1988 2.7 six with a 5 speed. Friend bought it for the wheels and wants to chuck the corpse. I don't have plans for a LoCost, but maybe I should.
A. Find a very light rust free somethngorother to put the BMW driveline into.
B. LoCost. Anyone know where to get plans?
C. Forget all this and just spend quality time with the wife and the damn cat.
D. [your thoughts here] _ _ _ _
Dan
how bad of condition is it in right now?
Huh? 2.7? Sure you don't mean a 2.5?
Oh and your answer is:
D. Give it to ME! I'm looking for a track-beater and I don't care about rust 
Ian F wrote: Huh? 2.7? Sure you don't mean a 2.5? Oh and your answer is: D. Give it to ME! I'm looking for a track-beater and I don't care about rust
If it's a 325E it will have the 2.7L ETA engine, and they're a bit anemic. If it's a 325i, you need to give it to me so I can swap my auto to a 5 speed.
If it were in Lansing I could use it...
Part it out and/or sell it on here. I'm looking for some interior pieces.
the sharks begin to circle
Turn it into a perfect target for a large get together of gun owners?
I'm looking for interior pieces, too...
Throw those badass 15" steelies on it, and use a sawzall to make them fit. Paint it flat black. Mount guns to the roof. Show up in Gainsville in early October.
15" are gone; the guy that owns this owns them now.
I haven't seen the car so don't know if it's an E or and I. I had a 325e once and put a chip in it, what a frikkin' difference!!
If someone can point me toward LoCost plans, the interior bits will be cheaper.
Dan
An 88 2.7 would be the SETA motor not just the ol ETA. It has different pistons and the "I" head. It is the most desirable of the eta's and the basis for stroker 2.5's.
Google M20 stroker and see what you have. It could be just an ECU and intake manifold away from being a hot rod.
www.mcsorley.net/locost
Maybe talk with Keith about his cough book cough cough.
how is everybody finding these cheap or free cars??? Man, im so jealous!!!
16vCorey wrote: If it's a 325E it will have the 2.7L ETA engine, and they're a bit anemic. If it's a 325i, you need to give it to me so I can swap my auto to a 5 speed.
Ah... right... I'm a bit rusty on my E30 history....
http://www.coveland.com/motorsports/index.cfm?ID=30
This guy is right around the corner from me, I've never been there because it's all Brit stuff.
Staffers: On the GRM Miata LoCost project car there was no mention of cost. Could someone email or PM me a ballpark number on the frame and plastic.
Though not Challenge legal, it could run exhibition right?
Dan
Rusty_Rabbit84 wrote: how is everybody finding these cheap or free cars??? Man, im so jealous!!!
How about a free Hobie catamaran with no mast?
Feel better? 
BMW straight 6 motors are not really good candidates for a locost because they are long and tall (and heavy), but... the 2.7 with a 325i head and megasquirt has been the basis for many a cheap, fast car. You could also just slap a turbo on it if you prefer a puffer.
you have found the holy grail of e30's (other than an M3 obviously).
The "SuperETA" is a one year only motor. It is a 2.7 bottom end, with a 325i head on it, and pistons that make 8.5:1 compression IIRC.
I had one. I put a stock 325i cam in it. Stock 325i inner valvesprings. 19lb injectors. a 325i intake manifold. And a 325i ecu with a chip I bought off ebay for $50. Anyhow, it made 155hp , and 162lb/ft of torque at the tires.
Found a 3.73 LSD to replace the 2.73 open diff it came with, and it was awesome. Eventually went to 4.10's.
Anyways, ask me anything....
Is it too nasty to just put a new timing belt on it and some wheels and drive it/sell it if you dont like it? Just becasue its free doesnt necessearily mean it has to be parted out/cut up but if its too nasty then that would make sense.
belteshazzar wrote: you have found the holy grail of e30's (other than an M3 obviously). The "SuperETA" is a one year only motor. It is a 2.7 bottom end, with a 325i head on it, and pistons that make 8.5:1 compression IIRC. I had one. I put a stock 325i cam in it. Stock 325i inner valvesprings. 19lb injectors. a 325i intake manifold. And a 325i ecu with a chip I bought off ebay for $50. Anyhow, it made 155hp , and 162lb/ft of torque at the tires. Found a 3.73 LSD to replace the 2.73 open diff it came with, and it was awesome. Eventually went to 4.10's. Anyways, ask me anything....
Exactly right. It would have to be a '88 with a 325 badge if it says i or e than it's not a supereta.
visually, if it has the thin runner intake manifold, and no cold start injector, you've struck gold.
Data overload! 
I haven't even told the guy I would take it yet. He snagged the wheels off it so I have to find some 4 X 100s, even donuts just to make it roll.
Dan
If you end up parting and its the right stuff for my 86-e I would be interested in the manual swap parts.
I think I'm keeping the drivetrain, LoCost or not. Where's tha R5 go to anyway?
belteshazzar wrote: you've struck gold.
Well, more like "struck something that might not be poo" maybe... the SuperETA is like gold only if the only car you have ever driven was the regular ETA. Even then... copper, tops.
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