Basura Blanco Racing - an evolving fleet

Glad I am not the only one with the cash envelope trip. Works most of the time. Unless they don't respond.  

A manual 128 is high on my list for the next car to add to my fleet. 

The shop recently turned 6 years old.  The Barrina LED lights pretty much all began failing right at the same time. They’d each lose one of their two rows of LEDs.  I just got them all replaced a few weeks ago and then the 84” Amazon fan failed.   I upgraded to this 96” unit for just over $200 and it pushes a LOT more air than my old one!

Is the 96" fan from Amazon too? Looking for a large fan or two to put in my new shop.

In reply to untchabl :

It sure is. 
96” Amazon fan

If the 128 actually happens, I might have a set of apex arc-8s for you.  I don't see the z3 is going back to track mode any time soon.

ojannen said:

If the 128 actually happens, I might have a set of apex arc-8s for you.  I don't see the z3 is going back to track mode any time soon.

Thanks Jeremiah!  But if I can manage to bring one home, I’m really digging the look of the 135i 5-spokes or some Kosei K1s.  Speaking of 135s, their prices seem weirdly low, like right in line with 128s.  I’m sure it’s because of their horrendous reliability reputation.  

Kosei K1's look great on everything IMO.

What?!

oh….

guy had sent me the below photo claiming this is what caused the rebuilt title. 

I was still considering it for a bit after seeing the real damage.  lol. 

Did you end up buying it?

dyintorace said:

Did you end up buying it?

I did not.  Wasn’t comfortable with a car that had sustained that much damage and an intentionally deceitful seller.  
 

so I drove to Alabama for this 128

In reply to Lof8 - Andy :

Excellent!

So the 128 manuals are pretty few and far between.  The 2 or 3 listed in Florida over the last few weeks all seem to be owned by people who "know what theyve got".  The one I picked up was thousands less than any I've seen near me.  After driving nearly 9 hours to the meetup spot (a dimly lit gas station on a dark windy road, an hour after sunset), I gave it a look over using my cellphone light.  I had the owner take me for a little test ride, since I was not at all familiar with these dark roads.  He seemed to be trying to impress me with his aggressive driving and heel-toe downshifts.  This was not at all necessary, but after a few minutes, I was convinced the car was not a total pile of crap.  I loaded the car on the trailer, gave him an envelope, and headed home.  I usually would stop at a hotel or rest stop for some sleep on a trip like this, but I was feeling pretty good and pushed on through the night (the only time Florida highways don't suck ass).  I got home about 5am.

The car's got an aftermarket exhaust system with headers.  It’s a bit too loud and raspy for my taste.  It’s got a DISA intake manifold, but seller says ecu has not been flashed for it.  It’s got a chassis mounted short shifter that I don't particularly like - I'd prefer the oem mechanism.  I was hoping the coilovers listed in the ad were something more high-end than the Raceland units I found on it, but they actually ride pretty decently.  And after seeing the wheels in person, I like them a bit more than the photos.  They have a bit of a convex face that is kind of cool.  Much of the interior has been swapped around from other cars.  It needs tires pretty badly.  The paint shows its age in some places and the hood has some pretty significant flaws.  I got it on the lift and saw new engine and trans mounts and nothing too concerning.  And the best part....ice cold a/c!

So this was kind of a "low budget" purchase and my plan is to de-rice it a bit and keep the upgrades pretty low budget as well, since its not likely to stay with me very long.  It reminds me of a more modern version of the e30 I played with nearly 20 years ago.  If I really fall in love with the chassis, I'd probably keep my eyes open for a cleaner example to put rmore significant effort into.  This one will get tires, some exhaust re-work, and a new shifter.  Hopefully not much more than that.

It does look decent. Any interior photos to share?

Only this one at the moment.  Interior color was originally tan. Door cards are from a red interior car.  I’d like to find all black ones. The seats are good condition manual comfort (non sport) seats. 

If you can find a set of sport seats, grab them. The non-sport seats are awful!

I got a tag and some fresh tires on the car yesterday and, man, is it really a nice comfortable place to be.  It’s quite spacious for how small the car is.  It’s very torquey and smooth.   I’m more impressed than I thought I’d be.  Even the shifter and exhaust are growing on me.  Maybe the only thing I’ll do to it is a tune to maximize the intake manifold and get rid of the seat belt/airbag lights.  It’s also got a 3.73 diff from an automatic car.  It basically makes 1st gear useless but starting in 2nd is easy enough.   

to be honest, it might be a better fit for this garage slot (a comfortable gt cruiser sports car (with a/c!)) than the miata.  But I’ll reserve that determination until I get the miata back.  Someday.
 

  Bryan told me today there are 2 cars in front of mine in the line to get on the lift and get attention.  How is that berkeleying possible?   Those owners have been waiting for longer than 3 months?!?

They really are great cars! And I agree with your comment about being pretty spacious. Another cool thing is a lot of the e9x M3 suspension components are direct bolt-ons. So the trick control arms, etc can be added with ease! And the tuning to take advantage of the intake manifold swap REALLY wakes up the car. Lastly, get some sport seats! The flat bottom stock seats are AWFUL!

That’s a fun car! Is it a slick top? 

In reply to dyintorace :

There’s a set of sport seats for sale two towns south for $100. But they’re electric (heavy).  Might have to grab em just to see what’s up.  
 

edit: they’re sold :(

OHSCrifle said:

That’s a fun car! Is it a slick top? 

It’s got a sunroof.   But I don’t mind it.  Kind of convertible-like without the drawbacks. 

Read mine and @Roninsoldier’s 128 stories for inspiration and cautionary tales. If you wrench on your own stuff it shouldn’t get too crazy. 

With all due respect, if they are putting people in front of you on the list, you’re being too nice to them. You deserve better service than this!

In reply to budget_bandit :

You’re not wrong, but there are two reasons I’m not blowing up at them.  First, it’s not really in my nature to react to any situation that way.  Second, I do not want them to rush my car to get it off their plate.  The last thing I need after a 3 month wait is a half assed job.  I’d rather wait 4 months for the car and *hopefully* have it done thoroughly.  They have stopped booking new work until the backlog is completed. 
 

part of the function of this bmw is to keep me distracted from the miata and fab9 bullE36 M3. 

A bit of a rough/emotional morning today, as we’re moving my Dad into a memory care facility.  I spotted this 2020 Porsche Profile magazine in his pile of stuff to move with a note on the cover.   He’s been signing me up as his complimentary family member of the Porsche club since I was 8 years old. ❤️

Sorry to hear about your dad, but boy what a great memory and gesture your dad did for you!