330ci morph into m3 ? can I do it
I currently have a 330ci cab 01 but have wanted the performance of the m3 although not quiet in love with the harsh ride every day. In your collective wisdom what might it cost me to turn the 330 into a reasonable m3 type car versus selling it a getting a 01 m3 cab or 02. the cost of a m3 cab here in milwaukee if i can find one is aroung 38k and a 02 around 42k which is 6k over my 330 for a 01 or 10k or so for the 02. Is there a reason to pick a 01 vs. 02 m3 or are they the same. thanks David
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if all you want is the straightline speed, you can spend $6-8K and get a supercharger installed. if you're lucky, your engine will even survive for a while.
not just speed
interested in car which will not self destroy will still be derirable on resale in future and will have similar handling charasterics more that speed per say thanks
interested in car which will not self destroy will still be derirable on resale in future and will have similar handling charasterics more that speed per say thanks
m3 engine swap, m3 suspension, front tower brace, m3 transmission, diff, rear subframe, rear suspension, brakes/spindles...
If you want somewhat sharper handling, just put a set of swaybars on, though.
If you want somewhat sharper handling, just put a set of swaybars on, though.
Call Rogue Engineering. They'll hook you up. They already did an E46 S54 conversion and are willing to do other conversions. Have been thinking about the E46 sedan S54 conversion. We'll see... thinking about kjust waiting for the E90 4dr M3 and S/C my car at some point after a few Drivers Ed courses and some racing wheel time.
And Nick, companies like Technik/Infinitas have been S/C cars without any problems after 5yrs.
And Nick, companies like Technik/Infinitas have been S/C cars without any problems after 5yrs.
*shrug* You still have an open diff, which must get replaced. The whole notion of spending 10-12K on a street car just so it goes faster in a fairly useless way seems odd to me.
wheel-man said:
The conversion includes the entire rear of the M3, including LSD.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:
Some people just like wasting money.
Considering the cost of just the main M3 drivetrain mechanicals to start (not including labor), from a salvage car, is the cost difference of the whole cars or more, it really seems like a stupid thing to do.
Considering the cost of just the main M3 drivetrain mechanicals to start (not including labor), from a salvage car, is the cost difference of the whole cars or more, it really seems like a stupid thing to do.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:
Again, it all depends. If you get a used vehicle with high miles and find a salvage M3, the conversion and cost of the car may be significantly cheaper than buying a new/used M3. Plus, you can mod exhaust, cams, intake, suspension without the cost of the original M3 parts. And, at the end, it's your own Frankenstein, your baby. I can understand it. It maybe more cost effective as well.
And there's always the attachment factor some people have with their cars. And a non-M3 with at least equivalent if not more performance than M3 with stealth in the hands of someone who can drive it would be cool... Just like the M3 RE E46 Wagon.
I've been toying to buy an Evo VIII from the first year of production with high miles at a total bargain. Learn to drive it with courses and then have some fun with it making it into a beast with a Tomei 2.3L motor, 6sp Mtisu tranny and MR shocks, as well as some turbo magic from AMS.
And there's always the attachment factor some people have with their cars. And a non-M3 with at least equivalent if not more performance than M3 with stealth in the hands of someone who can drive it would be cool... Just like the M3 RE E46 Wagon.
I've been toying to buy an Evo VIII from the first year of production with high miles at a total bargain. Learn to drive it with courses and then have some fun with it making it into a beast with a Tomei 2.3L motor, 6sp Mtisu tranny and MR shocks, as well as some turbo magic from AMS.
Kaz said:
You'd have to do all the work yourself for the project to be cheaper, pretty much no matter what you bought the donor cars for.
wheel-man said:
True, that's the rub. 
But, depends on what the cost of time is to you, since the cost of money stays constant. If it's cost effective to have someone else do it because of time, well who's to argue?
A guy on e46fanatics actually is doing the conversion himself with an S54/SMG on an E46 sedan. Already about 9mnths into the project and almost done. Pretty impressive, and in all acounts his baby.
But, depends on what the cost of time is to you, since the cost of money stays constant. If it's cost effective to have someone else do it because of time, well who's to argue?
A guy on e46fanatics actually is doing the conversion himself with an S54/SMG on an E46 sedan. Already about 9mnths into the project and almost done. Pretty impressive, and in all acounts his baby.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:
We're talking about several different things here. All the parts you throw at a non-M is ever going to 'turn' it into a M3. The E46M3 is fundamentally too different. Using your referenceing of the Evo, think about whether it would even be possible to take a Lancer and turn it into anything resembling an Evo. Pour in all the money you want, it's still a half-baked facsimilie of the E46M3 sitting in the next lane at the stoplight... that you could have bought for the, say, $20k you put into your Frankencar.
The RE Wagon is a different story. A M3 Wagon doesn't exist so it's truly a unique creation.
And taking an Evo and modding it is different, too, since the starting point is completely different.
The RE Wagon is a different story. A M3 Wagon doesn't exist so it's truly a unique creation.
And taking an Evo and modding it is different, too, since the starting point is completely different.
wheel-man said:
But if you're having someone else do it, it's far more cost effective to just buy the M3.
As far as I'm concerned, the whole notion of building something out just so I can drive it on the street seems like a huge waste of both my time and money. But then, I'm a results oriented person. My 323 will get built out so that I can race the damned thing, not so I can pimp a 323 with an S54 in it. That whole notion is just silly.
As far as I'm concerned, the whole notion of building something out just so I can drive it on the street seems like a huge waste of both my time and money. But then, I'm a results oriented person. My 323 will get built out so that I can race the damned thing, not so I can pimp a 323 with an S54 in it. That whole notion is just silly.
wheel-man said:True, that's the rub.
But, depends on what the cost of time is to you, since the cost of money stays constant. If it's cost effective to have someone else do it because of time, well who's to argue?
A guy on e46fanatics actually is doing the conversion himself with an S54/SMG on an E46 sedan. Already about 9mnths into the project and almost done. Pretty impressive, and in all acounts his baby.
I should note that I feel near zero attachment to any car I have. It's a ****ing hunk of metal that I have fun with. Use it, maintain it well, and get rid of it when it's done. It's very simple.
I don't know why anyone gets attached to their cars, the whole notion is beyond silly.
I don't know why anyone gets attached to their cars, the whole notion is beyond silly.
I don't disagree... but people have different opinions. And I agree to purposely set-up a car for a specific reason, i.e. for track, is much better than for street bragging rights.
And, I have to admit, I feel attachment to my car. Not sure why, but all my cars I've felt attached to.
And, I have to admit, I feel attachment to my car. Not sure why, but all my cars I've felt attached to.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:
To get the handling, you will end up stiffer. That's life.
To get the speed, you end up with a Frankencar that will always be worth LESS than you put into it, and in many cases, less than the base car. Just because you love it doesn't mean you find ANYONE who will.
And no, you will not end up with an M3, as you can't easily swap out the rear fenders. The fonders, hood, side skirts, and diffuser you can do. But again, a lot of money for a Frankcar.
Oh, and let's not even consider warranty on ANY of it, or the fact that a lot of shops won't work on it, or if they do, it will be more costly since they are dealing with hacked together electronics.
Basically, if you want an M3, get an M3.
To get the speed, you end up with a Frankencar that will always be worth LESS than you put into it, and in many cases, less than the base car. Just because you love it doesn't mean you find ANYONE who will.
And no, you will not end up with an M3, as you can't easily swap out the rear fenders. The fonders, hood, side skirts, and diffuser you can do. But again, a lot of money for a Frankcar.
Oh, and let's not even consider warranty on ANY of it, or the fact that a lot of shops won't work on it, or if they do, it will be more costly since they are dealing with hacked together electronics.
Basically, if you want an M3, get an M3.
Are you just trying to save money or do you really not want the M3 because of the ride?
The first won't save you any money and as was pointed out earlier is not really feasible.
If it's the latter, then I would ask could you get the used M3 and do something to the suspension or wheel set up to make it less harsh? That would seem easier to do than upgrading engine, clutch, etc, etc...
The first won't save you any money and as was pointed out earlier is not really feasible.
If it's the latter, then I would ask could you get the used M3 and do something to the suspension or wheel set up to make it less harsh? That would seem easier to do than upgrading engine, clutch, etc, etc...
dsher said:
Doesn't Dave (RKT BMR) have a supercharger? Haven't heard any complaints from him.
I wouldn't mind FI on my car when I turn it into a track car in 5 or so years.
I wouldn't mind FI on my car when I turn it into a track car in 5 or so years.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:
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