Ferrari Mailing List: Re: NFC: Fun with Jeff and Tom

[LtWacko (LtWacko]

When you dropped an E30 M3 with aftermarket springs like so many, the car  
became twitchy at limits which is just another indicator that the factory  
engineers knew what they were doing.  Dropping in the 6 with the right  springs 
and 
the car is nearly as good if not the same as the 4 but with the  added power 
the car is just as rewarding and more satisfying.  Again, when  it's time for 
a rebuild of the four, it is actually cheaper to drop the newer M3  motor in.  
You can google for swapped cars and see no one has ever  regretted it.  Cost 
is about $5,000 complete.  Sometimes less.
 
The car does have a rev limiter but does not limit mechanical overrev from  a 
missed downshift.  I have personally witnessed two.  A $10,000  mistake.  One 
led to the previously mentioned swap.
 
You could also obtain the modified 6 cylinder performance out of the 4  
banger.  It only cost about $10,000 too.  Less life/durability though  since 
you 
are really pushing.  Pretty much a race setup.  If you  don't want to 
bastardize 
an M3, get the standard E30, do what you  please and keep the money for 
another F-car one day.
 
Don't get me wrong.  I love the four banger in the car.  I just  can't 
stomach the rebuild cost.  I was just giving Tom an option when it  comes time. 
 A 
little barstool engineering for him too!  I would keep  the four in it as long 
as possible too.  There is nothing like it!
 
Rodney
 
In a message dated 11/26/2006 1:03:43 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
ferrari-request [at] ferrarilist.com writes:

I had an  E30 M3. One of the few cars I really miss after so many  
years and so  many cars. But why you would put an E36 M3 engine in  
there I don't  know. Cheaper, more reliable, more powerful- all true.  
But pulling  that wonderful hand-built 4 cylinder mill is kinda like  
putting a  short block Chevy in a Ferrari, imho anyway. Long on good  
common  sense, but way short on raw lust.

Watch out Tom, no rev limiter. A  missed shift could set you back  
$9.000.00. Never happened to me,but  I sure know of others.

ken