2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
HI all
Ive read a number of posts on here and found the build stories interesting, so as im doing a bit on my new purchase i thought i start my own:
here we go:
Wind deflector:
Originally holed, so i found some stronger mesh and installed it
Ive fitted a strut brace and without duplicating photos ive posted this elsewhere, and yes the E36 version fits easily
13mm Spaces fitted to the rear and this is how he is sitting now (my other half has decided his name is Zeus!):
Ive upgraded the bukbs to xenon, quite like the orange lenses so leaving them.
Didnt like the black plastic looking centre console so my other half fitted the new dash trim today (more patience than me!)
Before:
During:
After:
Ive also had to take the brakes to bits at the rear, slight scraping for two days (quitened down when handbrake on), to my surprise all came off easily only to find the pin that holds the brakes to the drum had came away !! So note of caution, make sure they are fitted with a full 90 degree turn when installing !
Next steps are:
Interior isnt the best, drivers seat is tore and saggy and very creased, managed to get a deal on an interior off ebay but all my electrics work, so i'll be stripping leather from new seats and installing on mine, next weekend job. Photos to follow.
Smoking rear lights:
Weekend after, im going to fit LED lights to the rear and smoke the lenses.
Bumper side lights:
Ive also found a company who has made me some LED lights on a carbon strip for the front bumper, once they come will install to see if they look as good as i hope. again photos will follow.
Thanks for reading
Ive read a number of posts on here and found the build stories interesting, so as im doing a bit on my new purchase i thought i start my own:
here we go:
Wind deflector:
Originally holed, so i found some stronger mesh and installed it
Ive fitted a strut brace and without duplicating photos ive posted this elsewhere, and yes the E36 version fits easily
13mm Spaces fitted to the rear and this is how he is sitting now (my other half has decided his name is Zeus!):
Ive upgraded the bukbs to xenon, quite like the orange lenses so leaving them.
Didnt like the black plastic looking centre console so my other half fitted the new dash trim today (more patience than me!)
Before:
During:
After:
Ive also had to take the brakes to bits at the rear, slight scraping for two days (quitened down when handbrake on), to my surprise all came off easily only to find the pin that holds the brakes to the drum had came away !! So note of caution, make sure they are fitted with a full 90 degree turn when installing !
Next steps are:
Interior isnt the best, drivers seat is tore and saggy and very creased, managed to get a deal on an interior off ebay but all my electrics work, so i'll be stripping leather from new seats and installing on mine, next weekend job. Photos to follow.
Smoking rear lights:
Weekend after, im going to fit LED lights to the rear and smoke the lenses.
Bumper side lights:
Ive also found a company who has made me some LED lights on a carbon strip for the front bumper, once they come will install to see if they look as good as i hope. again photos will follow.
Thanks for reading
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
You're doing well
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Looking great and some nice pics
Have you thought of fitting the roll hoops?
Tim.
Have you thought of fitting the roll hoops?
Tim.
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Thanks both,
Yeah have thought about the hoops, still deciding on the full set up or just the aftermarket slot in ones, but really liking him without at the minute
Been round lakes in him today and he just drives lovely, so glad we decided to buy one!
Also forgot to mention, stripped out the spare wheel and carrier yesterday, I'd of never fitted what can only be described as rust ball with tyre
Anybody tried these chips?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1046143227
Yeah have thought about the hoops, still deciding on the full set up or just the aftermarket slot in ones, but really liking him without at the minute
Been round lakes in him today and he just drives lovely, so glad we decided to buy one!
Also forgot to mention, stripped out the spare wheel and carrier yesterday, I'd of never fitted what can only be described as rust ball with tyre
Anybody tried these chips?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1046143227
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Nice write up and it looks like you have a good clean car. I wish I had started one of these a few years back
The rear brake shoe pins can also pop out if the retaining slot is worn, the slot becomes more of a hole and therefore cannot keep the pins in place.theskippies wrote:.............Ive also had to take the brakes to bits at the rear, slight scraping for two days (quitened down when handbrake on), to my surprise all came off easily only to find the pin that holds the brakes to the drum had came away !! So note of caution, make sure they are fitted with a full 90 degree turn when installing !
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Yeah, this was a little worn, but with the full turn its secured. Full replacement necessary if it gets to be a hole?Brian H wrote:Nice write up and it looks like you have a good clean car. I wish I had started one of these a few years back
The rear brake shoe pins can also pop out if the retaining slot is worn, the slot becomes more of a hole and therefore cannot keep the pins in place.theskippies wrote:.............Ive also had to take the brakes to bits at the rear, slight scraping for two days (quitened down when handbrake on), to my surprise all came off easily only to find the pin that holds the brakes to the drum had came away !! So note of caution, make sure they are fitted with a full 90 degree turn when installing !
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Interesting. I'd like the extra 23 or so horse power for my 2.8. But, do they really work as advertised (I'm sceptical) and how are they installed?theskippies wrote:Thanks both,
Yeah have thought about the hoops, still deciding on the full set up or just the aftermarket slot in ones, but really liking him without at the minute
Been round lakes in him today and he just drives lovely, so glad we decided to buy one!
Also forgot to mention, stripped out the spare wheel and carrier yesterday, I'd of never fitted what can only be described as rust ball with tyre
Anybody tried these chips?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1046143227
John Walker
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
They solder into ecu, the feedback is actually decent, might take the plunge and report back shortlyJohn1950 wrote:Interesting. I'd like the extra 23 or so horse power for my 2.8. But, do they really work as advertised (I'm sceptical) and how are they installed?theskippies wrote:Thanks both,
Yeah have thought about the hoops, still deciding on the full set up or just the aftermarket slot in ones, but really liking him without at the minute
Been round lakes in him today and he just drives lovely, so glad we decided to buy one!
Also forgot to mention, stripped out the spare wheel and carrier yesterday, I'd of never fitted what can only be described as rust ball with tyre
Anybody tried these chips?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1046143227
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Not quite, you can buy standard brake shoe pins, springs and clips and feed the pins in from the back side of the protection plate to hold the shoes in place. Replacement of the protection plate requires the hub to be removed.theskippies wrote:.......Full replacement necessary if it gets to be a hole?
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Please do. I'd love to read a report and see some installation photos.theskippies wrote:They solder into ecu, the feedback is actually decent, might take the plunge and report back shortlyJohn1950 wrote:Interesting. I'd like the extra 23 or so horse power for my 2.8. But, do they really work as advertised (I'm sceptical) and how are they installed?theskippies wrote:Thanks both,
Yeah have thought about the hoops, still deciding on the full set up or just the aftermarket slot in ones, but really liking him without at the minute
Been round lakes in him today and he just drives lovely, so glad we decided to buy one!
Also forgot to mention, stripped out the spare wheel and carrier yesterday, I'd of never fitted what can only be described as rust ball with tyre
Anybody tried these chips?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1046143227
John Walker
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Baarn, Holland
_____________________________________________________________________
The Zed | 2.8 | Topaz Blue | Z4 alloys |97K
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Where did you get the "wood" trim from, is it the kit from Germany on Ebay. I want a brushed aluminium finish for mine. Was it easy to install?
1999 2.8 Arctic Silver Z3
1987 Black Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo
2007 325d Msport - remapped
1987 Black Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo
2007 325d Msport - remapped
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Sounds like you're having fun!
The single and reasonably inexpensive mod is fitting the M50 Intake with the big bore throttle body...this will improve the torque hugely. If you then fit the chip and can gain another 25 -30 HP (and the torque that goes with it) you should have a pleasantly improved drive....and, if you increase the diameter of the exhaust pipe from the front box through to the rear...you will free up another 5 horses by reducing the back pressure of the gasses...It will probably give you the sort of power the car had when it was brand new..maybe even a bit more.
The single and reasonably inexpensive mod is fitting the M50 Intake with the big bore throttle body...this will improve the torque hugely. If you then fit the chip and can gain another 25 -30 HP (and the torque that goes with it) you should have a pleasantly improved drive....and, if you increase the diameter of the exhaust pipe from the front box through to the rear...you will free up another 5 horses by reducing the back pressure of the gasses...It will probably give you the sort of power the car had when it was brand new..maybe even a bit more.
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Please do. I'd love to read a report and see some installation photos.[/quote]
Will do, give me 3 weeks or so
Will do, give me 3 weeks or so
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Yeah its the kit from Germany, it looked easy, just line it up (making sure it clean) fit it on, then hairdryer it on full heat and smooth it down.stupot50 wrote:Where did you get the "wood" trim from, is it the kit from Germany on Ebay. I want a brushed aluminium finish for mine. Was it easy to install?
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Thanks southern, It was alluded to that its had the manifold fitted, certainly redlines easily enough. No big bore throttle fitted though, so I'm now unsure, advice on how I know for sure would be welcomed.Southernboy wrote:Sounds like you're having fun!
The single and reasonably inexpensive mod is fitting the M50 Intake with the big bore throttle body...this will improve the torque hugely. If you then fit the chip and can gain another 25 -30 HP (and the torque that goes with it) you should have a pleasantly improved drive....and, if you increase the diameter of the exhaust pipe from the front box through to the rear...you will free up another 5 horses by reducing the back pressure of the gasses...It will probably give you the sort of power the car had when it was brand new..maybe even a bit more.
Stainless exhaust and manifold are on my future to do list
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
That's a good solution and one I hadn't thought of, thanks brianBrian H wrote:Not quite, you can buy standard brake shoe pins, springs and clips and feed the pins in from the back side of the protection plate to hold the shoes in place. Replacement of the protection plate requires the hub to be removed.theskippies wrote:.......Full replacement necessary if it gets to be a hole?
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
Contact Ian at:- alpina527@aol.com
He is the fundi with doing the M50 conversions. I bought a complete manifold + big bore throttle body off him...he sells them complete with all the interfaces etc...I had to send him a couple of parts back, which he re-uses etc...But if you contact him, ask him how you can determine the current status of your set-up, he will direct you flawlessly.
He is the fundi with doing the M50 conversions. I bought a complete manifold + big bore throttle body off him...he sells them complete with all the interfaces etc...I had to send him a couple of parts back, which he re-uses etc...But if you contact him, ask him how you can determine the current status of your set-up, he will direct you flawlessly.
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
So this weekend has seen:
Arrival of led side lights, quality was awful so won't be fitting them
Purchase of random orbital polisher and of course the use of:
Alarm system now operational and I can unlock and lock my car without the key its the simple things
New stereo head unit fitted:
Still can't get fog lamps operational though.
Now ordered new gaitors for handbrake and gearstick, halo conversion kit, new BMW badges and dust caps.
Things to come over next two months
Private number plate
Novel idea for seat refurb (watch this space)
New chip for ecu
Thanks for reading , I love my zed
Arrival of led side lights, quality was awful so won't be fitting them
Purchase of random orbital polisher and of course the use of:
Alarm system now operational and I can unlock and lock my car without the key its the simple things
New stereo head unit fitted:
Still can't get fog lamps operational though.
Now ordered new gaitors for handbrake and gearstick, halo conversion kit, new BMW badges and dust caps.
Things to come over next two months
Private number plate
Novel idea for seat refurb (watch this space)
New chip for ecu
Thanks for reading , I love my zed
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- Joined: Sat 20 Apr, 2013 07:41
- Posts: 76
Re: 2.8 Z3 restore and slight mods
So, finally got led lights and halo fitted
Not everyone's taste I know
Also stripped drivers seat out., note poor condition of foam
Mine has heated seats but replacement didn't so removed heated section which included part of the foam seat itself
New foam (from unmarked passenger seat)
Foam inserts have now been removed and section cut for wiring
Note per facelift and post facelifts seats are different but do fit with some minor mods.
Leather turned inside out to remove good 'panel'
And new section unstitched
This will now be sown into my existing seat back
Not everyone's taste I know
Also stripped drivers seat out., note poor condition of foam
Mine has heated seats but replacement didn't so removed heated section which included part of the foam seat itself
New foam (from unmarked passenger seat)
Foam inserts have now been removed and section cut for wiring
Note per facelift and post facelifts seats are different but do fit with some minor mods.
Leather turned inside out to remove good 'panel'
And new section unstitched
This will now be sown into my existing seat back