advice for track car?

[Mike The Bavarian]

get a 318is if you can find one go for a slicktop.
Get a timing chain tensioner, delete the mess under the intake, re tourque the upper oil pan bolts along with a new gasket, if the timing chain guides/chains/sprockets are bad change them. I love my 318, it truley is an amazing car. Even with horribly blown suspension it still handles really well. the perfect weight balance and light weight make it really predictable and fun to drive. It's really not scary to push these at all. If you went the 318 route a chip, cams, injectors, cop, and lightweight flywheel would make some decent power. When you get bored you can turbo it.

[kishg]

just weld your diff and start drifting

worst advice ITT

[Dj Buttchug]

just weld your diff and start drifting

[Dave]

e30 325i/iS + seat time

[Rockinlittle325i]

oh ya how bullet proof are M42s?

[QUKBMER]

I had a 91 318is track car that did very well running against miata's and sentra SER's on the 2.8 mile road course at califonia speedway.My best lap time was 2:12.833 at 80 mph ave speed and was between 2:12 to 2:15 on lap times. I didnt do any engine work to it other that exhaust and chip (i had cams and injectors ready to go in) and it did quite well. I like the fact that the engine sits back further to the fire wall for better center of gravity and is lighter that an 2.5 or a 2.7 engine and doesnt have any push in the front end through corners as much as a 325i/is has. I have been drive my 91 325is for about 9 years now and by far my 318is handled way better in my choice. Suspension mods where about the same on both cars.

[Massive Lee]

The 318is is lighter, more nimble and better balanced than the 325is. Your choice will most likely depend on what you prioritize. I know a few people who swapped an M20 into their 318is and then complained about how the handling got altered. And not in the right way.

Somebody who wants to learn how to be a better driver and work on momentum in corners should consider the 318is. This is a real mini M3.

[kishg]

you can't go wrong with either 318is or 325i/s IMO. buy whatever example you find that is better maintained so you can use more of your budget for seat time.. remember seat time. don't worry so much about the car as long as it's safe and reliable.

[briansjacobs]

btw, an M42 can be worked to make some really good power. There is a guy down here with a very well built 318 that keeps up with my 2.8 stroker.

[xwill112x]

ryan you know me, I bought my first e30 from you guys,

another question, which one of the final product builds would be the best on track, both reliable and speed?

also with the 318is how hard is a motor swap compared to the 325i's?

well...the m42 comes ous easier! :)

[Rockinlittle325i]

ryan you know me, I bought my first e30 from you guys,

another question, which one of the final product builds would be the best on track, both reliable and speed?

also with the 318is how hard is a motor swap compared to the 325i's?

[rThor432]

ya I've heard e36's have issues that must be resolved

E36's can be dead reliable if you maintain a few key points-- primarily, the cooling system. Every single component can and will grenade.

I've had all of the cars mentioned in your options and had plenty of experience with all sorts of odd-ball E30's. Anything from a 318i to high-powered turbo M20's to 4.4L V8 cars. My personal opinion? 318is. With a chip and flywheel these can drive right with M20 cars. They are very intuitive to drive, which is reassuring for new drivers (at the track). Very easy to drive. One of the best local drivers (Mike Skeen) used an M10 318i for a loooong time. Low power helps with learning, really.

For less than $5k you can have a nice 318is that is very respectable for street and track driving--

Mine cost $2k up front with 138k on the clock. I installed a new Sachs clutch kit when the clutch started slipping with a JB flywheel and Z3M short shifter setup for roughly $750. The car was rock solid at that point, but you could add a radiator, water pump, timing chain guides + tensioner, and fluid in the trans + diff for $2k more. Even with all of that you could be in for under $5k and have a rock solid car that is ready to go another 100k+ miles.

Let me know if you need a hand with anything.. I work with BMWs and motorsports in general in the Charlotte area. I'm always glad to help, especially local guys.

Ryan

[briansjacobs]

I would say a 325e

[Rockinlittle325i]

well I'm selling my crotch rocket for the build, I work 3 jobs plus school
ya I've heard e36's have issues that must be resolved

the goal is just a track rat, maybe racing down the road

budget is about 5k ish for start up I plan on starting with a stock car for learning

[kishg]

I really do love this stupid fucking car. I have more money spent on this car and track events/racing in this car than I paid for my first house.

i wish i could say the same about more than i paid for my first house (bought in 2005 at the top of the bubble), but its probably worth more than the house at this point.. nah, probably not lol..