best years and models for spec e30?

[kmsnsx]

Hey guys, I'm currently looking for a spec e30 candidate and I've been hearing different thing to look for like '88 and up have a better fuel injection system or definitely get a car with lsd. Can you guys chime in with what you think are the must haves and best years or options to start with? Thanks.

[Bavarian3]

Basically an S (for LSD) and something straight (chassi wise).

[ptownTSI]

whatever is cheap, and has a strong running engine. you are going to replace just about everything else and the interior doesn't matter either.

[backtrail69]

I hear spec e30 guys like the db cars because they can take more a hit. I would probably get a mega cheap rust free eta and replace the motor, diff, strip it, appropriate chassis modification and race away.

[Spiff325iS]

You can get factory LSD's for decent prices now, so don't let that detract you. Find a nice 87 or +, then just put an 'i' motor in it.

[kmsnsx]

noob question: what do you mean by eta?
So any '87-'91 325i or is? Is there a difference between the "i" and the regular 325? any truth to the rumor about the better engine starting in '88?

[MikeE30325i]

noob question: what do you mean by eta?
So any '87-'91 325i or is? Is there a difference between the "i" and the regular 325? any truth to the rumor about the better engine starting in '88?

an "eta" is the early model 84-87 m20b27 "e" engine (revs to 5k)

in 88 they made the "e" engine into a "super eta"

the "i" and the "e" engine have different heads, and they rev to different rpm's.

the "i" engine makes a lot more horsepower, and around the same amount of torque.

[W. JONES]

Hey guys, I'm currently looking for a spec e30 candidate and I've been hearing different thing to look for like '88 and up have a better fuel injection system or definitely get a car with lsd. Can you guys chime in with what you think are the must haves and best years or options to start with? Thanks.

Hello, First post here for me but I wanted to give you some info I have gleamed while building my SpecE30. Most guys already in the game say to get an '87 with the "diving board" bumpers. Reason is they are more resiliant than the plastic bumpers, the shocks have more travel for slight bumps, and you won't spend a bunch of time and money replacing the broken plastic bumpers. Not saying you will be bumping everyone off the track but things happen. The '87s are cheaper, I scored mine for a grand!

From those that have done the swap, I am told NOT to get an Eta and convert it, or an auto and convert it. It's just not a good deal in time or money.

So just to recap:

**Diving Board Bumpers...Good
**i or is...Good
**E or eta or auto...Bad

Thanks, and good luck. You will have a great time! Wes Jones

[e34john]

grassroots motorsport is building an e30 I got the last two issues and need to go get the new one. They said diving boards are heavier.

[ddavidv]

Ok, second attempt at posting this...
Bumper weight doesn't matter. The cars are built to a minimum weight anyway.
I agree that buying and converting an eta or automatic car is counter-productive and expensive.
There is no difference in the injection that I'm aware of. These are spec cars, so must all be basically the same.
I bought a 4 door because no one loves them. $1000 for a solid car. :up:
If you are serious, read and hang out on the SE30 message board. Lots of helpful folks there.

[neighborhood]

don't type in www.se30.com , it's www.specE30.com.

[87-325ic]

Q: What should I wear?
A: A: As with all KickAss Party products, clothing is completely optional!
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: A friend? Hell, bring ALL your friends.

[MattE30]

The 325i had an optional LSD do you don't need to get an iS.

[kmsnsx]

Thanks for the advice, I picked up a clean 1989 325is w/180k. Time to start the fun :)

[Keith M]

For a good write up on building a PRO3, go to www.unofficialbmw.com, click on the racing page. Dale is the site owner and races a PRO3 himself.

K