new list member with some ?'s

["balance" <BALANCEPERF@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,

  I am new to the list, and thought I'd jump right in with some tech questions.

I have an 81 528i. Love the car, but after 210,000 miles it needs some 
service.
I t is due for -
Exhaust, shocks, control arms bushings, and wheels.
(among other things.)

So the questions I have are-
Exhaust-
can i have a special single pipe made to replace the expensive 
dual pipe set-up? has any one done this?
Shocks-
how hard are the fronts to do? (I will be using Bilsteins)
Control arm bushings-
Going to be doing these at the same time as the shocks (of course)
how hard are these? Again, any experience?

I am looking to replace my tired wheels/tires.
they are presently stock "bottle caps" I dont like the way the fronts sit so far in,
like they are the wrong offset. 
Experience?
Does anyone have any good, but inexpensive wheels/tires FS?
I don't want to spend too much, as the car is used ALOT, and living in Buffalo
one encounters his share of potholes! I would prefer 15", but am open.


   Thanks,

    Percy.

PS-
Dave Varco, if you are out there, it's in the mail!

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