318is and modding

[Dozyproductions]

Im kinda asking would it even make sense trying to modding a 318is. I wouldnt mind having a 325is but when i look at the long run, it will be more expensive for gas, insurance and merely just to pay for it. (im using the "im not cheap im just a college student" excuse)

Kinda looking into a ride where at certain occasions i can rely on some spunk response that will clearly outperform the stock 95 civic dx i have now.

Perhaps my question is how much money will i be spending for a "faster" DD car and what you guys have done?

Ive been searching around the forum but a lot of these terms im not neccessarily understanding because im a . But im willing to learn all i need to know. have to start somewhere?

[Dozyproductions]

and yes i was looking at other thread about what modder are you. Well i guess i would be more visual just because i never had a good looking car. I bought my Honda civic but upon the first year of owning it some one cut my radio antena off and left it sitting next to my car. Ive had it keyed about 3 times on the sides from the beginning to end and ive had my mom crash it into a light pole and some soccer mom back into my front at a Vons parking lot.

Wouldnt mind having it look like this member's car. But the xtras can come later.

[euroshark]

A stock 318is will certainly have more spunk than a 1995 Civic dx.

That said, do you want a fun daily driver, or a fast expensive project? Because they aren't usually the same. You can make a 318is run great, the M42 is a sweet motor (best 4 cylinder I have ever driven), but it's not a hotrod. Supercharger and turbo options exist for these cars, they are kinda pricey, but that is how you will get the most power out of them. Or you could make a few key improvements that won't ruin the driveability and reliability, like headers, injectors, chip, suspension, etc. and have a whole bunch of fun without breaking the bank.

[Mastrcruse]

I think, of what I have read, that a 318is is a pretty good car to mod because of its stability. You just need to find a clean car and start adding stuff here and there..coming from a "poor" college student. Anyways, almost all of us want to do an engine swap so my main goal is to make it look the way I want it and then after college make it perform like I want it.

And there seems to be a TON of nice e30s in Cali for a pretty good amount of money

[Dozyproductions]

I think, of what I have read, that a 318is is a pretty good car to mod because of its stability. You just need to find a clean car and start adding stuff here and there..coming from a "poor" college student. Anyways, almost all of us want to do an engine swap so my main goal is to make it look the way I want it and then after college make it perform like I want it.

And there seems to be a TON of nice e30s in Cali for a pretty good amount of money

This is what ill most likely do. TO be specific though what are those certain key improvements and from which companies and so on and so forth. (like what kind of drop would i need to make it look like the car i linked to). Feel like an idiot for asking but thanks for the responses so far. I really need to get a bit more knee deep into e30 knoweledge.

[Mastrcruse]

The car you linked to is RCwells. He is running H&R race spring and Bilistein Sport shocks. I have been on here for 2 years and still have to search for a lot of things so that will be your best bet. You will start being yelled at by others but I remember getting yelled at and I didn't like it so I won't do it to you.

[dirty30]

Honestly, throw a b series or gsr engine in the civic and be done with it. It will be much more enjoyable.

[euroshark]

It will be much more enjoyable.

lol

[Rob]

The 318is' forte is balance, handling, agility. With the stock motor, it will never be a fast car. QUick enough for autocross or having fun? Hell yes. Legit fast? Doubtful. When you start talking about motor swaps, the costs are such that you could have just bought a fast car to start with.

[AdironRider]

Im in the exact boat you are and absolutely love my 318is. IMO its the best e30 out there for the reasons Rob listed above. The m42 motor (alright a chipped m42) is bar none the best 4 cylinder motor you can get reasonably priced. Your in college, dont even think about a motor swap. THeres to many things that could go wrong.

A nice 318is can be had for about 3k, put a little into maintenance and suspension and you have an incredibly fun car thats great for daily duty and has enough power to bring a smile. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed.

[euroshark]

Your in college, dont even think about a motor swap. THeres to many things that could go wrong.

LOL. So true... Never fails.

[Dozyproductions]

aight thanks for all your responses. No flaming me yet? its bit of a change from another forum i frequent... hint hint caraudio.com. I think they would of ripped me a new one with the questions ive been asking here. definitely weighing in the future investements needed when deciding between the v6 or 318is. thanks for all the responses

[CarsSuck]

well since you just thanked everyone for not flaming you.....bmw has never produced a v6. They do make a nice inline 6, though.

I have never driven a 318is, but have driven a couple 318tis. I found that car to be totally underwhelming and slow. Just find a nice 325i/s in decent shape, and spend a few hundred dollars replacing broken shit. Thats pretty much what ive done with my car and Im happy.... Except i want more power.....

[Mastrcruse]

318tis? Isn't that the hatchback e36?

[asubimmer]

318tis? Isn't that the hatchback e36?

I think he ment 318ti's not 318tis. But yes its an e36