Author: Graham

Sixteen Valve Sunrise: 2.3-16 and 318is

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The M-B 190E 2.3-16 most directly compared to the e30 BMW M3, and rightly so, given the pair’s history of competition in DTM as well as the marketplace.  But, the current market values of these special models has diverged; these days, e30 M3s are priced as high as a new hot hatch, while 2.3-16s can be had for common e30 money.

In light of this shift, the e30 318is presents an interesting alternative to the 2.3-16.  Dual overhead cams, hydraulic lifters, timing chain, forged crank and rods, 10:1 compression, 4 valves per cylinder, and a tubular header from the factory raise the M42 engine in the 318is to the upper echelon occupied by the 2.3-16’s Cosworth-headed lump.  A limited slip differential option further boosts the 318is performance credentials, but with no dog-leg gearbox or ground effects, it lacks the uniqueness integral to the experience of the 2.3-16.

As for driving dynamics, the 2.3-16 is easier to slide, yet slower to react due to its steering box.  The 318is also reacts more quickly to throttle inputs, especially wide-open inputs broken only for shifts at the 6,300 RPM.  Now, the sounds effects of the M42 are plenty satisfying – that is, until you’ve stomped on the 2.3-16.  Wide open throttle in the M-B yields an intoxicating induction growl that is solely to blame for the 50% reduction in fuel economy whenever I drive Taylor’s car.  You’d think the reduced pumping losses at WOT would be on your side…

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Bought an Italian Saab.

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And I posed for the iPhone while holding a stereotypical Italian beverage in dorky, Saab-inspired fashion.

How is the Saab-Alfa to drive?

Well, power is just right for the 3,450lb sedan.  Starting at the base LS-spec 211hp, this car adds the Q-spec intake runners and a Squadra chip for a total of 240hp.  So with a power/weight on par with a VW R32, it moves.  The Stebro exhaust is blatant auditory affirmation of any throttle input.

In the curves, it belies its Saab underpinnings, starting neutral, and progressing to lift-throttle oversteer when needed.  This replaces my e30s, and around town, it feels tighter and more alert.

Of course, in true Alfa fashion, it’s currently out of service for what started out as a bad Motronic H20 temp sensor, and progressed to a full-fledged Alfa 24V V6 timing belt job.

In spite of this, I’m smitten with the car.  Ask me about the interior sometime – especially if you have a full afternoon to listen to me waxing about the peanut butter leather and Alfa logos embossed into each seat.  I’m in way too far with Alfas, and I don’t have any reason to believe that I won’t be that guy with 25 Alfa parts cars sprawled in the front yard, say, 5 years from now.

 

 

2.3-16 makes it to Indiana

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We met Taylor in Lousiville, before he headed up to Indiana for a brief visit.  At the end of the weekend, Taylor set off in GTI, and got to experience the elite peril made possible by a set of bald set of Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs in heavy rain.  The sensation is somewhat akin to driving on a rumble strip, but without the ability to change direction.  But he made it back…

Perhaps as an acknowledgment of the danger I exposed Taylor to by lending him my GTI, I installed H&R Sports and Bilstein Sports on the 2.3-16 for him.  The self-leveling rear suspension now resides in a bucket.  Not even a bucket I paid for.  It was free at the Brown County Winery.

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Vert Visit

Heading out

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My girlfriend’s friend, Anna, was in search of a fun convertible this spring, and enlisted our help.  I lived up to my enthusiast standing by recommending an e30, albeit somewhat facetiously. Fortunately, it turned out that she had driven one up until its untimely demise during her high school years, and stocked a strong admiration for the venerable platform.

The scope of our search for her e30 convertible spanned the entire US, as I’m most keen on the idea of a flight to a car followed by a 1,000+ mile return trip.  But, after dredging the usual enthusiast forum listings, a fortuitous Craigslist search resulted in the location of a minty 325i convertible just 75 miles away.  The epic top-down aquisition trip was forfeited, but a thorough inspection of the car left no qualms with the transaction, which is probably more important in the long run.

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Choosing a Car for a Summer Road Trip

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Road tripping

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With Independence day set to fall on a Thursday, resulting in a 4-day weekend, I sensed the prospect of a substantial road trip as I planned my vacation days earlier this year.  See, with Thursday and Friday allowed as company holiday, I’d be able to invest 3 of my total vacation days for a yield of 9 total days away from work.  Add to that my propensity for 10-12 hour days of driving, and a serious driving vacation was afoot.

Jetta Sportwagen TDI

This spring, the cars available for the trip were my Jetta Sportwagen TDI, my e30 318is, and my MK1 GTI.  The natural choice for unnaturally long stints in a vehicle is something reliable, capacious, comfortable, and frugal.  And in light of my obstinacy, that quickly narrowed down the choice to the e30 and the GTI.

The 318is is remarkably spacious, given its footprint, but mine lacks A/C, deeming it somewhat uncomfortable in cases where it is hot and humid out i.e. the whole summer in the Midwest.  As for reliability, it needs a new rear main seal and given its compression test results, would benefit from some new rings as well.  But, it’s never broken down on me, so it’s reliable, but not mechanically perfect.  Finally, its highway fuel consumption figures of 30-32 mpg on premium fuel are certainly economical.

1991 BMW 318is

The GTI trades comfort and frugality for superior cargo capacity and reliability.  Around town, the GTI is the right amount of car – zippy, nimble, and generally tractable.  Introduce a 70 mph speed limit, and the GTI requires 4,000 RPM to swim with the school of cars on the Interstate.  Most of that extra effort makes it into the cabin in the form of noise, be it from the engine, the tires, or the wind.  And there’s no A/C.  Yes, the car has never stranded me, and yes, its hatchback holds more than enough luggage for a 9-day trip, but it lacks a certain serenity required for sanity in an 80+ hour road trip.

So, having spent the winter installing a new dash, stereo, headliner, seats, and more in my 318is, it made sense to indulge in these new niceties in the form of a long trip.  Then it started to get hot outside, and I realized how oppressively hot the 318is would be in July with the windows up.  With the windows down, it would be cool enough, but at the expense of considerable wind noise.  With my girlfriend planning on accompanying me for the trip, I knew that neither the heat or noise would be acceptable.

Clearly, I needed to sell my 318is, and find one in better shape…