Ideas for my Bavaria (ignition, fuel pump, fender flares)

[BillyDee]

-1976 Bavaria- with a 3.2 transplant-

So ive got some ideas for getting a little more love out of my Bavaria. I noticed the distributor is a point ignition, the fuel pump is a large mechanical device powered by the crank and my rear quarter panel on the passenger side makes baby buddah cry with the amount of rust it carries along the wheel well.

Here are my ideas.

1) Replace point system with a magnetic distributor system. I did this once my first car (1976 Scirrocco )and I was quite pleased with the results. Is there something perhaps better than the magnet system? Perhaps there is a junk yard part I could aquire that fits my system? (geniune BMW parts are always preffered are they not?)

2) Replace the fuel pump with an electric one. Again I did this on my Scirrocco with slightly noticable results. Same thought..aftermarket? Or is it possible I can get an electric fuel pump from a slightly newer model that still fits my motor?

3) Cut away the fender flare and attach on both sides after market fender flares. In my minds eye I envision the large white fender flares that have the rivets visible. Kinda like what you might find on a touring car. Where can I find such flares that will actually fit my car?

Thanks in advnace for any help...


-In love with a bucke...er bavaria-

[BillyDee]

ugh..these forums are empty.

Or maybe no one has any advice?

/cry

[kdanie]

Well, there is not much traffic on this board. I try to come by once a week or so... I don't know much about the m30 engines but it's pretty much like my m10's with 2 more cylinders...

I do know there were electronic distributors on the newer 5 and 7 series cars. Probably hall effect which is just as good or better than magnetic triggered. You will need the electronic ignition box to go with the distributor.

The mechanical fuel pump does not draw noticable hp. An electric fuel pump wouldn't hurt though. What carbs are you running? Webers don't like more than 3-4psi fuel pressure, most aftermarket fuel pumps provide 6psi or slightly more-you will need a fuel pressure regulator to ensure you don't get too much fuel pressure. Once BMW went to fuel injection the electric fuel pumps provide WAY too much pressure.

Fender flares?? I have never seen any specifically for the Bavaria. You could likely trim some for a 2002 to fit.

ken

[BillyDee]

Thanks for the reply.

In the end the car is actually fuel injected so the pumps are electronic. Seems an owner before me decided to drop what seems to be a 82' 528e motor into the thing.

Strange thing is that the ignition is still a point system, which as I understand leaves a heap of room for improvement.

Now if im using an electronic system from say another 5 series wouldnt I have to pretty much swap out the whole distributor system?

Where do people find these 2002 fender flares I keep seeing? Google searches have me all over the place but never finding what Im really looking for. :/

[Keith M]

Nice find for $ 200.
A friend bought flares for his race e30 at MA Shaw www.mashaw.com
Not sure if they will have what you are looking for.

Keith

[kdanie]

Ireland Engineering and Korman sell flares. Yes, I think you would have to swap the entire distributor if you want OEM parts. Petronix may have an electroinic ignition conversion kit.

ken