Unlike other DIY projects for the E30, if you do a quick search on the internet for “BMW M20 replace rocker without removing head” you won’t find much in the way of quality advice. I found one lengthy writeup which may be the single most poorly written and profane set of DIY instructions I’ve ever …
Read more “Ready to Rock the BMW M20 Engine, Rocker Replacement DIY”
We got the GeorgeCo Stealth E30 back from the paint shop yesterday but didn’t really get to take a good look at it because we were dodging thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Today we rolled it out into the sunlight and to paraphrase Fernando Lamas “it looks mahvelous.” The paint still needs some time to cure, …
After crossing the 135,000 miles mark at the track last month, I noticed it might be time to catch up on a few maintenance items. First up is a new exhaust. My previous exhaust was an Alta Sportone that I installed in September 2006, which was about 75,000 miles ago. The Alta exhaust is a …
Resetting Oil Service Light on your 2002 – 2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S, and 2007 – 2008 MINI Convertibles: Press and hold the trip button Insert key and turn to position 1 Watch for RESET to appear Release the button, then press & hold it again Wait for the RESET to flash Release the …
If you have an ’80’s BMW, chances are you have some funky looking door trim. If you’re turned off by the price of OEM replacement parts, take heart: there is a better way. OK, not better, but certainly cheaper. And you can get it at your local Ace Hardware. Acetone. Tape off your trim so …
Read more “Detailing Tip of the Week: Better Living Through Chemistry”
The weather gods finally took pity on us in Maryland and gave us a seasonably warm weekend. With about two months of work to catch up on, I tried to spend as much time outside as I could. I managed to install a new steering wheel in the Stealth BMW. Install is fairly straight-forward: Disconnect …
This is supposed to be that time of year when you watch the 24 Hours of Daytona, day-dream of the upcoming autocross season and start deciding the mods you want to make to your car. You take a close look at the rule changes and decide which of the go-fast bits you can get away …
I’ve had my MINI for 6 years as of last week. About the time it passed it’s six birthday in September, I started hearing a hooting sound — sort of part barn owl, part Stanley Steamer. It took a while to figure out where it was coming from. After initially thinking it was a faulty …
Read more “MINI Turns 6, Becomes a Barn Owl (Power Steering Fan Failure)”
Tim installed the new Bimmerworld driveline today. What a difference. Imagine having a driveline that actually flexes instead of just eating guibos and center bearings. Power comes on smoothly without the background fear that it’s all going to self destruct. It also helps that he cleaned out the throttle body. With that task, phase two …
I made the big wheel and tire swap last week. Since the BMW is almost done, I’m returning the MINI to normal–well closer to normal. I swapped out the R-comps on the MINI race wheels for a street tire. I took out the rear strutbar and removed the splitter. I also sold the MINI 15 …