318 or 325...which to get for project car?

[tofubento]

I hope this is in the correct location, if not I will delete it. Sorry mods.

Okay, so I am looking into getting a new project car come dec. To make it short and simple, I still love drifting after all these years and want to build up an e30 for such shenanigans. I know i can get a rather inexpensive...but needs some work...318(dont remember what it is) 2dr.Most 325is around here , sans diving board, are about 1.2-1.5k.

Let me get back on topic, which would be better to build for drifting, taking into account suspension options, motor options, last but not least...style options. I would love to hear feedback on either of the 2model/year types from those that have built them for track, drift, or just around town fun cars.

[Balleristic31]

Looks and suspension wise they are basically identical. I'd probably get a 325 for drift cause they are better for boosting.

[tofubento]

Boosing is fun, but i am debating about doing a swap and going NA, almost everything ive had has been boosted...but not sure. Maybe i should go with the 318 due to cost diff and the money i save i could throw motor/brake/suspension direction?

[Dj Buttchug]

318 is actually going to cost you more, unless your getting an early model m10 car.

[Balleristic31]

I usually see 318s go for more $ than 325s most of the time. Just saying

Edit god dang it ryan beat me to it.

[tofubento]

I think the 318 is an 84 or 85. I am still learning as much as i can about e30s, i come from drift cars...so i have that bit plus learning bmws as well cramming my head.

[blefevre]

An 84 318 will be the lightest car to start with. In the end, if you are going to swap the car it really doesnt matter which one you pick.

[tofubento]

What about suspension setup? an early model 318 i shouldnt have much of a problem finding aftermarket/junk yard bits to have it handle better correct?

[davem]

What about suspension setup? an early model 318 i shouldnt have much of a problem finding aftermarket/junk yard bits to have it handle better correct?

They have a different suspension than a 325/325e/325i/M42 318I - but you can grab the suspension of a parts car/wrecker.

[tofubento]

after reading everything posted so far, i am going to just grab a 325is and run with it. Prefer a later model one. Thanks for the input guys!

[idanity]

the <1987 325's have the largest rear wheel wells, or deepest...maybe lowest too...point is, you can fit fatter meats in the older models than in newer models...

[Farbin Kaiber]

early 318i will need a drum to disc brake swap in the rear, and a front strut housing swap up front. But it's lighter.

[idanity]

early 318i will need a drum to disc brake swap in the rear, and a front strut housing swap up front. But it's lighter.

yeah...
and to add...search and search for a slick top if you can.

[Jalves619]

If you're thinking of swapping to a 24v motor consider as well that it might be easier to BS an emissions place if the car originally came w/ a 6 cylinder.

[Jafxod]

Find the cheapest car you can get. Find the cheapest m50 you cant, swap it up and have a bangin drift car for under 2k