Base model for a swap - worth starting with a 6cyl?

Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:27 am

After 10 years away from E30s, thinking about another as a long-term keeper fun road and track car.

Using an M52 seems to be the way forward, so a quick question; is there any good reason to start with a 6cyl over a 4cyl?

Most important thing is a clean shell and having the option to start with a 4-pot opens up the search criteria massively.

All advice welcome.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:52 am

I would choose a rot free shell and go from there. Will make your life a lot easier if it is a 325i though as it will have 51mm struts, rear discs etc in place.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:40 pm

The 6 potters are more desirable in terms of the running gear, such as brakes & suspension, but a tidy shell takes priority over the above any day of the week. So I defo would not dismiss a 4 pot car.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:48 pm

E30BeemerLad wrote:The 6 potters are more desirable in terms of the running gear, such as brakes & suspension

That's only true of 325i's. 320i's have the same size struts and rear drums as standard. For ease the 318iS and 325i are your best bet unless you fancy a touring then they all have the 52mm struts and rear discs.

Really though your decision should be based on the condition of the shell as anything can be bolted on afterwards.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:53 pm

Kedge wrote:Really though your decision should be based on the condition of the shell as anything can be bolted on afterwards.

THIS 100% ^^^^^^^^^

Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:04 pm

Cool, that is inline with what I was thinking. Best to avoid shell restoration, but didn't want to unwittingly walk into a nightmare due to incomparable wiring, needing an expensive dealer only part or similar.

Quite like the idea of combining the engine from my second favourite ever car (E36 328i Sport, sold and then written off) with my favourite ever car - the E30. Had loads of other nice cars, Cooper S, Caterham, Z4 3.0, MX5, etc. but can't quite shake that E30 thing.

Car will arrive under the auspices of a cheap winter run about... The Mrs. doesn't yet know about engine swaps, KW, cage, etc...

Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:13 pm

simonsaunders wrote: Car will arrive under the auspices of a cheap winter run about... The Mrs. doesn't yet know about engine swaps, KW, cage, etc...

Hide/destroy all receipts and deny everything

Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:36 pm

Duke137 wrote:
simonsaunders wrote: Car will arrive under the auspices of a cheap winter run about... The Mrs. doesn't yet know about engine swaps, KW, cage, etc...
Hide/destroy all receipts and deny everything

Nah, she is pretty cool about stuff like that. Just would tell me to buy an E46 M3 instead of messing about with an older car.

At least she might sit in an E30... Won't go anywhere near the Caterham.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:30 pm

Has she got any younger single sisters? I'd quite like an other half to tell me "just buy an E46 M3"

The only reason I can think of that would sway me to a 6 pot base is the fact they have the check control panel (which can be a nice touch if building a very well finished road car with an M52 or S50 etc) and then of course if you have very high road tax like in ireland, a 320 is a lovely base as it can stay a 2L as far as the tax man is concerned

If building a fun road and track car, I'd just be looking for the cleanest and rust free shell I can find no matter if its a 316 or 325. A non sun-roof sell is a big bonus too of course.

running gear etc isn't too important as more than likely, it'll be all coming off to get refurbed or replaced with better parts anyway so even out of a 318is or 325, the only mechanical bits you may still be using that a basic 316 wouldn't have had is the rear arms if you make a really nice job of it.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:53 pm

A non-sunroof car would be ideal! Not easy to find though, so won't let a sunroof put me off the right car. You're right about upgrading parts, but I'd hope to do it piece by piece. If something wears out then I may as well do as much as I can in that one area whilst I'm there. Clutch change? Do a lightened flywheel too. That kinda thinking.

Right, time to juggle some motors and find a base.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:22 pm

318is is your best bet for a cheap base for a project.

318is are perfect for an M50/52 conversion