Another e28 build

[kaclaytor]

I want somewhere to document my build other than Instagram so im going to start a build thread on here. Ill post pictures from day one to where the car sits now. Currently it is in pieces yet again and headed in a new direction. The original build was based on a low budget daily, now that its retired from daily duty its going a different direction, that will be built around a 5.0 swap. The first set of pictures goes through the build process and shows how the car ended the season. The last time the car was driven was h20i.

2013 When I first bought the car.



















2014 daily driver mode.











2015 Season face lift

[Robitussin]

I saw this car at SoWo this year. Was one of my favorite cars there. Can't wait to see what you have in store for it.

[kaclaytor]

I knew i had so rust issues but didnt realize how bad they really were. So before I get to start on the fun part of the build I need to get my floor pans all fixed up. Im currently working on refinishing my kitchen, so i haven't been able to put as much time into the car as id like but heres what progress ive made so far.

[Gamerx]

Damn, rust >.<. I like the cary very much, keep it going.

[fackinsteve]

I'm so lucky to not have rust issues on mine lol. I follow you on IG, saw the car at H2o also. Looking forward to the 5.0 swap

[d0wse]

I dont know about everyone but only a handful of pictures work. I have the same rust issues with my car. Sucks. I have two questions. Where do you jack your car from and are you using universal pans, parts car or did you make new floor pans yourself?

[Rez_hoj]

Woah.. I really wouldn't know where to start with rust like that.

Good luck with the build man, it looked really good. Definitely worth saving!

[kaclaytor]

I dont know about everyone but only a handful of pictures work. I have the same rust issues with my car. Sucks. I have two questions. Where do you jack your car from and are you using universal pans, parts car or did you make new floor pans yourself?

To jack my car up I added jack points on the subframe in the front. There were some boxed steel pieces welded there from the factory but those were as well rusted so I cut them off and welded on some new ones. and then behind them I welded some angle for jack stands. And as for the floor pans they were purchased. Not universal but not a perfect fit. I've had to cut and shape them but it's way easier than making them from scratch.

[kaclaytor]

Cleaned up the garage a little bit today. Drivers side floor pan is ready to be welded in, just waiting on gas for my mig welder.

[kaclaytor]

A v8 swap was one of the goals for the e28 since the day I bought it. And I knew when the day came it would be 5.0 out of a fox body. Parts are cheap, engine is reliable and simple, and ive grown up around them. My dad has had a 1989 Mustang gt since I was a kid. Ive seen his stock block 5.0 go through nitrous, supercharger, and now a twin turbo setup. Its now at 145k and still pulls hard, transmissions are a weak point, but thats the case with most engine choices. I know a lot of people will say I should keep a bmw engine, and maybe if it were a rare car, or in better shape I would consider that. There is just something about an american v8 that just cant be replaced. For my e28 I chose a 5.0 out of a 97 explorer. Although it doesnt have forged internals like most of the mustang engines, it does have gt40 heads and a cobra intake, as well as more compact accessories and a remote oil filter which is needed for the swap. I picked up a wiring harness and computer from a 93 mustang so it has the fuel pump relay built in. I purchased the e30 v8 swap manual as a reference to help me make my list for everything I need to gather before I pull the m20. My dad gave me 2 t5s that need rebuilt. One is the original transmission from his car and missing 5th gear, the other is a rebuilt transmission with about 8k miles that 3rd gear was exploded on at the track. I am going to attempt to use parts from both to have one working t5. Im still a long way from really starting the engine swap, but Ill be slowly working on getting the engine cleaned up, painted, converted from an explorer engine to a mustang engine. here are all the pictures I have so far.

[tinworth_123]

I like your thinking. Has always been my plan to put a V8 into an e28. Being in Australia, I am going to put in a Holden 308ci block as they are cheap as chips. easy to look after and buy parts for. Will just make it something different. Keep us updated.

[Robitussin]

Personally, as much as i love a nice raspy straight six in a BMW, a v8 with a nice cam makes me just as happy. Can't wait to see this done. Hope I get to see this thing again when the swap is done!

[kaclaytor]

Thinking about cutting my rear quarters and fabricating some sheet metal replacements. Not sure yet just playing around with the idea. Any tips from people who've done it?

[Shawnc16]

Fuck yeah! A lot of your pics aren't workin though.

[kaclaytor]

Hmm they all work for me. Not sure how to fix it.