buddies mustang totaled should i 5.0 my e30???

[NeedaE30]

so a chick ran a stop sign and totaled my buddies 89 gt.. so i got to thinking.

5.0 in e30, yes? no?

The motor runs good, pulls hard, sounds nice and is super clean, had 180k was rebuilt a probably 5 years ago or so and has plenty of bolt ons. No damage to motor just fan rubbing on radiator. I think it's good to go. the auto tranny not so good. I would replace it with a 5 speed.

I want very badly to make this happen, I'd probably beat the shit out of it until the motor goes boom then put the m20 back in or opt for an s50. but here are my hurdles, e30 is my daily driver, problem 1. I do not have a garage, problem 2. I do not have as many tools as i once had, which will now be the most expensive part of this possible build i'm sure of it, problem 3.

I'm thinking buy 300 dollar civic to drive, buy a car port and get my ass to harbor freight..
Make it happen? or forget it?

he may not even sell it to me

[JasonC]

Forget about it. With the 3 points that you put up. I'd say it wouldn't be worth the time or hassle.

[slammin.e28]

DO IT.

Not because 5.0 e30, but it sounds like you would learn a lot and get a lot of usable tools, etc from this.

$300 Civic, carport, tools - now go!

[gtdragon980]

Forget about it. With the 3 points that you put up. I'd say it wouldn't be worth the time or hassle.

DO IT.

Not because 5.0 e30, but it sounds like you would learn a lot and get a lot of usable tools, etc from this.

$300 Civic, carport, tools - now go!

So you have two choices, be responsible and realistic and forget about the swap, or being radical and ballsy and do the swap. YOUR PICK! :D:D

[JasonC]

You also got to add in the cost and upkeep of the new daily driver. Tags, insurance, unforeseen repairs... This is money that could go to your current e30.

[golde30]

I would pass with your no tools or garage situation.

[Roysneon]

Personally I wouldn't do it, especially if you don't plan to keep it in there. Doing it without proper tools/space would be a bitch but you could always bring it up on the internet so people know how tough you are.

Seems like a snap decision that will cost more and take more time than you really have to put into it. Also, that $300 Civic is almost guaranteed to cost closer to $1000 after a few months with registration, tags, and whatever it undoubtedly will need.

[Poorboyz]

Personally I wouldn't do it, especially if you don't plan to keep it in there. Doing it without proper tools/space would be a bitch but you could always bring it up on the internet so people know how tough you are.

Seems like a snap decision that will cost more and take more time than you really have to put into it. Also, that $300 Civic is almost guaranteed to cost closer to $1000 after a few months with registration, tags, and whatever it undoubtedly will need.

Exactly what I was thinking. I try not to waste my money on anything unless its exactly what I want. Personally I wouldn't out any engine in my E30 unless it was another BMW engine.

[Swanny]

Buy engine for cheap, store till you save up some $ for tools, then have at it when you need feel like you've got the time and $$. Make some friends to help you out or that have a workspace and knock out the swap in a weekend?

You just might be kicking yourself later for giving up the opportunity. Just be smart and do your research on swap costs/time/complexity. Sounds like you had tools at one point...whered they go?

[Vtec?lol]

Buy engine for cheap, store till you save up some $ for tools, then have at it when you need feel like you've got the time and $$. Make some friends to help you out or that have a workspace and knock out the swap in a weekend?

You just might be kicking yourself later for giving up the opportunity. Just be smart and do your research on swap costs/time/complexity. Sounds like you had tools at one point...whered they go?

Don't be a don't-er. Do be a do-er.

Get the motor. Store it, buy trans and stuff for the swap.Once you're complete with tools and such, do it. No need for another car. Not having transportation will motivate you to finish it on time.

[naplesE30]

Projects like these usually end up with a half assembled car up for sale for dirt cheap. You dont sound like your in the right position for a project of this magnitude at the moment,,,,the father in me comming out.

[matthugie]

Projects like these usually end up with a half assembled car up for sale for dirt cheap. You dont sound like your in the right position for a project of this magnitude at the moment

This. Wait until you have the means and place to undertake something like this.

[Dirty325ix]

It comes down to Are you a MexiCan or a MexiCant

[NeedaE30]

LOL you guys are great thanks for the honesty i was hoping i'd be talked out of it to be honest because what i really want is an s50...

Yes i once upon a time had a rolling snap on box with many thousands of dollars worth of tools that i unfortunately had to sell a few years ago :( worst decision i ever made.

Now really isn't the time for me to be doing something like this but boy it sure would be fun and the car certainly would not end up on craigslist half finished it would either be done to completion or not even started.

I will most likely pass considering my real goal is an s50 and i am very bad with making impulse decisions thanks fellas

[cferb]

Projects like these usually end up with a half assembled car up for sale for dirt cheap. You dont sound like your in the right position for a project of this magnitude at the moment,,,,the father in me comming out.

This.

Even if you buy a beater in the meantime you're gonna be rushing to finish, especially without your own garage, and even if you get it together it'll probably be kind of a piece of crap, you really need to be able to take your time on things like this.

Especially if you want an s50 swap, you'll get it done and never be completely satisfied with it.