OK, I admit it, I'm an opportunitist and a Craigslist junkie. And, I've been bitten by the e30 bug. I'm 30 years removed from being even an adequate back yard mechanic and have been driving a variety of nice reliable boring Japanese cars for those 30 years while career and family have taken priority in my life. However, having stumbled into the e30 world a couple of years ago, I now remember how much fun driving and messing with cars can be. So, putting all my CL addiction and rekindled passion for cars together, I started buying e30s and parts when they were locally available and the price seemed right. In addition to a few cars that I have resurrected using bolt on parts and doing minor repairs for myself, friends and family, have now acquired a big old pile of parts that I think I can make into a pretty nice rig. But it'll be a bigger project than anything I've ever undertaken. Before I dive into this I wanted to get the advice of others more expert and experienced. I'm not interested in making the fastest car known to mankind, nor a motorized skateboard, just want to put it all together for a fun reliable driver.
Here's what I have and what I paid:
'85 318i with a straight body and in need of paint $300
'93 318i m42 engine ECU and tranny $600
wiring harness $ 75
'93 to '91 m42 conversion stuff, intake, pan, etc. $100
'86 325e parts car, no engine or trans $ 50
m3 springs $100
Bilstein sport shocks $160
So, I think I have the bulk of the makings for a pretty nice car for under $1,300. I'm thinking I should start with the engine and tranny to make sure I can make that work. I'll do the conversion to the '91 m42, using the '93 harness and ECU and drop that into the 318. Assuming I can make that work (a big assumption), I'll then tackle making it stop and handle adequately. I'm planning to take the entire rear subframe, including diff and brakes; the brake booster and master cylinder; and, the front struts and brakes from the 325e and installing them with new bushings and the m3 springs and Bilsteins.
I've no doubt that I'll spend at least another $1,500 to $2,500 on new "while you're at it, you might as well" parts. I'll want to rebush the front suspension and steering (rubber, not urethane), replace all the drive train rubber mounts, replace the timing chain and the rubber engine externals, and, replace clutch, pp and flywheel. I've read all that I can find on-line regarding the various pieces of this project and I think it's all within my modest mechanicing ability.
So, how stupid is this? Am I forgetting anything major? Is my budget even close to realistic? Will I have a good fun daily driver when I'm done? Anyone see any "won't work" roadblocks?
I don't want to get started only to end up with another unfinished project. Should I just sell this pile of junk and go out an buy a 318is? Any and all advice, encouragement, chiding, admonishment, etc. will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Noel
Topic: Opportunity Meets Stupidity (Read 5803 times)