So, I really enjoy having a car to tinker with, its always a great way to waste a weekend when you have nothing better to do. It gives you something to read about when your bored online or in a book store. And of course its always a great way to learn something new about a different sort of system/setup. I'm nearly finished with my 16v volkswagen setup, I really don't want to take the mazdaspeed apart, save maybe a few minor tweaks, and my sister will be needing a car to put around in, and throw down at the autocross events here and there. I have as one option a 90-93 Miata, but I've already a pretty good idea of what we'd like to do. Now, here I'll pitch my ideas so that you guys can educate me and point me in the right directions, etc.
What I'm looking for is a later 89+ e30, or an early (first two years) e36, BMW 3 series. I would like the lightest chassis possible while retaining the best, or near best handling we can. I was thinking a 318, except am turned off by the e36's trailing arm vice multilink setup. Of course, the e30 has the multilink anyway. If it were a 318, e30 or e36, would it be possible to transplant an I-6 relatively easily, would you need motor mounts and brackets made, cut driveshafts, etc? Is it possible to transplant different drivetrain options to a 318, e30 or e36, such as the IS limited slip rear end, or possibly, somehow, the 325xi awd setup? From what I understand, the 325 and 318 are the same foward of the doors, for both chassis codes, so it could be possible, was my thinkin on this. Also, I understand there is an interesting I6 setup for the E30 using the 540TD crankshaft and a few other rotating assembly parts from different I6's to make a stroked 2.7 I6. That's all I really have thought about thus far.
Another thought is, obviously I have mentioned really 4 different chassis setups, the 318 and 325 of either the e30 or e36 codes. Most likely the e36 setups would handle best, with the 325xi most likely the best, and the 318ti not as good as a 325. At least, thats what I've gathered, but its a subjective thing, so without driving one I couldn't be sure. I was wondering what sort of upgrades are availiable to a e30's suspension, and will it handle as good as, say, a Miata without adjustable coilovers on about 350 275 spring rates and a set of bilsteins on a set of 215's and 16in rims? I would say that this would be a nice target, not crazy agressive, but above average handling.
I really hope I didn't make a fool of myself with this, thanks for the help. If anyone has a good place for me to do research, I'd appreciate it. Also, the idea would be to do a mildly comprehensive tear down of said vehicle, with a budget of 3-5,000 after car's purchase for upgrades. New bushhings and wear parts, new front end rebuild, etc, would be included, so it won't go that far I assume.
