Might want to be getting into e30's

[m94griffin]

Hello, my names michael ive been lurking on these forums a bit and i am really inspired by some of the turbo builds and they look like they are a very cheap and efficient way to gain power on these cars. If i got one i'd be looking for a m20 and would want to build a turbo setup for it.

My question is what are some things i should look for/avoid in these cars if i go to look at one.(Most likely after airforce basic training)

Im 18 i have a decent amount of expirence with sr20 s13, 5.0 foxbody, civics random cars of my friends and i had a 328i e46 (sold)

[Nairb]

Welcome.

What part of Florida are you in?

Turbo m20 are nice, but personally I would just swap a nice s50/s52 (e36 M3 engine) and call it a day. If swapped properly, they are dead nuts reliable, with an occasional VANOS problem here and there, but they can be quite fun. However, they are nowhere near as cheap as a turbo setup on an m20, which is what you are looking for... just my 2 cents.

[m94griffin]

Brevard, not for long though

[Mr. Tasty]

once you go e30, you never go black. wut

[mikes325ix]

e30s the the shit now every one wants one:D

[ELVA164]

e30s the the shit now every one wants one:D

And they should! :D

[NomadE30]

e30s the the shit now every one wants one:D

E30's have always been the shit, and everyone has always wanted one.

[e30Villain]

be warned, e30's are a serious addiction.

[m94griffin]

i cant wait to get one.... but to the original question are there certain things that i should look for/avoid when it comes time to look at buying one??

[frankie591]

know how many doors you want.
know what motor you want, and if you want a turbo/swap or something.
know what colour you want.
know whether you want an early or late model.

These are all things that are pretty difficult to change, so know what you want, and look till you find one that agrees with you.

[m94griffin]

late model, color doesnt really matter as long as its clean, m20b25 plan on doing turbo setup myself

[F34R]

once you go e30, you never have money. wut

Fixed

[ohthejosh]

Good introduction, you don't sound like a goofball 18 yr old this board is use to. Goodluck with your endeavor. We have plenty of quality information for you on this board and sponsors for practically any and every part you would need.

[evandael]

be warned, e30's are a serious addiction.

Fixed

QFTMFT. i have a huge project underway and yet i'm still considering buying another e30. priority failure.



OP, just look for rust on the rockers and valances, then buy the one you want. if you're starting a project, you'll likely replace anything anyway. since you're in FLA, go turbo for sure. 15 psi on a refreshed stock block M20 on Megasquirt will net you around 300whp.. for around $4K. hellzyeah.

[ProjectCab]

Pick up the E30 restoration bible. Has a good section on what to look for when purchasing. I would worry more about the body than the powertrain. M20's are a great motor if taken care of, stock bottom end can handle a decent amount of boost and even if you blow one you can pick up a new one for $250. Even M50's can be had for under $500.