I was looking for a second vehicle to use during the winter and came across a clean M3. Long story short I bought it and have been working on shaking it down and getting it up to snuff. It's a southern car and has never seen a winter. No rust on the car to speak of. 99 model year, 170k miles on the clock.
Since the purchase, I've been swapping all of my goodies over from my other car. But so far here's what I've gotten done in about a month's time:
- Fixed misc fuses / lightbulbs / wiring issues
- HID headlights / drl hookup
- Replaced fog that was missing
- New rear vent window seals
- Removed front fenders and cleaned out dirt. Also coated the backsides with an enamel to keep rust away.
- Stainless brake / clutch lines
- Short shifter
- Replaced fuel filter
- Changed engine oil and installed magnetic drain plug
- Changed diff oil
- Changed transmission oil
- Installed lightweight flywheel and the 3.2 clutch kit, new pivot pin, fork, TO bearing, pilot bearing, and rear main seal
- Replaced missing engine fan
- Motion motorsport underpanel / splitter
- New flex disc
- Transmission detent pin fix / seals
- Swapped on borla catback exhaust
- Put on my CSL's for the time being. The tires that came on the car were down to the threads.
- Bled the brakes / clutch
- New battery
- New sideskirt clips
- Removed window tint
- Installed BSW speakers (still need to do the doors).
- New spark plugs
- Coolant flush
Here's how it sits currently. I was out and about this weekend enjoying some of the backroads around here along with some of the beautiful fall weather. Finally got it back together after struggling with trans/clutch related things.
Still to do is replace the tie rods, motor mounts, control arms, and control arm bushings. Along with installing my coilover suspension, rear camber arms, and a rear end suspension refresh. Front wheel bearings/hubs need done too I think - the bearings sound "dry" when you spin the rotors. The car also has been throwing some codes and I'm not sure as to why that is. No vacuum leaks that I'm aware of and it runs fine. Might try replacing the gas cap and go from there.
At any rate - this is the car that will be getting the LS1. I plan on getting everything sorted and enjoy it in its current form before I start the conversion. It's been way too long since I've driven a fun car and I'm not ready to give that up again just yet.
Shortly after buying the car I came across a set of SSR Competition wheels for sale locally that appeared to be in great shape. They have gun metal powder coated centers with a polished lip, and clear powdercoat over the entire thing. They are around 18 lbs a piece and are semi-forged wheels. 18"x 9.5" et 38. I should be able to support up to 275 rubber on them, maybe even 285 depending on the particular tread. More research to do but leaning towards Michelin PSS or Nitto NT555. I have plenty of time because I can't run these without either 1) jacking the car up like a monster truck or 2) welding on fender flares.
Unrelated to the project, I was away this past week at the annual ASPE conference which was hosted in St. Paul, MN. Got a couple cool pics of the area.
