Hello to all, what a great forum...Questions about my E30

[ClassicScot]

park the street e30 after the dirt road and buy an ix to get to it.

[Simon S]

I’ll chip in- a lot based on reading and general feedback gathered here. Sounds like you’re already on track about most all aspects.

Chip. Yeah, just install it yourself. Two schools of thought on Ebay chips: 1) There’re dirt cheap and likely a clone of developed chip. 2) Those who buy and use them are missing out on the assurance of quality from reputable distributors like Mark D. When you plunk down money on a reputable chip, you’re supporting those who make a living from making our cars better.

Fwiw, I went on a “Ebay spree” when I first acquired my car. Purchased an Alpina and a Dinan chip for like $15 each. “They’re just giving them away!” I thought to myself. Then I did some reading. The Ebay chips are still on the shelf, and it’ll be a Mark D that will end up installed someday.

Intake. I would totally consider a cone filter if it was the intake growl sound I was after. But then again, one can drill holes in the box for the same effect. But then again, if you’re goin’ rally, just replace the filter with an OEM unit for best protection and performance.

Suspension. Yep. Stock springs with Bilsteins. All the fuckin’ way. One could cheat a little more height by stacking spring perch pads. Not much to gain in the front from this technique (~+1/8” from two or maybe three sets?). They make pads of different thickness for the rear. I have a theory that installing a rear M3 sway makes for an attractive upgrade. They’re thicker than stock (but not too thick and at least doing more to reduce body roll), ~$120 new (last I checked), and (again theoretically) would dial in more oversteer.. because, hey, we could all use a little oversteer in the morning.

Wheels. Euroweaves are disgustingly perfect for an affordable ($400-800), great fitting, OEM-look, and an easy target when going for the “+1” sizing. One needs to hunt for them though.. or know the right people..

Maintenance > Mods.
It can turn into a landslide.. while you’re replacing shocks/struts, it’s usually a good time for new control arms, CABs, tie rods, strut bearings, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, shock mounts, flex disc, CSB, brake hoses, subframe bushings, trailing arm bushings, caliper rebuilds, those leaking engine gaskets, and … ;)

[707325]

you guys rock, thanks for all the advice. I've put 50k on my lovely little 325 in the 2 years I've owned her, many on dirt, she's never failed me once, I guess I should have been more clear. I'm not unhappy with the way she handles on dirt or pavement, I'm just looking for the best possible equipment for my purposes in one car. Ya'll have been marvelous at providing the insight, and I'll do further searches before I post any more questions, as I dropped them all in one post. I'll endeavor to curb my tendencies towards yapping overly, and provide more pictures, and am just honored that people with experience and knowledge will take the time to help. Special thanks to Eric Giles, Simon S and Kronus.

----- Nathan