What about 365 horsepower in a car weighing 2,130 pounds?
Wait, wait. It’s not something that diehard fans will be thrilled to see in an BMW 3 Series the Honda engine (E30). This isn’t a regular transplantation. It’s more than that. Here’s why.
The engine is mounted behind the front axle. This transforms the car into a mid-engine monster. It is a Honda S2000 motor. However, it has been modified with new injectors, a supercharger conversion and an ECU. The engine currently produces 365 horsepower (272kilowatts). It can be easily mapped to approximately 350 hp (336kW), according to the seller.
This E30 has big brakes. It now has M3 (E36), Evo brakes. The wheels are new with five studs. Originally, the E30 had four. The new suspension features fully adjustable coilovers as well as two-way adjustable rear arm.
The car now weighs in at 2,138 pounds (970 kg), compared to 2,359-3,016 lbs (1.070 – 1.368 kg) for the standard E30. The lightweight fiberglass M3 body kit is responsible for this. It comes standard with a roll cage, bucket seats and a quick-release steering column with adjustable column. The steering mechanism is actually an electric system from GM.
The seller stated that the car is in good condition considering its age. However, it is not an award-winning example as there are a few cracks in the body and the bonnet needing some attention. It is currently located in the United Kingdom. The classified ad is eBay and has a price tag of PS15,000 (or approximately $21,070 depending on current exchange rates). According to the owner, he is looking for funds to finance his conversion project, which involves converting a 2JZ engine to an M3 (E46 body), and this alone makes the E30 a compelling option.