SCCA STX E30 Build/Introduction

[Nsquared97]

Very cool! I need to go through the wiring on my car, it's a complete mess after someone installed an aftermarket HU.

How did you get that shielding so clean?? Looks like it was just stamped out at the factory!

[race2win]

Update on my progress :D Sorry for the long read & all the pictures, hope you guys enjoy!

With a crazy work schedule the past couple of months, there has not been much time to devote to this car, but I was able to get some maintenance done, as well as some minor upgrades...

First off, brand new OEM Z3 1.9 shifter with 5-speed ZHP knob. Aslo installed all new shifter bushings, clips, lower boot, etc....



In STX, any mechanical shift linkage may be use, so the options are pretty wide open. I chose this set-up because it's a much cheaper alternative to the aftermarket set-ups such as UUC, yet still has a great feel & looks great. The knob is simply fantastic, one of the best I have ever felt in my hand!

Next, since I had to remove everything to get to the shifter, new driveshaft center bearing, guibo/flex disc, & new transmission mounts...



I also cleaned off the 23 years worth of grime off the exhaust shielding ;)


Some will say, "why not just remove the shielding?". Unfortunately, in STX we cannot remove any shielding or brackets unless it originally attached to the exhaust system. I figure I literally removed almost a pound of dirt & grime from it though...

The last thing I did was remove the sound system & alarm that the previous owners had installed in the car, plus the original cell phone brain & wiring. This required a little more work than I had originally thought....

The wiring for the amplifier was run under directly under the carpet under the front seats, & the alarm system was a rat's nest of wiring under the dash...



After I was done, I ended up removing 19.5 lbs of electronics that doesn't need to be there for autocrossing ;)



In STX, if the car came with a stereo system standard, then it needs to retain one. However, head units & speakers may be changed as long as they do not materially reduce the weight of the car. In my case, the amplifier & all related wiring were not neccessary since the 325i did not have an amplified sound system stock, & the cell phone equipment was a dealer installed option, so again I can legally remove it. I do have to have a head-unit & at least 4 speakers, so I left my Sony CD player & MB Quart speakers in the car.

I was able to complete all of this last week, just in time to take the car out for some fun autocrossing!! Details on the car's first event coming up!

[Nsquared97]

As for the M3 vs 325 debate, isn't the gearing lower on the M3? I could be completely off on this, but it would seem that if that's the case you may have to use 3rd a lot more in a M3 than a 325.

And about having a clean racecar, my dad has always preached that a clean racecar is faster. It seems to have worked for him ;)

[race2win]

First, you car is very good looking. Doesn't look like an autoX car at all; you're going to need a lot of stickers to even have a shot at winning.

Second, the E30/M3 has more power and slightly better F/R weight balance than the 325i and may be able to run wider tires within STX rules. Weight is very close. So how can the 325i expect to compete where the M has failed so far? Or has no top driver seriously campaigned an E30/M3 over enough seasons to prove or disprove its competitive potential?

Thanks for the comments, yes some people have told me it is too nice to race, but all of my past race cars have been extremely clean examples. Might as well have a race car that not only is fast, but look great too ;)

Yes, there has been a lot of debate as to which E30 would be better, & I think most would agree with your comments. Although, I would NOT agree in regards to the M3 failing...Chris Conant has had a lot of success at the National level in his M3, including many trophies & a podium at Nationals.

The M3 has the advantage in peak power, is able to fit a little more tire, & has a better weight balance than the 325. However, the 325 has more torque & much more broad power band, is almost 2" narrower, & should be around 100 lbs lighter. Everything else is a wash between the 2 cars...

I'm not saying the 325 will be better than an M3 by any means, but I believe it can be just as good over-all, & with the pesky Civics vacating STX next year that means a good driver could put a 325 in the trophy hunt at Nationals :)

[funcrew]

First, you car is very good looking. Doesn't look like an autoX car at all; you're going to need a lot of stickers to even have a shot at winning.

Second, the E30/M3 has more power and slightly better F/R weight balance than the 325i and may be able to run wider tires within STX rules. Weight is very close. So how can the 325i expect to compete where the M has failed so far? Or has no top driver seriously campaigned an E30/M3 over enough seasons to prove or disprove its competitive potential?

[race2win]

Here in race2win's thread? It kind of souds like you are race2win under a different name?

They quoted me but took out the "quote" part. It's just a spammer plugging a link into their signature....

Back to our regularly scheduled program ;)

[Lof8]

My goal is to document my build process here in this thread while including all of the experts here on set-up ideas, to ultimately provide an easy-to-duplicate in-expensive build that others can follow in the future :mrgreen:.

Here in race2win's thread? It kind of souds like you are race2win under a different name?


edit: oops, thanks for the clarification

[Winton88]

I have been autocrossing for almost 20 years now in various cars from the stock to street modified level. I have countless local & regional victories, as well as some Divisional, National Tour & Pro Solo championships. Most of my success has been behind the wheel of Miatas, as quite simply they are the fastest & most capable autocross car there is. But I am ready for a change, & for the 2012 season I intend to prep my E30 to compete at the National level in the SCCA's STX class. I believe the E30 has what it takes to win STX, but most in the autocross community rule it out for various reasons. My goal is to document my build process here in this thread while including all of the experts here on set-up ideas, to ultimately provide an easy-to-duplicate in-expensive build that others can follow in the future :mrgreen:.

[race2win]

275's

Sorry, let me clarify...anything larger than 245s isn't possible WITH STOCK FENDERS ;) 285/30-18s have been done on E30s, I'm fully aware you can fit a lot of tire under an E30, but not in STX trim unfortunately.

[Jean]

Can't wait for that ^ SM here we go. but this is offtopic to STX discussion!

[325ix]

All true, however keep in mind that in STX the rules only allow rolling of the inner fender lip...no changes to the outer contour/shape of the fender is allowed. With that in mind, anything larger than 245 isn't possible in an E30...& even 245s are very questionable. I think it may be possible, but the ride height may have to be too high to be beneficial.

275's

[Jean]

Good luck, let us know how it goes! I went with a 4clutch diff build for my autocross car, works great with dot R tires ;) I do still have the stock rack, it blows.

[Lof8]

I'll subscribe. Good luck on your quest!

[wannaBMthree]

Honestly, for me, the biggest challenge of an E30 in STX was the steering. Slaloms are painful with the stock rack. (My red car used to be a well built STX car.).

So I assume your not allowed to swap to a newer rack? bummer cuz the z3 rack is baaad

[race2win]

Yes it's possible to fit 245 and 255 and 275 with work :)

All true, however keep in mind that in STX the rules only allow rolling of the inner fender lip...no changes to the outer contour/shape of the fender is allowed. With that in mind, anything larger than 245 isn't possible in an E30...& even 245s are very questionable. I think it may be possible, but the ride height may have to be too high to be beneficial.