Charlies BMW 325i E30 Manual 4dr

[Graphite]

This thread is now about my E30 BMW, pages 1-10 are about my old CRX's etc.
In the future I may be adding another Honda to the thread, more info to come later.


Current Car: (Mid way through this linked page).
http://nzhondas.com/build-threads/112365-charlies-bmw-325i-e30-manual-4dr-11.html


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Some of you may remember my "Daily Driver" Thread, which was focused on tidying up the CRX and getting it in good condition.

Since I'm not having to rely on this car as a "Daily Driver" I've decided that its time for some mods, the cars not being used alot anyway, am using the Accord SIR I recently purchased for daily transport duties.

These mod will mainly consist of:

TURBO power, for the aging DOHC ZC engine. (Already have a stage 2 clutch installed that claims to handle over 230hp).
Will probably use Chrome Pro for this, seems to be the cheapest option.

Skunk2 Coilover Suspension (Or Similar type, maybe just Skunk2 sport shocks and H&R Loweing springs).

Suspension Bushing replacement.
Brake Upgrade (affordable).

Exhaust (Quiet legal system that flows better then stock, cat delete)

15" wheels, Wedsport, Te37 or similar style.
Sticky Tyres, Toyo R888's or similar.

I'm not after big power from the engine, just want it to be fun for the odd trackday. i'll be happy with 220hp at the flywheel, which will be easily achievable. the reason I say 220hp is due to that being the same output as a K20A (Fitted in DC5 Integra), while I'd love to be able to use a K20a its beyond the realms of what i'm willing to spend.

Over the next few months I'll start collecting parts for the car and post up progress as I go along.


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[Gudgen]

BRE will be cheaper since your car runs OBD0. your crx looks amazing as it is. but sports shocks and some branded lowering performance springs will keep you from a cert.

looks great btw!

[4AGE]

Damn that looks tidy. HOw many kms on the engine?
Also i was just wondering how come your going down the turbo route rather than NA? Just curious

[Graphite]

BRE will be cheaper since your car runs OBD0. your crx looks amazing as it is. but sports shocks and some branded lowering performance springs will keep you from a cert.

looks great btw!

Thanks, will probably need a cert for the turbo addition anyway.. but I can buy the sport shocks + lowering springs cheaper.

I'll do some research on BRE, pgmfi.org seems to have some good info.

---------- Post added at 08:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------

Damn that looks tidy. HOw many kms on the engine?
Also i was just wondering how come your going down the turbo route rather than NA? Just curious

Engines done 157,000ks, not bad for 20 years..

i'm going turbo as I like the idea of good mid range power and torque, also its economic, if big power is not expected .

I have a mate that works for Turbocare who will be keen to sell me a good turbo, he may be able to make the manifold for me aswell, not too keen on some of those el-cheapo ebay ones.

[SiRedge]

In for the updates on my old daily

[Scruffy Truckie]

I thought it was your one Ryan, was trying to figure it out.
Keen to watch my crx's 'brother' and see it coming along. Just bought something for mine too, for more power
Tidy car man, good to see

[Graphite]

1st item purchased.. Adjustable Suspension from Trademe, new $480.. probably a no name brand. but for the price I can't complain too much.
From Trademe ad:
The coil over suspension is height adjustable, damper adjustable.
The vehicle will have much more controllability during cornering, With the 24 stage damper adjuster you can controll under steer/over steer with twist of a dial . The suspension also height adjustable to help your fine-tune your cars on road ability. Unlike most other sports and racing suspensions . This adjustable suspension is great to use for your every day car or on the track for drifting, drags , and so on.

[lotusboy]

Keeping an eye on this one!

[Graphite]

Am now looking at Energy Suspension Bushing kits on ebay, I guess I should go for the entire "Kit", costs a good $200 USD incl shipping, but I guess its a good investment handling wise, the kits are listed as coming with the items below:

• Front Control Arm Bushings
• Rear Control Arm Bushings
• Front Strut Rod Bushings
• Front Shock Mount Bushings
• Rear Shock Mount Bushings (89-91 Only)
• Front End Links Set
• Steering Rack Bushings
• Transmission Shifter Stabilizer Bushings (manual tranny)
• Ball Joint End Boots
• Tie Rod End Boots

[Graphite]

I have decided on TSW Black Ice wheels, but only going for 15x6.5's, i'm not into having 17's on a CRX, in my mind they just look too big on them..

These wheels look like:


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Next update will be the car lowered on the new suspension with these wheels (or some kind of 15x6.5 wheel)

[WingIt]

Not really a fan of that style of wheel. To me it will "cheapen" its appearance. Personally I would look at some second had 15x7" wheels, +35et is a really good offset for a EF

[Graphite]

Not really a fan of that style of wheel. To me it will "cheapen" its appearance. Personally I would look at some second had 15x7" wheels, +35et is a really good offset for a EF

yeah your right really..

I mostly like styles like
Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Only thing is.. the colours probably don't match my car.. but not sure?
These are only $595 new on trademe, copies of course..

[Gudgen]

you should look for some really nice 2nd hand wheels. is there anything that you really like but can't afford? I would hang out for those. I reckon stock wheels are fine until you can get a wheel that will really set the car off. TBH you have an opportunity for this car not to turn out like every other CRX out there.

[SiRedge]

you should look for some really nice 2nd hand wheels. is there anything that you really like but can't afford? I would hang out for those. I reckon stock wheels are fine until you can get a wheel that will really set the car off. TBH you have an opportunity for this car not to turn out like every other CRX out there.

This.

Personally think it would look awful on the TSWs - definitely cheapen the look, it would be in danger of being lumped in with the rough "sacked on 17s au" CRXs around, and that would be a crying shame with all you've done to it.

It looks fine on the OEM wheels for now, they're clean and tidy, so that's good. Keep a weather eye on trademe and on NZH, and something more suitable will pop up at a reasonable price.

[Graphite]

15" Enkei RPO1s for sale - TradeMe.co.nz - New Zealand

These aint too bad, at least they are 15x7 +35 and not bling bling looking

[lotusboy]

Please don't go with the TSW's... I agree with gudgen... Keep the oem, but maybe look for something old school jdm to go with it...

[jdm ef9]

hey,efnlow is selling some mugen rnrs or ive got sum volks 15x7 or i have sum wedsports they need a clean up though.

[SiRedge]

Wedsports would be good on the CRX if you were prepared to do the work tidying them up!

[Graphite]

hey,efnlow is selling some mugen rnrs or ive got sum volks 15x7 or i have sum wedsports they need a clean up though.

Awesome, can you send me some pics of these?

---------- Post added at 03:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 AM ----------

Am looking at Wilwood front Brake kits on the net, I can get a kit for as low as $550 USD + shipping, that was a shop demo unit, its 11inch, so 15" wheels should fit and according to willwoods website they do, although the ebay seller claims they need 16" rims..
For those interested Wilwood 140-8695D Honda Civic CRX Del Sol 11 Disc Brake: eBay Motors (item 180525814138 end time Jul-26-10 11:37:33 PDT)

Have asked for a price to ship to NZ, no doubt its $200 USD or so..

[Mr Envy]

There are a set on here for sale ATM for a ef man... The guy wants $1000 I think. Saw them just before.

[jdm ef9]

hey my crx is for sale.the wheels in the pic are the volks im going to watch the racing on saturday if you are going i can bring the wedsport wheels.cheers nic

[Graphite]

I am thinking about buying this to use for parts
Honda CRX Turbo 1987 for sale - TradeMe.co.nz - New Zealand

I could make use of alot of parts and could basically convert mine to turbo in a weekend and then convert that car back to NA and re-sell.

The fact that its got the correct size intercooler piping, full exhaust, bigger injectors, ecu crome tune etc will save me alot of time and money.

This will allow me to spend more money on other aspects of the car, such as brake upgrade kit etc.

He's been running that setup for 4 years, so the tune can't be that bad if its still going..was running 10psi boost until the clutch couldn't handle it anymore.

---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------

hey my crx is for sale.the wheels in the pic are the volks im going to watch the racing on saturday if you are going i can bring the wedsport wheels.cheers nic

Not sure what i'm doing on saturday, am looking at buying that turbo crx for parts on trademe so may not have spare cash for a couple of weeks, but if that doesn't happen then i'll PM you soon, cheers

[zombo]

That CRX is sooooooo tidy, looking forward to seeing this

[SiRedge]

He's been running that setup for 4 years, so the tune can't be that bad if its still going..was running 10psi boost until the clutch couldn't handle it anymore.

Can't see the trade me link at work, but does that engine have stock internals? Generally DOHC ZCs (at least, blacktops) don't last too well with stock internals on anything too much over 6-7psi, so it would be interesting to know what kind of pistons/rods that engine is running.

[efp0wa]

I'm running TSW Black Ice on my EF8, not my choice (came on the car). But have had them on the car for years. I've been wanting to goto a 15 or 16 for ages. now.