redbob // turbo e30

in red, we trust

2010-05-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

today, seemingly a normal saturday to most, i had my first decent drive of redbob - whilst being
red !! i must say, im very happy.

most of the bits are back on - sideskirts and rear bumper have some work to be done prior to being fitted. chrome will be blacked out. blah blah.

ill continue to finish it of this week, but it means he can get around.. which is kinda cool.

progerss update

2010-05-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

so, its been a while - and I have plodded along slowly.

unfortunately on the last layer of red, we encountered quite a bit of orange peel - as such I needed to cut this out :( the car now has been 2000/cut/polished - I will do a final polish once its outside in the daylight :)

all glass is back in, except for the front window - which decided to crack on me during installation - a new one arrives tomorrow!

A fair bit of small bits need fitting - but some clips have escaped the "bits bucket" and so I'll need to peruse the junkyard soon heh

stay tuned for .. well tunetime which will be later this week it looks.

REDBOB!

2010-02-14T03:20:00.000-08:00

its RED!

while not 100% finished, it is very damn close - few little bits to finish, nothing major..

The colour is awesome and the job done was even better :D

I love it!

I've uploaded some initial pics now - and stay tuned for some proper shots later, when he is all back together.

Night shot is 4th coat, day shots are 1st coat ..

red .. !

2010-02-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

So my mate Ty and I decided redbob shall be RED, instead of its very attractive pink (very faded red).

So we purchased a shitload of stuff from VG Automotive Paints and Tools, very great guys!

I opted for a red from by VG, looks to be a real great red - its listed on their website, but its not an overly good picture of the colour. Its the "Bright Red". Looks awesome in the tin (pics to come).

We start to remove the trim, and rub it back you can see some dent repairs in progress.

redbob bleeds

We rub back

We tape it up, and start to get ready for some spot priming on repairs.

The boot had a few imperfections - so we sprayed the lot. This first spot priming is purely to see how our repairs are going - we then guide coated these area's

This was just a cool pic of test spraying thinner :)

updates!

2009-07-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

I went for a longer drive today - boy it felt good. I feel confident now to actually drive the thing. what a feeling!

when the engine was in the old car it started to heat up further before the thermostat kicked in.
it'd get to 94ish before cooling back down.

I've since noticed it staying hotter, round the 92 94 mark, which is too hot (given this was only ever for <5min drives). So this weekend I removed and replaced the waterpump and thermostat. Not only did I get rid of the squeel from the waterpump but the cooling work great now. sits at a nice 82 :) perfecto.

However with the lack I squeeling I notice a light rattle. I think its been there for quite a while, but it doesnt really sound like tappets. I think perhaps it might be something to do with the dizzy.

The noise is noticable on back off mostly, and at idle. Anyway, its the next thing on the list. That, and a proper tune and upping the boost back to normal ranges. (~12psi, its at like 4-5psi now).

initial tune, and moar progress

2009-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

initial tune time,

well I went and met up with my main man Benny. On arrival it was apparent by the third full oil catch can (of PETROL) that something was wrong. Thats right fuel vapours making up about ~200ml maybe. I suspect a lot may of been from its NOT wanting to start, and running uber rich.

Anyway, Benny gave redbob an initial tune, tweaked the idle, and generally played around. From here, we knew before we actually did any real tuning, I'd need to do a few things.

So Benny sent me off with some homework ;)
First off was some was heat shielding the leads and clutch slave. I used acl heat shielding, which is piss easy to work with. I created a tunnel of sorts for the leads to sit in, in effect the lower (where the manifold is) is double layered. After a long drive it was fairly cool (before, the leads were almost to hot to touch!) on the inside of the shielding.

redbob is very dirty, dusts n shit from other projects in the shed ;)

So next off was an overflow container, which previously was a spring valley 600ml juice container :D The 318i's come stock with really effective overflow containers, the ground!

I picked up a appropriatly fitting overflow container for the wreckers, and fitted it, easy. Needs a clean, a bottle cleaner would work well :) I'll pick one up from coles next time Im out.

Anyway, redbob is running much nicer now, revving much more lively. I'm still worried about tune damage, glazed bores etc. But I think it'll be ok, the ole m10 can take a thrashing.

Stay tuned for some more updates soon as Benny weaves some more tune magic.

little updates

2009-06-10T00:40:00.001-07:00

Exhaust.

Today I removed the exhaust and wire brushed it and painted it with high temp black paint.

Looks good i think.

5th gear.

Since I got it all back together I noticed my 5th gear was missing. Turned out it was just a plug bolt from the old plate style linkage setup. Cut this puppy shorter, and replugged it up, and viola, 5th gear again.

USB to Serial.

I've never been able to get my USB to Serial working, I went down to jaycar today and purchased an adapter, which worked first go. So redbob is all ready to tune now!

And, would you believe, rego is due tomorrow. It's been ANOTHER year off the road.

new wheels :)

2009-05-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

So I went and bought some wheels. 16 x 7.5 @ et22

The rear fits extremely well, the front could do with a little less offset. However with some m3 control arm bushes and perhaps ajustable camber it should be ok.

On the road, the semi slicks really do help it stick. Even in the wet roads yesterday it felt like it was sticking more than Ive expected from any car. Kinda cool.

New Exhaust.

2009-05-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

So today I worked on redbob, and the exhaust is installed, we still need to install some proper hangers, its hanging slightly low as a result.

So redbob is much quieter now, and after a trip (after these vids) to the petrol station to wash out the 2 year old fuel - she is running SO much smoother.

Coming VERY soon: TUNE TIME!

First start up, as you can hear this is prefuel - and rough as (included is some free fuel being expelled from the base map tune).

And a small drive by

Really average edo grade pic

Exhausting work this.

2009-02-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I received the majority (still waiting on 2 flanges) of exhaust parts today :)

Its a fairly significant era in the saga of redbob, its one of the largest things I've put off doing.

So in walks our magnaflow highflow metal core cat, 2nd hand magnaflow muffler (needs a bit of a clean though) 3m of straight, 4 x 45º bends, some flanges and gaskets.

This weekend, I shall practice some welding on my old exhaust pipes... I may even get the first coupla 45's and cat mounted. we'll see how I go.

He likes it out of the garage.

2009-02-07T01:00:00.001-08:00

Well, today I took him out of the garage for the 2nd time this year.
I gave him a quick rub down (very quick) and and lap round the block.

Today (in that 44^o weather) I rewired the fuel pump relay. Which previously was just dodgy twist wired for test purposes. (I ran out of spade terminals)

While on a roll as far as electricals go, I wired in the old spotlight switch via accessories to turn on (via relay) the thermofan. Previously I used a sensor, which was damaged. When I begin re-tuning redbob we'll fire the fan via the Microtech.

Next weekend I hope to do the exhaust. I have purchased a pre-loved Magnaflow muffler. And now just have to purchase a matching Magnaflow catalytic converter, and some (mild) pipe and a coupla mandrel bends.

I'm pretty stoked he's on the road anyway. Even if it sounds like a turbo charged tractor at the moment.

Here he is in all his faded multicoloured glory.

Its alive. happy days!

2009-01-30T22:26:00.000-08:00

Well, after having large difficulties firing him up. Cooking the ecu twice. Losing my tune. I finally got it going.

Note: Dont ever, ever, ever, forget your earth strap!

There is a lot to be done yet, but Im quite happy that it actually still goes!

Progression.

2008-10-13T02:29:00.000-07:00

The LSD was modified, and fitted along with the entire driveline. Yep, thats it, the whole driveline is in :D - Thanks Matt (from MH Autocare) for modifying the diff to fit (had weirdo large flanges)

Over the last week we've spent any time fixing the little things that will hold redbob back when we get around to cranking her over.

Ripped out the entire standard ecu loom, and will be rewired from scratch - new Microtech LT8 loom on its way any day now. Installed new filters.

I painted some more bits that were a bit shyte.

The yukky bits on the firewall are just uncleaned left over insulation. However there was some rust just to the left of the loom hole. I ground it down, primed and painted it. But it will need cut+welding to properly remove the rust. Thats on my to do list.

Its been SO long, but things are on the move again...

2008-09-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

So I've been absolutely busy as anything the last 6 months. And phew Im rooted.

Anywho - Ive began finalising the last of the bits to get her on the road.

Expect some good stuff to come ;)

plumbed, the intercooler is.

2008-03-30T02:32:00.000-07:00

plumbed, the intercooler is.
Really happy with the way it turned out, in fact I love it.

The car and engine bay look fairly dirty - this is from all the dust and shit. Mainly from modifying the front bar to actually fit - and the fit around the intercooler piping ;)

It looks much better than the pictures do it justice :)

I first cut, ground, ground measured etc the alloy first to create a perfect fit.

Once done I took it too Kris, a good mate who mate great work of the welding. (Kris also did the exhaust headers).

before:

after:

out from the turbo:	with air filter on:
into intercooler:	behind the bar:
out of the intercooler:	behind the bar:
up into the engine bay	up into the throttle body #1

Intercooler mounted

2008-03-14T01:48:00.000-07:00

intercooler
I received my 2.5" intake alloy the other day (coupla donuts, and some straight), so I though it was high time I mounted this intercooler.

Mounted the intercooler! nice and sturdy.

front bar
I also trimmed the front bar to fit better, and accommodate the tow hooks.
I assume the kit warranted them to be removed... Screw that.

air filter
While I was at it I got air filter mostly mounted. just need to weld a bracket on it, and paint.
Thats the stock inlet rubber, that is used into the throttle body. Fits perfectly, and whats more it has a perfectly place bov return on the underside.

[I was going to put a 3.5" wide /4" long little pod without the bend, but figured this was free - and could be used until I get her on the road.]

The engine is in!

2008-02-12T01:10:00.001-08:00

And there we have it, with relative ease the engine is in. Nuff said, onto the pix.

Red-Box.. yep you read right!

2008-02-12T01:03:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday Funky and I got a little bored. My engine mounts were screwed, and so the engine couldn't go in. So instead we painted the box.

I must say, that even though I expected it to look shit, I think the end effect looks quite cool. And really its not going to be seen anyway.

Tiny Update :)

2008-02-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

Shine, Engine Bay... Please ?!
Well, the old (read: crappy) engine is on the stand, and I've been prepping the engine bay with loads of elbow grease. While redbob will receive a new coat, the engine bay will not. So my aim it to make it look its best. :)

Cut & Polish
Whilst in the polishing mood, I attacked other various weather stricken parts I was surprised to see how they came up. The bonnet came out great, and heres an example of the boot.

New Front Bar
I also purchased the replacement fibreglass front bar from carmate - while its more sturdy than my last bar, the fitment quality is atrocious. It will be *ok* in the end, but I must say for my low standards I did expect more.

Engine out!

2008-01-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

The Australia Day long weekend was a great time for some serious work on redbob. We got the old shitty engine out - and noticed that the lead was completely destroyed on the inside, I guess this is the reason it ran shithouse :) I am now prepping things for the installation of the old turbo m10.

We installed the leather interior, which looks the part - very happy with this. Looks absolutely tops.

We used some shelleys degreaser, when we noticed the picture on the front.

Redbob gets new gear

2008-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Since buying redbob I have installed my old rear subframe and all related components. This included the upgrade to 8bolt open diff from the original 6bolt, which was dead, and he barely even made the drive home.

I now have a LSD to fit to him. its another (I have 3 in this ratio now) 3.46 - but at least its LSD.

Whilst being the season to be merry, and spend money on anything at all - I purchased a set of Black sports seats. They are in good condition, bit of crows feeting which Ive noticed is common on 20+ year old leather. Anywho, I got front and rear and Im stoked.

Bring on the redbob.

2008-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

Redbob graced (barely) my driveway 27th November 2007. From here the plans are simple for the short term. Get him going, handling, stopping and looking good doing it.

redbob:

Lest we forget

2008-01-02T22:48:00.001-08:00

The first post is a simple one.

Redbob came into my ownership on the 27th of November 2007. The predecessor of Redbob was the Silver Gal, who met an untimely end and whose parts shall shower Redbob in some good ole fashion go-fast bits :)

The Silver Gal - Lest we forget.