Hey all!
It's been a year since I sold my E30, but I've missed it every day since and I need to fill this lonely hole in my heart.
Last time, I started my build "backwards" by purchasing a mint 30k mile Euro import. I had anticipated it to be simpler since everything was in good shape but ended up replacing, fixing, and upgrading pretty much everything. It was also difficult to modify it since it was such a great example. This time I want to make it my own; a car I'll never want to sell. Purpose of the car - Not a daily driver (insurance reasons), weekend, cars & coffee, and HPDE.
Below is my plan. Hoping you all can shed some light on the process and let me know if I'm being stupid or wasting $/time/effort.
Let me know what you think!
Body -
325i Coupe, early or late model. In the case of early model, will convert to euro bumper. Looking for a cheap, high mileage car - shell with glass and doors preferred.
Goals: Have the body fixed of dents etc, strip most paint and repaint a BMW dark blue or BRG type color. Fully undercoat the chassis to prevent rust etc.
Engine/Trans -
M20, Rebuilt. KAMotors Mid HP Turbo kit, Mishimoto/CSF or other radiator, larger oil cooler.
Rebuilt G260 Trans and larger trans cooler, SPEC Stage 1 or 2 clutch, DSSR and other great stuff.
QUESTION: I know the KAM kits work well on stock internals, but is there any benefit to upgrading to forged pistons, rods, etc? It seems forums members are running these kits with no engine issues on track other than cooling.
I considered an M30B35 or the normal S52 swap, but love the M20 and love FI - plus easiest power option IMO
Driveline -
Rebuilt 3.73 LSD, Driveshaft Shop upgraded axles and driveshaft
Suspension -
KW or GC coils, rebuilt front subframe with Poly Bushings everywhere, rebuilt rear subframe with poly bushings everywhere.
Brakes -
Wilwood front and rear, new master cylinder and brake booster, all the other stuff etc.
Accessories -
No Power Steering, No A/C.
Interior -
New dash and consoles, maybe custom gauges? RaceTech RT1000 seats, no rear seats, roll bar of some sort, and a new carpet + a bunch of other cosmetic doodads.
It's been a year since I sold my E30, but I've missed it every day since and I need to fill this lonely hole in my heart.
Last time, I started my build "backwards" by purchasing a mint 30k mile Euro import. I had anticipated it to be simpler since everything was in good shape but ended up replacing, fixing, and upgrading pretty much everything. It was also difficult to modify it since it was such a great example. This time I want to make it my own; a car I'll never want to sell. Purpose of the car - Not a daily driver (insurance reasons), weekend, cars & coffee, and HPDE.
Below is my plan. Hoping you all can shed some light on the process and let me know if I'm being stupid or wasting $/time/effort.
Let me know what you think!
Body -
325i Coupe, early or late model. In the case of early model, will convert to euro bumper. Looking for a cheap, high mileage car - shell with glass and doors preferred.
Goals: Have the body fixed of dents etc, strip most paint and repaint a BMW dark blue or BRG type color. Fully undercoat the chassis to prevent rust etc.
Engine/Trans -
M20, Rebuilt. KAMotors Mid HP Turbo kit, Mishimoto/CSF or other radiator, larger oil cooler.
Rebuilt G260 Trans and larger trans cooler, SPEC Stage 1 or 2 clutch, DSSR and other great stuff.
QUESTION: I know the KAM kits work well on stock internals, but is there any benefit to upgrading to forged pistons, rods, etc? It seems forums members are running these kits with no engine issues on track other than cooling.
I considered an M30B35 or the normal S52 swap, but love the M20 and love FI - plus easiest power option IMO
Driveline -
Rebuilt 3.73 LSD, Driveshaft Shop upgraded axles and driveshaft
Suspension -
KW or GC coils, rebuilt front subframe with Poly Bushings everywhere, rebuilt rear subframe with poly bushings everywhere.
Brakes -
Wilwood front and rear, new master cylinder and brake booster, all the other stuff etc.
Accessories -
No Power Steering, No A/C.
Interior -
New dash and consoles, maybe custom gauges? RaceTech RT1000 seats, no rear seats, roll bar of some sort, and a new carpet + a bunch of other cosmetic doodads.
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