e30 Chassis Stiffness

[demlotcrew]

Eventually, yea. Its not like they explode as soon as you hit 7krpms, but under sustained track time they don't last as long. I guess a swapped E30 isn't as bad if you use the E30 radiator. The E36 radiator will (not can, WILL) break at the upper hose fitting before too long, even on the street.

What?!
Dude, your smoking crack. The m50 is a damn tank on the track. If you change the oil, and keep it cool, it will last forever.

I think Adam is referring to the problems with the hydro lifters collapsing easily, etc. It does happen quite often, and is a concern with M3 or 325 valvetrain.

I don’t think the M3 engine has hydraulic lifters; it uses shims which need to be changed when adjusting valve clearance.

Andrew

[Bryson]

Eventually, yea. Its not like they explode as soon as you hit 7krpms, but under sustained track time they don't last as long. I guess a swapped E30 isn't as bad if you use the E30 radiator. The E36 radiator will (not can, WILL) break at the upper hose fitting before too long, even on the street.

What?!
Dude, your smoking crack. The m50 is a damn tank on the track. If you change the oil, and keep it cool, it will last forever.

I think Adam is referring to the problems with the hydro lifters collapsing easily, etc. It does happen quite often, and is a concern with M3 or 325 valvetrain.

I don’t think the M3 engine has hydraulic lifters; it uses shims which need to be changed when adjusting valve clearance.

Andrew

haha not in the States

we suck.

Eventually, yea. Its not like they explode as soon as you hit 7krpms, but under sustained track time they don't last as long. I guess a swapped E30 isn't as bad if you use the E30 radiator. The E36 radiator will (not can, WILL) break at the upper hose fitting before too long, even on the street.

What?!
Dude, your smoking crack. The m50 is a damn tank on the track. If you change the oil, and keep it cool, it will last forever.

in regards to this, you're giving a little too much credit to the 24v motors. I love them, but they have their fair share of problems. Cooling problems, mainly the radiator, but I've seen oh-so-many overheated 24v motors due to the plastic water pump impeller. Also, I would consider the oil pump nut backing off to be a problem, surely regularly changing fluids would not solve this ;)

overall, m20s seem to have been far more durable with regular maintenance than m50s. That doesn't change the fact that I'd rather attend to the m50s 'problems' and own it over an m20

[Skafrog]

Eh. Use an m20 radiator or an aluminum radiator, tack the oil pump nut and sprocket, and get a metal impeller.
I agree, the plastic end-cap radiator is the worst radiator in existence. I have seen way too many of these leak, even when basically new.

[sweetride01]

BTW, I don't think that many ppl are even aware of what chassis stiffness is as it is a somewhat subjective thing.

I never really understood all the terminology, or what cowl shake was, until I took a ride in a 2001 Mustang Convertible. Man, did that body flex, bend and contort. I can now appreciate "a 30% stiffer body than the last generation".