Turbo S vs E30 M3
11-13-2005, 02:02 AM
#16
Burning Brakes
Hmm, appears good on the outside, but I'd be checking for rust and the condition of the drive train. I wouldn't want one that some kid rallied hard.
And hey, 3 cars isn't too much, you're just getting started on your collection! Hehe
And hey, 3 cars isn't too much, you're just getting started on your collection! Hehe
11-13-2005, 02:25 AM
#17
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Hey Jmarch who did your 2.5l engine conversion for you? Did you get a 2.5 block or is it a modified 2.3 block? Do you have a trusted mechanic for the M3. Details please. I am in the South Bay. I got a 88 M3 in Jan of 04 and your right about the lack of power and handling. I use my as a daily driver till I get my 951 up and running again.
11-13-2005, 02:55 AM
#18
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Originally Posted by jmarch
Don't do that. The balance of the car goes right out the window. You might as well by an E36 instead!!!!
11-13-2005, 03:07 AM
#19
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Originally Posted by MR951
The car exists here:
http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/m...hp?ad_id=46158
I haven't looked at it yet and I don't know if I will. I don't want to give up my 951 and having 3 cars is too much (WRX is my daily driver).
FWIW older european cars are pretty cheap here in Hawaii. Most of the gear heads here can be put into one of two catagories. The V8 drag racing or nascar crowd or the rice burners. 944s and 951s are rather inexpensive. I got my '89 Turbo in great condition (only needed new wheel bearings, batwing and had a leaky front strut) for $7,000 from a dealer. The mechanic I go to likes to buy 951s and fixes 'em up to resell on the mainland. After shipping the car he still clears a few grand profit.
http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/m...hp?ad_id=46158
I haven't looked at it yet and I don't know if I will. I don't want to give up my 951 and having 3 cars is too much (WRX is my daily driver).
FWIW older european cars are pretty cheap here in Hawaii. Most of the gear heads here can be put into one of two catagories. The V8 drag racing or nascar crowd or the rice burners. 944s and 951s are rather inexpensive. I got my '89 Turbo in great condition (only needed new wheel bearings, batwing and had a leaky front strut) for $7,000 from a dealer. The mechanic I go to likes to buy 951s and fixes 'em up to resell on the mainland. After shipping the car he still clears a few grand profit.
Is bodyrust a problem in Hawaii? The car looks nice in the photo but we all know what a real cosmetic/mechanical restoration costs, especially if this one has the same rust problems as other E30's. I feel blessed that the 944 was built with galvanized panels, why didn't BMW do the same? I still think the car is worth looking into, you never know!
11-13-2005, 03:24 AM
#20
Jimmy, you're in luck. Go see Hoa (say Waah) at South Bay Independent 310-532-3145. Please tell him Joe M. sent you. He is extremely fair and reasonable and loves the E30 M3 (there's a picture of one on the side of the shop). He allowed me to "build" the engine with him. Part of the deal was teaching (I do most everything myself - this was my first engine rebuild and didn't want to screw it up). I used a 2.3 block BTW.
Guys, the E30 M3 is galvanized and fairly rust proof. One problem area is around the windshield (somewhat like 993s). The seal traps water which can cause rust in the area.
Joe
1995 Porsche 993
1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5 (240HP) daily driver
Guys, the E30 M3 is galvanized and fairly rust proof. One problem area is around the windshield (somewhat like 993s). The seal traps water which can cause rust in the area.
Joe
1995 Porsche 993
1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5 (240HP) daily driver
11-13-2005, 05:39 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by jmarch
Hey Kevin,
How much more maintenance does your 951 require in comparison to your M3???
How much more maintenance does your 951 require in comparison to your M3???
As for the 951, I've had it for about two years, maybe two and a half, and I'm on my second engine. That answer your question?
Let me just say this: If I had to pick between one or the other, the 951 would be out the door instantly, I don't even have to think about it. There's more to driving than speed.
11-13-2005, 08:09 AM
#25
You guys know when BMW motorsport started building the Brabham F1 motors in 1980 - they took 2002 blocks off the ASSEMBLY LINE and CUT 5KG OF STIFFENING RIBS OFF OF IT!!!!!
The E30 M3 block is the same as the 2002. This is not a wives tale.
Anyway, this block with the short-stroke billet crank is the one that made 1,100-1,400 HP in qualifying trim in 1986 Benneton B186.
So probably safe to say that this engine is well built.
The E30 M3 block is the same as the 2002. This is not a wives tale.
Anyway, this block with the short-stroke billet crank is the one that made 1,100-1,400 HP in qualifying trim in 1986 Benneton B186.
So probably safe to say that this engine is well built.
11-13-2005, 09:09 AM
#26
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Some say they used old,well-worn blocks that they re-machined for the F1 engines...reason being that it had been stress-relived after use. A. Graham Bell states that they were additionally stiffened and then seasoned in a curing oven...
11-13-2005, 02:25 PM
#28
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Ok...so they started by using production blocks "cut to size" and after getting cracks they then reverted to used ones... But why would they remove the stiffening ribs? When an engineer at BMW said "We need to quadruple (or more) the hp this block normally sees to be competitive"...what's then the point of removing loads of whatever makes the block stiff? That sounds to me like inviting massive engine failures to happen...
11-13-2005, 03:52 PM
#29
Originally Posted by Epic2112
Well, let's see. I'm the original owner of the M3, since it was born it's needed the alternator replaced, and umm, hrmm, wiper blades? Tires? I had to replace a fog light bulb last week.
As for the 951, I've had it for about two years, maybe two and a half, and I'm on my second engine. That answer your question?
Let me just say this: If I had to pick between one or the other, the 951 would be out the door instantly, I don't even have to think about it. There's more to driving than speed.
As for the 951, I've had it for about two years, maybe two and a half, and I'm on my second engine. That answer your question?
Let me just say this: If I had to pick between one or the other, the 951 would be out the door instantly, I don't even have to think about it. There's more to driving than speed.
Wow, thanks Eric. I figured you (as an owner of both cars) would best put things into perspective for me. Maybe I'd be better off (within my budget) with an S2????
Cheers
Joe
1995 Porsche 993
1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5 (240HP) daily driver
11-13-2005, 05:37 PM
#30
Skunk - the initial contracts for those engines specified by the chassis manufacturer usually stipulates something like, "engine must fit inside 2' x 2' cubic box", or something crazy (F1) like that. 
Ribbing was probably volume AND mass concern for Neerspach.
Ribbing was probably volume AND mass concern for Neerspach.
