Hi all, newbie here!

[Zonda_]

Hello. I've joined to get some advice. I'm selling my MK1 Golf trackcar and I'm planning to replace it with an e30 325. I don't know a huge amount about them and the prices seem to vary wildly. For instance there is a 325 sport on 'trader for Ԛ£1.8k! As it's going to be a trackcar pristine bodywork is not my prime consideration, a machenically sound car is far more important.

What should I be looking for? My budget is Ԛ£2.5k

Thanks is advance.

[Jhonno]

best bet is a tidy 325i and then buy a 3.91LSD for it n use the remainder for track prep

[sideways_kyeway]

I agree, if you are looking for a track e30 the best bet is to look out for ether a tidy 325i or even a 325ise....
However, finding a mechanically sound 325i will cost ya, and if you go for one that is cheaper there are more than likely things wrong with it....

Another possibility is looking at a 318is, this twin cam 16v lump produces nigh on 140bhp, and with weight reduction and a few simple tweaks you will enjoy balanced track day powerslides all day long.....

good luck whatever your decision......

[320Touring]

welcome dude!

hope you enjoy the forum!

If you're looking to track an e30 you're ideally looking for a 325i (trim level doesnt matter as it'll all be stripped out) and in a 2door saloon body (lightest model)

as sideways_kyeway says getting one in good mechanical conditon is imperative-especially on the m20 2.5 (head is prone to cracking and mixing oil and coolant)

With the money you have i'd be looking at this rough budget

Ԛ£700-1000 for car (like I say , 2dr manual)
Ԛ£250 for 3.91 LSD (Limited Slip DIff)
Ԛ£350 for an H&R Cup kit for suspension
Ԛ£200 for Polyurathene bushes
Ԛ£150 for sports seat
Ԛ£200 for bonnet pins/other weight saving devices

good luck!

[Zonda_]

Cheers guys. What power is a 325 standard? There is a nice spec 318s for sale in the ads on here. I would be removing the interior and replacing it wiht 2 buckets and 4 point harnesses to save weight.

[Jhonno]

sure i read somewhere that 4 point harness' are actually dangerous.. better off with 3 or 5/6!

2.5 is 170 bhp from the factory, altho most later ones make bout 160

m42 is 135bhp and come with their own problems and more expensive to fix afaik

[m3ben05]

I think 3 or 4 points can be dangerous if they are not worm correctly because in a crash there is nothing to stop you sliding down under them. If the waste strap gets cought round your neck it could be game over

[Jhonno]

yeah i think it is to do with the submarining and lack of crotch strap 6 point is best i reckon.. 5 point might hurt on a big impact (at least it'l keep you in the seat i guess)