As some of you know I've been battling M10 overheating problems in my car for a while now - and no less than two replacement engines turned out to be duff! Let that be a lesson to anyone: NEVER buy an engine you haven't seen running in the flesh unless you can be absolutely sure of it's history. That said, I cannot state my appreciation enough to everyone who gave a helping hand (and often more) during this time; Dr Jim, murran, Nas and others.
After we installed the second engine and I started to experience oil pressure and overheating problems - I had a choice. Either take it into a garage (and risk needing a bottom end rebuild, or a new oil pump at the very least) or get another E21. I went for the latter after taking into account the cost it would have taken to have my old cars rust issues fixed along with the engine issues. It is sad to say goodbye to my old E21 which has served me very well as a daily driver for the past two years - only ever breaking down once when I needed her due to a leaky radiator! She will be put in storage and stripped for parts - and a rolling shell may be available to anyone who wants one in the new year, perhaps for use as a trackday beast.
I went to Scotland on Saturday morning to pick up the new E21. This car has had a couple of previous owners on the forums - NorthernRob and demk1. It's done 75k, has had NINE previous owners and apparently spent a good few years in Spain. It's kind of fitting that it has come to me as I checked out the logbook and the first owner was an old BMW dealership less than ten miles away here in Manc! The bodywork is in great condition for the age, which was my main concern when looking for a new E21. Picture album here; http://s1116.photobucket.com/albums/k57 ... erson1981/
Sellers description;
Twin Dollorto 40 carburettors
Velocity stacks trumpets
high flow piper cross sock filters
fully ported and pollished, reconditioned m10 cyclindar head
5 speed manual
Red top facet fuel pump (with internal override switch)
New radiator
Electric fan with overide switch
Battery cut of swith in glove box
Blistein dampers
Polybush anti roll bar bushes
323i vented disks and callipers on front
recent new cyclinders on rear
Genuine BBS alloys
Hella spot lamps
BBS front lower spoiler
Thatcham approved imobiliser
Kenwood stereo
New stainless exhaust back box
New engine mounts
New steering rack bushes
My plan of action;
Floorpan - First job is to strip out the interior and Por-15 the floorpan all over. It's in good condition and I'd like it to stay that way. There will also be a dinitrol/waxoyl treatment next year for the underneath.
Interior - Horrid bucket seats and a terrible 'retrim' on the back bench (no offence to the previous owners). I've got a half leather/half cord interior from Nas in great condition, inc matching door cards waiting to go in. I'll also be transferring the uncracked dash from my current car as the one in this one has cracked - I assume from sitting in the Spanish sun. The tacky sports steering wheel will also be replaced with a stock E21 item. All ICE will be moved from old car to new.
Wheels - The BBS on there at the moment will do for winter but as soon as spring rolls around I have a set of turbine alloys (also from Nas) that are in much better condition;
Gearbox - Although the current box is fine, it's spinning oil from the driveshaft seal. Not sure how much of a problem this is, but I'd rather get the rebuilt 5 speed from my previous car in there, along with new clutch master/slave cylinders.
Carbs - Currently running Dellorto twin 40's. They're untuned and backfiring horribly (which actually set the filter socks on fire - allowing me to negotiate a pretty huge discount from the seller!). I want to go back to the weber 32/34 DMTL but I'm not sure that's possible with the current head on the car as it's a 318i E30 head with external pump and the weber needs a mechanical pump.. If I can't do that, I'll reuse the injection system we fitted to my old 316.
Engine - Compression readings were low but I'm convinced that was due to valves that haven't been adjusted in ages, so first jobs for the engine are getting the timing and clearances done. The head was replaced in 2009 with an E30 318i ported and polished jobby along with new headgasket set, as I can see from reading NorthernRob's old threads. Already done a standard service inc plugs, leads, dizzy, oil and filter. I also want to flush the cooling system at some point. Engine runs nice and cool with the aftermarket electric fan which is a relief after my previous nightmare!
Suspension/steering - Most of the bushes look fairly new and were poly replacements. The track rod assemblies do need replacing though as wheel wobble is apparent and steering feels vague - might look into getting the bearings done too. Suspension is lowered on the front - can't tell how much, perhaps 40 or 60mm? Still a nice quiet ride without the 'crashing' I used to get over potholes.
I'll update this thread with news/pictures as it happens, but no doubt I'll be posting loads of noob questions in the tech forums as usual.
On a related note, I can't convey how good it feels to be back on the road.
