We signed on to Wasatch Eurofest the first time we heard about it from our friends at Integrated Engineering as they wanted to bring out the best in Euro scene in their hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. We needed some motivation to get our Project E36 #52STW-008 and what better than to hit the twisties in the Rockies.
In Phase 1 of the project, we aimed to get our 60k mile 1994 318i in an enjoyable, reliable state. Last month we installed the ST Suspensions XTA coilovers and sway bars and a set of our Super Touring Chicane wheels wrapped in Falken RT615K+ tires.
The next step is to get the aerodynamics in order. Our guidance is the FIA ST-008 document that covers the standards by which the 95, 96, 97, and 98 spec 320i STW cars were built. Each year brought unique front bumpers, front fenders, and rear arches. For our build, we are following the 97 spec guidelines, which is objectively the best looking version. Our front fenders are authentic BMW STW front fenders for the 96/97 cars we thought were NOS body in white were in fact race used parts in near mint condition.. The front bumper is an exact replica, cut and spliced to an early 94 spec unit. The rear wings used were 1 of 2 designs - a square profile low-downforce version, and the more contoured high-downforce spec from Supertouring.tv. Getting the rear wing and arches done is coming soon. To complete the job, we removed and painted the rub strips, along with the top section of the rear bumper to match the unique look of the 97 spec test car.
Before attempting the 700 mile drive from LA to SLC, we set our sights on completing the maintenance that was presumably long overdue. We visited Byron and Khalil (sp) at Leichtbauwerkstatt for a full mechanical service and alignment. Our friends at FCP Euro sent us the best products from LiquiMoly and Febi Bilstein to ensure reliability and maximum performance for our 30 year old bimmer. All fluids flushed, replaced valve cover gasket, new plugs, wires, and clutch slave cylinder got us ready to roll. 13 hours from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. A rare desert rainstorm built a rally stage for a car with fresh paint, no ABS and race rubber. But we made it in time to catch a few hours of sleep and head to the meetup point for a group drive to over 45 miles of color changing foliage in a crispy 75 degrees from Salt Lake to Midway Utah. What a drive. The climb up the mountains started slow due to sunday drivers and construction zones. But when it opened up, we wrung out every single one of the 138hp (probably 100 at altitude and age), and put the new suspension to the test. After just under an hour, we met up in Midway, Utah. A swiss village in the middle of the mountains, and a perfect location for a euro show. A couple more drives and photo sessions and we're good.
Nearly 200 of Utah's best euros took the lawn for the show on Saturday. A diverse display of custom VW, Audi, BMW, and Porsche builds, with a solid fifteen52 representation. We judged the Best Volkswagen category and had to pick the MK4 R32 turbo shaved and sprayed in purple.
