E30 325es - just how bad an idea is it for PDX & Auto-X

After the local Miata escaped my clutches, I'm back on searching for a cheapo Auto-X/PDX/HPDE vehicle. We've pretty much jettisoned the idea of a 944 at the moment (unless I happen to find a cheap 924S) we're trying to get out of debt rather than into debt and I don't want to have to borrow even a small amount for a vehicle (plus I still have to fix up the CJ or buy a replacement for it).

There's a very nice looking 325es for sale over in Sacramento - not exactly my favourite color but it is an 's' with all the goodies. Common Interwebz wisdom seems to imply that they don't make decent track/Auto-X vehicles because of the low revving nature of them. Any insights from the board?

Also, the search so far is concentrating on:

• Miatas, but it's hard to find one with a hardtop for less than 3.5k or without a hardtop in decent shape for 2.5k
• E30s or E36s, both of which aren't that easy to find up here for my budget if they're not way past the end of their useful lives
• AE86s are too expensive in half-decent shape due to the dorifto tax, same goes fotr S13s & S14s.
• MR2 - seem to be hard to find in decent shape and not riced out for my budget
• 'vettes/Mustangs/Firebirds are out as I'd prefer something that's got half-decent running costs when not used on the track.

What else should I be looking for? Basically I want RWD, sporty, fairly small and slow as a decent track craft learning car.

Well, the eta motor gets you a longer stroke, which gives an extra 200cc of displacement as well as more torque. I don't see how torque is a handicap for a performance car... ;-) Plus, I've heard that the hot ticket is to swap in an "i" cylinder head, giving you the good breathing and horsepower with the 2.7 liters of displacement.

I'm sure others will chime in with more specifics but I don't think the eta engine is an automatic disqualifier. Especially as good 325is cars are hard to find.

David

The e doesn't like to rev.

That's pretty much the complaint I've seen - it redlines at 5k rpm or something, with peak power at 4800, so you'll have to do more gearbox stirring. OTOH you've got a lot more low-down grunt.

Well, the seller labels it as a '325e', but the interior has the sport bits in it. Hmm. Linky:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2316043120.html

If it runs as good as it looks this might be a nice ride

Paul B

how about an original shape 300zx? The 280/300 do not get that dorifto love and tax that the s13 and s14 do

What about a MG B or Triumph TR7?

Eta's are great for the track, my friend uses his 260k miles 528e for HPDE's and it works fantastic. His is well sorted but outclassed in HPDE groups, he is always in the same run groups as Vettes and 135i's, he's an incredible driver so he still can pass them though. Completely stock car, heavier than the e30 too.

Install all the M or IS take off parts that others have replaced with aftermarket parts. Have fun.

As I recall, one of the front runners back in the begining of Spec e30 actually ran an E motor. If the car is clean and straight. Buy it. Swapping in an I motor really isn't that tough. I have done it twice now. That definitely looks like an E motor. Easiest way for me to tell is how the brake booster attaches to the intake. There is only one problem with that car, its go to be the cleanest e30 I have ever seen. Its almost too clean for the track. I mean, he even replaced the gears in the odometer, the dash doesn't appear to be split and the seat have covers on them. If the AC works, and all the electrical bits work, i would just DD that thing.

Thats a beauty. I'd trade my beater but much faster 951 straight up for that.

That is one clean e30. Seems well cared for as well.

I have driven a 325es, it was fine. I would imagine alot of the people who say not to get one havent driven one. If you are considering porsche 944s, an alfa milano would be acceptable too. Mine handled great, it just wasn't fun having it for a daily driver with no other cars.

My brother has a track rat 325ES that he autox's frequently. It's in ITA trim and competes in DSP pretty well. It has a chip to raise the rev limiter to make it slightly less annoying, but you do notice the engine. On the track, the engine is the slowest part of the package, but once it croaks you can drop something higher revving in.

Max power is on the order of 4400 RPM, his limiter is roughly 5500, but it doesn't like going there and there's no reason for it unless there isn't enough room for 3rd gear at an autox.

i would buy that if i hadnt just bought an e36. i just love me some e30, and that looks like a rarely clean example.

That's non-sport ETA engined E30. No limited slip, no sports suspension with wider wheels, no higher-rate shocks and springs, no sport seats. These engines can be woken up with a chip and installing sport es/is parts. The best eta-engined E30 was the Super ETA 87 325es. It DOES look well-cared for, but not especially nimble on an AutoX course.

93EXCivic wrote: What about a MG B or Triumph TR7?

Seems to be even harder to find. I wouldn't mind an MGB GT, but part of the plan is to drive whatever I buy in the winter also, at least while I don't need 4x4. That way I can get away with a big block truck or SUV as a tow vehicle.

TR7, looked at a couple in the UK, nah, I'd rather have an Alfa or Fiat spider...

Travis_K wrote: I have driven a 325es, it was fine. I would imagine alot of the people who say not to get one havent driven one. If you are considering porsche 944s, an alfa milano would be acceptable too. Mine handled great, it just wasn't fun having it for a daily driver with no other cars.

Well, it would have to do some part DD duty, so some specialist support is necessary and I don't think we have any up here. The closest ones I know about are down in the Bay Area. I used to have a 3L Milano, wouldn't mind another one but that would be about as 'interesting' as DD'ing a Biturbo.

Irish1 wrote: That's non-sport ETA engined E30. No limited slip, no sports suspension with wider wheels, no higher-rate shocks and springs, no sport seats. These engines can be woken up with a chip and installing sport es/is parts. The best eta-engined E30 was the Super ETA 87 325es. It DOES look well-cared for, but not especially nimble on an AutoX course.

Thanks for looking at it that closely - I think I might give it a miss...