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Between the engine goals and potential cornering loads (Hoosiers + full aero), a dry sump oiling system was decided early on.
Ryan test fit an oil settling tank we had from another project under the M3's dash, but it just wasn't the right place for this chassis (it will go in the back seat area instead). Then the tedious job of removing the steering column, HVAC box, and dash assembly was tackled. Its all gotta come out for cage work...
This outer dash skin came out cleanly and will be reinstalled after the cage is built. The steel OEM dash bar structure was removed and will be replaced with a horizontal tube, connected under the "skin" of the dash, to joint the front of the roll cage. We will have to replicate a lot of these little hidden brackets to hold the top skin of the dash in place afterwards, but that's how you save more pounds - little bits at a time.
The front windshield and back glass came out next. Since we planned to re-use the front windshield (it was un-pitted and perfect) we hired a professional windshield installer to remove these two pieces of glass. This allows more access to build the roll cage as well as roof panel removal (more on that below).
After the dash structure and skin came out, this giant rats nest of wires (above left) was left behind. Yes the main body wiring harness was completely removed. We would have to pare this down so far that it makes more sense to replace it with a more streamlined, custom built chassis wiring harness. This harnesses was later weighed and it came to
49.4 pounds of wire, just from behind the firewall. This includes the giant cluster of wires under the dash, under the carpet, and in the trunk area.
The engine bay was already partially stripped, as this car had no drivetrain or engine wiring harness when we bought it. But the rest of the underhood clutter had to come out, as nothing OEM was being re-used up there.
The brake and clutch master cylinders, brake booster, ABS module, brake hard lines, and all sorts of plastic panels were removed and scrapped. At this point the engine bay was mostly stripped but even more brackets and panels would be removed later.
Many of the old parts were stored on a wire shelving unit. This way anything we need to re-use is kept together with the rest of the customer's parts. These can be rolled away and stored when not needed.
At this point the interior looks pretty barren. But we're not stopping here. No, NO! WE NEED MOAR!!!
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