Motivation has been down for this project, so I thought maybe a build thread might be a good idea to keep the project going. Winter likely has to do with this, an uninsulated unheated garage has kept me indoors for the past few months.
The car is a 1991 318i that features a early model front end grafted in, possibly the only early-late model combo around. It was purchased as a spare daily around 2.5 years ago. It was driven somewhat often for roughly a year before the M44 started to drink some coolant. I understand these have an issue with cracked heads from time to time, likely the case.
After some thought, it was decided the motor would be removed and something more interesting installed. First go around was a VK56 offered up by a friend. Unfortunately COVID made for a lack of shop action with the two of us and I decided if it was ever going to move on its own power (atleast within a couple years), I would need to just build this one on my own.
The F2T is one of my favorite engines. I've had both an MX-6 GT and 626 GT and really enjoyed both. Solid, reliable, reasonable power with a ton of potential.
I tend to be tough on phones, breaking roughly 1-2 per year so much of the content has been lost.
Early on...an oil pan was fabricated along with a pickup tube.
My trusty shop cat keeping an eye on things.
I opted for a cheap 6 puck clutch meant for the B2200. ACT was my only decent option, and I wasn't ready to drop that cash on a car that might not get finished up. Hopefully this $80 clutch kit holds up ok...
The tramsission is from a B2200, and it feels fantastic compared to the G260. Similar to Miata feel.
At the current moment this is complete:
- Oil Pan
- Motor Mounts
- Transmission Mount
- Flipped Intake Manifold
- Fuel Lines
- ABS Delete
- Steering Shaft Upgrade
- Camshaft Modified/Cut
Still a lot to do, but the tough parts are done. Current state below.
It's tucked pretty good, perhaps a little too far back but I will make it work I think.
Planning to stick to the stock VJ11 turbo, keep things reliable and fun for awhile before the itch for more power begins.
Next on the list is a clutch line, bleeding the hydraulics, and beginning the downpipe fabrication.
Hoping to get everything wrapped up minus wiring by mid-summer. Hopefully thats not too optimistic.
Thanks
-John