325 or 318iS for a track day?

[reggiegasket]

I'm sorry if this topic has been done to death already, but I have a 318iS, which I'm very fond of. However, it has no LSD and rahter than spend the money on changing the diff, I'm thinking of upgrading to a tech 1 sport. However, another alternative is to buy a 318iS with a LSD. My main issue is which car would be more fun on a track day? It's not clear to me how important an LSD would actually be on a dry track anyway. Any experience? I want the LSD more for biffing about at roundabouts, but maybe they are important on the track too? I've never been in a 325, so have no idea what they are like.

[n1tr0_9]

You can buy my welded 318is diff for roundabouts! Its shite on track though.

[moggy]

. My main issue is which car would be more fun on a track day? It's not clear to me how important an LSD would actually be on a dry track anyway. Any experience? I want the LSD more for biffing about at roundabouts, but maybe they are important on the track too? I've never been in a 325, so have no idea what they are like.

They are extremely important on a track day (caveat: assuming you are a relatively experienced track driver).

However it appears you have little or no experience of track days so until you are a competent track driver there are more important issues to think about.

I would use your current car for now and then over time swap if you feel the need to.

[Jhonno]

A properly setup chassis and a decent driver is far more important for the track..

I would worry about both of those before concerning yourself about an LSD

[reggiegasket]

Thanks for the comments. I've done signifcant track work but on bikes. I suspect I'm a decent driver, but we all think that. When you talk about chasis setup, what do you mean? Are you talking about suspension and steering? I hated the E30 steering when I first bought the car, but have kind of got used to it now. The standard suspension on the iS seems OK, but not sure how it would cope with repeated quick laps. I think I need to have a go and see what happens.

[bss325i]

You could always fit an LSD to the iS you all ready have.

As said, sort the chassis out first as standard Mtechnic boge suspension fitted to the 318iS isn't ideal for track work.

[Jhonno]

Thanks for the comments. I've done signifcant track work but on bikes. I suspect I'm a decent driver, but we all think that. When you talk about chasis setup, what do you mean? Are you talking about suspension and steering? I hated the E30 steering when I first bought the car, but have kind of got used to it now. The standard suspension on the iS seems OK, but not sure how it would cope with repeated quick laps. I think I need to have a go and see what happens.

You will need better springs, shocks, new bushes for a start

Brakes will need attention also..

Then you can begin to think about other things!

[reggiegasket]

Thanks for the comments. My iS is in good standard condition. I suspect I can save a lot of cash by selling it and buying a car which has had the work done. Hence the decision between iS and Tech 1 sport. There was nice track ready 318 on here a few weeks ago, which would leave open the option of the E30 race series open. I fancy that too! Decisions decisions!

[agent006]

LSd is the least of your wirries on track, as has been said. the only time i've actually thought i would benefit from one on track has been out of the hairpin at Oulton, i miss it far more on the road.

[reggiegasket]

Yes, I guess it would depend upon whether the car began lifting up the inside rear wheel and messing up the drive or spinning up and causing oversteer. I suspect that's certainly possible. It's certainly a problem on the road in the wet and in second gear corners. The car can't spin up the inside rear in 3rd gear with the grip I have now at the front.