So I have been doing some thinking here between the E46 M3 or upgrading my E30 M3 to something "very special" But overall I need some advise here. Spending $10,000 on a race S14 engine and add alpha-n fuel management sounds inviting........ but I would most likely have to upgrade the drive train to something better considering that would give me about 300hp from what was 195hp. I love the way the E46 handles and is very responsive in the high rpm range not to mention you can put one hell of a supercharger on them :D thanks to Ronnie

Tell me what you think I should do? I am open to ideas

Chris

Get a new car chris!

Id check out some used P-cars.

Combine the best of both.

S54 engine transplant into the E30 M3. :buttrock There is a thread about someone doing this swap in the 'general' section of this forum. Fairly simple expect for the electronics.

Tell me what you think I should do? I am open to ideas
Chris

So I got rid of an E46M3 to go back to a stock E30 M3. It all depends on what you want, if you want power, street comfort, and max. potential there is no question the E46 is the way to go. Keep in mind, the E46 is one heavy car and the stock suspension is, IMO, not up to the task-while it ultimately has the stick, it has lost a lot of feel and understeers way too much. So plan on spending $4k on new suspension bits for serious performance, half that if you just want a better street ride. Don't forget to add in the cost of the car!

If you want perfect balance, then stay with the E30 M3. However, $10K WILL NOT buy you a 300 Hp motor, only ~250-260 at the flywheel at most, and that is if you are doing the labor.

Personally, if you want to go a lot faster and not break the bank, an E36 M3 with an AA s2 turbo kit, GC coilover suspension is one sweet rocket.

For me, the replacement for the E30M3 is most likely a Porsche Cayman or 997.

Get a new car chris!


lol yup. You have to see the one I test drove.... i'll call you later tomorrow about it.

Combine the best of both.
S54 engine transplant into the E30 M3. :buttrock There is a thread about someone doing this swap in the 'general' section of this forum. Fairly simple expect for the electronics.


Wow Spencer,

I'll have to do some research on that one. How much can you get an S54 anyway, that is if you can find one? Heck, thats like an anything killer on the light E30 chassis. lol :D

So I got rid of an E46M3 to go back to a stock E30 M3. It all depends on what you want, if you want power, street comfort, and max. potential there is no question the E46 is the way to go. Keep in mind, the E46 is one heavy car and the stock suspension is, IMO, not up to the task-while it ultimately has the stick, it has lost a lot of feel and understeers way too much. So plan on spending $4k on new suspension bits for serious performance, half that if you just want a better street ride. Don't forget to add in the cost of the car!
If you want perfect balance, then stay with the E30 M3. However, $10K WILL NOT buy you a 300 Hp motor, only ~250-260 at the flywheel at most, and that is if you are doing the labor.
Personally, if you want to go a lot faster and not break the bank, an E36 M3 with an AA s2 turbo kit, GC coilover suspension is one sweet rocket.
For me, the replacement for the E30M3 is most likely a Porsche Cayman or 997.

Ah Interesting. I see your point. I had chance to test drive an E46 the other day and I liked the way it felt but I did feel that understeer you mentioned. Most likely I'll keep the E30 M3 for the most "fun for the buck" I have not had chance to test drive an E36 M3 with a/a stage 2 kit but would love to if someone has one around town I could get a ride in...

I have a ways to go with making a desicion and probley won't buy anything or upgrade for a few months depending on witch way I go.

Thanks for the info though. I will be doing a lot of homework.

Must meet up sometime. I have a duplicate of you car right down to the wheels themselves. :)