tdgray
Well-Known Member
Yah… that one on the door had me baffled for a few minutes.
Plan to wrap MY BABY in Golf 070 - thoughts?
- Thread starter scottevest
- Start date
i had forgotten those parts. its been a while since i took mine off.
Hi everyone,
First off, I want to thank all of you for your thoughtful input, feedback, and support over the years. I haven’t seen my E9 in what feels like forever, over 18 months now, but I’m thrilled to share that it’s finally getting a new engine installed — built to the spec Carl Nelson recommends. It’s based on the 3.5L M30B34 block with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and estimated 280hp, built for drivability and reliable power.
In the meantime, I’ve just returned from a classic road rally in Montana in my Alfa Romeo Spider, and it was amazing. Along the way, I spotted two Ferrari Daytonas — both in bright yellow with tan seats and black dashboards. While that combo isn’t typical for BMW, it gave me confidence that my tan interior with black dash will still feel period-correct and special, even with some color experimentation.
I had been seriously considering a wrap in Tundra Green Metallic (using Avery SW900 Gloss Dark Green as a match), and even mocked it up with help from ChatGPT. It looked amazing and got some strong reactions. But after reading some forum posts about the complexity of wrapping around trim, drip rails, and bumpers — and remembering how painful trim removal was when I had the car painted seven years ago — I’m rethinking whether I want to go down that road. I reallywant to do it, but not at the expense of more delays or unnecessary risks. So for now, I may just focus on fully detailing the car, correcting any cosmetic flaws, and enjoying it with the new drivetrain
One last thing — my tires are now seven years old and need replacing. I’m leaning toward Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02s, but I’m open to input. I’m running 16-inch BBS wheels, and would love to hear what’s working for you guys. Summer-only tires are totally fine for me.
Thanks again, everyone — this car and community mean a lot to me.
—Scott
First off, I want to thank all of you for your thoughtful input, feedback, and support over the years. I haven’t seen my E9 in what feels like forever, over 18 months now, but I’m thrilled to share that it’s finally getting a new engine installed — built to the spec Carl Nelson recommends. It’s based on the 3.5L M30B34 block with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and estimated 280hp, built for drivability and reliable power.
In the meantime, I’ve just returned from a classic road rally in Montana in my Alfa Romeo Spider, and it was amazing. Along the way, I spotted two Ferrari Daytonas — both in bright yellow with tan seats and black dashboards. While that combo isn’t typical for BMW, it gave me confidence that my tan interior with black dash will still feel period-correct and special, even with some color experimentation.
I had been seriously considering a wrap in Tundra Green Metallic (using Avery SW900 Gloss Dark Green as a match), and even mocked it up with help from ChatGPT. It looked amazing and got some strong reactions. But after reading some forum posts about the complexity of wrapping around trim, drip rails, and bumpers — and remembering how painful trim removal was when I had the car painted seven years ago — I’m rethinking whether I want to go down that road. I reallywant to do it, but not at the expense of more delays or unnecessary risks. So for now, I may just focus on fully detailing the car, correcting any cosmetic flaws, and enjoying it with the new drivetrain
One last thing — my tires are now seven years old and need replacing. I’m leaning toward Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02s, but I’m open to input. I’m running 16-inch BBS wheels, and would love to hear what’s working for you guys. Summer-only tires are totally fine for me.
Thanks again, everyone — this car and community mean a lot to me.
—Scott
Updates. Can't wait to drive MY BABY
Recommend Continental Pure Contact tires for your Coupe. They are a great Grand Touring tire with enough grip for twisty roads, fast touring & highways. If you are going to go to the track, these will be adequate for a HPDE.
Continental Extreme Contact tires are softer giving them more grip, the downside is they wear out faster than the Pure Contacts. I have Extreme Contacts on my 1988 M5 & 2007 Z4 Coupe.
Continental Extreme Contact tires are softer giving them more grip, the downside is they wear out faster than the Pure Contacts. I have Extreme Contacts on my 1988 M5 & 2007 Z4 Coupe.
Minivansomeren
Well-Known Member
Good to know. I've been thinking of wrapping also, and was hoping you would go first lol but I understand. I think I may put the idea on hold a while too. I was having a hard time coming up with a wrap match to Pastelblau which was the direction I wanted to go. I have a lovely blue interior and like you, finding a color that doesn't clash with the interior is difficult. I thought about Taiga or Colorado but I'm not sure about the blue interior. Also I'm with you on the effort and expense of removing trim. In the meantime I have some other ways to add some visual flair to my chamonix car... stay tuned
Hey Scott, nice to see your car coming back together. Engine looks sweet.
I'd be hesitant as well with the wrap, given the drip rail complexity. Did you bring it over to a shop and discuss it already, or has it been a thought process alone up to now?
Thing is that you can make that choice also next year, while enjoying your coupe for a while in between. In contrast to choices on engine work, where you can't easily up the compression a year later if you're having second thoughts.
Regarding engine; would you mind sharing some more details on the build? 280 Hp is quite a stretch from the block while keeping carbs I've heard.
(I'm curious to learn what routes exist, as I am booked to bring my engine in in 3 weeks to check what I have going on in there. )
Did you choose new pistons? If so, which brand? What type of cam? Ported head or not? I see headers and carbs- which brand and type are they?
Kept the original valves, or larger ones?
New rocker arms?
I'd be hesitant as well with the wrap, given the drip rail complexity. Did you bring it over to a shop and discuss it already, or has it been a thought process alone up to now?
Thing is that you can make that choice also next year, while enjoying your coupe for a while in between. In contrast to choices on engine work, where you can't easily up the compression a year later if you're having second thoughts.
Regarding engine; would you mind sharing some more details on the build? 280 Hp is quite a stretch from the block while keeping carbs I've heard.
(I'm curious to learn what routes exist, as I am booked to bring my engine in in 3 weeks to check what I have going on in there. )
Did you choose new pistons? If so, which brand? What type of cam? Ported head or not? I see headers and carbs- which brand and type are they?
Kept the original valves, or larger ones?
New rocker arms?
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Thanks. I don't see those tires available in the sizes or at all on Tire Rack. This is the size I have now. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
205/55R-16 225/50R-16
Honestly, I left all those decisions to Carl Nelson, and don't have terribly much insight. I am embarrassed to say.
Best position to be in! Have an expert do it, and you just get to drive it.
Well done!
Well done!
So I did a little digging and this is what I found but I let Carl do what he does and did not interfere terribly much. It’s been over a year and a half in process.
Thanks for the kind words and the questions! Quick build summary from my notes and Carl’s emails:
• Engine: M30B35 (3,430 cc) from a 635, fully rebuilt.
• Pistons: 10.0:1 “Euro 3.5” forged pistons (Carl had a few sets on the shelf).
• Cam: Schrick performance cam. My car previously ran a 284/280; we kept a Schrick in the build (I’ll confirm the exact grind once Carl sends the spec sheet).
• Induction: Dual downdraft Webers (fresh/rebuilt) with jetting for my home elevation (~6,000 ft).
• Ignition: 123 Ignition, to be set up for altitude and the cam.
• Exhaust: Tubular headers into a free-flow system.
• Drivetrain: 5-speed swap with new clutch.
• Target power: Carl’s estimate is in the ~280 hp neighborhood with the high-comp pistons + cam + headers + careful carb/ignition tuning. I agree that’s the optimistic end for a carb setup, so I plan to get a dyno pull after break-in to see where it actually lands. More important to me is a strong, broad torque curve and reliability for long rallies.
Items I still need to confirm with Carl (happy to report back):
– Head work details (porting, valve sizes, valve/seat material), rocker arms, and spring specs.
– Final cam grind if it differs from my prior 284/280.
– Final jetting/timing numbers after altitude tuning.
Break-in/shakedown plan is conservative: short local drives, early oil change around 300 miles, another at ~600, and several hundred more miles of mixed driving before leaning on it. I’ll post photos, specs, and dyno results once it’s fully sorted.
Appreciate all the guidance—this forum has been super helpful while the car gets its new heart.
Thanks for the kind words and the questions! Quick build summary from my notes and Carl’s emails:
• Engine: M30B35 (3,430 cc) from a 635, fully rebuilt.
• Pistons: 10.0:1 “Euro 3.5” forged pistons (Carl had a few sets on the shelf).
• Cam: Schrick performance cam. My car previously ran a 284/280; we kept a Schrick in the build (I’ll confirm the exact grind once Carl sends the spec sheet).
• Induction: Dual downdraft Webers (fresh/rebuilt) with jetting for my home elevation (~6,000 ft).
• Ignition: 123 Ignition, to be set up for altitude and the cam.
• Exhaust: Tubular headers into a free-flow system.
• Drivetrain: 5-speed swap with new clutch.
• Target power: Carl’s estimate is in the ~280 hp neighborhood with the high-comp pistons + cam + headers + careful carb/ignition tuning. I agree that’s the optimistic end for a carb setup, so I plan to get a dyno pull after break-in to see where it actually lands. More important to me is a strong, broad torque curve and reliability for long rallies.
Items I still need to confirm with Carl (happy to report back):
– Head work details (porting, valve sizes, valve/seat material), rocker arms, and spring specs.
– Final cam grind if it differs from my prior 284/280.
– Final jetting/timing numbers after altitude tuning.
Break-in/shakedown plan is conservative: short local drives, early oil change around 300 miles, another at ~600, and several hundred more miles of mixed driving before leaning on it. I’ll post photos, specs, and dyno results once it’s fully sorted.
Appreciate all the guidance—this forum has been super helpful while the car gets its new heart.
OEM tire Size: 195/70/14 – dia. 24.7”, 77.7” circ, rev / mile = 815
Substitutes: 205/60/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 817
Substitutes: 225/55/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.7” circ, rev / mile = 815
Substitutes: 205/55/16 – dia. 24.9”, 78.2” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 225/50/16 – dia. 24.9” 78.1” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 245/40/17 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 816
Substitutes: 205/60/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 817
Substitutes: 225/55/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.7” circ, rev / mile = 815
Substitutes: 205/55/16 – dia. 24.9”, 78.2” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 225/50/16 – dia. 24.9” 78.1” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 245/40/17 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 816