My original thought, if I had Jay Leno garage money, was to get the E34 M5 motor, the S38B36, about 310 NA hp. But a more regular M30 would be no slouch and much easier to come by. I’ve driven two E34 535i models in my days, curb weight between 3360 and 3400 depending on the website, and those suckers got up and moved with 210 hp. Put that engine into a car that weighs 2300 pounds? OMG, I don’t think I would need to go any faster.
But the weight savings is not as significant as one might hope for. It can be difficult to find the specifications on the weights of various motors with all the accessories attached. So far what I’m coming up with is about 400 pounds for an M30 and about 530 for a 5.7 L LS1. I’m not even sure miles per gallon would be way better with the M30. Not a huge factor, perhaps.
I once saw a Cobra spun out on a raised island on a public street. I’ve seen video of other Cobras and Dodge Vipers doing likewise. I’m thinking why pay a lot extra for gas to enjoy the thing if that horse power is not much good for anything except getting you in trouble.
I think the fact of my 300D looking pretty nice these days helped me to get a foot into the scene down at the coffee shop. There have been some nice cars. A cherried out Morgan, a 1980 BMW mid engine something or other, Euro only I gather, it has the M88 I think. Also, a couple of Porsche speedsters, split window VW beetles, and a Bentley looking sweet.
