E30 Track car just purchased

[Stonkin]

Hi, this w'end i have purchsed a 325i to be used at track days but also be road legal purely to make it easier to transport the car for work/track days etc. The car has already had various things done to it, but there is a lot more i will need to do so i have joined the forum in the hope to gain some useful knowledge.

The car has been stripped, caged, prosport coilovers, fuel cell behind the seats etc It currently has a 1.8 gearbox fitted along with a welded 1.8 diff. Currently the car does about 80mph with its setup as it was used more for drifting. The first thing i would like to do is replace the diff with an lsd unit which i understand will be far better suited for what i need.

What type of lsd will i require so i can make sure i dont purchase the wrong item? and will it bolt straight up?

Will the 1.8 gearbox be ok for my needs?

I'm going to have lots of questions, but i will try and read up on as much as i can before asking info that is already here.

Here are a quick couple of pictures





Over winter i will be stripping everything, painting inside and out and replacing various parts. The wheels, which although i like, i understand are totally unsuited for track days, so these will be sold and i am also on the look out for something better sized that i can still use the wider arches with.

Thankyou for any information you can help me with...

[maxfield]

I'm fairly certain a 1.8 gearbox will not go on a 2.5 engine.

With a 2.5 gearbox (the right one) you will be wanting a 3.64 or 3.91 LSD.

[leeparkes]

Cool wheels.

[jmc330i]

I'm fairly certain a 1.8 gearbox will not go on a 2.5 engine.

With a 2.5 gearbox (the right one) you will be wanting a 3.64 or 3.91 LSD.

M50 conversion??

Having said that, I think the 1.8 box will bolt up to an M20, but be rotated, kind of like an M20 box on an M50, just the opposite way.

[daimlerman]

Engine type will definately help...

But Getrang 240 was built to suit both M40 and M20 engines,the bellhousing is slightly different between the two versions....and the ratio's almost match the fabled 'sport' version of the bigger 265? Getrang 'box.

[Brianmoooore]

Before you start looking for a diff., decide if you are going to go for one of the M5x 24 valve engines and gearbox or not. E30 gearboxes have an overdrive top gear ratio of 0.81 : 1, whereas the later boxes have a direct top gear, so this will affect your choice of ratio.

[Stonkin]

Thanks for your replies guys. unfortunately i have had the car on the ramps at work today and i'm really not impressed with the shell. I am on the look out for a donor car, and transfer the bits over.

I have a question, is there any structural difference between the 316, 318 etc shells?

Cheers

[Brianmoooore]

All the same for the same body style, apart from the odd bracket or two, for things like the clutch reservoir or single/twin horns.

[Stonkin]

Thank you, just opens up a few other options if that was the case

[handpaper]

If you're going to reshell or do anything major, take the opportunity to move that fuel cell into the boot where it belongs. Fuel lines shouldn't be in the cockpit, never mind the tank.

[DanThe]

If you're going to reshell or do anything major, take the opportunity to move that fuel cell into the boot where it belongs. Fuel lines shouldn't be in the cockpit, never mind the tank.

+1
Is it coincidence the same person that put the tank behind the driver also welded the diff?

[Demlotcrew]

Moving that fuel cell out of the passenger compartment should be your first task!

[suchy]

Cool wheels.

Damn straight

[Demlotcrew]

Wheels might be cool, but I dont see them accommodating adequate brakes. You should consider team dynamics 17's, you have plenty of arch clearance.

[Stonkin]

Cheers guys. Well i have a couple of options of donor cars, which i will look at over the next couple of days. I totally agree on the fuel cell! And the wheels will also be going in favour of something more suitable!

Its going to be a big task, but will end up with a smashing E30 once complete

[Stonkin]

Have been very kindly donated a 316 manual shell which i will collect Saturday. A much much better condition shell Lots to do to strip it to bits, rip the engine out and paint the whole lot, cant wait