Time to upgrade!

[AllseeingE30]

Hi there! I have a 87 320e and im trying to make this car completely restored but first i want to have some fun with it.
Iv installed a K&N air filter and a limited slip differential and when I bought the car it already had a ecu chip in it but I cant remember what kind. I want to pour money into this thing!
What id like to know is the best possible upgrades for this car. Iv done alot of research but havent been able to find a actual list of good upgrades or certanty of upgrades that are worth it. I really appreciate all the help
i can get, thanks!

[Swanny]

Suspension. Refresh it all.

Then quickest m20 upgrade would be an 885 head, intake, wiring, crank pulley, sensors, and ecu. Perfect set up to go turbo.

Or m30, m5x, s5x swap. Depends on how much you want to spend and how much work you want to do yourself!

[mr.vang]

Google is your best friend

[Kozworth]

If you wanted to keep something lowkey and get the best outta your eta, I would say just keep it running tip top. Valve adjustment, smoke test and repair any future or current intake leaks, just the basics.

I am not a fan of the I head. While it is very basic, I feel its not worth the effort or money. You "have to" and by have to I mean its really better for na, swap the pistons. Which while your in there can get expensive getting all bottom end parts, machining, etc. Not to mention the cost of the head gasket components, head resurf, pcm and wiring, etc etc etc.

I am also not a huge fan of the m5x because I feel the m20 is such a badass engine and keeps the feel of the e30 there, I would only vote for an m30 in this case. Its a tank, and not really too expensive when I looked into it.

[Swanny]

Youre right about the early model e motors and swapping pistons to raise compression. Its a fantastically cheap swap since you only need to swap out the top end. If youre doing a timing belt ab water pump its worth it it just get all that done at the same time. Its perfect for a turbo and getting a reground cam.

M30 is also fantastic if you want a whole new motor. Had the privilege to drive F34r's new m30 swap and that thing is a BEAST. I'm actually a little scared for when he gets a turbo. That thing could barely keep 9 inch wide wheels planted when i was shifting mid powerband.