New to Rev - Need Build Advice

[Zekerbox]

I'm not new to BMW's but new to the e30 scene. I know a lot about E39's (I have an 01 E39 M5) but not as much as I would like about E30's. After the last few years of driving schools in my M5 I've come to the conclusion its just too expensive to race. Last year I bent a fender on the race track due to a low tire and aggressive tire fitment.

I recently picked up an E30 project. I want to turn it into my AutoX/Track Car. My first concern in looking for a platform was I didn't want to do body work! I hate body work. I'm not a welder or a painter so rusty, beat up body is not an option. I found an 85 325e with original paint in Alpinblau Metallic that runs and drives (but needs a lot of work to be driveable safely).Original Cloth interior in good condition with Cloth sport seats. The engine has 280k on the ticker and is a 3 owner car. I snagged the car for $750 bucks.

My goal is ultimately to have a good reliable track car that I can afford to put on the track every chance I get!

Initial Plans are:
Complete suspension refresh
Possible M50 swap (I have a line on a running 525i 92' doner car for $400)
Wheels and tires


Any advice or directions on priorities or direction to go would be advise. Anything I should know or take into consideration with this car?

Thanks! And I look forward to documenting my build here.

[ELVA164]

Just as a heads-up, the 525i has the M20 as far as I know. If you don't swap the motor, you'll need to do a timing belt and water pump first, followed by a full fluid flush and change (that includes brake/clutch), replacement of all brake hoses, probably a full brake caliper/rotor/pad replacement (or rebuild the calipers if you're so inclined), a smoke test to find--not check for--intake leaks, probably a good look at all suspension bushings, the sway bar end links are probably shot, and that should get you on your way. To add some "pep" to the 2.7, you can add an aftermarket chip, swap the differential for a 3.64, 3.73, or 3.91 (but I'd think the 3.9 would be a bit short), or even do some research on the "2.7i" conversion if you don't mind some engine work.

Also, welcome! :)

[Zekerbox]

Just as a heads-up, the 525i has the M20 as far as I know. If you don't swap the motor, you'll need to do a timing belt and water pump first, followed by a full fluid flush and change (that includes brake/clutch), replacement of all brake hoses, probably a full brake caliper/rotor/pad replacement (or rebuild the calipers if you're so inclined), a smoke test to find--not check for--intake leaks, probably a good look at all suspension bushings, the sway bar end links are probably shot, and that should get you on your way. To add some "pep" to the 2.7, you can add an aftermarket chip, swap the differential for a 3.64, 3.73, or 3.91 (but I'd think the 3.9 would be a bit short), or even do some research on the "2.7i" conversion if you don't mind some engine work.

Also, welcome! :)

Thanks for the welcome! Its actually a 93' 525i and as far as I know its the non vanos M50 in those. I don't really want an M30 as they are much heavier. From what I've been reading the M50 is very close to the same weight as the M20b27 and shouldn't change the car's handling much if any. I found this thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...highlight=327i and I'm assuming this is what you meant by 2.7i mod?

I may just leave the 2.7 for now. I know my driving skills aren't good enough to need a lot of HP lol.

[ELVA164]

Thanks for the welcome! Its actually a 93' 525i and as far as I know its the non vanos M50 in those. I don't really want an M30 as they are much heavier. From what I've been reading the M50 is very close to the same weight as the M20b27 and shouldn't change the car's handling much if any. I found this thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...highlight=327i and I'm assuming this is what you meant by 2.7i mod?

I may just leave the 2.7 for now. I know my driving skills aren't good enough to need a lot of HP lol.

Oh, okay. Just wanted to make sure!

Yep, that's what I meant. I don't have any personal experience with it but it seems that a well-done head and wiring swap plus a chip from someone like SSSquid on here seems to make a pretty noticeable difference while keeping pretty much all OEM stuff. But if you'll keep the motor the same (besides that maintenance stuff I mentioned!) I'd definitely look into at least a different final drive. I'd think the 3.64 or even a 3.25 would be a good improvement, since I'm pretty sure that car has a 2.79 right now. Obviously aim for a LSD if you do decide to swap.

[agent]

I did something similar to what you're describing. Check Lola's build thread, linked in my sig.

[Zekerbox]

I did something similar to what you're describing. Check Lola's build thread, linked in my sig.

Will do! Thanks

Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk

[Zekerbox]

I'm looking for a good deal on a 3.64 but I think they aren't easy to find.

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[ELVA164]

They are less common, only came in the 7 series. Look into either a 3.25 or 3.73. The 3.73 is the most common of the three.

[Zekerbox]

Anyone run the 3.73 on a stock eta? Opinions?

Too short gearing?

[ELVA164]

Just did some quick reading and it sounds like a 3.25 with a chip is the way to go, no shorter unless you do the head swap.

[Zekerbox]

Just did some quick reading and it sounds like a 3.25 with a chip is the way to go, no shorter unless you do the head swap.

Ya the gears would be pretty short over 3.25 I would think.