Well everyone, I had an epiphany today.
At the end of the summer, I will have 8-10 grand in hand (depending on scholarships). Now, I ain't gonna lie to you all, I was considering financing an E36 M3 or an E46 as a daily driver for me in college, because it's a newer car, less miles, supposedly more reliable, more amenities, better resale value, etc.
But, with a newer year and more "options" comes more bulk, and a bigger size, and a bigger bill when things DO break. I don't think that is going to work for me.
But you can't get a 2000 323Ci for 10 grand. I would be financing the remaining 7 to 8k.
Then I realized, I will have a car payment, then I will end up spending even MORE money on mods, it wont have the speed I want, and even though the leather will be new, I, more likely than not, won't be happy.
Which leaves me where I am now, with 8-10 large soon to be in the bank, and another 8-10 available for financing. With all the cons listed to the above cars, I only have one choice: build an E30 to my spec.
Gentlemen, please help me. I need to know if this will truly be feasible for $17k. If you would reply with specifics (for example, get xxxyyy bbk for $$$ from ___ ) that would be greatly appreciated. Some parts I am especially rusty on, such as the 5-lug swap, etc, is where I could use the most help. Here is what I want to do (and yes, this is quite close to the "mod list" I had with my 325:
Starting Point
1988 325 to 1991 318iS. Whatever is cheapest. The engine can be blown, the interior shot, and the speakers fried for all I care. Looking to be in the 3-4k range. I don't think this will be hard to find, so long as there is no rot, the dash is in good shape, and it doesn't need much other work.
Suspension: Please post technical replies here
• A 5-lug swap and E36 M3 Steering rack, and matching suspension components.
Brakes: Please post technical replies here
• Will accompany the 5-lug swap, likely E36 M3 brakes
Shoes: Please post technical replies here
• Looking at Style M135s in a 17" replica, likely with BF-Goodrich G-force T/S KDW-2 tires.
• Hakkapellitas in Winter.
Engine: Please post technical replies here
• S50B30. Slightly modified for higher output.
Exhaust: Please post technical replies here
• Likely Supersprint, something nice with a deep rumble to it :twisted:
Transmission: Please post technical replies here
• Link to Tech thread about tranny details
• UUC SSK
Exterior:
• Full M-Tech II Kit. OEM. I don't do replica
• New windshield (If Needed)
Lighting:
• Euro Ellipsoids
• 6000K HID lows
• Osram Silverstar
• Phillips All-weather fogs
• New foglamp lenses
• Urethane protection
• Angel Eyes (blow me if you don't like them)
Interior:
• Undecided on what seats, looking at Sparco Milano's. See here
• Illuminated shifter
• Whatever needs to be done to the backseat to pretty it up after the roll-cage is installed.
• Pimp tint
• M-tech II wheel
• Pedals (undecided which yet)
• Schroth Racing Harnesses
ICE:
• Nakamichi Head Unit
• MBQ Reference/Premiums all the way around
• Custom-mounted iPod install -requires re-fabrication of e-brake console
• Alpine Amp
Protection:
• Roll cage - Points to be determined
• DEI Alarm, probably a lojack too
• Hard-wired, stealth installed V1
For $16k worth of mods, and some smart shopping, that will definitely be doable. I have a tentative price list made up already.
Thank you. Your suggestions are sincerely appreciated.
Kris
PS - I linked to 2 other threads throughout the post. Basically, I didn't want 1 thread with a bunch of tech, and non-tech related things going on at once. For tech stuff, please see this thread:
At the end of the summer, I will have 8-10 grand in hand (depending on scholarships). Now, I ain't gonna lie to you all, I was considering financing an E36 M3 or an E46 as a daily driver for me in college, because it's a newer car, less miles, supposedly more reliable, more amenities, better resale value, etc.
But, with a newer year and more "options" comes more bulk, and a bigger size, and a bigger bill when things DO break. I don't think that is going to work for me.
But you can't get a 2000 323Ci for 10 grand. I would be financing the remaining 7 to 8k.
Then I realized, I will have a car payment, then I will end up spending even MORE money on mods, it wont have the speed I want, and even though the leather will be new, I, more likely than not, won't be happy.
Which leaves me where I am now, with 8-10 large soon to be in the bank, and another 8-10 available for financing. With all the cons listed to the above cars, I only have one choice: build an E30 to my spec.
Gentlemen, please help me. I need to know if this will truly be feasible for $17k. If you would reply with specifics (for example, get xxxyyy bbk for $$$ from ___ ) that would be greatly appreciated. Some parts I am especially rusty on, such as the 5-lug swap, etc, is where I could use the most help. Here is what I want to do (and yes, this is quite close to the "mod list" I had with my 325:
Starting Point
1988 325 to 1991 318iS. Whatever is cheapest. The engine can be blown, the interior shot, and the speakers fried for all I care. Looking to be in the 3-4k range. I don't think this will be hard to find, so long as there is no rot, the dash is in good shape, and it doesn't need much other work.
Suspension: Please post technical replies here
• A 5-lug swap and E36 M3 Steering rack, and matching suspension components.
Brakes: Please post technical replies here
• Will accompany the 5-lug swap, likely E36 M3 brakes
Shoes: Please post technical replies here
• Looking at Style M135s in a 17" replica, likely with BF-Goodrich G-force T/S KDW-2 tires.
• Hakkapellitas in Winter.
Engine: Please post technical replies here
• S50B30. Slightly modified for higher output.
Exhaust: Please post technical replies here
• Likely Supersprint, something nice with a deep rumble to it :twisted:
Transmission: Please post technical replies here
• Link to Tech thread about tranny details
• UUC SSK
Exterior:
• Full M-Tech II Kit. OEM. I don't do replica
• New windshield (If Needed)
Lighting:
• Euro Ellipsoids
• 6000K HID lows
• Osram Silverstar
• Phillips All-weather fogs
• New foglamp lenses
• Urethane protection
• Angel Eyes (blow me if you don't like them)
Interior:
• Undecided on what seats, looking at Sparco Milano's. See here
• Illuminated shifter
• Whatever needs to be done to the backseat to pretty it up after the roll-cage is installed.
• Pimp tint
• M-tech II wheel
• Pedals (undecided which yet)
• Schroth Racing Harnesses
ICE:
• Nakamichi Head Unit
• MBQ Reference/Premiums all the way around
• Custom-mounted iPod install -requires re-fabrication of e-brake console
• Alpine Amp
Protection:
• Roll cage - Points to be determined
• DEI Alarm, probably a lojack too
• Hard-wired, stealth installed V1
For $16k worth of mods, and some smart shopping, that will definitely be doable. I have a tentative price list made up already.
Thank you. Your suggestions are sincerely appreciated.
Kris
PS - I linked to 2 other threads throughout the post. Basically, I didn't want 1 thread with a bunch of tech, and non-tech related things going on at once. For tech stuff, please see this thread:
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