E36M3 #4508

This digest contains the following messages:

-------------------- 1 --------------------

#1. Re: [E36M3] WOT -- Recommended (Non BMW) SF Bay Peformance shop - from Kent L. Shephard
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Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:43:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Kent L. Shephard" <kents@kls-consulting.com>
Subject: Re: [E36M3] WOT -- Recommended (Non BMW) SF Bay Peformance shop

So it sucks to be you. ;-}

Kent

> Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:21:52 -0700
> From: Lew Becker <lmb_cfls@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: WOT -- Recommended (Non BMW) SF Bay Peformance shop
>
> Nothing to do with BMW's, much less M3's; but, I have a great deal of
> respect for the collective wisdom and experience of the List; so ... I'm
> looking for a shop in the SF Bay Area to install some headers on a 5.7
> Hemi.  Any recommendations?  Thanks.
>
> Lew Becker
> 97 Dinan M3
> 06 Magnum RT
>
>
>
> *************************************************
> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors:
>
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> Treehouse Racing  http://www.treehouseracing.com
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>
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> *************************************************
>
>
>

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#2. RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG - from Alan Leung
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Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:46:24 -0500
From: "Alan Leung" <alanleung100@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG

Right on, Chester.  I don't think it'll survive for very long.  But since 
Pacific BMW only sent me one (I ordered 2, of course) I had to choose 
between the lesser of the two evils.  Now since my car is 95 instead of 
ordering the original ball joint I went for the 96+ ones, which are the same 
as the upper control arm outer ball joints.  I didn't think I wanted to have 
a different ball joint on each side so I decided to leave it on.  Oh well 
.....

Alan

>From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com>
>To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net>, alanleung100@hotmail.com
>Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - 
>Installation - LONG
>Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:03:49 -0700 (PDT)
>
>
>
>--- marco <m3driver@iname.com> wrote:
><snip>
> > Now moving to the outer bolts.  I thought I was smart enough to borrow 
>my
> > friend’s 600 ft-lb air impact wrench and everything should be a breeze,
> > right?  Put the impact wrench on the outer bolt and it didn’t even move.
> > Plenty of PB Blaster didn’t help either. Matt and I were defeated and
> > started pondering about more destructive methods.  We decided on using a
> > cutting wheel to cut off the nut side of the bolt and hopefully it 
>should
> > just break free afterwards.  Lots of sparks and smoke later the nut came 
>off
> > and I stood on the impact wrench again on the bolt and … nothing.
> > Apparently the bolt was rusted through inside of the ball joint.  We 
>tried
> > the impact wrench in both directs and the bolt still won’t move.  Now 
>comes
> > the Brenzo torch.  Matt hit the bolt up and after a minute or so smoke
> > started coming out and we quickly stopped fearing that the rubber in the
> > ball joint would melt.
> >
> > Then I decided it’s time for the BFH.  I cut the front side of the 
>control
> > arm off so the end of the outer bolt was sticking out by about 5mm and I
> > started pounding that end like a madman.  After much sweat and profanity 
>the
> > end of the cut bolt started deforming but it still wouldn’t bulge.  Then 
>I
> > knew I needed a much more serious piece of equipment.  Matt searched on
> > Harbor Freight’s website and came across this 1200 ft-lb 1-in impact 
>wrench
> > that looked like would get the job done.  Of course when I got to the 
>store
> > it’s the size of a jackhammer and was labeled “for fleet maintenance”.  
>I
> > got it along with a bunch of impact socket adapters and gave it another 
>try.
> >   We were really lucky that the bolt was facing a direction that allows 
>use
> > of a wrench this size.  With full anticipation that the bolt would come 
>out
> > with the first pull of the trigger, it still took us 15 mins to break it
> > loose.  A few more taps and it finally gave up.
><snip>
>
>You didn't replace the ball joint?!?!?!  With all the banging and heating, 
>do
>you really think that it survived?
>
>Chester
>
>

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#3. RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation - from Alan Leung
Top
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 16:11:23 -0500
From: "Alan Leung" <alanleung100@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation

Good point, Marco.  Matt's tank is a good-size craftsman and while I don't 
have all the specs the tank pressure (150 psi) wasn't even close to the max 
on the dial.  We can run the tools at 90 psi line pressure and higher if 
needed.
That's right - serious deep $h!t problem with those bolts - MUCH more than I 
expected also.  When it's said and done we spent about 1 day on it.

Alan

Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 12:54:21 -0700
From: "marco" <m3driver@iname.com>
Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -
Installation - LONG

one thing to keep in mind with air tools is that if your compressor doesn't
have the capacity to run the tool it won't matter if you buy a 1kiloton ftlb
impact wrench.  I'm surprised you had so much trouble with those bolts.  But
then I no longer live in the rust belt ;-)

Marco

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-------------------- 4 --------------------

#4. RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation - from Chester Wong
Top
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:55:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation

I hoped you anti-seized the crap out of the bolt shoulder when putting
everything back together.  =)

Chester

--- Alan Leung <alanleung100@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Good point, Marco.  Matt's tank is a good-size craftsman and while I don't 
> have all the specs the tank pressure (150 psi) wasn't even close to the max 
> on the dial.  We can run the tools at 90 psi line pressure and higher if 
> needed.
> That's right - serious deep $h!t problem with those bolts - MUCH more than I 
> expected also.  When it's said and done we spent about 1 day on it.

Top

-------------------- 5 --------------------

#5. RE: [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG - from Jeremy Conners
Top
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 18:24:18 -0400
From: "Jeremy Conners" <jeremy.conners@comcast.net>
Subject: RE: [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG

Alan,

I definitely had the issue with the powder coat for the anti-roll bar
end-links, but I'm a bit confused about you having to grind the mount for
the knuckle.  Perhaps your order of assembly was a little off eliminating
some of the range of motion.  When I installed the GC kit, I loosely hung
the strut from the wheel house, bolted the knuckle to the strut, attached
the anti-roll bar end-link, and then tightened the components.  

I've had no problems with the caster adjustment bolts, but I have an
understanding of material yield strength, et. al. (unlike some of our
mechanics).  Of course I have yielded my share of bolts, too, but I know why
and who to blame when I do it.

Best regards,
Jeremy

<SNIP>
// I
// loosely tightened the top nuts and found out that as someone else has
// pointed out before, the hole for the sway bar end link was too small.
// Some
// dremeling and round filing later it's not an issue.  But then I also
// found
// out there wasn't enough clearance on the strut to slide the steering
// knuckle
// in place.  And grinding the powder coating and material off the inside of
// the mount bracket while the strut was on the car was not fun at all.  It
// turned out I had to take it down to bare metal and some more for things
// to
// barely fit so the fitment on these struts definitely leaves something to
// be
// desired.  Knowing all these I modified the other strut on the bench and
// it
// was a lot easier.  

<SNIP>

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-------------------- 6 --------------------

#6. H&R race springs question... - from Joe Funk
Top
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:58:52 -0700
From: "Joe Funk" <funk@bvamotorsports.com>
Subject: H&R race springs question...

I installed some H&R race springs on a customers 95 M3 today (50410-88).
Upon load of the suspension when the car is back on the ground, ¾ of the
coils of the front springs are touching. There is only about an inch (1.5?)
of compression available.

Is this how the race version is supposed to be? This is the first H&R Race
that I have installed, and it just doesn’t seem right.

BTW, the springs are keyed correctly into the struts as well.

 

Thanks!

Joe Funk

BVA Motorsports

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-------------------- 7 --------------------

#7. Add yourself to the map! - from Chester Wong
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Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:00:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com>
Subject: Add yourself to the map!

http://www.risingconcepts.com/frapper/e36m3listers

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-------------------- 8 --------------------

#8. Re: [E36M3] H&R race springs question... - from Gus Iverson
Top
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 07:31:55 -0700
From: Gus Iverson <gus.iverson@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [E36M3] H&R race springs question...

Are these progressive rate springs? If so, then my understanding is
yes, this is how they are supposed to fit. Had the same kind of issue
with my 2001 Cobra which had the Race springs installed.

Gus

On 10/12/05, Joe Funk <funk@bvamotorsports.com> wrote:
> Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:58:52 -0700
> From: "Joe Funk" <funk@bvamotorsports.com>
> Subject: H&R race springs question...
>
> I installed some H&R race springs on a customers 95 M3 today (50410-88).
> Upon load of the suspension when the car is back on the ground, ¾ of the
> coils of the front springs are touching. There is only about an inch (1.5?)
> of compression available.
>
> Is this how the race version is supposed to be? This is the first H&R Race
> that I have installed, and it just doesn't seem right.
>
> BTW, the springs are keyed correctly into the struts as well.
>
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Joe Funk
>
> BVA Motorsports
>
>
>
> *************************************************
> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors:
>
> Bimmerworld  http://www.bimmerworld.com
> Turner Motorsport  http://www.turnermotorsport.com
> Eurosport High Performance  http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com
> Rogue Engineering  http://www.rogueengineering.com
> Treehouse Racing  http://www.treehouseracing.com
> Elephant Motorsports Inc.  http://www.elephantmotorsports.com
>
> DIGEST INFORMATION:
> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm
> *************************************************
>
>
>

Top

-------------------- 9 --------------------

#9. RE: [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG - from Alan Leung
Top
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 10:03:49 -0500
From: "Alan Leung" <alanleung100@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - LONG

Jeremy,
Well ... so am I about being confused  =|.  Especially when I had to take a 
file & a dremel at my brand new struts.  I did the same thing - I hung it 
loose from the strut tower but there is no way the steering knuckle would 
slid in.  I actually first tried using a rubber mallet and the two lower 
bolts to help it go in place and there is simply not enough clearance.  
Heads up for those who plan to go this route - test fitment first.

Alan

>From: "Jeremy Conners" <jeremy.conners@comcast.net>
>To: "'Alan Leung'" <alanleung100@hotmail.com>,"'E36M3'" <e36m3@bmw-m.net>
>Subject: RE: [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II - Installation - 
>LONG
>Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 18:24:18 -0400
>
>Alan,
>
>I definitely had the issue with the powder coat for the anti-roll bar
>end-links, but I'm a bit confused about you having to grind the mount for
>the knuckle.  Perhaps your order of assembly was a little off eliminating
>some of the range of motion.  When I installed the GC kit, I loosely hung
>the strut from the wheel house, bolted the knuckle to the strut, attached
>the anti-roll bar end-link, and then tightened the components.
>
>I've had no problems with the caster adjustment bolts, but I have an
>understanding of material yield strength, et. al. (unlike some of our
>mechanics).  Of course I have yielded my share of bolts, too, but I know 
>why
>and who to blame when I do it.
>
>Best regards,
>Jeremy
>
><SNIP>
>// I
>// loosely tightened the top nuts and found out that as someone else has
>// pointed out before, the hole for the sway bar end link was too small.
>// Some
>// dremeling and round filing later it's not an issue.  But then I also
>// found
>// out there wasn't enough clearance on the strut to slide the steering
>// knuckle
>// in place.  And grinding the powder coating and material off the inside 
>of
>// the mount bracket while the strut was on the car was not fun at all.  It
>// turned out I had to take it down to bare metal and some more for things
>// to
>// barely fit so the fitment on these struts definitely leaves something to
>// be
>// desired.  Knowing all these I modified the other strut on the bench and
>// it
>// was a lot easier.
>
><SNIP>
>
>

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-------------------- 10 --------------------

#10. RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation - from Alan Leung
Top
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 10:18:07 -0500
From: "Alan Leung" <alanleung100@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II -Installation

Oh you bet. =P  That should get me by the DE this weekend. I also decided to 
install the bolt the other way so that next time around I can put the impact 
wrench on the nut side.  I do want to put the new ball joints on the 
trailing arm after the track day before it gets too cold here in Minnesota 
and return my $100 ball joint pushers to Autozone.

Alan

>From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com>
>To: Alan Leung <alanleung100@hotmail.com>, E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net>
>Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] My Suspension Upgrade Journey Part II 
>-Installation
>Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:55:36 -0700 (PDT)
>
>I hoped you anti-seized the crap out of the bolt shoulder when putting
>everything back together.  =)
>
>Chester
>
>--- Alan Leung <alanleung100@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > Good point, Marco.  Matt's tank is a good-size craftsman and while I 
>don't
> > have all the specs the tank pressure (150 psi) wasn't even close to the 
>max
> > on the dial.  We can run the tools at 90 psi line pressure and higher if
> > needed.
> > That's right - serious deep $h!t problem with those bolts - MUCH more 
>than I
> > expected also.  When it's said and done we spent about 1 day on it.
>
>
>

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