The Hydraulics

The M3 has three distinct hydraulic systems. One is for the brakes, one is for the power steering system, and the third is for the clutch. While the brakes are nice and distinct from the engine the power steering and the clutch are more integral. I have, however, moved forward with getting things hooked up.

I have mounted the BMW power steering pump in the ford bracket by grinding out a larger hole which the BMW pump can "pass through." Then, using a few of the factory bolt holes, mounted an aluminum plate to which the BMW pump attaches. The pulley for the BMW pump-pulley lined up perfectly. i will need to have a new hose made because the factory BMW power-steering line is way goofy. Essentially, the Germans routed the hose up-over-and-around the factory motor mount.

What has seemed imminently more difficult was the clutch. I have a hydraulic TurboCoupe bellhousing. Unlike the Capri, which used a clutch cable, both the M3 and the 1987-1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe used a hydraulic clutch-actuation mechanism. Most factory hydraulic clutches use a similar fitting that would be found on a brake line. In Ford's infinite wisdom, they used a special hydraulic fitting. For a bonus, the only type of line they ever attached to that fitting is a non-serviceable vinyl line.

Luckily, the gentlemen at Custom Hose Tech in Bloomington, MN, are unafraid of such strange fittings. They are fixing me up with a hose that will allow me to create a BMW-pedal-to-Ford-clutch adapter. As soon as I have this line, I'll finish up a few smaller details with the power steering pump and get a line for it. That will complete the all the hydraulics and allow me to move on to the electronics and intercooler plumbing.