What do you think on e36

mtgban

mtgban

New Member
Hi! I'm looking for a daily drifter that can replace my NA mx-5.
I think that i have found two main candidates
A 2.8 swapped 320i e36 coupè and a Ca18det 200sx
The e36 is cheaper and i'm a bit scared about Ca18's problems like bearings but imho the S13 is a bit more capable and better looking car.
All my friends drives e36 and i never heard serious problems with those engines
What do you think? Should i consider the s13 or it can be much more expansive? Thanks!
 
As with all these things, it's largely dependent on what you want to do with it and what your budget is.
The S13 chassis is a far superior chassis for drifting and has much more room for modification as you grow. The CA18 isn't a bad engine, they are just all old and pretty tired these days. They've been the victim of plenty of abuse and deferred maintenance. SR20's aren't much different. Like all mechanical things, you can't expect to run them forever without inspection and maintenance. If you get them apart before they go pop and do a good job, they'll go on forever.

The E36 is probably a slightly better daily driver but i'd stay away from any vehicle where some chap has done a backyard engine swap. It'll could be no end of trouble. I'd consider the 350z over the S13 and a decent E46 over an E36. Similar prices but better vehicles overall for regular usage.
 
Second what Biz has said, These days your more likely to get a much better 46 for the same budget as any S13 these days! As much as it pains me to say it for daily/low level drifting, buying a S13 right now is a expensive and highly risky in terms of mechanical and rust.
 
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