What would you do?

#1

Hi guys,
I’ve been watching the site for a while now. My son and I are going to build a car for DEs and when the timing is right compete in this series.
I’ve been looking at a 89 325i with 205K. In the last 2 yrs.it’s has new spec E30 springs, shocks, sway bars. Also new clutch, timing belt, water pump, belts, hoses, cross drill rotors, stock motor and trans mounts and a cone air filter. The bad - Lt.Wt flywheel, perf. chip and no Ltd slip diff. He’s asking $5,000 which seems high.

We have an 87 325is with 260K, missing front spoiler otherwise bone stock. We got this car very cheap expecting to replace all the wearing parts and build to Spec E30 rules. So far we have replaced the clutch, pp, throw out brg, slave and master cyl. We got about $1,000 total in it.

What would you do? Stay the course on the 87 "is" or pay somewhere between $3,500 and the #5,000 asking price for the "i" car that already has the above mentioned work complete. I couldn’t access the rule today but I thought the LtWt flywheel is not allowed. So that’s a bunch of work to change plus cost of stock flywheel and chip.

Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Seth

#2

A lot depends on who is doing the labor. In any event I think $5K is too much for the first car. The parts you can use on it should be under $1500 if you add them to the car you have now.

The light weight flywheel would have to be replaced as well as the chip. Stay on with the '87. Keep an eye out for any other E30 for parts. Find one with the same color as yours and keep it handy. I found a slightly crashed running '87 is car for $550. Some say high for the car but is has a running engine, 5-speed, LSD and is the same color and also a 2-door. Parts will come in handy belive me.

Michael
#36

#3

Agreed.

Build an ugly car and use the money you are saving to rebuild the motor.

JP

#4

Michael and JP,
Thanks for your replies. It sounds like the original plan is the way to go. I plan to do as much as possible myself. this forum has a lot of helpful information. I’m sure I’ll need all of it and a lot more!

Regards,
Seth

If any of you are in the Northern VA in area, I’d like to meet you.