classification/prep for 91 318i

[freeride53]

hey guys,

im looking to start auto-cross/taking my e30 to the track this summer.
i'm currently looking at the golden gate scca and norcal nasa events.

does anyone know what class my 1991 318i m42 car will fall under?
also any tips for a first-timer (ie any suggestions for prepping the car)?

im looking at grabbing a pair of anti sway bars before the summer time as i've heard they make a significant improvement in handling.

thanks,

sina

[E30 Racer]

All depends on how seriously you plan to take the addiction. I'd recommend a set of Ground Control coilovers with appropriate rates, Vorshalg camber plates, and single adjustable Konis before swaybars. The upfront cost is higher, but you won't have to replace everything later. The standard H&R, etc. lowering springs + Bilstein, etc. combo that may work on the street is deficient on the track or autox.

You need to get the car's CG lower and control body motion.

[freeride53]

All depends on how seriously you plan to take the addiction. I'd recommend a set of Ground Control coilovers with appropriate rates, Vorshalg camber plates, and single adjustable Konis before swaybars. The upfront cost is higher, but you won't have to replace everything later. The standard H&R, etc. lowering springs + Bilstein, etc. combo that may work on the street is deficient on the track or autox.

You need to get the car's CG lower and control body motion.

im currently a on a tight budget. a college student here with another project car that will be recieving a ton of bodywork and thorough paint this summer, so the e30 is getting less funds.

i'm already on bilsten sports, eibach race pro kit coils. m3 cabs getting installed this spring.

[kung fu jesus]

I wouldn't worry about classification. Focus on technique and improving skill.

When you're ready to move to track events, Speed Ventures runs a good event. I ran my Miata with them a few times with the Miata Challenge at Streets and Big Willow. They also do an autocross a couple times a year at ACS in Fontana. No shagging cones.

[matthugie]

To the contrary, I would worry about class. If you autox with the SCCA you'll be put in a PAX class regardless, and even if you aren't competing for the season points and you're in the wrong class you can mess up season points for someone else. Also, if you decide you want to compete down the road you should prep to class. If you don't know that a lightweight flywheel will put you in street mod you can take yourself out of contention very easily.

That said, consult the SCCA solo (autox) rule book online. It's really long, but find your base class at the end and review the allowed mods. Chances are the modified suspension will change your overall classification, but that's where you should start.

[irish44j]

It's really long, .

understatment of the year, lol. 347 pages this year, IIRC

I autocrossed for 15+ years, and today it took me an hour to figure out what class my rallycross car falls into (I'm running an autocross as a test&tune of sorts).....and I still may not be right, lol. Seems like they've added a dozen new classes since the last event I ran, 3 years ago.....

[Wh33lhop]

You will probably be in DSP. You very likely won't be competitive if you're running against a few others; you mainly want to focus on driving. See how hard you can push it while keeping it smooth and tight.

[freeride53]

You will probably be in DSP. You very likely won't be competitive if you're running against a few others; you mainly want to focus on driving. See how hard you can push it while keeping it smooth and tight.

just what i want to do. it'll be my first time truly. and thanks for le tip :)

[Nsquared97]

understatment of the year, lol. 347 pages this year, IIRC

I autocrossed for 15+ years, and today it took me an hour to figure out what class my rallycross car falls into (I'm running an autocross as a test&tune of sorts).....and I still may not be right, lol. Seems like they've added a dozen new classes since the last event I ran, 3 years ago.....

You will probably be in DSP. You very likely won't be competitive if you're running against a few others; you mainly want to focus on driving. See how hard you can push it while keeping it smooth and tight.

Technically SM, he swapped the M10 for an M42 right? Not that anyone would really care that much. M10 cars are FSP, but M42 cars are DSP. IMO just run STX, I highly doubt anyone would give you crap for it, by no means are you going to blow everyone away.

[Wild Ride]

Fix the nut behind the wheel. (you) honestly you are mainly competing against yourself as your car is capable of going around a 60 second course 10 seconds faster than you can drive it.True story. Mods only make incremental improvements to your times however driving skills can make huge gains. Once you are posting consistent back to back lap times then think about what you can do to improve durability and mods focused on your cars weaknesses. For the first few event let the registration people class your car for you as it really doesn't matter.Just make sure that your car is in good mechanical condition to not break any basic (usually cheap) components that will ruin your day like motor mounts, hydraulic tensioner etc. Most important thing you can do is take you car in good maintenance standing to one of these events. Your priorities (tires & driving skills) will be abundantly clear by the end of the day. After a few events you will see which class (if you are running scca) you would like to compete in and build the car within that ruleset. Some classes will have very sparse attendance in a region and you will have no one to compete against so pick one with a good local following you feel your car can be competitive.

I know you don't have your car in SD right now but please check SDBMWCCA for their next autocross dates and just come down to Qualcomm around 9:30 am and I'll make sure you get tons of rides in the instructors cars. Next one is April 28th http://www.sdbmwcca.com/calendar.php#Apr You will lean a ton and come away with a good overall understanding about the sport and individual driver styles. Come over after practice one day and we can talk about getting you and your car prepared.

[Wild Ride]

Technically SM, he swapped the M10 for an M42 right? Not that anyone would really care that much. M10 cars are FSP, but M42 cars are DSP. IMO just run STX, I highly doubt anyone would give you crap for it, by no means are you going to blow everyone away.

You are thinking of the 1984 318i which came with an m10. All 91 318i and IS cars came with and m42 from the factory.

[Nsquared97]

You are thinking of the 1984 318i which came with an m10. All 91 318i and IS cars came with and m42 from the factory.

I am aware of that, the car in question is an '85 318.

[irish44j]

Technically SM, he swapped the M10 for an M42 right? Not that anyone would really care that much. M10 cars are FSP, but M42 cars are DSP. IMO just run STX, I highly doubt anyone would give you crap for it, by no means are you going to blow everyone away.

I think he was talking to the OP, not me, since he was giving driving advice in the same post (and I've done 100+ autocrosses, lol)

My car is indeed M42 swapped from an M10 (among other things). My reading of the rulebook put me in EP. Not that it really matters. It won't be fast on the tarmac.

[matthugie]

Inter-make motor swaps put you in SM, though if you follow the late model 318 classing I doubt anyone would care. My local club has a Novice class that is separate from the rest, but still uses base class for PAX. Probably a good place to start if that's available to you.