E30 Rally/Trail/Offroad

[Sykohtic]

So I know this has been discussed dozens of times in the past, but I was talking to a friend about it the other day and got to thinking what power plant would be even ideal to do this. He thought an M20B27 would be best. I disagreed. I thought more like either an M10, potentially with a small turbo because its a chain motor instead of a belt, or a M21B24 turbo diesel motor, because diesel because torque. What do you guys think?

[roguetoaster]

You don't need torque off road , so an M42, M10 or an M20B20/23/25 would be fine.

Consider a 2002 as a starting point, much more like an old RWD Escort, which is one of the most fun, if unbearably slow rally cars.

[TheTacoMan]

Being the passenger in a 85 325e offroad, it was more than fast enough for dirt.

[kickinindian]

I've always wanted to put a 2.7i in small truck since it really is a good low end torque engine

[jalopi]

I can understand a rally/rallycross e30, don't understand the mindset behind a trail/offroad e30 though.

I have no idea what the benefit of a chain vs belt drive engine would be off road.. the only reason I could think of is if something penetrated the timing cover and fucked the belt up... though if you're talking about sharp, pointy objects with that much force you've got alot more fucked up than just a timing belt

[Sykohtic]

Belts can't stand as much trauma as chains. This is why the old Toyota Hilux's with the 22R are about 5 times more desirable than the ones with the V6 that are much more powerful. Also, chains don't stretch, they don't fray, they're more reliable in more conditions, and its much more difficult to cause one to slip when it gets wet.

When I say rally/trail/offroad, I'm not going like rock crawler (though that has been done with an E30) lol I was thinking Mitsubishi Evo. I suppose multi-terrain would be a better term. I was thinking slightly raised suspension (I mean, why not custom fab in some struts off like a WRX lol), some aggressive dirt/mud tires or even just some aggressive all terrains, roof-rack with some fancy spotlights and light bars and a spare tire bolted up top, a bit of a bullbar at the nose, a snorkel coming out of the fender or the hood because lawls, and some more Mad Max touches here and there.

[4x4_e30]

There's nothing wrong with timing belts.

I flat out abused my last M20 offroad. Trust me when I say, your #1 concern will be oil pans. Everything else motor wise is rock solid when properly maintained.

For what you want the m20b27 is the best. Torquey, dead reliable, great fuel mileage on the trails. Unless you plan on a full cage/seats/harnesses you won't want any more power offroad.

I've done exactly what you want to do with many different cars. 84' 318i (m10) 85 325 (m20b27) 87 325 with 2.7 stroker, 91' 318is and now my 90 iX. Out of all of them, the 85' 325 was the most fun. The iX would be the best if I had more power to get all 4 spinning.

[mrsleeve]

add a turbo

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Rally racing isnt really about speed its about driving I think best would be m20b27 with i conversion so you can get up in revs or just a regular b27

[anokES]

iX?

[Sykohtic]

There's nothing wrong with timing belts.

I flat out abused my last M20 offroad. Trust me when I say, your #1 concern will be oil pans. Everything else motor wise is rock solid when properly maintained.

For what you want the m20b27 is the best. Torquey, dead reliable, great fuel mileage on the trails. Unless you plan on a full cage/seats/harnesses you won't want any more power offroad.

I've done exactly what you want to do with many different cars. 84' 318i (m10) 85 325 (m20b27) 87 325 with 2.7 stroker, 91' 318is and now my 90 iX. Out of all of them, the 85' 325 was the most fun. The iX would be the best if I had more power to get all 4 spinning.

Dude, that thing looks beast lol

And I get what youre saying. Though I will say even that being said, the oil pans are pretty strong on these cars too. My 325is has taken going airborn and coming down on a rockpile sideways (dont ask) and not a leak to be had. All in all, it's pretty clear why these are such popular rally cars from an engine standpoint. They just don't die lol *knock on wood*
:nice:

[4x4_e30]

Yea, they take quite a beating. But if you plan on offroading, you will need a skid plate.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=294793

[Sykohtic]

It's like you have a set of trophies there for all the times you've banged on the ground ;)

Haha if I ever do this I'll definitely add a skid plate. I'll probably try running one all the way back over the tranny too. Also gotta do the best job possible of protecting that steering rack... that's the one thing on my car that DOES leak. I kinda do wanna do a M21B24 swap offroader though. I mean why not? lol imagine... and offroading E30 that can roll coal ;D

[LJ851]

Any of you crazy offroad e30 guys want a OEM steel oil pan so it can dent instead of shatter?

[jalopi]

I don't know why more people don't just fab pans up, I mean depending on your sheetmetal/welding skills/experience it could be tough but goddamn I bet it's easier & cheaper than changing out oil pans all the time.