1998 Z3 1.9l Autocross Build

[Randall M]

Getting started! 1.9l M44, 5-speed, 102k miles.



Getting it ready to run in E Stock. I autocrossed a lot in the Denver area about 40 years ago. Life has circled around, so I am at it again, soon, in the Sacramento area.

Removing weight...glove box anchor weight; spare tire, holder & bin. Fixed seat rail issue, seatbelt guide fixes, misc. fixes to tidy up for the first run in maybe August.

 

[Randall M]

Changing out a leaking oil tower, today. Changing the filter and pressure switch while I am at it.

 

[Randall M]

Last week, I added a new steering wheel cover from https://stitchingcover.com/. I wanted a bit more diameter/grip and a fun color (nearly matches BMW blue). Took about 2.5 hours total. Great quality...the vendor was very careful to match my wheel with several BMW wheel styles.



And seat covers... and wind deflector.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Smudgemanuk]

Welcome!

I am looking forward to seeing this progress!
What a unique use for a z! Love it

 

[Grumps]

Welcome from Mansfield UK. Going to be an interesting thread.

 

[hard top]

to the Forum, looking forward to reading more about your project.

 

[Randall M]

All back together. Oil tower leak was not such a pain....about 5 hours total.

 

[FLZ_Boy]

I do look forward on your build. If you do go beyond E Stock, there are a few things you can grab from the higher trim Z3 models: bigger front brakes+rotors and rear differential with LSD options. I haven't sat down to read all the compatibility on rear differentials, but based on my various searches you can find what you need. I do recall someone running the smaller 1.9L calipers and rotors and brake fade was problematic on aggressive track days. Hope that helps!

 

[Mint]

again and looking forward to seeing your build.

 

[Randall M]

Did the door gasket fix, today. Easy...thanks to YouTube!

 

[Randall M]

I have a replacement shift boot aching to go on, but I CANNOT get my shift knob off. Tried brute force, tried levering it upward with a Crescent wrench and pipe, not a budge. Gonna have to cut it off and get a new one.

 

[Randall M]

I have a replacement shift boot aching to go on, but I CANNOT get my shift knob off. Tried brute force, tried levering it upward with a Crescent wrench and pipe, not a budge. Gonna have to cut it off and get a new one.

Busted it off with sharp diagonal cutters (just kept nibbling away at the plastic). New knob tomorrow.

 

[Randall M]

Headlamp restoration today using a 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit.

Results are great. Was able to do both lamps with one kit. Did a triple coat of the sealant. Make sure you tape off well. I did scuff a very small spot that will need to be buffed out. Otherwise...easy peasy.

 

[Randall M]

New Redline Goods shift boot installed.

 

[Althulas]

Hi and welcome from me

 

[Randall M]

New Redline Goods shift boot installed.

And now the knob...register tomorrow for my first autocross in 40 years (Aug 2).

 

[ktnez99]

Hello and welcome. Looks interesting. You’re in the right place for help, advice and banter.

 

[Randall M]

Revo Rack for hauling an EZUp and other stuff to the autocrosses. Seems sturdy, light, and it's held on quite tightly.

 

[FLZ_Boy]

You might get assessed penalty points for having a non-OEM spoiler. Just kidding....