Spent this winter going through my new-to-me E30, fixing oil leaks, vacuum leaks (there were many) and doing general tune up stuff. The big projects, though, were replacing the 3.25 rear that came in the car with a 4.10 LSD and installing a faster steering rack from an E36.
Overall, the 4.10 upgrade was a vast improvement. With the 3.25, the car was unhappy in around town in 35-45 mph driving, either winding out in third gear or lugging in fourth. With the 4.10s. I can drop the car into fourth at those speeds, and it's much happier, with instant acceleration from there when required. The M20's nice smooth torque curve seems to work perfectly with the steeper gears. The downside, of course, is higher engine speed on the highway. At 65 mph in fifth, the engine spins at 3K, which is not too much different from my other "fun" car, my 85 911, which turns 3K at 70 mph. Neither would be ideal for cross-country drives on interstates, but that's not why I have them. They are perfect for back road blasts.
The quicker steering rack from the E36 was also a great upgrade, giving the steering a much more modern feel. Installation was pretty easy too, and I added a Chase Bays power steering kit (lines plus reservoir), which was a nice piece of kit.
The final upgrade was bling--I added a set of Rota fb wheels, which gave the car the vintage sports car look I like. Also added new Dunlop Direzza IIIs, which I have yet to put to the test, since Seattle road's have been wet for seemingly months at this point.
The car should be ready for spring soon! I know I am.
Overall, the 4.10 upgrade was a vast improvement. With the 3.25, the car was unhappy in around town in 35-45 mph driving, either winding out in third gear or lugging in fourth. With the 4.10s. I can drop the car into fourth at those speeds, and it's much happier, with instant acceleration from there when required. The M20's nice smooth torque curve seems to work perfectly with the steeper gears. The downside, of course, is higher engine speed on the highway. At 65 mph in fifth, the engine spins at 3K, which is not too much different from my other "fun" car, my 85 911, which turns 3K at 70 mph. Neither would be ideal for cross-country drives on interstates, but that's not why I have them. They are perfect for back road blasts.
The quicker steering rack from the E36 was also a great upgrade, giving the steering a much more modern feel. Installation was pretty easy too, and I added a Chase Bays power steering kit (lines plus reservoir), which was a nice piece of kit.
The final upgrade was bling--I added a set of Rota fb wheels, which gave the car the vintage sports car look I like. Also added new Dunlop Direzza IIIs, which I have yet to put to the test, since Seattle road's have been wet for seemingly months at this point.
The car should be ready for spring soon! I know I am.
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