To S52 or not?

[agent]

...it's not that much power. Most modern cars make that much even camrys.

Modern cars also have over two decades of advances in safety features, like traction/stability control and side curtain air bags. That said, an AutoX is indeed a good place to find out what your car is capable of (and what it isn't).

[ParsedOut]

It makes sense but it's not that much power. Most modern cars make that much even camrys.. I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time I think with a few autox he should be fine. I'm not talking out of my ass, I've done all the work on my car myself and I know how much I've learned from it.

Power to weight ratio of S52 E30 is much higher than a Camry and considerably easier to get into trouble, especially when you mix testosterone and RWD. I hear what you're saying and I feel the OP would learn a lot and respect his car even that much more if he put a few years into building the chassis, making it reliable and learning to drive (autox, HPDE, etc) before he goes for the big motor. Less likely to throw it into a ditch or swipe a kid on a bicycle. You get the point. :)

[QUKBMER]

To be ...... or not to be...that is the question

[R3Z3N]

2014 Camry is 268hp and 3190 lbs. My S52 E30 w/5 lug swap 235rwhp (so about 270-275hp), Lukebox, half tank of gas and me, 170lbs, weighs 3001 lbs. So just a little quicker than a new Camry now, depending on engine/chassis characteristics.

Still, much more fun to own than a Camry! I say have fun and learn how to do it.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

2014 Camry is 268hp and 3190 lbs. My S52 E30 w/5 lug swap 235rwhp (so about 270-275hp), Lukebox, half tank of gas and me, 170lbs, weighs 3001 lbs. So just a little quicker than a new Camry now, depending on engine/chassis characteristics.

Still, much more fun to own than a Camry! I say have fun and learn how to do it.

camrys are only 3190 pounds? wow thats surprising

[matthugie]

Best decision I ever made. Do it!

[lambo]

Ehhh if you have the money and time to do it right and take care of other maintenance, why not?

[jalopi]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Camry's aren't geared anywhere near as aggressive as our cars are... there's also the slushbox to consider.

I'm going to really, really hope that a 240hp/wheel e30 is significantly faster than a v6 camry. If not, we now live in a very sad world.... :(

[R3Z3N]

^Yes, an S52 E30 will be quicker than the Camry SE, but the "swagger wagon" vehicles of today are finally catching up to sporty vehicles of the 90s.

Enjoy the car for what it is.

Also, I do agree with George Graves.

[totheredline]

S50-S52 is gehhhh sauce. S54, 5.0,LSx, BMW V8 or GTFO.

[jalopi]

"swagger wagon"

Please explain what this is. I was like 'da fuq', did a google search and this came up:



... for almost everything. I'm assuming this isn't what you meant?

[R3Z3N]

[flyboyx]

^thats awesome!

[jalopi]

Lol, that video came up too, but I really wasn't sure if that's what you were referencing or not.

[oliver.r]

be a man, go s54