Is less more for mods?

[NigelStu]

my goals for the 'new' car are:

Function > form

Function > factory - modest performance gains to supplement and improve, focus on handling/brakes, reducing some of the factory compromises.
form = factory - why mess with perfection? Clean look with subtle enhancements.

[BMWgirl11]

My man was talking to me hypothetically. He was telling me if he went into another project (and please know I listen attentively but after a bit my simple mind drifts as it can't comprehend all the mechanic stuff) anyway, he said he would put a certain chevy motor in an e30. I naturally, in my simplistic mind wondered what would then be said of the integrity of the car being an actual "BMW." It would be the BI-model child of a chevy and BMW, correct? With him, I have learned that "LESS" might not mean "LESS WORK." :)

[slaterd]

I'm the same way, I currently don't have an e30 but am looking into the market intensely. Alot of people think that alot of horsepower/this mod, that mod is everything in a car, coming from an 11.9 sec. cobra I have to say that this is completely not true. Yea it was really fast but I felt that the functionality and "security" of performing its main duties was not there. So I believe that a car with a reinforced motor/suspension that can handle anything you throw at it without actually making into a race-car-in-the-making project forever is infinately better.

[a3ternus]

I dont know about you,but for me its always form following function.
I m just too poor to get it right at this point.
So I just fool around knowing that no matter what,my car is worth 1000€.
Plus,all it really needs is a good paintjob and some minor fixes to look factory spec.
So,my answer is : Do what you wanna do.
Some things are right,some are of poor taste,some are just pointless.
N.

[Dean]

More is only better if you're doing the right mods.

My modus operandi would be something like:

1. Interior: Better steering wheel, more supportive seats, short shifter, shift knob.

2. Brakes are always a good upgrade, or at least a good idea to refurbish to stock.

3. Suspension: Coilovers, or springs & shocks, sway bars, strut braces, poly bushes.

4. Wheel selection to suit tyre choice.

5. LSD & C&P to suit driving style.

6. Power.

This was my list when I built my E36 328iSE saloon for track work.

The only thing I agree, is wheels as long as not ridiculous and untasteful to the style of the car should be considered. I'd run a set of Rota Grids or JDM lightweight wheels on an E30, IF they suited the tone of the car!

A BMW that looks like it fell out of the fast and the furious is what gives true entusiasts a bad name!!! OEM look exterior and the engine and interior whatever you feel you want! BMW's make one hell of a sleeper car, especially a box shaped E30 with an M52 2.8 running on 15'' BBS one piece OEM wheels and chrome body!!!

[Roysneon]

I always have to laugh at the retards who talk shit about low/stanced cars and say they're all about function over form. What's the point of building a street car with lots of power and great handling unless you plan to drive like an asshole on the street? My cars have always been a balance between street car and track days, so that I can understand, but if you're not taking your car to the track, why do you need a car capable of doing what would be illegal on the streets?

[devon.818]

I wouldn't doubt that in a while M50 swapped cars will be worth less than a (modified) M20 car.

my modified m20 sedan(rebuilt head with a cam) i'd say is still worth less than a modified 24v e30. think of all the TIME spent in the swap, thing about how much more reliable the m50 is, easier to work on and no timeing belt!

if i saw two e30's, one with a 24v swap and one with a m20, both for the same price, or the m20 a few hundred less...i would go with the 24v.



as for modding. i have done dumb things. cheap speakers, overly high powered subs that overpower sound, headers and exhuast on the m20, intake. i owned a riced out e30 and god was it a horror, granted i liked it over any honda i saw but still.

so yes less is more, but dont think you should keep it stock, remember, there have been imporvements since the 80's.

think e36 steering rack, 24v swap, big brake kit or 5lug swap, head unit to play CD's and ipod hook ups, HID or some euro lights, CUP HOLDERS! e36 center console and/or switches, remote lock/start. push button start.

all cool things that dont subtract from the sex appeal of an e30. now wheels/spoilers/and sideskirts can go either way. zender or alpina look great, some cars can pull off these while others can't.

you have to personify the car and see what will keep its character.

my .02

[BMWgirl11]

Cap and rotor, timing belt, tires, new seats to replace torn ones, fuel pump, new radiator, plugs, BIG CLEANING of engine-bay, shine up the valve cover and throw on my own pinstripe . . . . all stock - all BMW! Classic and authentic, so is there anything better as far as function goes (except my chevy)? Maybe some pink dice ;)

[Court M3]

Going for the OEM+ theme on my car. Henna repaint, moonroof, cd43,16" Alpina rims, and S50. Other than that not much else is going on.

[frankenbeemer]

I always have to laugh at the retards who talk shit about low/stanced cars and say they're all about function over form. What's the point of building a street car with lots of power and great handling unless you plan to drive like an asshole on the street? My cars have always been a balance between street car and track days, so that I can understand, but if you're not taking your car to the track, why do you need a car capable of doing what would be illegal on the streets?

I thought the point was: "You're driving it on the street, why stance it so it rides and handles like a Neon?" :-P You don't have to drive like an asshole to enjoy a more powerful, better handling car. The really slammed stuff strikes me as more of the "hey, look at me!" mentality that brought us "pants below the ass" style. I confess, I do look at some of the low cars with envy, but it has it's drawbacks.