Best M20 powered E30 lap time at Buttonwillow CW13

[Smoove1]

Like the title states, anyone know the best lap time a M20 powered E30 can do around Buttonwillow CW13? I know the Spec E30 record is in the 2:04s. I’m curious if a street car with a relatively stock engine on DOT-Rs and better suspension could run faster than a 2:04?

[TheDirtyS54Thirty]

I think you would at least need a s52 to get into that territory but I could be wrong.

[Jb325is]

A lot of factors at play here but Toyo RR's are not significantly faster than DOT-R's, so I will say yes (without any knowledge of the track).

[Smoove1]

I think you would at least need a s52 to get into that territory but I could be wrong.

My Co-worker with about 6 track days under his belt is running 2:08s now with 2:06 showing on the predictive laptime. He ends up running into traffic since he runs in an intermediate group. His car is completely stock M20 powered with Bilstein sport shocks (stock housings)and a Ground Control coil over conversion. Tires are Achilles ATR-K (140 Treadwear). Spring rate is only around 350lbs. I raise the question because I got in a bet with a friend to see who’s car could run a faster time. He will be driving a 1990 Honda EF with a stock d16, full interior, and a fully setup suspension. We will be running the same tires as Nitto is willing to supply us with tires. If I lose I committed to selling my car and buying a Honda. I rather not sell my car so I’m trying to figure out how much suspension will need. I currently run a 2:00.14 in my E46 M3. All stock power and weight. Just suspension and tires.

[Smoove1]

A lot of factors at play here but Toyo RR's are not significantly faster than DOT-R's, so I will say yes (without any knowledge of the track).

That’s good to know. I haven’t driven on RRs around a track so I’m not too familiar with their grip level. Thank you!

[Cephas]

If I lose I committed to selling my car and buying a Honda. I rather not sell my car so I’m trying to figure out how much suspension will need. I currently run a 2:00.14 in my E46 M3. All stock power and weight. Just suspension and tires.

I hope you are using the same lap timer and hardware. I'd also suggest getting a better GPS sensor if you are using something like Harry's on your phone. Those are too inaccurate to risk your e30 over.

Good luck.

[2mAn]

What suspension are you running thats better than the SpecE30? Tires will make a big difference but that Honda sounds like its got a great suspension setup and you're setting yourself up for failure

[TheDirtyS54Thirty]

Well as a reference I was putting in consistent 1:59s all day yesterday and finally dipped into a 158.8 with my s54 car. Car pretty much has everything done to it under sun at this point. I think my limiting factor is wheel/tire size as I did this on 225/45 nt01s. 245/40s here I come lol

[Smoove1]

I hope you are using the same lap timer and hardware. I'd also suggest getting a better GPS sensor if you are using something like Harry's on your phone. Those are too inaccurate to risk your e30 over.

Good luck.

We're going to be using transponders from the track. I also use and AIM solo just for in car reference.

What suspension are you running thats better than the SpecE30? Tires will make a big difference but that Honda sounds like its got a great suspension setup and you're setting yourself up for failure

Spec e30 suspension is just H&R race springs, Bilstein shocks, and sway bars. I plan on running a complete Ground Control coilover kit with race camber plates, sway bars, and rear camber/toe adjustment plates. My friend is the Spec E30 record holder around that track and his main complaint is the spec suspension is too soft/too much body roll.

Well as a reference I was putting in consistent 1:59s all day yesterday and finally dipped into a 158.8 with my s54 car. Car pretty much has everything done to it under sun at this point. I think my limiting factor is wheel/tire size as I did this on 225/45 nt01s. 245/40s here I come lol

Congrats man! That's awesome. A wider tire will definitely make a difference. I'm shooting for a 2:05 with the M20. It's a bit optimistic but I think the temps will be more agreeable in December. You should come out.

[TheDirtyS54Thirty]

We're going to be using transponders from the track. I also use and AIM solo just for in car reference.



Spec e30 suspension is just H&R race springs, Bilstein shocks, and sway bars. I plan on running a complete Ground Control coilover kit with race camber plates, sway bars, and rear camber/toe adjustment plates. My friend is the Spec E30 record holder around that track and his main complaint is the spec suspension is too soft/too much body roll.



Congrats man! That's awesome. A wider tire will definitely make a difference. I'm shooting for a 2:05 with the M20. It's a bit optimistic but I think the temps will be more agreeable in December. You should come out.

I'm always down! What day and organization are you running with?

[Smoove1]

I'm always down! What day and organization are you running with?

December 3rd with extreme speed.

[e30s50dan]

Likin dem rims

[TobyB]

What suspension are you running thats better than the SpecE30?

...anything that lets you add front camber?
That's the SpecE30 Achillies' heel...

t

[Jb325is]

Yeah but all of the fast spec e30's have plenty of camber. No one running up front with less than 3-3.5, most have over 4.

[Digitalwave]

Yeah but all of the fast spec e30's have plenty of camber. No one running up front with less than 3-3.5, most have over 4.

I'm guessing they are bending their strut tubes/spindles? I can only get about 2.2* up front on my car with Spec E30 springs and GC Spec E30 plates before my spring perches bind on the strut tower.