I did a little searching, but found nothing. Best Base model....

[Karlspackler]

What would be the best base model e30 to start with to build an Auto-x car?

This will be prepared to run in my local Street Prepared class. I am not looking to be "the best" or very competitive; just out there to have fun.

Things to discuss....

Brakes
Differential
2 or 4 Door
power? (In my case I will be swapping in a Black top sr20det I have laying around, so that will not matter so much)
Weight? Which car is the lightest?
Subframe?
Cars W/O sunroof?
Suspension Systems?

etc etc.... You guys get the idea.

Discuss

[Scott314]

What would be the best base model e30 to start with to build an Auto-x car?

This will be prepared to run in my local Street Prepared class. I am not looking to be "the best" or very competitive; just out there to have fun.

Things to discuss....

Brakes
Differential
2 or 4 Door
power? (In my case I will be swapping in a Black top sr20det I have laying around, so that will not matter so much)
Weight? Which car is the lightest?
Subframe?
Cars W/O sunroof?
Suspension Systems?

etc etc.... You guys get the idea.

Discuss

I wasn't aware that engine swaps were legal for SP...

[Karlspackler]

I wasn't aware that engine swaps were legal for SP...

Oh sorry. Meant Prepared. We actually kinda just group the "engine swapped" cars together and call it prepared depending on the other modifications. There are very few (Less than 30 cars) that regularly auto x

[german g]

that engine is gonna throw off your wieght dist., more power, but heavier than an M20..

[Gus]

Sr20Det heavier than an m20?

not quite...plus the weight distribution is far better, being a 4cylinder. think s14

[oh2fly]

I would look for a non-sunroof 318i stripper with no options, with hand crank windows. Then swap in a disc brake rear suspension with a lSD. My son did that and it weighs 2060 lbs. minus driver with an m42 in it. Your power to weight ratio will be even better. The surprise is getting the right springs in it. The lighter an e30 gets, the higher it sits and you need a REAL short spring in the back or go full coil-over setup. What's money when you are having fun, right?

[Karlspackler]

I would look for a non-sunroof 318i stripper with no options, with hand crank windows. Then swap in a disc brake rear suspension with a lSD. My son did that and it weighs 2060 lbs. minus driver with an m42 in it. Your power to weight ratio will be even better. The surprise is getting the right springs in it. The lighter an e30 gets, the higher it sits and you need a REAL short spring in the back or go full coil-over setup. What's money when you are having fun, right?

I will most likely be running either bimmerworld coilovers or Ground Control Coilovers.....

I have about 1000.00 budgeted for coilovers

[2002maniac]

Brakes
Differential
2 or 4 Door
power? (In my case I will be swapping in a Black top sr20det I have laying around, so that will not matter so much)
Weight? Which car is the lightest?
Subframe?
Cars W/O sunroof?
Suspension Systems?

etc etc.... You guys get the idea.

early 318i without sunroof
325 or 318is subframes front and back
stock brakes with race pads
As much power as you can get
Go to GC or TCK for suspension
Cut out fenders with the widest tires ever

Sounds like you'll be in a Modified class. Good luck being competetive...

[Teaguer]

318is is your friend .

[Karlspackler]

early 318i without sunroof
325 or 318is subframes front and back
stock brakes with race pads
As much power as you can get
Go to GC or TCK for suspension
Cut out fenders with the widest tires ever

Sounds like you'll be in a Modified class. Good luck being competetive...

Thanks for the info. I dont know if the last part was sarcasm but I take it as it. I do not plan on being that competetive in the auto-x nation wide, but locally... I will be.

The car will put out 225-230 whp on the Phase 1 of the build in a 2000lb car makes for a very fast and nimble car. With racing slicks and a tuned suspension I think that I can be competitive at the auto-x. Plus it will be a low 12's car.

Phase two includes a tune, injectors, and a gt2871r and 350 whp.....

You get the idea what that will be like.

[Karlspackler]

318is is your friend .

Thank you, a 318i or is is what seems to be the concensus.

Difference in 84-87 or 88-91??????

Which has its advantages

[german g]

Sr20Det heavier than an m20?

not quite...plus the weight distribution is far better, being a 4cylinder. think s14

Find the wieghts, im pretty sure the nissan engine is heavier...I might be tinking about the skyline 6 cylinder though...

But, i wouldn't put a nissan engine in a bimmer though...But thats just me being a semi-purist..

[Karlspackler]

Find the wieghts, im pretty sure the nissan engine is heavier...I might be tinking about the skyline 6 cylinder though...

But, i wouldn't put a nissan engine in a bimmer though...But thats just me being a semi-purist..

I generally wouldnt either, I have one so why not though.

The sr20det is very light. All aluminum block....

I would say it is lighter than the m20

[german g]

I generally wouldnt either, I have one so why not though.

The sr20det is very light. All aluminum block....

I would say it is lighter than the m20

cool, whats the hp of that engine..Theres a guy i know that just put a skyline engine in his 240....it sounds pretty damn quick.

[Rob]

i think like 220-230whp with basic mods right?

SOunds like it'd be a fun car, I'd definitely make it more of a all around street car than a dedicated Autocrosser though.