TurboSloth's Project Car Hell.

"TurboSloth" (TheTurboSloth)
10/26/2013 at 11:49 • Filed to: None

Well, with winter coming up, I can't really work on a car (since my garage space is limited, and my dad uses it), so I decided to look for a car. Back in the summer, I really wanted to make a dorifto car to take on the track, but now, I want to make a multi purpose car. Track/Dorifto/timeattackperhaps.

I was thinking of finding a car that can run, and has a good amount of power, and doing modifications to make it better myself. As my budget grows (I have 1k, available), my car list somewhat grows. Current list is full of miatas, 240sx, 240z (datsun, if I can find), ae86 if I can find it, and now, the e36 3series. Anyone with experience with the e36 can vouch for it? Good as a project car or not? Any other cars you guys recommend within a 1000 dollar budget that runs and doesn't have too much rust?

DISCUSSION (14)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TurboSloth
10/26/2013 at 11:51

the e36 has it's share of issues, but I love mine.

TurboSloth > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
10/26/2013 at 11:54

How's maintenance and the aftermarket community? Is the aftermarket community vast, or is it lacking (you know, how civics have a shit ton of aftermarket support, while other makes/models don't really have alot of that support)?

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > TurboSloth
10/26/2013 at 12:04

I am definitely someone who goes against the grain and likes having things that no one else has, but it is a terrible habit for project cars. If you get some older BMW or even Datsun the parts and help can be hard to find. Getting something that pick-a-parts, online stores, and forums have a lot of will keep you from pulling your hair out. With a grand for a budget I would think free/cheap resources will have to be exploited a lot.

BKRM3 > TurboSloth
10/26/2013 at 12:08

There is a massive aftermarket for every 3 series made. Performance parts, I mean...not civic-style body kits. Check out some BMW forums. You won't believe the scope and quality of what's out there in terms of parts, community, etc

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TurboSloth
10/26/2013 at 12:18

Maintenance is super easy.

Go to PelicanParts.com great forums, how to's, and all the parts you could ever want. There is also TurnerMotorSport.com and they post on Oppo every now and then.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
10/26/2013 at 12:19

E36 has sooooo much support, you can damn near do a complete rebuild of a totaled one.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
10/26/2013 at 12:20

Ya, I wasn't sure how much it had. Just more the to the point that projects with lots of support are the best options.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
10/26/2013 at 12:24

Tell me about it, try finding parts for a Pinto Wagon.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
10/26/2013 at 12:38

Does it have the circular rear side window?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
10/26/2013 at 12:40

Nope, standard wagon

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
10/26/2013 at 12:41

Thank god for that.

ddavidn > TurboSloth
10/26/2013 at 13:13

Another E36 (M3) owner here. Great as a project car, although I wish I didn't have to use mine as a daily driver. When I bought it, I had zero mechanical knowledge, but I have learned a lot of things since then... Fantastic car, though. If I were to do it over, I might pick a Miata, but only to save gas and maintenance costs. Good thing about the E36 is that aftermarket parts are pretty cheap, easily found, and as Arch Duke said, lots of how-to's all over the web. Plus, the E36 guys on here are super helpful as well. Strong sense of community around them.

Also really easy oil changes. Those are nice.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > ddavidn
10/26/2013 at 13:24

SOON...

ddavidn > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
10/26/2013 at 13:25

*goes and hugs Eva*