1984 318i

[Vegas227]

This is my 1984 318i that I purchased last winter. It is a work in progress. My big plan is an E46 M3 motor. But for now I plan on just putting straight pipes and restoring the interior and putting in a roll cage.

Right now there is no stereo, there are no speakers, it needs a new idle control valve, desperately need to clean the engine and engine bay, has dents that need to be fixed, as well as a new paint job since the clear coat is fading and rust is forming in various places.

[N2MYE30]

E46 engine, huh? Mighty ambitious. Good luck. BTW, what color is that?

[Huff]

Those are big plans...

[Holland]

If you don't think big then you don't get anywhere. I say good luck, as I have an early 318 myself and it's a much more difficult task.

[ZM Blue Devil]

Welcome and good luck.

[Vegas227]

Not sure if im spelling it correct but, Basaltblau? Its in between like a gray and blue. I was thinking of building my own 302 for it since I know a guy with a brand new block, but that would be 2grand of work and lots of time... But who knows, I might do it.

[Vegas227]

My car also desperately needs new seats and I am going to be buying a pair of racing seats for $250. Dont really care about the brand, just need new seats... Unless someone can tell me how to restore the springs in them. Luckily all the body work I need to do to it I can do myself except I am afraid i need to take off the fenders to fix the dents. Both front fenders were hit by garbage cans during a huge storm one night...

[325ix]

Not sure if im spelling it correct but, Basaltblau? Its in between like a gray and blue. I was thinking of building my own 302 for it since I know a guy with a brand new block, but that would be 2grand of work and lots of time... But who knows, I might do it.

That is a lot cheaper than an S54.

[iamsam]

roll cage? I would save that one till later on, you don't need one unless you are doing serious racing, and they are EXPENSIVE, and obviously add tons of weight, and the hope is you never need to use it.

Also, an S50 is much cheaper and easier than an S54. I would venture to say that you should do an LS1 instead of an S54. Cheaper, and more powerful, and very very cheap upgrade options.

[Vegas227]

I was also tempted to do an LS1 swap but I havent been able to find one locally. Im trying to convince my high school auto teacher to sell me one of the engines he uses for engine team. Its a chevy small block.

[iamsam]

Do you have more luck finding an S54 locally?

[Vegas227]

I did at one time actually. the guy I bought my car from knows plenty of people. My friend who works at an auto shop could actually get me a 325i motor for free. But I havent heard anything about it yet though.

[iamsam]

whoa whoa I want an M20B25 for free....

[cabin]

Interesting color, never seen it before. First thing I'd do is get rid of the tint on the lights, it really cheapens the look of the car.

[Huff]

I was also tempted to do an LS1 swap but I havent been able to find one locally. Im trying to convince my high school auto teacher to sell me one of the engines he uses for engine team. Its a chevy small block.

And there we have it.. Listen man. Fix all the broken stuff on your car first. THEN, think about modifications.

I'm not trying to be a dick, but ask anyone that's been into these cars for any length of time on here. Fix the broken stuff first, keep your dreams, then do what your pocket book will let you.. The right way