Author Topic: Ryann (Read 3247 times)

Ryann · « **on:** February 20, 2010, 04:30:03 PM »

Since I was a kid, I always wanted to drive an e30. I liked the size, shape, and sound of the cars. The first time I saw an e30 M3 I was completely blown away.

My first BMW, however, was an '73 Agave 2002 with rusted out floorpans and rockers. Paid too much for it. I was probably like the 25th owner, because every square inch of that car was worn out. But holy shit that thing was a blast to drive! You could rave about this and that but the bottom line with the 2002 driving experience is that it is balanced, very light, and overpowered. These are the ingredients that put BMW on the driving enthusiasts' radar.

I guess that's why I started looking for an M42 powered e30. It's tough to find a car like this where I live, but I finally found one. It's a Brilliant Red '91 4D 318i, all original from the original owner. 117K miles and a couple different shades of red but beautiful inside. The extra couple of doors aren't my favorite but they're functional. I've got a few plans for the car as far as rolling stock and suspension but that's about it. I don't think I'll be modding the drivetrain too much although a 318is transmission would be cool. We'll see..

4banger · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2010, 07:37:01 PM »

why do you want to swap in the exact same tranny you allready have?. the tranny is the same in the 318i/is with m42.

BlueBMW · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2010, 09:55:10 PM »

Maybe he meant swapping in an LSD diff?

4banger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2010, 10:00:01 PM »

must be because the trans is the same in both.

Ryann · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2010, 11:57:03 PM »

Actually, the '91 318is is equipped with a different transmission, ratios as follows:

318i 318is

1st 3.84 3.72
2nd 2.20 2.02
3rd 1.39 1.32
4th 1.00 1.00
5th .81 .81

as you can see, the first three gears are a little quicker to shift through. c'mon guys, I'm not even an "advanced member".

4banger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2010, 12:56:54 AM »

your not gonna see much if any of a change to be honest. first gear in these cars is all but useless in the i and is. it dosnt get much closer than my 4 door. paired with the 4.10 lsd in mine you go thru the first 3 gears fast.

Ryann · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2010, 01:15:51 AM »

Hmmmmm.

4banger · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2010, 01:24:13 AM »

im actualy looking to get a higher geared rear. i do quite a bit of highway driving and with that 4.10 it sticks the revs way up there. same thing with my Is. id settle for a 3.xx open rear to be honest. both cars same engine same mods(injectors and a chip) act about the same as far as going thru the gears. just my humble opinion. ymmv

Ryann · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2010, 11:26:51 PM »

yeah, I hear you. I used to be into '83 Rabbit GTI's because their close-ratio boxes transformed the lowly Rabbit into a totally different car (capable of embarrassing the most capable ricer racer), that is until the revs were pegged at 95! not a freeway car. I do think a lot of car enthusiasts overlook the ability of transmission gearing to improve a car's performance.

4banger · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2010, 11:47:24 PM »

early gti's could rev that high becuase they had solid lifters. ive been looking for vw solids for some time now.