E30 sedan M body conversion

[DSP74]

It wouldn't have had much cool factor.


The guy I was working on that with built a Dodge pickup with 2,000lbs of torque. Diesel's may not be a screamin' I6 or small displacement 4 valve V8, but you can't argue with the power.

[Farbin Kaiber]

I take it your kidding. But that diesel comment shouldn't be so tongue in cheek.....

There are a couple Isuzu 1.8L and 2.0L diesels, that were cranking out close to 275hp and 400+torque.

I was looking into building one of these for an autox car, fitted into a Chevy Chevette with mondo flares and big tires.....In the end, the weight limits weren't were we needed them. The car could have fit into SM2 but given it's sedan nature with solid axles, it wouldn't be competitive. Even at the 2000ish lb limit, and with 400lbs TQ.


If my car were purely for street cruising/fun, I'd look heavily into a built BMW diesel..............Building power is SO simple. Add fuel and boost........then just keep adding until the point of failure. Build another and back off a bit. Done.

That sounds lame.

[DSP74]

This car has inspired me to do a 4-door E30 M3 touring convertible diesel.

I take it your kidding. But that diesel comment shouldn't be so tongue in cheek.....

There are a couple Isuzu 1.8L and 2.0L diesels, that were cranking out close to 275hp and 400+torque.

I was looking into building one of these for an autox car, fitted into a Chevy Chevette with mondo flares and big tires.....In the end, the weight limits weren't were we needed them. The car could have fit into SM2 but given it's sedan nature with solid axles, it wouldn't be competitive. Even at the 2000ish lb limit, and with 400lbs TQ.


If my car were purely for street cruising/fun, I'd look heavily into a built BMW diesel..............Building power is SO simple. Add fuel and boost........then just keep adding until the point of failure. Build another and back off a bit. Done.

[z31maniac]

Vlad, there is a guy over on E46fanatics that has done a swap S54 SMG into an E30 and its fully working and running. The guy is a MIT grad and was a project. Ill see if I can find the thread. It is well documented.


Edit found it!

Is it wrong that now I want those 19" E46 M3 wheels on my car?

[smonkbmw]

yes, the convertible is easier to do than the 4dr, but don't say it's easy if you haven't done it, it requires skills, dedication and budget

my

ZING +1

[vlad]

It must not be too hard, M3 Cabrios were sold in Europe.

:ohsnap:

ignorance is a bliss....

that's what I heard when I was building my vert - It must not be too hard, M3 Cabrios were sold in Europe...

what does your statement mean?

yes, BMW made E30 M3 vert, a whole bunch of 786 of them, how many are left on the road today, maybe half of them :loco:

Do you think there are any used e30 m3 vert specific parts available?



quarter panels (M3 Vert specific) were $1750 each from the dealer :eeek:

yes, the convertible is easier to do than the 4dr, but don't say it's easy if you haven't done it, it requires skills, dedication and budget

my

[Sam Cogley]

It must not be too hard, M3 Cabrios were sold in Europe.

[vlad]

If i was to ever do a m3 body conversion, it would be on a Convertable e30, the easiest, all you need is front guards, m3 quarters

even though this is somewhat true BUT don't think it is a straigh forward job of just transfering the body panels from m3 to the vert - nothing fits, everything has to be custom cut, welded, etc... custom brakets are required, definetly a huge project, easier to do that the coupe, but still, it requires great skills and talent

[B2702]

If i was to ever do a m3 body conversion, it would be on a Convertable e30, the easiest, all you need is front guards, m3 quarters

[Jesse30]

This car has inspired me to do a 4-door E30 M3 touring convertible diesel.

baur?

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

This car has inspired me to do a 4-door E30 M3 touring convertible diesel.

[Vedubin01]

the SMG will not work on e30

Vlad, there is a guy over on E46fanatics that has done a swap S54 SMG into an E30 and its fully working and running. The guy is a MIT grad and was a project. Ill see if I can find the thread. It is well documented.


Edit found it!

[Teaguer]

Actually the Sayther S54 swap is up and running already .

And please guys don't compare that junker Eurostop shit kitted car to a "M3 body conversion" . :|

[homegrone30]

Try this on for size...

http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/yet_...roject_car.htm

Frank how'd you know about Terry's. I love that place they do great work.

[smonkbmw]

yeah it would cost about $1 to $2k for body work and paint.

where are you finding the stock e30m3 body panels for less than $5?

ive seen back halfs cut off of m3s sell for over $500 on ebay. add the stock front quarters for $200 a piece (est). youre close to a grand in panels alone. add the front and rear bumpers for meh $200 a piece (if you can find REAL ones, not cheap knock offs)

the quarters bolt on obviously, and the front and rear bumpers wouldnt be to difficult. $1k+ (maybe)

cutting the rear section of the roof to fit the cap, and make the trunk sit right. fitting the rear quarters so that the rear doors function and there is no huge gaps. youre looking at a minimum of $3-4k+ after supplies etc.

so maybe MAYBE a minimum of $8k. and thats BEFORE paint and any other body filling, smoothing. and we wont even get started on fitting a S14 into the equation (metric mechanics basic motor starts at 7500).