robsanab

I have recaro SE’s that creak way too annoyingly now. Has anyone had this issue and is there something to be done about it? It’s difficult to identify the noise when you are sitting in it.

The SE’s are the cheaper seats, I wonder if certain things just wear out in them sooner. They are several years old but not a lot of usage since it’s one of two vehicles I drive… I weigh well under 200lbs… so there is nothing that contributes to abnormal wear.

The belt below is in good shape. It does seem a little different from the other recaro belts/webbing I’ve seen pictured. It’s one big plastic belt with a bit of fiction to it… there is a bit of noise when the seat cushion is loaded but the majority of the ‘creak’ seems to come from a stressed joint or something. Don’t know how these seats are constructed to imagine what might be rubbing on what. Then in the passenger seat there is an additional rattle at times… maybe from the seat back, because if I recline the seat forward and put my hand on the back it stops… nothing feels loose though.

I thought about maybe rubbing some silicon grease between the belt and the cushion to lessen that noise, but like I said there is something else

going on too.

bare bolt dead no washer = bad

bolt head with wavy washer = good

bolt head with split lock washer = also good

great, thanks... I'll do that!

thanks, I figured it out... I had the motor out during the 5sp conversion just a few years ago so I was pretty sure the mounts were OK... my mechanic did the bulk of the work and he is good at noticing such needs. And yes, the PO did the required beefing up of that engine support.

Anyway, upon looking at all that closer I noticed a bolt hanging by a thread... it was one of the the driver's side motor mount bracket to engine bolts... and the other mighty loose. Tightened up and all's fine! i love simple.

Still the fan sits only about an 1/8 inch from the shroud... and no movement in the shroud mounting to give it more room (ain't taken off the shroud). Also I'll have to check a diagram but there weren't any lockwashers on those two block bolts, should there be?? 17mm about 3/4" long.

I've been hearing a shuttering sound only on hard right turns for a while… has progressively gotten worse to where now just a slight slow turn going into my driveway does it pretty loud. I just figured out it's the fan hitting the shroud! With the engine running I can pull the engine towards the driver's side and there it is.

Thing is the engine doesn't shake excessively and it's not a lot of movement to get it to hit. Looking at the fan in relationship to the shroud it is not centered… should it be? Is it possible for the engine to have moved too far to the driver's side? Is the fix still simply new motor mounts? Seems obvious maybe but thought I'd ask before I try buying parts.

thanks

I don't think it's a stupid question, but I think the answer is probably not what you want to hear =o) My open element cone filter rests on my battery tray.

Having said that, I can't tell you how EASY it was to put a small agm under the rear pax seat. I used a junkyard pulled E30 battery cable and was able to run it from the engine compartment aft without cutting any holes. I riveted a small piece of angle aluminum through the forward seat bulkhead and used it to strap the battery in place. That way no holes go through the exterior of the car. The carpet covers the rivets so it's undectable. I can take pics if you'd like.

Oh I’m willing to accept any reality, it’s just that I don’t know what reality is, hence the question. And you answered it… obviously if your filter is about sitting on the tray then my idea may not work (at least with whatever configuration of intake you have). I just know there is lots of ingenuity out there and figured someone may have come up with a combination of parts that may have created the space needed to keep the battery there.

Thanks for your offer… I have the tons of rear seat applications bookmarked, so I’ll likely settle for something like that. Hell or maybe do my own thing and put it in the unused spare wheel well.

yall are killing me! humor me... what if I want the damn thing kept under the hood?!

I realize it's most common to move the battery to the trunk or rear seat. But in all the threads I've read I don't recall anyone stating that there is absolutely no room available to even set one of these new small AGM batteries on it's side down there. So, I wonder if anyone has even looked at it and considered it. If there is wouldn't that be another nice option?

I'm asking, does anyone think or know if there is room for a battery to fit in the existing battery tray using a 318i manifold?

This is one of the pictures from a recent post that made it look as if it might be possible. I just can't tell how much depth is there and of course I don't know where the intake ends up on a 318i manifold.

Didn’t think it was a stupid inquiry…

Can anyone with a 318i manifold installed tell me how much room they have below their filter? In other words distance between the filter and/or intake tube to the battery tray? Even without battery tray… I can figure it out from there.

NO ONE has set up their EFI conversion to keep the battery up front??? No opinions by any other EFI'ers?

If you don't mind cutting and rebuilding your tray, you can do that-

I have used an Odyssey battery for several years, and it's been fine

for about half of a Braille.

good ideas - I haven't looked into pricing but yes I am familiar seeing the Odyssey... I'll check em out.

as for lowering the tray... true there does look like some room down there... I'd rather not though seeing that the car has been painted and has a nice pretty engine bay... not that you'd see much with the battery laying on it as well as the intake over that... to make it look nice may take more work than I'd like... will look at it though.

I'm just thinking/hoping that I could make the room without lowering the tray... just not sure of where the filter ends up once an elbow off the TB is routed.

With my FI conversion I’ll be installing a 318i manifold with 4.0L Jeep TB. I noticed a couple old posts where folks have installed a small Braille or similar AGM battery on its side in the existing battery tray location for other applications. Do you think this setup would enable me to route the air filter out over the battery? This would place the filter right behind that plastic cap at the corner (on a 75) which can then be removed for cool air.

I have no way to mock it up in order to measure the clearances. I have the 318i 90 degree bend intake tube, which I realize I may have to modify or maybe use something else to get everything to fit together… hence the question, I’m hoping to plan this out a little bit.

BTW, I plan on using a non-oiled type filter (like an Amsoil or AEM)… I have found some that have plenty of surface area but are pretty small in diameter.

Also, reason I am asking... I have the E30 parts to put the battery in the trunk, but I’ve realized lately that I use my trunk a lot… many times to its full capacity, and I don’t think I want to go with under the rear seat for various reasons.

bah! tucking big bumpers is counter productive.

makes them uncomfortable to sit on.

decreases the table area for resting beer in the rear.

:-)

yeah, if you got a big ass and need a place to set a case... fits mine and a six pack just fine!

not implying anything mind you ;-)

I really like the look of my bumpers… and believe mine look quite proportional.

I shortened and powder coated them to match the silver wheels (also PC’d the trim same color). It makes them balance & blend in nicely… sort of a fashion sense thing. Of course part of the reason they don’t ‘pop’ is because the Inka tends to be the first thing you see!

Not a great picture of the bumpers, but you may get the idea.

bought a 60-1 wheel from Ebay

why are you using 60-1? for better resolution or something other than megasquirt that requires more teeth?? I just bought a 36-1, but planning on using MS. Just curious.

A good reference that seems to be kept up to date... and an interesting read for you oil purveyors and those concerened about ZDDP...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-tech-performance/2484100-list-of-flat-tappet-oils.html

Amsoil has a high zinc 20w50 synthetic that Is made for older cars like ours that need the zinc. Have been using it in my 74 with good results.

Is that the 'new' Amsoil 20w-50 Z-ROD? “high zinc, high phosphorus formulation engineered specifically for classic cars and performance vehicles. Provides extra protection for flat-tappet cams” etc. Also “unique blend of rust and corrosion inhibitors ensure maximum protection during long term storage”.

Have been using Castrol syntec 20-50 and just found they don’t make it anymore… emailed their tech line and they said it’s replaced with their new EDGE 5W-50… probably OK since I am in the pacific NW but I think I’ll stick with 20w-50 and try the Zrod. What do you think?

After reading old posts I am reconsidering going this route as opposed to using the 325i TB and then having to adapt and buy the IAC and TPS. Simplicity is what I’m looking for.

I’ve already emailed jimk (an FAQ proponent of the Jeep TB) and got some good info but he isn’t actually running it now, so I thought I might glean some actual experiences from those who have been.

1) How has it been working for you? Any downsides? All I’ve read seems good.

2) What have you used for throttle cable set up? Jimk recommends grabbing the cable when I get the TB. That being said I might go ebay rather than junk yard rummaging. Would it benefit from a bellcrank setup similar to what others have made for their 325i TB… or does the geometry of the jeep linkage negate that? Don't want response at all twichy.

3) Does this sound correct? TB available on 91-96 Cherokee, Wrangler 4.0L? Once I know this is for sure I bet I can find other years/models as well.

4) Any other tidbits of advice?

Are there any photos of Tom's design?

the links I posted above have some pictures of the design, as well as the one he evidently modeled it after...

I found one of Tom's prototypes used by mp1k3 shown here:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,368877/highlight,throttle/

///mChris posted something similar but evidently different (not from Tom) here:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,358772/postdays,0/postorder,asc/topic_view,/start,0/

and here is one from JHG762002 painted red that Tom supposedly modeled his after:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,343826/

There are evidently others... since I'm not hearing from anyone I guess I will attempt to contact them directly... but still this is only one out of how many I'm not sure (Tom didn't tell me... he doesn't remember how many he made and for whom, or doesn't have the time to look it up... hence this request for info via the FAQ).

If this doesn't work out soon, I will probably just attempt one of the other methods used in these links using just cable. As mentioned I am just wondering how progressive each one is. Some claim the cable only method isn't progressive enough... it needs to feel similar to stock as far as I'm concerned for stop and go driving etc.

bump

bump again. According to Tom I know there are at least a few users out there. Maybe they don't visit much, so if yall don't mind I'll keep at this for awhile so that it doesn't get missed. It doesn't sound like Tom is willing to make any of these before he gets some feedback. The units that are out there should have been in service now for a while and he is eager to hear from you.... me too, so that will make me one!

Tom evidently makes these products on the side and so he doesn't have a lot of time. Already I am missing out purchasing his fine Exhaust Manifold and downpipe (unparalleled in price and design... the others I have found so far are more expensive and either not SS or ceramic coated or offered with 02 bung). I went to his website to buy and he is not offering them anymore because they were too much work for him. I would hate for this to happen to anymore of his products that many have raved about. I really appreciate all these FAQ'ers that provide cool parts for our cars.

wow... buried already... bump

it's been a hot topic before... any reviews 02again or otherwise?

Tom 02again asked me to attempt to gather all of your reviews on this prototype setup he produced for several of you (based on a particular FAQ member's design). He is evidently very pressed for time but would still like to provide these for sale. However he wants to do it right and would therefore like to hear from you as to if they are good as is and/or if there are issues or improvements to be made.

I would like to help him because I am in need for one and like many of you would prefer to purchase a tried and true set-up rather than using my limited time to play with something on a car I rely on daily... and a lot less money than having a mechanic (as competent as mine is with custom work) to R&D.

This could also be an opportunity for folks with different yet successful applications to chime in... a few past discussions stopped cold in the middle of someone saying they would try something and report back. Some have used one long cable with various mounting positions on the throttle pedal lever to accomodate the desired feel, but others claim for proper response you still need a 'bellcrank' setup, which I assume this 02again bracket would provide.

POST REFERENCES:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,358772/postdays,0/postorder,asc/topic_view,/start,30/

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,368877/highlight,throttle/

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,343826/

value with these cars is up to whatever it is someone is willing to pay for what they like... I prefer my 75 with the original bumpers... although looks were greatly improved by shortening... I think they now fit perfectly and wouldn't want early bumpers.

Don't know what it is about the later grills and square lights but the slight change in lines and mass make the larger bumpers work for my eyes... if they are shortened for sure. I think color can make a difference too... my Inka seems to be complemented by the black bumpers actually. To each his own.

here are a couple I had bookmarked for future reference when I get around to it... shows some pictures, some good discussion about a progressive pull...

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,343826/

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/p,843054/#843054

also, I just emailed with Tom 02again last month and he said he is indeed working on a throttle cable setup... I asked him if he might have something by summer when I'd like to tackle my conversion and he thought that was possible. Still, ask him yourself so he knows there is some interest.

perfect... thanks chris. too bad the support doesn't fit... i'll play with it and see what I come up with.

O U C H & YIKES !!

4,040 " E30 MIRROR " threads

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/60/61?cx=partner-pub-2478521489155222%3Aeolm2n-2i1w&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=E30+MIRROR&sa=Search&siteurl=www.bmw2002faq.com%2Fcontent%2Fview%2F60%2F61%2F

exactly, hell of a lot of posts. I perused many of them and a lot of those are from folks selling a mirror... I have one.

I did not find any answers to these two questions and as for the sun visors I found a post that said something like "E30's should work" and someone else replying that the E30 ones are all black, different material, etc. Was hoping for a more definitive answer like exactly what years work and if there are better color matches, whatever.

Sorry, I'm ill and a little grumpy... I really try to read up on things and just not post spur of the moment. I realize these are relatively small insignificant questions... you can always save your expansive knowledge for more important topics.