobody has been biting on the set. They're not in excellent condition, I'll be upfront... the leather is pretty beat up. But, they're sport seats that are supposed to be heated (we never got a chance to try the heat on them) and is a full black set. We didn't bring it up before because we wouldn't have been able to transport them in my car anyway with the wheels in there. I have pics if you're even remotely interested... if you are then I'll dig them up. There aren't any holes/tears in the seats at least, I think they're just cracked from the leather being old and never treated. If anything, they're usable as-is.


You didn't like my black comfort seats :dunno lol jk

I couldn't wait to get rid of them when I had my E30. The E30 sport seats are the BEST seats I've ever sat in, as far as factory BMW seats go. :thumbsup

[Johnmadd]

If you have some pics and they're easy for you to access sure. If he really literally wants close to nothing or actually nothing I'll probably be interested, I can always get some decent seat covers, the ones I have have some tears. May good karma come your way!

[Hermes]

Dope Ronal's!

Want some autocross wheels?

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/LJ-FS/null-22.jpg

[Technoman]

Those are nice wheels, if op doesn't want or need feel free to let me know...

[Johnmadd]

Haha, they think this is my real milage... it's more like 950,000

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/Screenshot_2015-10-23-21-31-08-1.png (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/Screenshot_2015-10-23-21-31-08-1.png.html)

[Johnmadd]

New used power steering system installed today minus the rack.

[Johnmadd]

Floor pans are starting to show their age :(

[ELCID86]

The good, the bad...


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[bcleaver]

Cool updates. I think if you're having structural issues it's pretty reasonable to look around. That said, I wouldn't buy a 'done' car and maintain it, particularly as handy/capable/interested you seem to be in doing upgrades and projects yourself. I'd find something well maintained with good bones but not 'done'. That way we can watch progress to while you do sweet things to it.

[Johnmadd]

Have been having a vibration and decided to replace my diff mount.... I'm just gonna swap a cover from a diff with a good mount. Here is what a lsd 4.10 looks like, it is more silver looking without the camera flash, I was surprised how clean it looked

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20151210_151546.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20151210_151546.jpg.html)

[az3579]

^^ Dude, a 4.10 is INSANE! It effectively makes first gear totally useless, and you top out at like... less than 120. lol
My friend's E30 with the S50 on it was bouncing off the rev limiter in 5th gear at Lime Rock going down the straight. That is a VERY short track with a pretty short straight, just to give you an idea. He only had a 3.73. :rofl

[Hornung418]

^^ Dude, a 4.10 is INSANE! It effectively makes first gear totally useless, and you top out at like... less than 120. lol
My friend's E30 with the S50 on it was bouncing off the rev limiter in 5th gear at Lime Rock going down the straight. That is a VERY short track with a pretty short straight, just to give you an idea. He only had a 3.73. :rofl
Everytime I pop on here, I'm always seem to be finding you griping about other peoples final gearing choices...

[az3579]

Everytime I pop on here, I'm always seem to be finding you griping about other peoples final gearing choices...
ex·ag·ger·a·tion

iɡˌzajəˈrāSH(ə)n/

noun

noun:*exaggeration; plural noun:*exaggerations

a statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is.

"it would be an exaggeration to say I had morning sickness, but I did feel queasy"




Because to say that I have "griped" about peoples' gearing choices 6,565 times is totally reasonable.

If 'griped' is even the word you want to use, it is also incorrect word usage. Sharing a story is not griping.



sent from my Droid Turbo

[Hornung418]

Bitching is the word I wanted to use...but I chose something a little more PC.

[az3579]

Bitching is the word I wanted to use...but I chose something a little more PC.
Whatever dude.

John,
I'm shipping you those parts we discussed (E36 window switches and the two black Ronal rings and center cap bolt) next week. Been dragging my feet with shipping stuff out recently... sorry about that

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Hornung418]

Whatever dude. I have better things to do than argue with you.

I was just stating an observation that you always complain about gear ratios. Be it an M3 rear end swap or an automatic diff swap.

[danewilson77]

Discussion is definitely PM worthy.

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[Hornung418]

Lol sorry

[Johnmadd]

Discussion is definitely PM worthy.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

It's totally ok.

[Johnmadd]

No problem here Bp, Justin.

[Johnmadd]

I have always had the 4.10 in this car, I was just switching the cover to one that has a good diff bushing. My e30 is an automatic so 1st gear really doesn't matter. It does go about 130 still...

[Johnmadd]

The 4.10 is extreme, it's for racing grandma in the Honda at the stoplights :)

[az3579]

I have always had the 4.10 in this car, I was just switching the cover to one that has a good diff bushing. My e30 is an automatic so 1st gear really doesn't matter. It does go about 130 still...

I thought you had a 5-speed! Night and day difference for sure between the two so that changes things a bit.



sent from my Droid Turbo

[Johnmadd]

It was wore out and owned by 6 neglectful owners before I rescued it a little over ten years ago.

[Johnmadd]

I thought you had a 5-speed! Night and day difference for sure between the two so that changes things a bit.



sent from my Droid Turbo

I wish it were,I have the driveshaft,pedals,and gertag 260 ready but not sure the car is worth at this point in its life :(

[Johnmadd]

Now you guys :grouphug

[az3579]

I wish it were,I have the driveshaft,pedals,and gertag 260 ready but not sure the car is worth at this point in its life :(
If you can do the work yourself, then why not! If you have the parts already then most of the battle is won.

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Johnmadd]

If you can do the work yourself, then why not! If you have the parts already then most of the battle is won.

sent from my Droid Turbo

I really would like a more solid body... and I'm lazy lol