So upon realizing that the Z3 steering rack and it's 2.7 lock to lock of greatness can be fitted into e30s, knowing that the sublime E36 gearboxes are a bolt on affair and knowing that the suspension geometry and aftermarket options are gravel friendly, now not considering a 318ti. Lack of power and being north of 2800lb give me reservations. The lack of power is the lesser of the 2 concerns as with short gearing, it's a sin that's well covered. I'm curious as to how easy it is to remove 200-250lb from a non-ancient BMW. If it can be done with Lexan.
As someone who has just bought an E30, I say do it. They're just so damn tiny compared to BMWs of today.
Even if you can't find the Z3 rack, read on E30zone that the E46 rack is also one hell of an upgrade.
I believe the weight loss can be done with/ lexan. If you don't want/need creature comforts, the usual A/C, seats, sound deadening, etc will get you your goal of 200+lbs removed.
As an e36/5 fanboy I say do it!
The auto rear gear is 4.44 where the manual ratio is 3.45. However, those are small case differentials which are really only up to 1.8/1.9L power, so if you want to go to an M5x then you should check out a mid case swap from a Z3 or E30.
The interior bits are heavy, especially the front seats. I'm just over 3000lbs, albeit with a heavier drivetrain than stock.
yes, the seats are VERY heavy (I am sitting in one now) as is the usually installed sunroof. If you go looking for a CF hood, use the Sedan parts as the front of the T from forwards of the doors is all sedan, the doors are sedan like, but coupe length, and the rear of the car is unique.
I loved and miss mine, but I thought they weighed in around 2650? The Hatchback is a couple of hundred pounds less than the sedan version with the same engine
