How often should i start/drive a project e30?

[mikejungle]

I've given up on making my e30 a performance daily driver until i can get new tires and a valve job...so how long should i start it or drive it to make sure nothing bad happens to it? And what could happen to it if i didn't?

I really want to drive it often, but i don't want the tires to blow out while i'm driving...or something else. i don't know what. maybe you can tell me. thanks

[T Verdier]

replace the tires then get a valve job and drive it every day off

[joehasane30]

get some cheapy used tires plenty places have em or craigslist, and get a valve job, drive it everyday ull love it

[mikejungle]

yeah yeah...but i want it to DRIVE, you know? I've already got a 2000 accord as a reliable driver, so i want something that'll be REALLY fun to drive. So i'm thinking if i held out to get good wheels, tires, replace leaky shock, etc., it'd be really kicking.

so i was just wondering what could go wrong if i didn't start it for a while.

[z31maniac]

As long as the oil is fresh, coolant is good and the car is in generally good shape, you shouldn't have much to worry about.

Just make sure when you do actually start, let it run, get it up to operating temperature and drive it around. Probably the biggest thing you'll have to worry about is the battery going dead.

[SpecM]

fix it enough to get it safe + reliable, and drive it

[BeirBrennerE30]

i only drive my e30 about 12 times a year... nothing bad happend to it. Dont leave a lot of gas in the tank and put it on a battery tender. Every spring I change the oil, detail her, put air in the tires, get a fresh tank of gas and I am good to go.

[archemedes]

make sure it is warmed up to operating temp about once a month, that keeps the rings, and seals from going bad (ever see what happens to a car left in storage without starting and a ring seized not pretty) fill the gas tank (gas evaporates, and condensates, you will get water when it's low) also it would be a good idea to throw a couple dryer fabric softener sheets in the interior to keep mice at bay (old camping and hot rodder trick)

[ethirtydavid]

you had to expect people just to say "get it drivable, drive it." ...

[T Verdier]

vavle job is like $150 just do it and drive it once a month

[quikveedb2]

does anyone worry about their timing belt jumping a tooth or 3 if the car sits for too long? iirc the belt will seat around the pulleys if it rests in the same position for along time and resist straightening and changing shape, potentially causing the above problem. i put a can of fuel stabilizer in my tank, and hook up the trickle charger and let her go, but try to start & get to operating temp once a month or more.

[SpecM]

I say drive it every two weeks/twice a month

and don't be a bitch, do the valve job yourself

[BeirBrennerE30]

does anyone worry about their timing belt jumping a tooth or 3 if the car sits for too long? iirc the belt will seat around the pulleys if it rests in the same position for along time and resist straightening and changing shape, potentially causing the above problem. i put a can of fuel stabilizer in my tank, and hook up the trickle charger and let her go, but try to start & get to operating temp once a month or more.

convert to a chain ;)

[el_gringo]

yeah yeah...but i want it to DRIVE, you know? I've already got a 2000 accord as a reliable driver, so i want something that'll be REALLY fun to drive. So i'm thinking if i held out to get good wheels, tires, replace leaky shock, etc., it'd be really kicking.

so i was just wondering what could go wrong if i didn't start it for a while.

a rugged ass e30 will be more fun to drive than any other new car imo. my dumpy ass 85 eta would tank around town and still get my neck poppin