shaunokeeffe e36 323i (princess) daily project

[shaunokeeffe]

Going copy and paste from another thread to get up to date. Ive had several BMWs to date this being the current and will do till I pick up an E36 M3 Evo. Ye must be sick of me any my E36 coupes at this stage. This is another daily project I built a lot of confidence working on the last 318is so I'll hopefully do more of work myself. As ye know around this time last year I'd a near mint (hate that word) avuz blue E36 323i (2.5 168bhp standard), but unfortunately came to a miserable end due to several factors :-(.
So after a years searching and a miserable stint in a Honda and a very succesful stint in a 318is I spotted a beautiful avuz 323i in Dublin agreed to purchase put down deposit and sold the 318. However evening before I was due to collect my phone rang, owner decided sell the car to his brother :-( . Fair dues he gave back deposit straight away. So I was carless and had pocket money...
I must thank v6mat for lending me the 1.6 zetecs fiesta while I was carless at this point. A couple days frantic searching followed and another 323 popped up on donedeal in Tipperary, so after a half hours phonecall I agreed to view. So off i goes thanks gticorolla(Steven) for coming along both to view and collect. Arrived to see car spent bones hour looking at it and talking to yer man about the car and its history and eventually agreed a price, we both nearly walked away at this point haha.
So went back few days later to collect and drove it straight to gticorollas house to give the car a good look over.
We were pleasantly surprised with the overall condition of the car, black leather interior is perfect, underneath rust free, brake lines are new, body is straight and generally rust free apart from bonnet. Found few issues namely horrific respray in the past, bonnet is going to be replaced as a result. Going changing power steering rack as shes leaking slightly, and changing exhaust. Car came with cat and middle silencer in the boot (car has straight through fitted) however these were cut off so badly were unable refit them so im looking out for a full exhaust for now.
Quick spec will update as I go
E36 BMW 323i 168bhp
Samoa Blue in colour, rare in E36 as Im led to believe
Sitting on staggered 18" mv2's
Lowered on JMK coilovers
Straight through exhaust (for now) DONE
Full black leather interior and rear headrests
MSPORT steering wheel in great condition with m stiching
Msport kit (missing side m trims)

To do to be updated as I go
Full service (DONE)
Exhaust (DONE)
Power steering rack DONE
Fan belt and tensioner DONE
Sunflowers or similar (maybe.... very unsure about the mv2s)
Replace bonnet and possible full paint correction
Driver side window regulator DONE
Finniky stuff now
Replace badges
Take off nurrenburg and ac snitzer stickers
Put standard wheel badges on
Driver side oem floor mat have rest :mad:
Lose the eyelids DONE

So spent today cleaning, compounding, waxing etc as car was parked up nearly a year looked far better after but not to my standards just yet. Also put together a shopping list for the service to be gotten over next few days.

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/Screenshot_2013-11-09-12-57-56_zps903c8533.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/Screenshot_2013-11-09-12-57-56_zps903c8533.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131108_225124_zps1cb28e75.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131108_225124_zps1cb28e75.jpg.html)
Her shed buddy 525d on book 3.0d fitted for sale
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131108_225144_zps14a7c693.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131108_225144_zps14a7c693.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131110_161410_zpsb2b84e22.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131110_161410_zpsb2b84e22.jpg.html)
Sparks out awaiting new ones
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131110_161440_zps1235b65f.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131110_161440_zps1235b65f.jpg.html)
Getting compounded... exhausting work lol
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131110_171323_zpsc18184db.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131110_171323_zpsc18184db.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131108_225224_zpsed3d0830.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131108_225224_zpsed3d0830.jpg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

Time for some pics as she now on road

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131116_120116_zps0d6f7ec3.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131116_120116_zps0d6f7ec3.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131116_120048_zps5016a465.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131116_120048_zps5016a465.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131116_120001_zps89d2157b.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131116_120001_zps89d2157b.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131116_115949_zps20ec525c.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131116_115949_zps20ec525c.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131116_115911_zps17d4a7a7.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131116_115911_zps17d4a7a7.jpg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

Progress update
Stupid straight thru taken off. We counted around 8 different pipes welded together making it up. That fine looking backbox is also for the bin as all baffles were removed and backbox was poorly welded back together. Id say a cheese grater has less holes than your mans shitty welds.
Was one long cuntish job too do as bolts from manifold to exhaust were well rusted so no opening them, so shitty exhaust was cut off and msnifold was taken from the block. 24 little bolts :grr:
Up to the bench then to drill out the bolts
4 little grinder blades
10 drill bits
2 drills
Half box of fags
Gticorollas insanity
Couple back breaking hours we'd the bolts off
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20131127_193202_zpsysoxo9hr.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20131127_193202_zpsysoxo9hr.jpg.html)
Finally then we fitted the new QUIET standard exhaust <3 Shes staying till I upgrade to the 328 manifold and exhaust.

Last night / today changed the powersteering rack (off my old e36 323i) and driver side tie rod end as it was cut off the new rack as one on old rack was too rusted to be removed and put on to new rack. Discovered this at 6.30 last night so princess had another sleepover in gticorollas shed. Bitch likes it there too much haha. Tried 3 different motorfactors before we were able track down the offending part and back to the shed then to fit it. I think we spent longer looking for the part than we did changing the whole rack.

Also replaced window regulator last night in drivers door so now I can use tolls and multi stories without need of opening doors :-)

Clutch next :-/ hopefully get to new year out of it as neither me nor gticorolla fancy a days work this side of christmas on it so no messing for me between now and then.

thank you steven before you get your thong in a twist :p

[shaunokeeffe]

have ordered this clutch as mine slipping like f*ck

http://gripforce.com/f1-rigid-6-puck...-4l-2-5l-2-7l/

[shaunokeeffe]

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140105_143903_zpspehnorqt.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140105_143903_zpspehnorqt.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140105_143918_zps70pole9p.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140105_143918_zps70pole9p.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140105_143931_zpstmsyh7ns.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140105_143931_zpstmsyh7ns.jpg.html)
old and new clutch and a happy stevie at 1.30 am http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140106_003653_zpsv49h7e1j.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140106_003653_zpsv49h7e1j.jpg.html)
Ready to be refitted http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140106_003706_zpsrw1r637t.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140106_003706_zpsrw1r637t.jpg.html)
About get some lovely fresh oil http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140106_003822_zpsizzwzwkw.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140106_003822_zpsizzwzwkw.jpg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

Been a while since any updates on this, between moving house car was denied of some loving. Saw a post on facebook the other night of alloys for sale down in Cork and after a couple phonecalls I agreed to purchase them. Arrived in Douglas and followed yer man out to 'his unit'. This unit turned out to be a farmers yard who has leased out his sheds to different groups mostly boy racers. This lads shed had room for about 6 cars in it and a 180sx and a gt starlet in the back getting rebuilt unfortunately couldnt get pictures. So we took off my bastarding mv2s and fitted the rotas instantly transforming the car, well in my eyes at least. Had to raise yer mans car then at the rear. luckily I thought to bring a key for coilovers has he was fitting 10.5 j deep dishalloys at the back.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140310_124509_zpszlnvlt7t.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140310_124509_zpszlnvlt7t.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140310_124456_zpsxdhrvidh.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140310_124456_zpsxdhrvidh.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140310_124436_zpsemuk16yq.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140310_124436_zpsemuk16yq.jpg.html)
And now the money shot
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140310_124419_zpsras9bnfg.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140310_124419_zpsras9bnfg.jpg.html)
Im going replacing the centre caps as I think the chrome looks god awful and going fitting spacers front and rear and she'll be sitting pretty at last.

[shaunokeeffe]

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/1517923_10201848572043809_1078940706_n_zpsilg5wsa9 .jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/1517923_10201848572043809_1078940706_n_zpsilg5wsa9 .jpg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

Since last post have put 220/40s on the back since the inside walls on tyres developed a load of bubbles. I assume the wheels were driven soft before i bought them. Shame throwing them away as they were like new :angry:
Finally got around to taking out mushroom induction kit and refitting standard airbox
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140420_120528_zpsxmbxenow.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140420_120528_zpsxmbxenow.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140420_140025_zpsocronb4w.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140420_140025_zpsocronb4w.jpg.html)

[PepperS13]

Love it ,
If them GTR's were concaved all round it would be epic!!! But as it is nice ;)

[DaveM-sport]

Wheels actually look pretty good on it. Much better than the crapy MV2s anyway!

Just to point out too that you mention you put the standard exhaust on until you fit the 328 manifold and exhaust.

The 328 exhaust from the center section back is an upgrade alright as it stays as a twin-pipe system rather than reducing to one on the 323 but the manifolds are exactly the same on all M52 engines regardless of size.

Unless you mean the 325 inlet manifold which is a big improvement with a remap? :)

[shaunokeeffe]

Ya them mv's were god awful, big ugly heavy b#st#rds. Unsure what direction take now will definitely go 328 exhaust route I say. There is a 323 in Cork who is carrying out pretty much same build as myself but is slightly ahead of me in progress so Im learning off him.

[shaunokeeffe]

So princess has been treated to a full service (oil and air filter, new sparks, new thermostat and new thermostat housing). Thanks again gticorolla http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140430_135043_zps0zbkckt5.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140430_135043_zps0zbkckt5.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/received_m_mid_1399035160621_9c9263c32d4ffaf435_0_ zpsfss19sal.jpeg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/received_m_mid_1399035160621_9c9263c32d4ffaf435_0_ zpsfss19sal.jpeg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/received_m_mid_1398884518895_1f35343882c50c7b70_0_ zpsta1ufh2b.jpeg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/received_m_mid_1398884518895_1f35343882c50c7b70_0_ zpsta1ufh2b.jpeg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/received_m_mid_1399031600555_76579866f56c1b8899_0_ zpsozgrzvx9.jpeg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/received_m_mid_1399031600555_76579866f56c1b8899_0_ zpsozgrzvx9.jpeg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/received_m_mid_1399035147101_320d5cae475542fc45_0_ zpsolmpjqcn.jpeg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/received_m_mid_1399035147101_320d5cae475542fc45_0_ zpsolmpjqcn.jpeg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

While we (by we I mean Steven)was changing my thermostat we noticed my rad was in terrible condition and decided was time to bin it. Also developed a leak annoyingly day after putting in thermostat which hurried us in to changing it.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_153008_zps0ephkvan.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_153008_zps0ephkvan.jpg.html)http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_145413_zpsmof2lvxy.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_145413_zpsmof2lvxy.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_145357_zps5qdcomfd.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_145357_zps5qdcomfd.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_145350_zpstwmtsao0.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_145350_zpstwmtsao0.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_144318_zpsyovizzdv.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_144318_zpsyovizzdv.jpg.html) Shiny :-P
And in http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_153021_zpsfod0pnlx.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_153021_zpsfod0pnlx.jpg.html)
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140511_153458_zpshpcfmnuw.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140511_153458_zpshpcfmnuw.jpg.html)
She will be hitting 160,000 miles by end of week. With amount work Steven has put into her she should be good for at least another 14 years.

Oh anyone know where the heater blower resistor is in these. We stripped it out and couldn't find the bloody thing? She non aircon.(please include pics)

[yomamagoes/sideways]

Tidy work dudes what torque do these push out man must be a fiar bit considerin shes 2.5???

[shaunokeeffe]

Tidy work dudes what torque do these push out man must be a fiar bit considerin shes 2.5???

Only 170 from factory, she may have lost a few between then and now. However with changing manifolds, diff, upgrade exhaust etc could be closer to 200

[yomamagoes/sideways]

170ft is it? thought be higher :confused: cool car anyway man shes well able to move ha

[shaunokeeffe]

oh sorry misread your message she is 170 bhp and 245 N·m (181 lb·ft). Thanks man

[shaunokeeffe]

engine mounts, gearbox mount and propshaft guibo are next on the list http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140630_132941_zpsso1hc9xq.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140630_132941_zpsso1hc9xq.jpg.html)

[shaunokeeffe]

so yesterday we changed engine mounts, propshaft guibo and gearbox mounting. Perished wasnt the word for them http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140701_172955_zps4sg1i2qu.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140701_172955_zps4sg1i2qu.jpg.html)
Lining up the new guibo http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/shaunokeeffe/20140701_152300_zpsmyddaymi.jpg (http://s1189.photobucket.com/user/shaunokeeffe/media/20140701_152300_zpsmyddaymi.jpg.html)
Car feels a thousand times better now since we changed them

Yes i know we put in rubber propshaft and rubber engine mounts as i felt the solid ones would be far too harsh on a daily car when their coupled with the paddle clutch