Anyone regularly track car with engine swap?

[JGood]

There are a lot of developments in H&NR's currently. Take a look here:

http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Head_and_Neck_Restraints

I would strongly recommend not using a harness bar, harnesses, and fixed back seats. If you roll the car, the roof caves in, and you are stuck upright, your head is going to become mashed potatoes. A 4 point roll bar is the proper option here, although a 6+ point cage with front hoops is best. I would stay completely stock otherwise.

Like I said, this stuff works as a system. With all stock parts, your body can move around as the car crumbles. With all proper safety parts, your body stays still and the cage keeps a safety barrier.

With a mix of the two, you either get crushed because you can't move, certain parts of your body move while others stay still (purpose of hans device), etc...

Do a lot of research. This has all been covered extensively, and you can make up your own mind on what level of safety you feel you need given the situations you expect to encounter. It's a personal decision.

[Brew]

I regularly track my 318is with S50, GC coils, and r-compounds.

As far as safety equipment I have a VSR rollbar, a pair of Cobra fixed-back seats, and 6-point harnesses. No HANS yet, but that may very well be my next purchase before next season.

I did run into a few engine issues last year but they were pretty much entirely my fault. First trackday I slightly over-revved on a downshift and collapsed a lifter. Second problem was a bent valve due to a weak retainer pulling through. Surprisingly the retainer didn't completely let go. Certainly if you buy an early production S50 check to see if it has the upgraded retainers.

As 1990M3 stated, the E28 mounts are weak and will tear if you regularly track or auto-x the car. Didn't know AKG made mounts for us, I'll have to look into that.

Anyways, looks like you're leaning towards keeping an M20 in there. Maybe a good call if its going to be a track-only car. I personally don't think having the S50 held me back much at the track. Its not that much power- similar power-to-weight of what many people are taking to the track their first time (E46 M3, 335i, Sti, Evo, etc, etc.)