E30 Zone

since joining this forum I have an overwhelming urge to get an E30 , my mum has a 325 sport and thats alright but i want somethin quicker because i already have an E36 with equivelant speed to a sport. so i am wanting an E30 project with an engine conversion in mind. so my question's are,
-does it matter what size engine the base car has to start, seen as though the engine , gearbox, loom and dme (ecu) will be replaced.
-Will a 325 have drastically different suspension parts ARBs etc. to a 316 as i would be upgrading shocks and springs
-which models start with discs at the rear.

-I am thinking of an engine swap with the E36 engine from the 328 (M52B28) are there many on here who have done an e36 engine swap , if so any advice will be mucho appreciated-o


Cheers

Well, in my oppinion you're much better off getting a nice 325 SE. It already has nice gadgets on it (so you dont have to add them later on) and has the larger diameter struts (ready for your uprated shocks and springs), disks all round, better ARB's and a few other bots and bobs.

You're right that you'll be changing a lot but you are best off starting with the 325i I'd say. SE's aren;t anywhere near as sought after as sports so you wont be paying a premium. I paid £1000 for an absolute peach of an E30 325i SE.

The M52 swap is an awesome one: Good luck dude.

Jai

A 325i would probably be the best starting block as it has rear discs and the larger suspension struts to begin with. But, its nothing that cant be added to a 316i/318i etc.

If youve already thought about uprating suspension etc, then I would look out for any E30 shell thats in good condition regardless of engine and start from there. If you get a 4pot E30, you will need to change the front struts for the 6pot (51mm) items and do the rear disc conversion at the least. The 6pot ARBs are thicker IIRC, but you would probably want some uprated ones anyway (H&R, Eibach etc).

I reckon condition is going to be your main concern, for example getting a tatty 325i shell that needs loads of work will be more hassle than getting a decent 316i shell and changing the suspension, brakes etc.

if you get an IS they already have rear discs ;)

it depends on price.

it would be a shame to distroy any 325i!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dont do it.

get 316 or a 318 and do the suspension change your self.

it also means you get to replace bushes etc for new good stuff and make a tired car new again.


i have a 318i with 325i front running gear, m30 engine (hope to get it on the road soon) and soon to have 325i rear running gear.

all 325i se stuff from my old 325i - the shell was rotten.


dont distroy a good 325i there just too nice.

if you have plenty of money turbo a 325i


if not parts are ok prices so just get all the 325i stuff uprate and re-new and you will have a great car!

my old 325i would beat a e36 328i it was great fun.

You can pick up touring/sport/cabby suspension for less than a ton I would say if you did get a decent shell 316.

as said above I would start with a decent solid shell, the rest is replaceable and interchangeable fairly easily but if the shells f00ked you'll have to start again at some point

choppa your bang on!

oh and i like you new avatar (spelling?) its less council than the ally way

Or get a touring which will have rear discs and arb and (probably) the 51mm front struts as standard. You can pick up a mint 316i or 318i touring for peanuts but you will need to change the diff as well as the rest of the running gear, plus the weight will be more balanced with a heavy engine.