My abandoned e30 M3 restoration

[Tippey764]

nice build, but this statement must mean you've been above 5800 rpm in an
E30 M3 w/ an S14 and was totally underwhelmed. To which, I'll say "to each his own".

But, if you haven't then it's just talk.

I've driven an s14 before, I don't really think its that spectacular of a motor to spend $8k locating and rebuilding one just to have the car only increase in value the exact amount I spent locating the s14.

[keefy6]

S14's are hard to come by, expensive to maintain and add little value to how much you will enjoy the car.

nice build, but this statement must mean you've been above 5800 rpm in an
E30 M3 w/ an S14 and was totally underwhelmed. To which, I'll say "to each his own".

But, if you haven't then it's just talk.

[WestCoastEta]

What an awesome find. I know the "finders" topic has been beaten to death, but truth be told if that kid gave away the details of the car, he missed his opportunity. That's why the VW bus guys never talk about their barn finds until the vehicle is in their driveway!

Anyway, lookin forward to the rest of the build.

[CRBR30]

I hope that one day this happens to me..

[ZuS]

Man I can't wait to see the vehicle in its final stage! It is an awesome story and a great find.

[SSE30]

Do you pray to the E30 gods everyday for bestowing this gift upon you?

[Tippey764]

Some progress updates. Its been slow going but its getting there.

3.15 LSD, axles, driveshaft, and fuel tank all installed. For the first time in years this car can be parked in gear haha.




The wiring harness was rewrapped and we installed the Porsche 944 brake booster.
Also the brake lines, master cylinder, ABS pump, and misc blind nuts are installed

[punnzzells]

Nah... they aren't hard to find at all.... look on S14... there are many for sale... but, honestly... good save.... paint came out very nice.

Are you going to stay with original M3 seats and re upholster them or go for something else?

If you need any parts... I might let some stuff go... :)

[Tippey764]

Booh.... S14 all the way... S52, S54 swaps.. booh.... might as well part the car in my opinion... BOOH BOOH!

Nice work on the find and the build... minus the S52.

S14's are hard to come by, expensive to maintain and add little value to how much you will enjoy the car.

[punnzzells]

Booh.... S14 all the way... S52, S54 swaps.. booh.... might as well part the car in my opinion... BOOH BOOH!

Nice work on the find and the build... minus the S52.

[mattjewell]

SUBSCRIBED!

Everything is coming along rather nicely. Keep up the work!

[Tippey764]

Great build thread. You're gonna kick yourself that you didn't go S54. It's a whole different ballgame. You can still change your mind...you have the basic 24v setup needed for an S54 just need electronic and plumbing.

I just picked up another one. This time DS/Grey 2.5L s14 project for me and my dad.

Good Luck on the 24v build. S52 is torquey and has plenty of potential with 24lb injectors, 3.5 MAF and basic tune.

I agree even though the s52 is real fun with basic mods the s54s are so much cheaper now good luck with your build looks real clean

This all assumes max power is the goal

Power isn't a concern, it just needs to run

We're keeping the s52 intake manifold and I'm even keeping the secondary air pump and maybe even cats under the car

I want it to look like it came with an s52 from the factory.

[jhaurimn]

Great build thread. You're gonna kick yourself that you didn't go S54. It's a whole different ballgame. You can still change your mind...you have the basic 24v setup needed for an S54 just need electronic and plumbing.

I just picked up another one. This time DS/Grey 2.5L s14 project for me and my dad.

Good Luck on the 24v build. S52 is torquey and has plenty of potential with 24lb injectors, 3.5 MAF and basic tune.

Agreed. My friend has a s54 with a csl box in his e30 m3 and its ridiculously fast and sounds amazing.

[elmandatario]

I agree even though the s52 is real fun with basic mods the s54s are so much cheaper now good luck with your build looks real clean

[*freshm3]

Great build thread. You're gonna kick yourself that you didn't go S54. It's a whole different ballgame. You can still change your mind...you have the basic 24v setup needed for an S54 just need electronic and plumbing.

I just picked up another one. This time DS/Grey 2.5L s14 project for me and my dad.

Good Luck on the 24v build. S52 is torquey and has plenty of potential with 24lb injectors, 3.5 MAF and basic tune.