An e30 with e36 evo engine!?

[beautymeanswheels]

Always thought that the 325s are nice to drive but a bit under powered compared to newer cars. So I'm sure this conversion has been done many times and everyone whos had one of these knows the pros and cons.

What are they like to drive? an e30 coupe with an e36 evo engine installed? Approx 320 bhp would make it a monster right? IS handling compromised due to extra weight at the front?

[Andy325i]

24 valve E30's are Superb, and also drive very well for what they are. Start saving.

[jmc330i]

Pros - goes well (even the 3.0ltr), will surprise a lot of unsuspecting vehicles, everyday driving is effortless, driving it quick is a blast, better on fuel than an M20 (on a zone run a few years back, my 3.0ltr returned 32mpg after a gentle convoy out and then a very spirited drive back, all along A & B roads - the zoners with M20s managed less than 25mpg! The M40 engined cars probably used less fuel, but missed all the fun after being left behind )
Oh, and they sound amazing, especially when the Vanos kicks in

Cons - 5-6k minimum DIY to do it properly (or don't bother), pre built cars that are selling cheap are cheap for a reason and best avoided. They handle well for the size of lump IF you spend the money on decent suspension AND brakes (which sadly some don't).
A decent built/tuned M52 conversion will cost about the same as a poorly built S50 conversion and in the real world won't be much slower.