Suggestion for Repairs By Budget

[Chimi]

Hi All,

I'm new to the E30 scene an starting to dive into some of the DIY stuff for a car. I thought it would be a good idea if some of the more knowledgeable members could provide their input on what they think the best components to replace/repair would be to bring any old E30 up to DD status. I have seen this thread: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=259828 but there is no sense of prioritization for the components that not only fail frequently but are more critical to have in goo shape.

Specifically, I thought it would be handy to have a list that shows what parts/maintenance you should first attend to when working with different budgets.

For example:
$500 Budget
- Timing Belt + Water Pump and Thermostat + Cam/Crankshaft Seals (+ New Radiator Hoses if necessary) + Accessory Belts
- Valve Cover Gasket + Valve Adjustment
- Distributor + Rotor + Plug Wires + Spark Plugs
- Fluid Changes: Radiator, Brakes, Transmission, Diff, etc.
This should round out to about $500 for parts and seems to hit some of the necessary components

$1000 Budget
In addition to the $500 budget, maybe things like
- Center support bearing
- Guibo
- Brake Lines, Fuel Lines, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pump
- Rubber bushings

$2000 Budget
- Maybe suspension overhaul

I don't intend this to be the list because my knowledge of these cars is minimal; I'm still learning. I understand that there is a lot of variability in car condition when purchased, but speaking generally, there are still things that need attention more than others. I'd appreciate your input on what the common, disastrous failure modes that lead to expensive repairs that we'd all like to avoid (i.e. timing belt snapping, engine overheating, etc.) are and which ones are high priority for having a reliable DD.

[jlevie]

Don't think budget, think priorities and along those lines:

Timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and fan clutch
All cooling system hoses, radiator, expansion tank, and cap
Valve adjustment, gasket, and bungs
Rebuild all calipers, all soft lines, fresh pads (& maybe new rotors), and flush the brake system
Ignition wires, plugs, and distributor
Injector rebuilds and a smoke test of the engine
Motor, transmission, and differential mounts
All suspension bushings, upper shock/strut mounts, control arms, tie rods, shock & struts
Shifter rebuild

Just start at the top and work down. I would consider all but the last three to be immediate action items

[Chimi]

That seems like a pretty solid order. Where would you put driveshaft component maintenance/replacement -- guibo, CSB, ujoints/replacement, etc? I'm worried that if that kind of component fails, it could be very expensive.

Also, the suspension components are pretty low on the list; are there any safety issues to consider leaving it for late if it seems like they've never been touched on the car?

[dunkm]

The guibo and other driveshaft parts will audibly warn you that they are going bad and can be replaced when you head the thud or feel the vibration. Since you can drive around with them in fairly crappy condition it doesn't really make this list.

As far as suspension goes, you need to determine that yourself. Usually e30s suspension fail the same way their driveshafts do, slowly and very audibly. The only thing I would say needs to be added to the list of required would be the rear shock mounts.

[Andy.B]

I would put brakes and suspension/alignment wear items first. If I'm sharing the road with you, I don't care if you can go fast. Hell, I don't care if you can go period. I just want you to be able to control and stop your car. A snapped timing belt will cost you a cylinder head. A blown brake line or broken tie rod end can cost you (or others) their life.