Newbie Intro

Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:03 am

Hi everyone.. my name is Robert and I live in the Knoxville area. I drive an 87 325i that I bought this summer and is an ongoing restoration project.

My friend and I have been looking into getting into the local SCCA scene for the past couple of months and hope to get some driving classes under our belts once we have an E30 just the way we want.

I came here hoping to meet some local enthusiasts who I can goto for friendly advice and help.

I work as an IT Technologist and I also am part owner of a small local computer repair shop. So if anyone is ever in need of computer help or parts don't hestitate to contact me.

-RK

CABoegemann · Post by **CABoegemann** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:19 am

Welcome to the ETR RK. I don't know much about working on BMW's, unless it's a MINI, but I'm sure you'll be able to find several good sources for BMW knowhow at this site. John Brown would be a good one.

When are you going to come out and autoX with us?

Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:26 am

I'm very familiar with how to work on the M20b25 E30s. So far I have done everything to the car myself except alignment of the wheels.

This summer my best friend and I practically cleaned up and replaced everything under the hood except the block and head myself. I also swapped it from an automatic to a 5 speed and replaced the entire front suspension.

Before I can autox I'm waiting to redo the rear suspension and possibly swap to a higher geared LSD (from a 3.73 to a 4.10). Right now I'm waiting for things to warm up so I can devote my weekends to car work once again.

Post by **thrdeye** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:41 am

Don't worry about it. As long as the car is safe and in good working order (i.e. not leaking fluid everywhere), go ahead and autocross it. You will regret it if you don't.

CABoegemann · Post by **CABoegemann** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:43 am

You might want to get a rulebook. $25 They are availible at each race or at the monthly meetings. (first Tuesday of each month at Mancino's)

Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:53 pm

thrdeye wrote:Don't worry about it. As long as the car is safe and in good working order (i.e. not leaking fluid everywhere), go ahead and autocross it. You will regret it if you don't.

I do have 2 very small oil leaks I have patch up before I can consider autox. I have to rebuild the oil cooler and redo the rear main seal because I failed to RTFD the first time I replaced it.

For safety sake I also need to replace the front valence.

LeadSSled · Post by **LeadSSled** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:34 pm

CABoegemann wrote:You might want to get a rulebook. $25 They are availible at each race or at the monthly meetings. (first Tuesday of each month at Mancino's)

I 2nd this suggestion. A gear ratio swap from stock ratio automatically throws you into the "Street Modified" class, a VERY competitive class in our region.

steverife · Post by **steverife** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:40 pm

The 4.10 came in autos, so it could be a DSP car.

Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:57 pm

LeadSSled wrote:
CABoegemann wrote:You might want to get a rulebook. $25 They are availible at each race or at the monthly meetings. (first Tuesday of each month at Mancino's)
I 2nd this suggestion. A gear ratio swap from stock ratio automatically throws you into the "Street Modified" class, a VERY competitive class in our region.

I'm afraid that I might already get thrown in that class. When I rebuilt the top end of the engine I upgraded the DME and the injectors from 1 pintle 14lb to 4 pintle 19lb. Also the 4.10 never came on an 87 325i automatic. Is the swap from auto to 5 speed considered a vehicle modification?

MARKP · Post by **MARKP** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:17 pm

not cbring wrote:The 4.10 came in autos, so it could be a DSP car.

Rife been readin' da rulebook. Sounds like all the mods you have made will put you squarely into DSP. Actually a decent car for the class if you don't mind spending some money. Get a rulebook or download it online at http://www.scca.org. Look for Solo II rules.

Steve-o · Post by **Steve-o** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:42 pm

Welcome to the club... even if you are with the wrong German automaker...

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Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 10:53 pm

Steve-o wrote:Welcome to the club... even if you are with the wrong German automaker...

No need to be hatin' on the E30 son.. last time I checked they run circles around the 190E.. lol.. j/k

Your sig says you're a UT Mech. Eng. student at UT. I work for the IRIS Lab in Ferris Hall. Do you ever drive your track car to UT? You may have seen my car around there. It's delphin blue with faded paint and old loud muffler. She's not pretty but under the hood she's a diamond.

Steve-o · Post by **Steve-o** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 12:54 am

Ritalin Kid wrote:
Steve-o wrote:Welcome to the club... even if you are with the wrong German automaker...
No need to be hatin' on the E30 son.. last time I checked they run circles around the 190E.. lol.. j/k

Your sig says you're a UT Mech. Eng. student at UT. I work for the IRIS Lab in Ferris Hall. Do you ever drive your track car to UT? You may have seen my car around there. It's delphin blue with faded paint and old loud muffler. She's not pretty but under the hood she's a diamond.

Everything runs circles around 190Es.

And yeah, I know your car. You made my ears bleed a few days ago when you drove by the stadium.

Ritalin Kid · Post by **Ritalin Kid** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:58 am

I think I recognize you car. Do you live or hang out at the Crossing Place apartment complex? I remember seeing a nice black 190e 5spd when I went out there to repair some of their networking jacks.

I remember it mainly because I know a 5spd 190e in good condition is a rare find around Knoxville.

Steve-o wrote: Everything runs circles around 190Es.

And yeah, I know your car. You made my ears bleed a few days ago when you drove by the stadium.

Sorry bout that.. I forgot to mention that I'm in desperate need of a new muffler. Which brings me to another question.. are there rules against having a cat-less exhaust on a car?