Hey there E30 fanatics. I'm going to introduce myself simultaneously as my WTB post. I've been lurking for some time pondering what direction I was going to head next. What an impressive community! Reminds me of the '70s Honda single overhead cam motorcycle forum (CB550 and CB750) which was my previous garage obsession (before kids).
I love how helpful the veterans are helping the newbies. Makes me confident in my decision to dive down the E30 rabbit hole.
I've owned a couple E39 M5s and recently sold my '16 M4 to be a responsible adult and buy my first home with my wife. This has left a gaping horsepower hole in my soul that I desperately need to fill.
I've decided that a swapped E30 is the perfect balance of character, driver's experience, quickness, maintainability, etc that won't debilitate my bank account to acquire or work on. I've logged many a track day in each of my previous bimmers and although that's not out of the question, the car will mostly be used for weekend canyon cruises.
I know there is a wide spectrum of the skill of the mechanic (no offence to the weekend DIYer) and thereby the quality of end-result of a swap, but I'd really like an example that's been done by a professional. I'm most concerned with mechanical soundness, smoggability, driving experience, reliability, and a nice straight body. I want my wife to be able to jump in and enjoy it as well without giving it a second thought.
My list of needs:
$15k budget (preferably less)
S50B30 or S52B32 (or even S54 if possible)
Coupe
No 'vert
MT (duh)
BAT CA legal and smoggable
Relatively low mileage donor motor or recent rebuild
Clean title
No rust (patina is fine)
Straight body
Functioning gauges and electronics
My list of wants:
Grey, black, or blue exterior
Tasteful exterior mods (euro light conv., IS/M3 decklid and airdam, etc)
AC
Clean interior, intact dash
Recaros
Short throw weighted shifter
Properly tuned coilover suspension, "daily driver" spring rates
Swaybars/strut tower bars
Weight balanced
5 Lug swap
Upgraded braking
I'm the first to admit I'm a total rookie when it comes to the subtle differences between model years, swap and donor options, mods, etc, so am very open to suggestions and recommendations if I appear to be barking up the wrong tree. I'm also open to finding a good donor car and motor and having a local shop do the install if it can be done reasonably. Thanks in advance for any leads or suggestions. I'm excited to join the community!
I love how helpful the veterans are helping the newbies. Makes me confident in my decision to dive down the E30 rabbit hole.
I've owned a couple E39 M5s and recently sold my '16 M4 to be a responsible adult and buy my first home with my wife. This has left a gaping horsepower hole in my soul that I desperately need to fill.
I've decided that a swapped E30 is the perfect balance of character, driver's experience, quickness, maintainability, etc that won't debilitate my bank account to acquire or work on. I've logged many a track day in each of my previous bimmers and although that's not out of the question, the car will mostly be used for weekend canyon cruises.
I know there is a wide spectrum of the skill of the mechanic (no offence to the weekend DIYer) and thereby the quality of end-result of a swap, but I'd really like an example that's been done by a professional. I'm most concerned with mechanical soundness, smoggability, driving experience, reliability, and a nice straight body. I want my wife to be able to jump in and enjoy it as well without giving it a second thought.
My list of needs:
$15k budget (preferably less)
S50B30 or S52B32 (or even S54 if possible)
Coupe
No 'vert
MT (duh)
BAT CA legal and smoggable
Relatively low mileage donor motor or recent rebuild
Clean title
No rust (patina is fine)
Straight body
Functioning gauges and electronics
My list of wants:
Grey, black, or blue exterior
Tasteful exterior mods (euro light conv., IS/M3 decklid and airdam, etc)
AC
Clean interior, intact dash
Recaros
Short throw weighted shifter
Properly tuned coilover suspension, "daily driver" spring rates
Swaybars/strut tower bars
Weight balanced
5 Lug swap
Upgraded braking
I'm the first to admit I'm a total rookie when it comes to the subtle differences between model years, swap and donor options, mods, etc, so am very open to suggestions and recommendations if I appear to be barking up the wrong tree. I'm also open to finding a good donor car and motor and having a local shop do the install if it can be done reasonably. Thanks in advance for any leads or suggestions. I'm excited to join the community!
Comment