Question for the rally guys

[MarkT]

Come to a bit of a crossroads, in the build of my e30 and I'm in two minds which route to take. I was initially looking at building a big power engine and using the car for solely track days, but now am looking at possibly moving into clubman rallying.

So what would be the best engine choice for a novice level? M42 M20B25 or to think further outside the box? How are the engine capacities categorised?

Thanks

Mark

[MillRat]

I originally built my E30 as a tarmac rally car, but with intention of punting it around on track days, etc... however after seeing a few very nice (and very much loved) cars meet their grizzly end thanks to a few inconvenient trees, I turned away from tarmac rally. That being said, my cage is still tarmac rally spec in case I change my mind.

The biggest question is regulations. How much engine modification is allowed? If a minimal amount, then a M20B25, if a lot, then a stroked M20 with triple carbies, keeping in mind that classes are typically broken down into less than 2L, 2-3L and greater than 3L (here in Australia anyway). Because of this, the M20B25 is a good mid ranged engine, and on dirt has more than enough power.

If the regulations allow engine swaps, then that may very well change the engine you decide to go for. Same applies if they allow after market forced induction.

Good luck.

P.s. if you do end up rallying the car, choosing an engine with a shielded sump, might be a good choice, or at the very lest, invest in a piece of 4-5mm think plat for sump protection.

[MarkT]

Thanks a lot Michael. Going down the tarmac route so sumps will not be so much of an issue. I need to know more about the clubman rally scene and engine categorisation to start making decisions. I know there are some guys who are into their rallying here, from the UK and if they knew where to look for the info that I'm after

[e21Jason]

Ask in here

http://www.bmw-rallying.co.uk/

Jason

[MarkT]

Top man

[jaybrand]

hi mark i have a325 challenge rally car.we use the standard 2.5 engine and box with uprated diff.all details are available at www.205cup.co.uk.our cars normaly run in class b12 2000-2500cc unfortunatly this is against the big bucks mk2 escorts.but we have finished top five on many events and actually won the kall kwik rally with one of our cars a couple of years ago.the car is fast to start with and very reliable. check out you tube footage at 205cup

[MillRat]

Here is a link to an E30 rally car in Australia. It is a competitive car by the sounds of things, but being in Australia, is a dirt car though. Still, it may give you a few ideas.

http://www.bemw.com.au/index.htm