Few questions about an e30

DaCePtiKoN · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2003, 04:42 PM

Ok, i'm getting an e30 325is for a project/track car, first thing i'm going to take car of is the suspension....i was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on the ideal setup(springs,shocks,sways,strutbars)? in my e36 i have racingdynamic everything and bilstien shocks and i'm happy but i just wanted a few opinions for an e30. Also, i am definatly going to swap the engine in the future, i was wondering what i should go for, an s14 or s52? and why? also if there is anything else important to know about the e30 because i have only had experience with e36 and e46's all opinions and comments are appreciated
Thank you

E30mademepoor · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2003, 05:13 PM

Well, a very popular suspension setup is Ground Control Coil Overs with Koni Adjustable shocks.I've got an H&R Cup Kit, which is great for street and track use. I've also got Suspension Techniques sway bars, and they are great (my car sees the track very often). A front strut brace makes a big difference, and I've heard different opinions as fasr as the one piece bars or the 3 piece Racing Dynamics bar. If you are doing an engine swap, an S14 would be dumb (IMHO) to swap into a non-M E30. An M50 or S50 is a much better idea. They are great track cars, but you have to watch the timing belt on the stock motor (M20) and the rear sway bar mounts (I believe that ST sells reinforced mounts with their sway bars). Good luck and have fun!!

-Ted

DaCePtiKoN · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2003, 08:43 PM

Thanx for the info, this car is going to basically be a track car adn mabey a driver hear and there when i don't feel like using my car

EVOIIIM3 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 08:54 AM

Track car or race car?
If you are going to race it, see what the rules of your class allow.

If not, what is your budget? That really lets you know what you can get.

DaCePtiKoN · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 09:12 AM

Well, i'm just getting into the track thing, i want something i can use to Auto-X and then mabey get into more things as i get better, i'm not getting into a swap just yet i basically want to concentrate on handling, i'm not to familiar with racing a car, but i would like to learn more about it and get into it. I'm not really on a big budget, mabey like 3 or 4 grand to start with for now(not including the car) then later i will sink more money into it

EVOIIIM3 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaCePtiKoN
Well, i'm just getting into the track thing, i want something i can use to Auto-X and then mabey get into more things as i get better, i'm not getting into a swap just yet i basically want to concentrate on handling, i'm not to familiar with racing a car, but i would like to learn more about it and get into it. I'm not really on a big budget, mabey like 3 or 4 grand to start with for now(not including the car) then later i will sink more money into it

Well safty things will eat that budget all up!
first thing get a car....
Fix all the things wrong with it
Then track it, then I would get 4pt harness and a seat, then R compound tires. Work on the driver first, then do suspension. You will be a lot better of a driver to learn on stock stuff then upgrade.

The best bang for the buck is the full GC setup with Koni yellow shocks. It's about $1500. It's not so nice on the streets.

bimmerphile · #7 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 12:31 PM

My AutoX recommendation:

Koni Sport Adjustables
Ground Control Race Springs and Perches
Suspension techniques swaybars

that is, assuming your E30 is rwd. if you get an iX, you're in for some headaches.

CleanAzzE30z · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 01:11 PM

I have Eibachs and Bilstein Sports on both E30s.

On the 325, I NEED sway bars on it cuz it feels like a Caddy compared to the ///M3.

On the ///M3 (E30 of course), I have Eibachs, and Bilstein Sports, Rear Gruppe N suspension (fronts coming soon), Dinan front camber plates, Racing Dynamics sways front and rear, and Full Urethane bushings. And lemme tell you, I am still not dissapointed with its handling. Spacers on both cars, blah blah. EMail me if you need more info.

DrMcDave · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 08:48 PM

don't get an ix for a track/auto x car

options= 0

DaCePtiKoN · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 10:14 PM

I am currently looking at an e30 M3 with a blown motor......mabey? mabey not....ill keep ya posted!

abErMOde · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 12:27 AM

He said that he was going to get a 325is....