Red Rocket

My kids have affectionately named my E30 318is "red rocket" even though it is not fast and I haven't driven it for so long that the battery has died.

I think I may have posted previously that the driver's side RSM let go leaving the strut poking through the tower. The result of this was that I had to (obviously) order some RSMs. The problem with that was that I had ordered some brand new KW V2s for the car and no one could tell me the diameter of RSM I needed (10 or 12mm). There was then a hold up in customs in that in a very un-German like mistake KW had incompletely addressed my package. This means that it took about 5 weeks longer for my KWs to get to me. As soon as they arrived out came the callipers, measurements made and a set of 10mm AKG RSMs were ordered.

While all of this was going on I also ordered some brakes from Ireland Engineering in the US. I ordered Wilwood 4-spot callipers and 310mm rotors all round. These should enhance the braking performance of the little 318is appreciably.

Vorshlag front camber plates have also been ordered and are on their way from the US too.

Inevitably there will need to be various suspension bushings replaced when I get under the car and see the state of things under there, but apart from that I think that the handling and braking capabilities of the E30 chassis will be vastly improved over where things currently are.

I have previously speculated on the forum as to an engine upgrade. Various options were discussed and different opinions given on what to replace the M4s with - from 20B PPs, Chevy V8s to turbo charging the M42. The problem with this is that every option appealed to me! However, having sought and received the counsel of some close friends and experienced modders I decided that whatever I did it would be a BMW engine or upgrade being undertaken.

Without boring you all too much I am pleased to say that I finally made a decision and that I have purchased an S50B32 (E36 M3 Evo engine) engine from Phil in WA and that is busily removing the engine, gearbox, radiator, ECU, loom etc from his E30 in Perth to send to me in Brisbane.

As it turns out Phil is a friend of Adin (Rajvosa) and originally purchased the engine from Raj (TWD). Talk about keeping it in the family!

So thanks to Adin for alerting me to the sale of the engine. It took Phil and I a while to hook things up as I have been very busy in trial, but now I simply cannot wait for the engine to arrive and be installed. It is basically a bolt in S50B32 swap with all mounts etc.

In due course I m looking at buying a carbon airbox and either an associated Alpha-N tune or stand alone computer. Tiem will tell which route I go.

In any event - a very wordy thread with no pictures.

I will update this thread as the build progresses and promise that there will be lots of pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Only thing left to say is wow!

Small world. Looking forward to seeing the progress pictures Tim.

Can't wait to finally meet Red Rocket Tim!!


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That's awesome, great intro! Can not wait to see more!

Surprised with all the work you planned, you didn't consider doing a 5 lug conversion.
More suspension, wheel and brake options.

Either way always loved the E30's good to see them being looked after.
Hopefully one day soon i'll get one too Photos now !!!

YESSSSSSSSSS!! so happy that you went down S50 route!!

if you need contact for Carbon Airbox let me know. i got a quote (same place Burky got his) and it was about 950 euros delivered.

I know Burky has Alpha N ECU that would work well with that as well im pretty sure

Sounds amazing

Originally Posted by GJA003

Surprised with all the work you planned, you didn't consider doing a 5 lug conversion.
More suspension, wheel and brake options.

No need to go 5 lug.

The brakes I'm getting are going to be more than adequate for the power levels especially when you consider the weight of the car.

Also - I'm not keen on different wheels considering the Simmons I have on there already

Either way always loved the E30's good to see them being looked after.
Hopefully one day soon i'll get one too Photos now !!!

Thanks mate

Originally Posted by Rajvosa

YESSSSSSSSSS!! so happy that you went down S50 route!!

if you need contact for Carbon Airbox let me know. i got a quote (same place Burky got his) and it was about 950 euros delivered.

I know Burky has Alpha N ECU that would work well with that as well im pretty sure

It's going to be great mate.

There are a number of different carbon airboxes available for the S50. Some of them are awesome. What brand is the one you got the price on?

Cheers.

verbundfasertechnik (vft) out of Germany. Have a read in Burkey a thread, he is using that one

I'll have a read.

Thanks mate.

Excellent work, tidy little project!

Originally Posted by BrisM3

originally purchased the engine from Raj (TWD).

A very healthy, looked after engine at that! Very well looked after, he really does care for his gear.

Looking forward to seeing this, Tim
Good to see the mighty E36 M3 heart lives on...and especially in yet another enthusiast's car.

Originally Posted by Goondaddy

A very healthy, looked after engine at that! Very well looked after, he really does care for his gear.

Cheers mate!

That was a great engine in a great car.

The engine is out of Phil's car as you can see from the picture.

I now have to arrange to have everything shipped from WA to QLD. Does anyone have a freight company that they recommend?

excellent! phil is a fast mover!!

i have used e-go couriers for wheels in the past. they can do all sorts of arrangements, eg door to depot, door to door etc etc.

get phil to measure the pallet and approx weight, then you can do quote online etc.

Originally Posted by Rajvosa

excellent! phil is a fast mover!!

i have used e-go couriers for wheels in the past. they can do all sorts of arrangements, eg door to depot, door to door etc etc.

get phil to measure the pallet and approx weight, then you can do quote online etc.

Phil is a very fast mover indeed.

I have already emailed Phil re dimensions etc.

It's funny- on a "guestimate" the quotes have vaned wildly from about $450.00 - $14,000.00!

Originally Posted by BrisM3

Phil is a very fast mover indeed.

I have already emailed Phil re dimensions etc.

It's funny- on a "guestimate" the quotes have vaned wildly from about $450.00 - $14,000.00!

14000?? hahaha is that someone carrying it on their back from here to you?