E30 to M3 conversion...

[Z-man]

Sounds like the kids with non-turbo 944 n/a's that want to 'convert' then to turbos on the cheap.

The most expensive 944 Turbo is a non-turbo 944 conversion. Similarly, the most expensive E30 M3 is a E30 3-Series M3 clone.

Your son is better off finding a nice, clean non-M3 E30 and keeping it stock, especially if he wasn't planning on touching the motor. May not look as aggressive as an M3, but will give him less headaches in the long run.

My $0.42,
-Z

[rsNINESOOPER]

Buy someones stalled out project that all the hard work and gathering has already been done. Even if you also need to pick up a donor car to finish it you will be ahead of the game. These types of conversions are time consuming and your wallet will make sounds like a puppy being kicked if you try to keep a schedule or completion date.

These sorts of cars pop up in southern Cal often enough but you have to move fast, no thinking just buying when all the right parts are present. A few months ago a real m3 shell with all the m3 stuff like trunk lid suspension etc. but no interior, engine, trans or front sheet metal with a clean but wrecked 325is parts car came through craigslist for 5 something. seemed a good deal for someone who wanted to do the swap- find a M42 engine later on and have a real but mismatched e30 m3.

Just be patient, diligent with cash in hand & ready to pounce.

[Don Plumley]

My son's first car was an E30 - we just worked on it to make it reliable and it was the first real car he turned a wrench on. Today, he owns a couple, plus a truck and works on them himself. As I type, a friend has her car over and he's fixing something. It's been a pleasure to watch someone once hesitant to tighten a drain plug swap a clutch like it's no big deal.

So many of us lust after an E30 M3 - so I like your approach to sort it out first and then look at the fenders, etc. But unless you want to get into metalworking, I think a clean semi-resto is the way to go. He now has a 318i, very original with sport seats, etc. Really a nice car without the ego involved in an M3. I love the way the four banger winds up, really a fun car - and just underpowered enough to keep him from doing stupid stuff with his right foot.

[A930Rocket]

A well set up 944 is something else we've bounced around. Maybe I'll get that and he can have my car and leave as is. It's too nice to modify we think.

Again, we are not looking to make concours real M3 or poser. Just a car with wider fenders and wheels, aftermarket seat, RS style carpet, rear seat delete, momo type steering wheel, and maybe a roll bar. Practical? No, but who cares. My 930 wasn't practical either when I was done with it, but great on the track.

And the M3 is like the slant nose 911. Some like it. Some don't. It's just a look we prefer.

Save money, buy and restore a 944 Turbo, it already has the flares and the power and a far superior chassis to a stock E30.



Probably not the advice you're looking for.

[porsche4life]

No roll bar in a street car......

[Nostril Cheese]

I just wonder how your son would feel if he actually drove an E30 M3. They are pretty peaky engines. The baby six responds very well to light tuning. Headers, chip and a cam make a big difference.

Another thing to consider is finding a clean 1984-86 318i and doing a motor swap. Those have to be cheap these days. Swap in a M42 with a 3.73 and he would be happy.

The great thing about the E30 is that almost all the parts are interchangeable.

There's also the S50 swap.

944's are cheap, but you'll always be working on it. Pricey parts too.

The BMW stuff is more within the means of a teenager.

[porsche4life]

Fwiw, my 944 once the neglect was righted, hasn't been any worse than any other vehicle of that era, or than the newer M3 which had been hauled to the dealer for everything and still had entry of issues....

[Nostril Cheese]

Why do you feel the need to defend your choice of car?

[///Criss]

As an E30M3 owner it would be better to buy an E30M3 instead of converting as you'll spend plenty of time fixing one up and you'll have a lot better ride in the end. Sure its more dough up front, but grafting parts etc might be the same cost in the end and you still wont have the real thing. Bottom line is its your money and your project my 2cents is is exactly that. GL either way.
(If you need help finding an M3 let me know)

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

No roll bar in a street car......

I got pulled over in 5 point harnesses, Rollbar, Fire extinguisher, fuel cell, non-DOT headlights and a few other mods in my Mustang. CHP officer was unaware of all that he could have writen me for.

[futurefun]

I've had a few e30s & love the M3. Either get a real e30 M3, which may not be a great car for a 17 year old, or a 325/318is & enjoy it. A clone would be a lot of work & money that would not appeal to many for resale.

[jim72911t]

Perhaps your son would be interested in a clean, two adult owner, non M car:

[javadog]

^^^^ That is exactly what I was recommending.

JR

[redstrosekNic]

^^^ Beautiful

[A930Rocket]

Great looking car!

Like Jim B, I've been pulled over in my 930 with a cage, 5 point harness, straight pipe, etc without problems. The roll bar would be padded and back far enough. It's simply fir looks. The rear seat delete keeps others out of the back.

We could buy a stock E30 all day long. That's what I have now. We could buy an E30 and do an engine swap all day long. I don't want him in a fast car, just what we think looks cool and one that a father and son can do as a project. It's NOT a CLONE or REPLICA or TRIBUTE car, just a car with wider fenders and wheels at the end of the day.

[RWebb]

Dinan suspension parts + look for the motor from an M3 that was wrecked by someone else's 17 y/o son...

[Kraftwerk]

Don't alter the body ....save the money for engine upgrades and good tires.
I am with zoomiata on this one.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by Kraftwerk

Don't alter the body ....save the money for engine upgrades and good tires.
I am with zoomiata on this one.

Unless you find a perfect mechanical/interior car that's been beat down an alley

[Nostril Cheese]

Here ya go.

Yo little pimp can be BALLA!

[porsche4life]

Here are some pics of a pretty damn fine looking non widened car...

The new hotness