Introducing the Kiev Express...

[320touring]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

You're probably safe to block those side grille sections from the rear -- I'd also look at adding weatherstripping around the edge to seal against the bodywork & headlights when installed. (I take it you'd have to remove that to change a light, so caulking isn't an option?)

I wouldn't rule out a partial Kammback/downswept "spoiler", if you've got the fabrication abilities. OEM ones of varying lengths are becoming commonplace on hatchbacks & estates. EG: Honda van, Mitsubishi Mirage.

Thanks!
They're not as conspicuous as they might have once been.

The bulbs can be easily changed from the engine bay, but I'd like to keep them removable.

I'd toyed with using pipe insulating tape so I get some heat containment as well. Additional engine bay sealing and insulation could be done as well

Those wings look good, I shall investigate

[320touring]

Originally Posted by AndrzejM

You can try to use diff from e36 Compact 318 tds it's a 2.79:1

The e36 uses a 1:1 5th, whereas the e30 uses a 1:0.87 5th, so that diff would be mighty long.

The 3.73 is a good compromise for lower gear accelleration, and high gear cruising.

Like the thinking though, and good knowledge

[AndrzejM]

I'd love to swap e30 gearbox to Berta. That would give me ~90km/h at the point where turbo kicks in. That would be nice...

[320touring]

Originally Posted by AndrzejM

I'd love to swap e30 gearbox to Berta. That would give me ~90km/h at the point where turbo kicks in. That would be nice...

If your engine has the same bolt pattern on the bellhousing as an e30 318i (m40 engine) I've probably got a box spare

[AndrzejM]

I'd need to check that...

[320touring]

Originally Posted by AndrzejM

I'd need to check that...

I think your engine is a shortened version of the m51 diesel lump, based on the m50 6cyl petrol.

I know an m50 bolts up to an e30 318i box

do some digging

[AndrzejM]

I know for sure that m41 has the same bolt pattern as m51.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by AndrzejM

I know for sure that m41 has the same bolt pattern as m51.

well, if the m51 has the same bolt pattern as the m50, you should be good to use an m40 box on your m41

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Old Bimmers are great

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Once other nice thing about RWD: how easy it is to change final drive gearing (subject to availability).

RWD has many other advantages, altough they're nowadays pretty much neglected. Nowadays even BMW is going to introduce a FWD model

[320touring]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Old Bimmers are great

Damn straight! so much more connected with it than a new car (having run the e36 that replaced the e30 model)

RWD has many other advantages, altough they're nowadays pretty much neglected. Nowadays even BMW is going to introduce a FWD model

I know- its a disappointment, but I cant fault the business model.

And I don't car what they do with the new stuff if it means hey can afford to keep the oldtimers in genuine parts with a 2 day turnaround from Germany.

Its about 10000x better than the old model support from VW

I may have a look in the DIY stores tomorrow and see if I can get some insulating wrap to make a grill block