What does r3v think about a nice little 2002?

[Oly_Schmidt]

I raced a couple of 'em and drove a couple on the street, including a '76. I have to say I like e30s better for both tasks, but thats just me. 2002s are definitely cool looking cars but have some down sides. Rust is always an issue - they weren't galvanized. I quit driving 'em cuz the fuel tank hangs out behind the rear axle, just like a Pinto.

That said, 76 is a good year because the diving board bumpers actually work and the turn signal stalk is on the correct side of the steering column.
M20 is not the way to go with one of these. It involves cutting an already flimsy car. The upgrade to do is an M42. I saw one for sale and it made me think about doing one. Take a peppy 4 banger out of an e30 and drop it in a car that weighs about 500 pounds less and you got something.

[SkiFree]

I'll disagree, In my opinion the M42 is NOT the way to go. I've spent time in both M20 and M42 swapped 02's, the only reason to do it would be to get slightly more power and better fuel economy. The oil pan sits even lower than the M20 one would and more often than not you have to end up modifying the track rod.

The 2002 is a fun car to drive, I believe it's more fun than an E30. Throw an M20 in there (with only cutting one the front radiator support and simply using some very basic tubing) and you've got a BIG smile on your face.


I guess it's a different strokes for different folks kind of thing.

[mikeb23ft]

Gah. A lot of good info here. I don't know whether I should sell my E28 and use all of the money on a body rest for me E30 or get this car. I still haven't seen it in person but I should tomorrow. If she doesn't get in touch with me tomorrow to meet up I'm giving up on it. Not worried about what engine swap would be best, just worried about rust. Rust is my enemy. Rust. I hate rust.

[Jonny Cash]

like stated before all 02's have rust. The trick is look for structural rust. The towers, the frame rail, subframe mounting points etc.

Almost everything is replaceable on the car- rockers, pans etc. So dont get too caught up on what these guys here say. You dont have to go to the grave with the car, a little rust wont prevent you from having fun with it...

[TobyB]

Turbo.

E21/Volvo brakes.

Defrost fan.

oh, yeah, rust...

t

[Turf1600]

Check the frame rail near the pedal box. It's a common rust spot. Also check behind the front fenders where it meets the doors. If it's a sunroof car check the rear frame rails.

76's are good cars. My first car was a siennabraun 76. The emissions stuff is a pain but it's easily removed. Don't be surprised if the shift linkage is mega sloppy. Also expect your seats to shower your carpet with horsehair every time you sit down.

[SteveJ]

Good call on the frame rails for the sunroof cars. You should be able to open the sunroof and pour a little water down each drain hole to see that it comes out.

Sloppy shifters are an easy and satisfying fix. Get in there, do the job once with the right parts and it tightens up like a dream. Same with the pedal box assy.