E30 hub conversion

[J30lbr]

Hi I'm new to this forum, Iv bought a 316i just as a project because I just love e30s but I can't quite insure a 325i yeT

Basically I want to put coilovers on, but I can't seem to find a proper coilover set, only shock inserts with springs, so I found a guy who was selling some coilovers for an e36 claiming they would fit e30s. I got the car on the ramp, and checked, the strut set up is different, compared to an e36 so there is no way these coilovers would fit.

So I was wondering, is it possible to just change the hub knuckle so that an e36 strut would bolt in?

I know that to change the rear, you can just change the whole control arm off a 318ti or a z3 if I'm correct?

So yeah if someone could give me a little bit of advice it would be appreciated

[ross_jsy]

You can convert to 5 stud with a hodge podge of e36 bits, and I can tell by your post you aren't going to pony up to do it properly with m3 evo bits.

You can buy true coilovers, the cheapest I would use is probably Gaz GHA's or Golds. BC also seem good for the money, although I don't think they are a true coilover design on the rear, but rather a separate spring/adjustable platform.

However, before you spunk a good deal of money on coilovers, have you asked yourself why you need adjustable suspension? It's a 316i, so I doubt it will see track time. If it's for the super stance lows, don't bother, sell up and buy a Polo and stick some £200 eBay special coilovers on and be done.

A set of Bilstein B8's with quality lowering springs such as Eibachs will give you a good ride with great holding providing you don't fit some ridiculously low springs to it

[J30lbr]

To be honest the only reason I wanted to put coilovers on it is because I'm undecided on how low I want to go, all I know is I don't want to be ridiculously low. Also, it drives like abit of a boat at the moment so I thought a set of coilovers would stiffen the ride up nicely, I have great aspirations for the car even tho it may only be a baby.

So you're saying I can't just take out a whole front leg off an e36 and just change the top mount to the e30 one and bolt it straight in with the e30 lower arms and track arms etc..?

[ross_jsy]

No, if you want to use e36 bits, you will need to use the following:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Conversion

Just ask for pictures of various ride heights if you are unsure

[J30lbr]

Iv had a think about it, I think I'll just go for some lowering springs and new shock inserts!

Thanks for the opinions and advice though!