The BMW-loving guys at Groma Fabrication are no strangers to the Ultimate Street Car Challenge. Last year they showed up with the timeless BMW 2002, although that one was equipped with a stroked 3.2L inline-six engine. The engine may have smoked on the dyno, but the 2002 was all tire smoke as the Groma guys laid waste to the Gross Display of the horsepower test. They were such enthusiastic gung-ho competitors, we decided to do the unheard of and let them back into the USCC for this year.
This E30-chassis BMW 325i is the car that Ed Haroutonian, head honcho at Groma Fabrication, was supposed to bring to last year's USCC. But with a tight schedule before competition, this car wasn't finished in time last year, so the little 2002 took its place. This year, Haroutonian has had setup and adjustment time, as well as the experience of one USCC under his belt.
And don't think that, just because it's not a M3, this 325i isn't packing any heat. Haroutonian has managed to stuff a V-8 engine, out of a '98 BMW 740i, under the hood of this E30. There was no cutting of the body required, although the brake master cylinder had to be relocated further back, under the dashboard. And, as if that wasn't enough, Haroutonian then supercharged it. During one of the initial dyno pulls, this E30 ripped out a clean 300 whp at only 4,000 rpm (redline is 6,500 rpm), at which point the supercharger belt slipped. Even with the supercharger belt issues fixed, this E30 isn't going to lay down the biggest power numbers, not with the USCC filled with boost swilling, turbo monsters. But combine a healthy powerband with the E30's naturally low curb weight, and this car will be a strong contender.
As the purveyor of his own custom fabrication shop, Haroutonian has also integrated a few other tricks into this BMW, his daily driver. There's a fuel cell out back, a custom rear suspension with altered geometry, and a custom rollcage snaking throughout the interior. This 325i may not wow the judges in the car show competition, but its performance will speak for itself.
Haroutonian has every right to be confident in his creation. Having served as a daily commuter, this BMW has seen a lot of tweaking and optimization. Haroutonian is no stranger to Southern California racetracks with this 325i, since Groma Fabrication holds regular track events for its customer base. But one of his greatest strengths this year is that Haroutonian knows this car inside out, and he knows what to adjust in order to gain the maximum advantage at the USCC. Sometimes, a little experience can go a long way.
1989 BMW 325i
Engine
Engine Code: M62 B44
Type: 4,398cc, V-8, aluminum block and heads, DHOC
Internal Modifications: Stock
External Modifications: Custom Rotrex supercharger kit, custom front-mount intercooler, intercooler piping and intake piping, Turbosmart bypass valve, custom headers, exhaust, oil cooler kit, aluminum radiator and custom battery relocation
Engine Management Modifications: Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, Fuel Safe fuel cell, tuned by Split Second
Drivetrain
Layout: Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: BMW 540i six-speed transmission
Suspension
Front: Custom front tower bar, Custom Groma coilovers, five-lug conversion, Ireland Engineering swaybar
Rear: Custom pushrod/bell-crank suspension, Koni coilovers, Eibach springs, Ireland Engineering swaybar
Brakes
Front: Front: Ireland Engineering big brake kit, 13-inch two-piece rotors, Mustang Cobra calipers
Rear: E30 M3 rotors, calipers, pads
External
Wheels: 18-inch, custom
Tires: 235/40/18 (F), 275/35/18 (R) Toyo R888
Body: Stock
Interior: OMP seats, driver's harness, custom roll cage, Momo pedals, BMW 540i gauge cluster
By Joey Leh
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