For NASA E30 Best Start?

[Feffman]

Hi All:

I've been kicking around getting into NASA's E30 category. What's the best starting point for a car? I know the 325e is almost a no, no as it would require an immediate engine change. Any thoughts or experience is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance and Happy Motoring!

Mark "Feff" Pfeffer
www.MVPTrackTime.com

[ddavidv]

Mark, just find yourself a 325i or 325is. I wouldn't pay any extra for the is model as the only thing that car has you'd want to retain would be the front spoiler.
One thing not to overlook is a 4 door. They generally have a lower value so are cheaper to buy and are often not beat as hard as the 2 drs. ;) There is no difference in building a 4dr vs a 2dr; in fact, I like my 4dr as it's easier to access the rear for hauling stuff with the cage in place. I would not waste my time on a eta as it's just too expensive and time consuming to turn it into an i. You may want to consider an automatic if you can get it cheap enough and change it over to a 5 speed. Some of the used parts vendors will sell you a 'kit' with everything to do the swap.
If you do decide to build one, print and paste a copy of the rules to the car and read them before you touch anything. Spec E30 rules are very rigid (which is good) and you don't want to toss something that will make your car illegal.

[schmidty]

Mark, just find yourself a 325i or 325is. I wouldn't pay any extra for the is model as the only thing that car has you'd want to retain would be the front spoiler.

What about the LSD from the is? Does SpecE30 not allow it?

[Dave]

What about the LSD from the is? Does SpecE30 not allow it?

Actually, it requires a 3.73 LSD. That is the only one you are allowed to run.

[ddavidv]

Some i models have the lsd, some don't. Mine came with it. It's a simple bolt-in swap, just budget the few hundred extra to buy one if the car doesn't come equipped.

[Feffman]

Gents am I better off starting from scratch with a stock car and building it up or buying one that's already prepped for E30?

Put together a grocery list of cost for a scratch start below:

Car: $2,000 ish
Seat (with mounts): $600-$850
Roll cage: $1,000-$2,000
5-Point Harness (with pads): $150
ATL Fuel Cell: $525
Bilstein Struts/Shocks (F/R): $650
Fire System: $350-$500
Tow Hook: $50
Accusump: $400
Intake/Air Filter: $150
Front Camber Plates: $150
Paint the car (Macco): $500

I'm leaving out expendables (brakes, tires, fluids, entry fees) as those are a constant with the E30 or my track days. Actually the E30 tires would be quite a bit less expensive then those on my track day car.

So is this list fairly accurate? Thoughts!

Mark "Feff" Pfeffer
www.MVPTrackTime.com

[Ben Carufel]

Gents am I better off starting from scratch with a stock car and building it up or buying one that's already prepped for E30?

If you have the money, buy one that is already built. You will save considerable amounts of money, lots of headaches, and time.

There is no question that buying a car already prepared is a better choice than building your own.

I should know, I started building a SpecE30 car in 2005 but just didn't have time to finish the job.

[ddavidv]

You are far better off buying one built. Problem is, very few come up for sale, as the series is growing right now and I've only seen two people get out of it. I've done most all of the work myself, and plan on painting it as well. $8000 is probably the minimum investment. I'd budget $10,000. So if you can buy a car for around that, you'll spend the same but not have to lift a finger. :D