Just bought a car and need some advice / opinions

[Ohnoitsgeoff]

I just bought a 1985 automatic 2.7 for $1700 with 230k on the odometer but it isn't working but I think it has about 250k it needs a few little things but the maintenance is up to date and I have all the records since the car was purchased, amazing I know. I took apart the intake and there is no grime and it ran strong on the way home. I drove it 100 miles with no overheating and I even took it to 80 mph with no issues.
It does need the sway bar bracket and bushing on the drivers side reattached and maybe breaks, it also has some rust but nothing bad

The advice I'm looking for is what I should do next.

I really hate the automatic trans and its a dog it takes awhile to get up to speed, I'm not sure if they all suck but this one really sucks.

Should I just get a manual trans and just drive the eta until it goes or should I just get a m20 with a matching trans

[2mAn]

when was the last time the timing belt/ water pump was done? Thats the first place to start, engine wise

[Ohnoitsgeoff]

At 220k they were really good with keeping up with it. They also did the oil pan gasket at 210k they got a bunch of big jobs out of the way, the only thing I didn't see in the records was wheel bearings but it didn't seem like they are going yet knock on wood

[2mAn]

is it leaking anything?

[Ohnoitsgeoff]

Not that I know of, I am going to do a compression test this week and change the oil and filter because it sat in a garage for a year, it was started monthly the owner told me.
Under the hood was dusty but that's about it there was no oil lying around there is only like 1 or 2 wires disconnected but they must not be that important they were behind the passenger headlight maybe they were for the broken fogs. Go figure an e30 with fogs that don't work.
The break booster also has a lot of surface rust, like the paint coming off, I'm sure I should address that soon as well.
If the compression test is good I just might find a 5 speed and swap it just so it's not so slow, I just don't trust the automatic.

I also have plans in the future to swap it, more than likely a m50 m52 if I'm lucky.
This is going to be my everyday driver once its inspected, I just want it solid for right now then the fun stuff will come later, I'm on a tight budget so I can't do anything too crazy just yet, but I have big plans

[Ohnoitsgeoff]

170 views and no advice? Bump
I was underneath it and I found out my exhaust has a crack right after the cat so that's another thing to add to the list.

[korky]

well you know, manual gearbox would be nicer.

[andrewm]

I got my ETA as an automatic as well. My two cents? Timing belt. Address the suspension, then drive it a few months. Make sure you enjoy the car and dont hit any snags. With a new car, you want to make sure there arent any gremlins before you tackle the not needed.

I waited quite a long time before I did my swap. But it was 100% worth it.

It isnt for the weak wrenchers though, not hard - but involved.

[flyboyx]

when you change the trans make sure you get an "E" transmission and drive shaft. this will bolt up. an "I" trans will not work with an "E" engine.