What happens when you run out of stuff to do on your car???

Sounds to me like you were able to accomplish your goals because you made a list of simple, realistic goals and worked consistently towards completing the list.

Now, I dare you to set a couple less realistic goals. Dream bigger, I promise you won't run out of stuff to do. Your first post even said, "It's got pretty much every power adder that isn't..." If you say it has everything EXCEPT something, then you're already thinking about what it doesn't have. You're ignoring it, but your subconcious knows.

Even if you don't want to change for more power, etc. as others said your car is a long way from perfect cosmetically...anybody with a black car that old knows it's impossible. If you literally can't think of any more you want to do to the car, it's just because you're not trying.

Bryce

Since you already have a toy for yourself that is ready to simply be enjoyed, and you don't seem to care much what the new car project is as long as you have one...Why not go the 'family' project route? Even if they have no desire to work on the car, most wifes tend to be much easier to convince if part of the deal will work in their favor. So if it happens to be car she would at least enjoy riding in and/or driving once it's done, then she may be more likely to approve the project...Especially when you bring up how special of an experience it will be as you build it side by side with your child and the memorable family outings that you all share once it's done.

Is your safety stuff up to snuff?

Now its time to build a tow rig!

Bobzilla wrote: Wait.... people actually FINISH a car? I thought that was a myth. I didn't think it actually happened.

X 2 This thread is a lie I tell you, a lie...

Nashco wrote: Sounds to me like you were able to accomplish your goals because you made a list of simple, realistic goals and worked consistently towards completing the list. Now, I dare you to set a couple less realistic goals. Dream bigger, I promise you won't run out of stuff to do. Your first post even said, "It's got pretty much every power adder that isn't..." If you say it has everything EXCEPT something, then you're already thinking about what it doesn't have. You're ignoring it, but your subconcious knows. Even if you don't want to change for more power, etc. as others said your car is a long way from perfect cosmetically...anybody with a black car that old knows it's impossible. If you literally can't think of any more you want to do to the car, it's just because you're not trying. Bryce

You are right. Time to start the 'long term list' and get some more stuff going. I really like the idea of making my own aero bits... Good suggestion.

And to the person Re: safety- the only thing i'm missing is a hans... I will have one before the season starts again though. I'd love to extend my cage to a full 6pt with door bars, but it's just not something im willing to do at this time. I'm still fond of my dash for the moment.

Wing wise a lot of guys are getting nascar take offs. Check out the DIY Aero stuff on turbomiata.nets forums. 300 bucks ish or less for a real carbon fiber wing

Bobzilla wrote: Wait.... people actually FINISH a car? I thought that was a myth. I didn't think it actually happened.

^^^^^^ This!!!!!!

FINALLY :D

I've been haranguing the OP for years to join this board. The track bug bit him hard this fall so I got him a grm sub for christmas. Looks like that finally worked.

Couple more background items: -he sells himself short on his fab skills.
-his previous project was an ls(3 was it? built equivalent) 944 he completed then sold because he felt like he couldn't really drive it as it should be, amongst other reasons
-he should share how he picked up this e36, its fun :)
-he told me the reason for no forced induction/swaps for this car was to keep it drivable at all times so he could abuse it at all times. I'm sure he'll have a full schedule of track days with it and the maintenance will keep him busy enough between his other fairer weather pursuits. He just needs a project for a couple months till then.
-he's also got a little crapcan experience

My votes in no particular order: 1) build another drag sled
2) start looking at kits, preferably something you can race against someone else down the road
3) buy (2) used karts, one for you, one for PJ, and fix em up/figure em out.
4) boxster S!!!! It'll be Q's (his wife) good weather car!
5) e46 sedan. Keep the track slut a slut and prep the e46 as a literal "Q" ship.

edit: motherberkeleying formatting. bah.

aussiesmg wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: Wait.... people actually FINISH a car? I thought that was a myth. I didn't think it actually happened.

X 2 This thread is a lie I tell you, a lie...

So, not only is the cake a lie, but so is this thread? Interesting. Mmmmmm cake.....

E46 wagon conversion to M3 status? Thats a Q ship of a bmw....

yamaha wrote: E46 wagon conversion to M3 status? Thats a Q ship of a bmw....

I like this train of thought. "But Honey, it's a wagon! It's 'practical'."

I had an epiphany last night while staring at my car. Making it look pretty will be a yearlong project in and of itself... I guess that goes on the list lol.

I already bought the amazon composites book linked above as well- excited to try some bits on that...

...MORE WITCHES!!!

Sorry, couldn't resist...

golfduke wrote: I had an epiphany last night while staring at my car. Making it look pretty will be a yearlong project in and of itself... I guess that goes on the list lol. I already bought the amazon composites book linked above as well- excited to try some bits on that...

It already looks pretty good. Fix any more cancer, dip it and be done.

Suggestions:
Drive your car at every autox and track day you can afford. Maintain your between events
Get your 4-year-old a Junior cart.
Be the dad many of us wish we had.

golfduke wrote: For all intents and purposes, the car is completely sorted for the track and is an absolute riot. Please save me from myself. Tell me what to do!!! haha.

If you open track the car, I can't imagine that the "done" list is done for very long, what with all of the routine maintenance that SHOULD go along with it.

When you get bored with DIY composites there is always some useful stuff to be made, and remade with lightweight hammer formed sheet metal, like ITBs, manifolds, valve covers, oil pan and other fluid reservoirs... Then after that you could try to master the variable geometry turbocharger... After that you would need more traction and an upgraded things you have already upgraded and maybe better aero.... Lexan and other formed plastics are a fun and useful hobby... There is a lot of cool aerospace stuff that can be applied to race cars.... I should stop before I get carried away with more advise no one is going to apply

Gun drilled bolts?
Gun drilled titanium bolts?

Knurled wrote:

golfduke wrote: For all intents and purposes, the car is completely sorted for the track and is an absolute riot. Please save me from myself. Tell me what to do!!! haha.

If you open track the car, I can't imagine that the "done" list is done for very long, what with all of the routine maintenance that SHOULD go along with it.

Oh you are correct, but im not really lumping general maintenance and upkeep into my plans. Once the track season strts up again, ill always have something to fix/change, but that still leaves me with 3 months of not much to do until then.

Bumping this thread, as it's served me well to find more stuff to do.

-I found a nice, used, and cheap OMP FIA seat for a passenger, so I'm fabbing up some brackets to fit that in.

-My first fiberglass project is curing- some floor panels to hide some exposed wiring in the footwell.

-I'm making my own short-shifter because I feel that paying $400 for one is completely outlandish.

-I'm starting to draw up some aero bits to try my hand at molding them into something that doesn't look like poo.

All in all, that's enough stuff to keep me busy until spring.