Ok new job, new year, I need a new hobby!
So - after having a mooch around Giles trackday beast, I think I need to do more trackdays, and in a dedicated car (Dont want to thrash the commuter mobile).
So, which e30 do you think best for track day fun?
Basically the options seem to be 318iS (underpowered, expensive to fix, but light), 325 (heavier, but cheaper and quicker) or a 325 sport (just enough power, but dont handle as well?)
I'd be looking to strip it out completely, fit a cage (eventually) uprate the brakes and get more power.
Presumeably an MOT failure would be a good starting point?
I'd be looking to spend around £1000 - 1500.....
Do able?
Best e30 as trackday toy
Moderator: martauto
Im thinking of doing this too.
I dont know much about the iS (except expense) so I will probably stick with a 325i. Plus ive got my old m20 that I should do something with.
Just a thought but unless its cheap or you really want the kit, dont bother with a 325i sport. If its a dedicated track car and your going to strip it down to save weight anyway, then you might as well buy something without the kit in the first place - one less job to do.
I dont know much about the iS (except expense) so I will probably stick with a 325i. Plus ive got my old m20 that I should do something with.
Just a thought but unless its cheap or you really want the kit, dont bother with a 325i sport. If its a dedicated track car and your going to strip it down to save weight anyway, then you might as well buy something without the kit in the first place - one less job to do.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
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Davenotouring
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Russ,
Just a normal 325 stripped out with a few bits would be ideal, don't need a Sport!
New Hobby.....Get your race licence and do the Milltek Sport Challenge!
Just a normal 325 stripped out with a few bits would be ideal, don't need a Sport!
New Hobby.....Get your race licence and do the Milltek Sport Challenge!
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
I don´t think after stripping the carRuss wrote:Ok new job, new year, I need a new hobby!
So - after having a mooch around Giles trackday beast, I think I need to do more trackdays, and in a dedicated car (Dont want to thrash the commuter mobile).
So, which e30 do you think best for track day fun?
Basically the options seem to be 318iS (underpowered, expensive to fix, but light), 325 (heavier, but cheaper and quicker) or a 325 sport (just enough power, but dont handle as well?)
I'd be looking to strip it out completely, fit a cage (eventually) uprate the brakes and get more power.
Presumeably an MOT failure would be a good starting point?
I'd be looking to spend around £1000 - 1500.....
Do able?
that a 325i still has that much of an edge on a 318is as it´s got better center of gravity, also cam and chip along with decent headers you can out run a 325i
Yeah, but I've had an iS, and IMHO the engine is:
a) fragile
b) expensive to fix!
a) fragile
b) expensive to fix!
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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Davenotouring
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I'd rather a 325 because of the better pull lower down, you could get bogged down in slowish corners if you don't choose the correct gear in a 318iS.
I'm not saying they are slow, I'd choose a 325i, but that's my opinion.
The Milltek Sport BMW Challenge is what the SELOC Series was last year.
Have a look at www.selocmotorsport.com for details.
I'm 'hoping' to race later this year, or next year for sure.
I'm not saying they are slow, I'd choose a 325i, but that's my opinion.
The Milltek Sport BMW Challenge is what the SELOC Series was last year.
Have a look at www.selocmotorsport.com for details.
I'm 'hoping' to race later this year, or next year for sure.
Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
Thats hilarious!Dom wrote:Do what I did and buy one with the money already spent on it ;)Russ wrote:Yeah, but I've had an iS, and IMHO the engine is:
a) fragile
b) expensive to fix!
O/T How is the car?
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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billgatese30
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russ, i asked this question noit so long ago have a look here, it may help you a bit.
http://com4.runboard.com/be30zoneforum. ... ckday.t134
http://com4.runboard.com/be30zoneforum. ... ckday.t134
Running like a trooper! Got a small random fuel leak in the engine bay coming from the fuel filter -> injector rail pipe so ordered new ones for that. Otherwise just generally keeping it tidy, replacing the boot lid, refitting the kit/arch, new discs. *looks for thumbs up smiley*
Oh and some new washer jets ;)
Oh and some new washer jets ;)
Cheers billbillgatese30 wrote:russ, i asked this question noit so long ago have a look here, it may help you a bit.
http://com4.runboard.com/be30zoneforum. ... ckday.t134
and lol @ doms washer jets.
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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billgatese30
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no probs dude, the other thing you could try is to get a small sponsor (optional) and join a race series.
davetouring suggested the same but I just havent got the time / money / talent.billgatese30 wrote: and join a race series.
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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billgatese30
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likewise mate.
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bmw02rally
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Russ,
I've got the perfect car as a base!! I just posted it on the For Sale section.
I originally bought as a Rally Car project but the missus said enough is enough with 1 rally car.
Regards
Mark
I've got the perfect car as a base!! I just posted it on the For Sale section.
I originally bought as a Rally Car project but the missus said enough is enough with 1 rally car.
Regards
Mark
Why are you ignoring the sport? Remember that the LSD and closer ratio box of the sport makes a huge difference on the track. Having driven the racer with both combinations, I now run on the sport gearbox and LSD. One other thing to note is that the sport has better standard suspension than a standard 325. Although you'll probably be looking at changing suspension anyway, it's a better starting point.
hi one and all i agree with M3 you cant ignore the sport its by far the best choice for a track hack ( ive just purchased one off of a local banger geek for £150 with a knackered lump ) so looking forward to getting to meet up and burn some juice . you may pay a bit more for it but consider what you will pay for lsd and close ratio box when you buy a normal 325 and then realise you need them !
) so looking forward to getting to meet up and burn some juice . you may pay a bit more for it but consider what you will pay for lsd and close ratio box when you buy a normal 325 and then realise you need them !-
Lordschleife
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I think all 3 would make good track cars at the end of the day, just be aware its always cheaper to buy a car thats already been sorted by someone else.
The costs quickly mount up I've found
eg. say you find a cheap 325 for £700ish
then you need to sort the brakes
ATE Power discs (Front) ATE solid discs (rear) £86
Goodridge Braided lines £52
Ferodo DS2500 pads all round £125
SRF fluid £45
Add an LSD £250
You're already over £1250 before you've even thought about better suspension, race seat/6 point harness, maybe a zone chip, what about tyres?
The costs quickly mount up I've found
eg. say you find a cheap 325 for £700ish
then you need to sort the brakes
ATE Power discs (Front) ATE solid discs (rear) £86
Goodridge Braided lines £52
Ferodo DS2500 pads all round £125
SRF fluid £45
Add an LSD £250
You're already over £1250 before you've even thought about better suspension, race seat/6 point harness, maybe a zone chip, what about tyres?
Cheers,
Robin
Robin
Part worns!Lordschleife wrote: what about tyres?
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
I dont know mate, what would something like your be worth?Geeman wrote:If you WERE to buy a pre-prepped track car, how much have you thought about spending...?
Just out of curiosity...
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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Geeman
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I dunno. Not wanting to sell it really, but was just curious what somebody would be prepared to pay for it if I found it neccessary to move it on.
It's cost me over Ԛ£3k including the purchase price, but would probably let it go for Ԛ£2,750 at a push, as I've only ever had it out once! It needs nothing...
Just waiting on a stainless system for it, then it's ready to fly.
It's cost me over Ԛ£3k including the purchase price, but would probably let it go for Ԛ£2,750 at a push, as I've only ever had it out once! It needs nothing...
Just waiting on a stainless system for it, then it's ready to fly.
Now having seen yours, i'd have no trouble with that being what its worth.Geeman wrote:I dunno. Not wanting to sell it really, but was just curious what somebody would be prepared to pay for it if I found it neccessary to move it on.
It's cost me over Ԛ£3k including the purchase price, but would probably let it go for Ԛ£2,750 at a push, as I've only ever had it out once! It needs nothing...
Just waiting on a stainless system for it, then it's ready to fly.
I'd guess the trouble with track cars, is that they are always going to be worth MUCH less than the sum of their parts!
I'd be looking to spend 1500 max i think (need to keep it at a "disposable" (ish) level), but I wouldnt be looking for something as "fully sorted" as yours IYKWIM.
I just want a quick, light fun car!
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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Geeman
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Yeah, I suppose I have gone a bit over the top. There isn't a part of the car I haven't altered or paid attention to...
A few mods on a 325i would see you having fun on the track... Couple of hundred quid on a decent suspension set-up and some tyres would see you racing...
A few mods on a 325i would see you having fun on the track... Couple of hundred quid on a decent suspension set-up and some tyres would see you racing...
I think a couple of hundred quid on a suspension setup will be a total waste of money. A decent set of eibach antiroll bars are more than that.
Think long and hard about your purchases.
I spent over Ԛ£5500 on my car and I will prob let it go for Ԛ£2500. Anything less and it is better if I break it and use the bits elsewhere.
Karl
Think long and hard about your purchases.
I spent over Ԛ£5500 on my car and I will prob let it go for Ԛ£2500. Anything less and it is better if I break it and use the bits elsewhere.
Karl
I'm thinking kind of a happy medium between yourself and giles' cars, and masterbates Ԛ£50 316i!
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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Lordschleife
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In which case your best bet is probably get a cheap iS (or sport if you can find an OK one at that price) then at least it'll have the mtec suspension. Put better pads on and some decent brake fluid in, don a lid and away you go! 
You can always spend more on it later if you decide to get serious
You can always spend more on it later if you decide to get serious
Cheers,
Robin
Robin
russ m8 the 325i is for sale i have im only round the corner from you i only want 1k for it too!!
its on ebay anyway but needs to b gone to make way for another beast!!
its on ebay anyway but needs to b gone to make way for another beast!!
Hartge h35 e30... ( for sale in near future )
bmw 328i sport e36
Cheers mate, but i've decided Im not really in the market just yetH35-IAN wrote:russ m8 the 325i is for sale i have im only round the corner from you i only want 1k for it too!!
its on ebay anyway but needs to b gone to make way for another beast!!
I cant decide whether I might be better spending the money on upgrading the MRT and tracking that.....
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
I was thinking more along the lines of much better brakes, a chargecooler, speed delimiter and upping the boost a little bit.Geeman wrote:Yeah... spend stupid money on the MR2, MASSIVE turbo, race suspension... then track it, then crash it, then no road car to drive... excellent!
I see your point, but loads of people track their everyday cars.....dont they?
318iS became MR2 Turbo became FTO GPX Mivec became Impreza became Rover 620Ti became Honda S2000 (current) became Fiesta 1.25 and 200SX Drift Slag (when the Honda has gone)
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Geeman
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Yeah they do.
I tracked my 320iS when I had it. Felt really guilty afterwards... no tyres, new ball joints, new brakes...
If I had crashed or damaged it, I would have been mortified...
I tracked my 320iS when I had it. Felt really guilty afterwards... no tyres, new ball joints, new brakes...
If I had crashed or damaged it, I would have been mortified...
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Karan
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i am having the same feelings..., i always rag my car yet feel guikty as hell after, although its bloody good fun, and i reckon ill track it but only once or twice, but ill be finding a shiter of a 325i to track once the e30m5 is done, and i''l sell my sport
kit the 325i out with slammed suspension poly bushes, loud exhaust, strip it, cage it, 15in bbs and lsd and hey presto---- sideways beast is created.
Karan
kit the 325i out with slammed suspension poly bushes, loud exhaust, strip it, cage it, 15in bbs and lsd and hey presto---- sideways beast is created.
Karan