A Local Build: Carl’s Hardy & Beck BMW 630CSi
Carl’s resto-mod 1977 BMW 630CSi might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s hard to knock the thoroughness of his execution.
Originally the poster BMW E24 6-Series for the tuning outfit Hardy & Beck, Carl came across it in 2009 and fell in love with the car and its history. After completing one of the most comprehensive Z3 M Coupe turbo builds in the country, he trained his sights on the E24, determined to infuse the car with his unique vision.
The idea for the engine is to create the highest-output naturally-aspirated M30, retaining as much of its character while turning everything “up to 11,” so to speak (and hopefully still remaining somewhat streetable). Meticulously prepped, the engine features custom 10.8:1 compression Wiseco pistons and TWM Induction individual throttle bodies (ITBs). The M30’s 2-valve cylinder head has never been known as a paragon of breathing efficiency, but Carl’s build will definitely explore the upper limit of its capabilities.
The interior has been completely overhauled as well, with new seats, upholstery and freshened details. It’s not original, but it all fits together somehow, and it’s special, and that counts for something. Will be following the remainder of the build with interest.
I know this thread is about the 630CSi but DAMN that black turbo M Coupe is sexy! :) I’m not a diehard BMW guy but the M Coupe is definitely one car I would still love to own. And while the styling is already polarizing adding gold wheels probably makes even fewer like it but I love it! I was going to add very similar wheels to my black ’95 Cobra but then decided to sell it.
Anyway, if this build turns out half as well as the Coupe appears to have it will also be a fantastic automobile.
I saw it in the flesh a couple of years ago before he sold it. It truly is magnificent—if Clownshoes are your thing. :) I agree; if the E24 build turns out as well, it’s going to be pretty awesome.
What can I say, I do love me some wagons and hatchbacks! Another vehicle you probably think is hideous that I love is the Ferrari FF. :)
You are correct, sir. Can’t stand the thing. I could take either the awkward proportions or the psychotically-grinning face, but not both. Oi.
I think you have a shooting brake fixation. :)
I think part of my liking of such cars is just that they are different. And especially when they are “different” and unexpectedly fast… a sleeper. Too bad people still want such a pretty penny for the M Coupes, otherwise I might actually have one in my garage. LOVE the dark green exterior with the tan interior combo!
I really like the way he put that one together.
Truth be told, I do have kind of a weird affection for the Z3 M Coupe. BMW definitely went all out with the styling—no compromises. I’ll put it in the “So Wrong It’s Right” category. :)
I hate you for making me look at these again, lol.
Green/Tan reasonably priced:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2002&zip=27540&photosOnly=true&sellerTypes=b&pricesOnly=true&mmt=%5BBMW%5BBMWMCOUPE%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=BMWMCOUPE&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=1999&showcaseOwnerId=0&maxMileage=100000&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=HATCH&minPrice=10000&listingId=333868802&listingIndex=22&Log=0
Looks nice! Buy it! :) A ’99 should have the S52, I believe; easier to tune for boost than the later S54. Heh heh.
I’d have to get rid of my Jeep to pick that up… just can’t do it yet. And the S52 over the S54, if you plan to mod, is also what I have heard.
Honestly what I think I may do for my next “project” is another notchback Foxbody Mustang but I want to do a nice street/track(road course) suspension setup with a nice set of wheels followed by an ’03 – ’04 Cobra drivetrain swap.
I know you don’t care, lol, but something like this:
http://www.ccwheel.com/gallery/FORD/MUSTANG/FOX%20BODY%20(79-93)/Classic/zoomed/02.jpg
Beautiful!
I think that looks great! Love the Foxbody Mustang. For the money, there really isn’t a more “effective” car out there. In other words, you can’t go faster for cheaper.
’03-’04 Cobra drivetrain swap for…IRS setup?
I’ve owned two Foxbody Stangs, both notchbacks, and will own another one one day. I’ve never really loved the hatchbacks, except the ’93 Cobra. Notchbacks are one of the very few Mustang bodies that I actually prefer left bone stock. No body kits, no spoilers, no huge cowl hoods, etc… just beautiful “plain” factory lines.
Sorry, I forget I am not in my usual Mustang/HP-Junky comfort zone here, lol… ’03 – ’04 Cobras (Terminators) have the supercharged, forged internals, DOHC 4.6L engine backed with a T56 6-speed trans. Damn near bullet proof up to 600 – 700 rwhp. Swap the factor Eaton S/C for a Whipple or Kenne Bell, add the appropriate supporting mods and you’ve easily got 600 rwhp in a reliable, driveable, package. I even averaged 23 mpg with my ~625 rwhp Cobra going to Myrtle Beach one year. The IRS would be a maybe. I know that probably seems silly to you. ;)
There’s nothing silly about 625 rwhp, son.
:)
Seriously, notchback Foxbody Mustangs are great cars, and very good looking in a sled-like sort of way. I’ve always been a bit bothered by the way the side mirrors seem too small for the car, but overall I like it a lot. Can’t knock the power and chassis potential, either.
Nope, the power production was definitely not “silly.” :) Unless referring to the silly-grin it put on my face every time I matted the throttle. But I was mostly just referring to the idea of me possibly leaving a solid rear axle in the car over an IRS.
How did he get the M30 12v head to breath better? Currently restoring a 1987 e28 BMW 528i and a couple of pointers on how to push the head to its higher power would be incredible. Im guessing the ITB’s and headers has something to do with it, matched with the wiseco’s forged-ness but what about cam, valves, valve springs and internals (head) basically. Higher compression from 10.8.1 from the stock 8.xx:1? nice steering wheel and lovely build.
Bit of american muscle in its bloodline now.
Good question. My understanding is that there’s little you can do to the head design beyond porting and polishing. I think he intends most of the power gains to come from the ITBs and higher CR.
Have you checked out his site? Might be some pointers there and contact info if you’d like to hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. :) Good luck!