Mark's 316 M52/2.8 + Cat cams & Jenvey ITB's

[e21-Mark]

Been looking at making a few subtle detail changes to the trim of my car, so looked at e46 M3's in laguna for some inspiration. I really like the black chrome effect some have on their alloys and want to do the centre grill. The problem has been finding a company that still does it. Hopefully I've found somewhere that does a black nickel process, so I managed to split my spare grill and sent it off to be done. I know I could have just gone with satin black but I don't want to lose the whole chrome or polished look. I may get the wheels done also?



Also managed to snag a RHD a/c console.

[pandemonium001]

Remind me, what are the font discs you used bolted to the back of the hub? BMW mini?

[e21-Mark]

Sierra Cosworth.

[e21-Mark]

I've been getting the final few bits for MIB and ordered this dash panel from Germany. It replaces a couple of the cold air vents and just looks way better than those plastic dash top pods. Alpina did do a period correct pod but they're pretty rare and only fit LHD cars. Anyway, as I already have a Stack oil pressure gauge, I figured a water temp' gauge and an ammeter would complete the trio. They may not be the cheapest gauges out there but the quality is just first rate. I think the finished panel will give the e21 dash the lift it needs, without looking too fussy or over the top. Best of all though, I can keep a closer eye on what's going on with the engine.







Below the gauges I'm fitting a pre facelift AC spec' centre console to house my Nakamichi head unit. I like the simple and subtle design.



Prototipo 3 spoke steering wheel and the Recaros will finish things off.



Am currently looking at carpet types and colours.

Does anyone have a supplier for Dynamat that isn't too expensive?

One last question. Personally I like a very slightly nose down stance and staggered rim/tyre combo's. I'm not talking 70's drag cars but probably a 35mm difference between front and rear. Are stock e21 totally level or not? Wondered what other people prefer also?

[pandemonium001]

Lots of nice bits there. Stack guages are always nice imo. I like a very slight rake to the front. It keeps the wheels looking more even in the arch as i dont like the rears tucked under.

[nas80]

Nakamichi is awesome.

[Jeroen]

The Nak looks great and offers great quality. The only downside on this particular model is the fact that the FM receiver isn't very sensitive but with a quality brand antenna on the outside it should do quite ok on the regular stronger radio stations.

[e21-Mark]

I think I'll just use my i-phone for the radio.

I've been trying to choose carpet today. I want anthracite instead of black - I think anyway. I'll probably be thinking black again tomorrow.

Been looking back through photos and reminding myself of the build so far and what jobs are still left to do. I know LSB changes with the light but I really love the way it looks in this photo. I'd sort of lost my enthusiasm for the car but am genuinely getting excited, at the prospect of it being finished. I think that maybe I need to go over and see it again though?



e21 track car goes to its new owner soon and this takes its place. Hopefully I can finally make the Manx Classic next year.

[nas80]

When is it going to be finished then?

[e21-Mark]

I really don't know. The change of premises, added to all the other delays, has meant it's gone way over schedule. I taxed it for 6 months, when I first bought it, then SORN'd it for 12 months. I need to SORN it again in March. I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of the new wiring loom is in and there's a small internal fuse box now. The stereo and gauges need fitting, then there's the Nitrous kit, the wiper conversion, the seat runner modifications (I don't want the seats sitting too high, like non e21 seats usually do!) Am also having an airbox and cold air feed made, rather than just having a cone filter as before. The final job will be the paint and final fit-up but that should be straightforward enough, as there are no repairs needed. If I had to guess, I would say March.....maybe?

[nas80]

maybe you should stop buying all these other bits lol making more work - by this rate the worlds fossil fuels will have been depleted -

I was going to ask if th vent thing arrived? have you got any other pics of it I was wondering if it really is a plate with three big holes and one smaller hole.

[e21-Mark]

I know what you're saying but I just want it right first time. It's not a car I can ever envisage selling (unless someone offered a mahoosive sum of cash) but I don't want it to keep having to have other bits done either. Did you see Gunther's pics on BaceFook? He has a rather fine collection of BM's.

As soon as Gunther's panel arrives I'll post some pics & detail. It's a bloody expensive little addition at nigh on £300 inc gauges, but it's a nice solution to adding some additional gauges. I do like the Alpina style, dash top one, but I don't want a bodged RHD version stuck on top of the dash and those A pillar mounting, ricer style pods look gash. I am also toying with the idea of doing my alloys in that dark gold, like old 70's Campagnolo rims? Possibly with a polished lips still though?

[nas80]

gold and blue - like a Subaru?! don't do it.

[TopCat]

e21 track car goes to its new owner soon and this takes its place. Hopefully I can finally make the Manx Classic next year.

Looking forward to seeing you at next year's manx classic- the bumpy Sloc has been replaced by a new event which will be awesome.
Have already persuaded a chum to bring his v quick plus 8 HSCC Morgan- also hoping the "Hairy Canary" will come (famous Yellow Cobra)-

[e21-Mark]

I'm determined to get across next year. Also want to join Ben on his cross channel jaunt and do Crystal Palace. Would be good to see the Camaro at Crystal Palace too!