Not an M3 but my next project

[Staszek]

Thanks for all the comments! This car is so much fun! Every time I open the garage door it makes me smile!

[JamesGames]

What a masterpiece of a job. Bravo.. must be even nicer to enjoy that knowing you put in blood, sweat and tears (of happiness at the end).

[FatRear08]

That’s a great job you did! Clean, tasteful, and ultra timeless. She’s a keeper for sure.

[selbyp93]

Great stuff bud! Love seeing the process from beginning till the end.

[abx1]

nice restoration

[positiveions]

Very nice well build.

[jp1984]

Have you ever driven an E30 M3? How would you compare, I imagine the S54 is heavier and changes the weight balance?

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by jp1984

Have you ever driven an E30 M3? How would you compare, I imagine the S54 is heavier and changes the weight balance?

I have, the E30 M3 has a lighter feel to it but not much.

That being said I worked on counterbalancing the weight of my E30 from the heavier engine. I have the E36 M3 exhaust which is actually quite heavy compared to stock as well as on the right rear side a group H6 battery which is almost double the size of the stock E30 one.

I also added a smaller sub in the trunk.

Without me sitting in the car and a full tank of Gas I am at literally perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Driving the two back to back there isnt really any handling difference, its hard to put absolutes because all of the extra power and braking in my car would destroy an E30 M3 on a track, I have the M3 rear sways as well as the convertible fronts which are bigger then the m3s. Also Koni adjustables and H&R Sport springs. So really it comes down to feel, the E30 M3 "feels" lighter because it is, but not by much. My car tips the scales at 2900 with a 1/4 tank, the E30 M3 ranges from 2600 to 2998 (the latter most likely the convertible). But most US E30 M3's I have seen weigh in around the 2800 mark due to all being highly optioned with AC, Sunroof as well as we have CATs here that they didnt have in the Euro versions.

So 100lbs isn't much considering I have around a 140hp advantage, not to mention about 100 lb-ft torque advantage as well.

I do want to get mine weighed again though, the Mtech 2 kit would add a little weight, and the rear MT2 spoiler is definitely heavier than the IS spoiler I had on when the car was weighed originally.

[jp1984]

Originally Posted by Staszek

I have, the E30 M3 has a lighter feel to it but not much.

That being said I worked on counterbalancing the weight of my E30 from the heavier engine. I have the E36 M3 exhaust which is actually quite heavy compared to stock as well as on the right rear side a group H6 battery which is almost double the size of the stock E30 one.

I also added a smaller sub in the trunk.

Without me sitting in the car and a full tank of Gas I am at literally perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Driving the two back to back there isnt really any handling difference, its hard to put absolutes because all of the extra power and braking in my car would destroy an E30 M3 on a track, I have the M3 rear sways as well as the convertible fronts which are bigger then the m3s. Also Koni adjustables and H&R Sport springs. So really it comes down to feel, the E30 M3 "feels" lighter because it is, but not by much. My car tips the scales at 2900 with a 1/4 tank, the E30 M3 ranges from 2600 to 2998 (the latter most likely the convertible). But most US E30 M3's I have seen weigh in around the 2800 mark due to all being highly optioned with AC, Sunroof as well as we have CATs here that they didnt have in the Euro versions.

So 100lbs isn't much considering I have around a 140hp advantage, not to mention about 100 lb-ft torque advantage as well.

I do want to get mine weighed again though, the Mtech 2 kit would add a little weight, and the rear MT2 spoiler is definitely heavier than the IS spoiler I had on when the car was weighed originally.

Thank you for the in depth response. I am very envious of your car refinishing/repair skills! You did incredible, it is no wonder you already have folks lining up to buy!

[P1]

What an absolute stunner. It's tough to beat an E30 on BBS wheels.

[Krychool]

Wow a combination of a great e30 body with a great M engine