New guy with questions

[RXTurner21]

I am looking fo some ideas and to learn a lot more about the E30 as my knowledge is pretty limited in that subject.


I currently DD a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 with a 2.3l Duratec and Manual 5 speed. Mods are 17" Black Ford Racing Rally wheels, K&N Cold Air Intake, Projector HID 6000K headlights, Magnaflow 2.5" catback Exhaust, Random previous owner lowering springs.
I was hit while i was parked so I have an SVT front bumper to put on and paint with 6000K HID Fogs and also have a set of DGR coilovers so I can go lower and raise it back up for these stupid Michigan winters.
My other car that I used to DD for about 2 years that is now in my garage is a 1987 Toyota Supra NA 5 speed manual No mods at all. 100% original with 69K Original miles. only thing I have done to it is replace the speakers and head unit.

I am looking for something to make into a project. A manual trans thats not FWD. Im thinking BMW but am open to suggestions. I want something I can work on and not have to make sure i get it finished that day. something i came make low and quick and just worry about modding as my budget allows. Would need to be semi reliable. Wont be a DD but needs to not strand me when I drive it.

I really really want an E30 but am not sure if my budget will allow for it. I love the body lines. I wouldnt mind having to do work to the body/ engine to fix it up.


Any suggestions of what to look for or at let me know. Looking forward to learning a lot.
anyways onto the pictures. Only have one current one of the Supra as all of my other pictures are on an External hard drive.

Here is the focus







And then my old 2001 Ford Focus Sedan that i traded because I could not stand driving an Autotragic trans (6000K HID headlights, 2.5" Borla catback Exhaust, Tint, Typhoon Short Ram intake, Eibach Pro kit,Larger ported throttle body, Tom's Tune)

[mr.vang]

welcome. i hope your not planning to angel eyes an e30..

[RXTurner21]

no. Actually im not a big fan of it all the time. they were on the original focus as my projector housings for my HIDs and i just kept them when I got my new focus. much better than HIDs in a stock housing. they are nice on a focus but not an E30

[mr.vang]

be prepare to drive with a dead speedo, high % of cracking the oil pan and leaking steering rack.

[RXTurner21]

For the right car/price i wouldnt mind

[mr.vang]

For the right car/price i wouldnt mind

2-3k for decent one, 4-7k for mint one. take your time and grab one from some old lady. those are usually the unmolested one.

[E30_fiend]

E30s can be had on the cheap. Word of advice, take your time finding one. Dont just jump on the first e30 you find for a decent price.


Taylor

[RXTurner21]

im willing to wait. i need something that isnt a rust bucket and the least molested the better. anything I should really look at when looking at potential cars?

[devon.818]

im willing to wait. i need something that isnt a rust bucket and the least molested the better. anything I should really look at when looking at potential cars?

sometimes a modified car is good. one that has a e36 steering rack, or lowered, or chipped or exhaust work. save some money and let someone else pay for mods.

key things to check:
battery tray and car jack tray in trunk, both are very common to rust, look for any sign of water, lift up carpets. tap the tail lights, look for condensation.
look at headliner closely to tell if there is any water leaking from sunroof.
dont be scared when the engine ticks, m20's do that.
ask about timing belt, maintenance, dont believe them unless they have reciepts or you can see for your self.
see what lights are on inside. check and make sure no steering wheel vibrations(common issue).
4dr's and 2dr's are the exact same length, the 4dr is not bigger.
crack free dash is good, changing those SUCK.



preferably bring someone who knows e30's with you. lots of little things that are common with these cars they will know to look for.