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Headlights got some love. They were aimed a bit too high for my liking and just not that great. I knew it had LED bulbs but never saw the system self level when they first came on. Took them out to investigate and discovered some potential wiring issues on the passenger side and the adjuster arm disconnected on the drivers side. Haven't had the chance to drive at night yet to see results but the system is now working as it should. Depending on the light pattern, I may put oem bi-xenon bulbs back in.
Last edited by e30rapidic; 11-19-2021 at 10:21 AM.
Turned to the tail lights this weekend. Someone had pulled up behind me and said they couldn't see my brake lights in the sun. I knew they worked since I had seem the light up the garage wall but figured the tint may have something to do with. I just assumed I had the stock bulbs and began researching upgrades.
I ended up deciding on a set of Silverstar 2357, they have the same base pattern as the oem 1157 but higher lumen output (402 vs. 503). Oddly enough, when I pulled the tail lights out, there was some sort of LED bulb in there. Funny thing is the 2357 is brighter than LED as both a running light and as a brake light.
It's tough to photo the difference with an iPhone in the garage but you can see that a typical halogen bulb seems to work better than there LED "upgrade" in the stock housing. halogen on the left versus LED on the right.
I finally installed two new Sylvania fog light bulbs today. Passenger side was working but went ahead and dropped two new ones in and will save the old one as a spare. Not an upgrade this time, as replaced like for like, but at least I have two functioning fog lights now....
I've decided my days of rolling around on the concrete floor are over! Bought the tall version so I wouldn't hit my head and the wifes Suburban will fit under it if needed. I've ordered the bracket to remount the hydraulic pump on the side, so we'll have bit more clearance parking beside it. 996 is on bottom as I drive it more.
Remounted the garage door for lift clearance a few weeks ago, used a kit from DDM Garage Doors and a Chamberlain side opener from Amazon. DIY instructions from DDM were easy as was the side opener conversion. I'll be doing our 2nd garage door soon.
Last edited by e30rapidic; 01-02-2022 at 06:45 PM.
Added 3 gallons of fresh gas but ran rough. Threw a bank 2 crank sensor code....turns out the sensor wasn't clipped in tight. Clipped it in and it ran so much better. Intake isn't on tight so its still a bit rough....
Now I wait for the AC compressor spacer so I can put the compressor, serpentine belt and intake back in and driveshaft seal for the front driveshaft.
Its loud......
@e30rapidic thank you for this thread. Quick question, but are you referring to the plug coming off the variocam solenoid here? Any tips on ensuring it is full connected? I threw a 153-something code for bank 2 and fiddled with the connector too and it has been working for me - interesting to come across this thread and see you had the same issue.
@e30rapidic thank you for this thread. Quick question, but are you referring to the plug coming off the variocam solenoid here? Any tips on ensuring it is full connected? I threw a 153-something code for bank 2 and fiddled with the connector too and it has been working for me - interesting to come across this thread and see you had the same issue.
great, glad you got something from it!!
If I recall correctly, I used a flat screwdriver to get a bit of leverage and the plug "clicked" in place.
Finally got the time to get the rear wiper working like it should! Ended up digging through the wiring diagrams and had an epiphany of sorts. Since I had already ran all the wires, I just needed to tie the constant power, switched power and the ground and voila, a working rear wiper. After locating the BS locations and following the wiring across a few pages, it dawned on me. I could have tapped in power anywhere along the harness but did take everything back to the body splice point to keep it somewhat authentic. For some reason I thought the wiper only did one sweep but turns out mine does two. Chuffed.....
These are the BS locations from the wiring diagram.
One of the splice points removed. I cut up an old e30 connector to get the pins with pigtails.
The splice point is basically a set of jumpers.
Splice point removed for a visual that's it really is just a distribution point.
Next part of the project will be starting soon! Luckily the slave and master cylinders were new and the dual mass flywheel is well within spec. Transmission housing needs a good clean but looks about the same as the engine and tiptronic when I first got the car. Clutch disc was "okay" but pressure plate had some scoring.....so trash pile for them.
After taking an inventory of everything vs. my notes and the parts diagrams, I realized I was missing a couple of bolts and one clip. So ordered them along with a new clutch kit, new brake/clutch switches for good measure and the manual transmission coolant hose. Have a spare booster and brake master cylinder now.
Will try the clutch pedal without the helper spring first and see how it goes. I've scoured through wiring and parts diagrams and ready to tackle this one...
I did find a random spring in the box of stuff, wondering if that's for the brake pedal. I have not investigated it yet.
Ambitious! I'm on my way out to the garage shortly to install new shift cables on the targa. Speaking of which, did I see any in those pics? Maybe in the box of stuff, but they really don't take well to bending that sharply...
@e30rapidic any chance you have a video of the bore score prior to rebuild? And as I've already said, thanks for the thread - great stuff (love the e30 too - we have an '87 and its been running ITB's on the stock M20 for a few years now - great mod I would highly recommend).
I converted my 996.1 from Tip to manual. Not that hard at all. Hydraulic lines were hardest to source. I ended up using a braided line and designed new fittings but would've preferred the OEM lines. Make sure you find the correct year shifter cables and CV axles, I made that mistake! Good luck!
11-19-2021, 10:14 AM
