DSP vs STS

[gearheadE30]

I'm debating getting a lightweight flywheel for my 318is, and that modification would move me up from STS to DSP. Am I still going to be competitive with everything else built to more or less STS levels? I don't have any good track tires at this point, either, so is that a must as well?

If I won't do well at all, or if I wouldn't be in DSP at all, please let me know. The class progression confuses me a bit...

My driving still is reasonably good; I'm consistently in the top 3 in my class in STS.

[Jean]

Look at your competition in DSP. If it's any good I would say an STS car would not be competitive in DSP.

DSP times sometimes are faster than SM, both pretty much require top tier dot R tires (since you mentioned street tires).

[//MPower]

I don't have any good track tires at this point, either, so is that a must as well?

Then don't waste your money on a stupid flywheel.

Buy some real tires!!!

Race in the class you're more competitive in. Ultimately DSP is the best class for a non-M E30. STS isn't bad but an LSD bumps most of us to STX, which isn't fair.

[gearheadE30]

Then don't waste your money on a stupid flywheel.

Buy some real tires!!!

Race in the class you're more competitive in. Ultimately DSP is the best class for a non-M E30. STS isn't bad but an LSD bumps most of us to STX, which isn't fair.

I was kind of thinking the same thing, but I'd really like to get more power from the M42 in daily driving...

I am actually in STX, I didn't notice the rule difference and none of the tech guys caught it either. It really is an annoying rule. :(

[chet3215]

with the LSD is the e30 legal in DSP?

[//MPower]

with the LSD is the e30 legal in DSP?

Yes.

STREET PREPARED
The original SCCA® “street” category, Street Prepared allows
any carburetor/fuel injection system and any ignition system. Turbo/supercharger
hardware has to remain standard, but aftermarket boost control
systems/programs and intercoolers are allowed. Exhaust manifolds and systems
are free. Emission controls are not required for competition, but no internal
engine or transmission modifications are allowed beyond factory specs (no cams,
hi-comp pistons, ported heads, etc). Some cars are able to update/backdate
components like engines, brakes, etc (See Solo Rules for details and specifics).
There are no limits on wheels sizes or DOT tires; racing springs and shocks are
the norm.

STS
STS consists of sedans/coupes with four seats minimum and normally aspirated
engines up to 3.1L (very few turbo/supercharged cars are allowed).
Stock category allowances
No limited slip differentials except for standard viscous-types
Pedal kits and other interior trim
Front seats (15 pounds minimum weight each)
Rub strips, emblems, and mud flaps removed
Page 2of 3
Body kits, spoilers, and wings added
Tires up to 225 mm wide, UTQG treadwear 140 minimum
Wheels up to 7½ inches wide, any diameter/offset
Shocks/struts
Drilled/slotted rotors (standard size) and braided DOT brake lines
Anti-roll bars, front and rear
Lowered suspensions using standard-type springs
Suspension bushings (non-metallic)
Camber kits, plates, or bolts
Traction bars, torque arms, panhard rods
Strut bars, 2-point only
Battery relocated
Air filter systems up to throttle body or compressor inlet
Headers, emissions compliant
Engine computers (PCM/ECU) reprogrammed
Shifter kits
Accessory drive pulleys
Motor mounts (non-metallic)

[//MPower]

Well i've got some more input on the DSP vs STX debate.

Today I ran my 325es with just a JimC chip and a fresh set of Potenza RE-01s in DSP.

Honestly I think you have to have R-Compound to be competitive in DSP. Here in Indy DSP is dominated by stripped and caged Neons on slicks. I just can't compete with a race car. I was running in the 56 second range and they were in the 54s.

To my suprise; I would have done very well in STX. Everyone fast in STX was in the 56 sec range.

At this point; I'll probably switch to STX because I have the best tire for that class, while in DSP that's not the case. I'd say the choice of STX/DSP comes down to what tire you have and what cars race regularly in your region.

If you're on street tires, race in STX and pray no fast subies show up.
If you're on R-Compound, DSP is the only real choice. GS in an e30 is laughable against the supercharged Minis.

[//MPower]

gearheadE30,

I still think you should buy auto-x worthy tires instead of a flywheel.

Sticky Tires > Mods

STS > STX

Plus, you won't have to take out the transmission.

At the local level STS is a good class for a non-lsd E30. The key is having a sticky street tire; 615, RE01, Z212 ect.

I raced for 3 seasons on all-season Proxes. Compared to the 615 or RE01; it seems like a joke now. I saw a few cars with regular street tires in the paddock today, it made me feel sad.

[sd racing]

318i will be in Fsp. check it out

[Jean]

Don't confuse early vs. late 318 cars.

AS Z4
AS M Coupe and Roadster ('01+)
AS M3 (E46)

BS M3 (E36)
BS Z3 6 cyl NOC
BS M3 (E30)
BS M Coupe and Roadster ('96-'00)

DS 330 with ZHP, all

DS 330Ci
DS 3 series 6 cyl. (non-M) NOC
DS 3 series ('06+)

GS 318 ti ('95+)
GS 318is, i (1991)
GS 325E, eta engine

HS 318i & is ('92+)
HS 318 NOC

NOC -- Not Otherwise Classified


ASP BMW M Coupe, M Roadster,Z3 (6 cyl) M3 (E46)
BSP BMW M-TechnicM3 (E36), M3 Lightweight Z8
CSP BMW M3 (E30)Z3 (4 cyl)
DSP BMW 2002 tii (all)3 Series (16V NOC)323, 325, & 328 (E36)
DSP BMW 325 & 328 (E30)330ci, 330i, 330cic (E46)Bavaria
ESP BMW 2500 & 2800 (all)3.0S & CS (all)528 & 530 & 533 (all)ESP 633i & 733i (all)
FSP BMW 1600 1600-2 & 1602 & 2002 (NOC) 1800ti, TISA
FSP 318i (NOC)320i

[GotCone?]

might as well do an M20 swap if you care about DSP competitiveness while you're doing the flywheel. :D

[gearheadE30]

Having just installed ground controls, I no longer have any plans to put in a lightweight flywheel. I didn't realize how crappy my old suspension was. It is so much more controllable that I can keep it up in the rev range where it actually has some power.

New tires are on the way, probably for next season. I'm actually competitive in STX now, on the M&S tires, which surprised me and everyone else at the event. Who needs WRXs anyway? ;)