Irish Compact

[BMWIRE]

We are at the start of our journey.
Bought a 1996 Boston Green Compact 316i.
Not our choice of colour but it came with a blown head gasket and a steal for €600.00.
Now for the doner car with the important mechanical bits.
Going for a 6 pot 2.5, but if the right M3 came along you would never know.

[M3 Compact]

Excellent. Welcome to the forum.

When you say 'if the right M3 came along', are you meaning the 4-pot E30 M3 engine?

[BMWIRE]

When you say 'if the right M3 came along', are you meaning the 4-pot E30 M3 engine?

If we keep doing the lottery you might never know.

I'm afraid it will more likely be a six pot.

[BMWIRE]

We have narrowed the cage to two choices

OMP and Custom Cages - both multipoint weld in.

Anyone got any opinions on which is better?

Trying to get an accurate diagrram of the CC one (have e-mailed a request to CC) - anyone got any photographs?

Thanks in advance.

[rearwheelsteercompact]

We have narrowed the cage to two choices

OMP and Custom Cages - both multipoint weld in.

Anyone got any opinions on which is better?

Trying to get an accurate diagrram of the CC one (have e-mailed a request to CC) - anyone got any photographs?

Thanks in advance.

Forum member spaceman is going for CC.

I am impressed with the partially assembled nature of the OMP one. All the critical areas are assembled and welded at the factory. Fitting has been quite easy too. Snug fit in the car too.

It gets



from me

[BMWIRE]

OMP Cage ordered today.

No guaranteed delivery date given - probably end of September.

[rearwheelsteercompact]

OMP Cage ordered today.

No guaranteed delivery date given - probably end of September.

Worth the wait (I'm not on commission)

Presumably it's ok tech spec wise for you.

When you're ready to fit it contact me and I can save some minor b#ll ache

It's fairly straightforward to fit

[BMWIRE]

Presumably it's ok tech spec wise for you.

When you're ready to fit it contact me and I can save some minor b#ll ache

Tech Wise its ok - if its FIA certified then its ok with the scrutineers i.e. no need for the 45 / 50 mm main hoop.

Thanks - Will contact you when fitting for the tips.

[M3 Compact]

Tech Wise its ok - if its FIA certified then its ok with the scrutineers i.e. no need for the 45 / 50 mm main hoop.

Asked that question on BRF and that's the answer I got.

[BMWIRE]

Update

Interior of doner car is partically stripped.

Cage left Italy this week and should be in Dublin next week.

We have picked up a crashed but complete 1998 M3 Coupe. It has a 3.2 evo engine and 6 speed box.

The Question is what fits into the compact and what doesn't ?

I know its the 100 million dollar question but any advice to help us on our way.

[M3 Compact]

Update

Interior of doner car is partically stripped.

Cage left Italy this week and should be in Dublin next week.

We have picked up a crashed but complete 1998 M3 Coupe. It has a 3.2 evo engine and 6 speed box.

The Question is what fits into the compact and what doesn't ?

I know its the 100 million dollar question but any advice to help us on our way.

Drivetrain wise, the engine & gearbox are plug n play. The dash, ECU, EWS box, ignition barrel & key from the M3 are req'd. (All plug n play.)

You'll need to use the front of the M3 prop and have something made up. The M3 has a rear CV joint that you can't use with the E30 diff, I didn't fancy a solid prop so I had a rear sliding joint made up with a Cosworth coupling & adaptor/spacer.

[Smog monster]

What's wrong with a one peice prop Simon? Ground clearance / susceptibility? Lack of movement?

[M3 Compact]

What's wrong with a one peice prop Simon? Ground clearance / susceptibility? Lack of movement?

Never liked them, don't like the idea of loading up the diff/gearbox with no sliding section.

I've used them in the past and loads of people are quite happy with them. With a 6-pt engine lurching around the risk of loading up is increased tho, imo.

Having said that, two days with no engine mounts on ROTM might have made the radiator a bit safer from the fan with a solid prop.

[BMWIRE]

Thanks for the replies.

To clarify the 'Plug n play' do we leave the standard compact wiring loop in place?

What choices do we have for sourcing an LSD for the compact?

Do any of the M3 Coupe suspension bits fit into the compact?

[M3 Compact]

Standard compact loom, M3 engine loom plugs in to it. You'll need to add a wire for the oil temp if req'd. (Have details somewhere.)

All of the front end fits, but there are different options.

None of the rear end fits. E30 LSD bolts straight in.

Loads of info on the forum about diffs/M3 wishbones etc.