92 318 convertible - A fun autocross / track car?

[CalypsoBean]

I currently drive a 91 M50 powered e34. I am looking for a fun track car for this summer. I am also looking for a convertible. I've been investigating e30 verts, and I have a few questions:

Are 318 verts too underpowered for track duty?

Are e30 verts too heavy to be fun at autocross?

Are convertibles too much of a hassle to bring to track events?

How hard is it to find a hard top for the e30 convertible?

Would I be better off with a Miata?

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know these are a bunch of questions to ask all at once.

[Danny]

Get a miata.

[Emre]

Are 318 verts too underpowered for track duty?

Not really. You don't need huge power to have fun on the track. The real problem is that the handling is pretty sloppy compared to a tin-top E30. The chassis is very flexy. Also, the complete lack of roll protection means you won't be allowed on the track with...well, anybody really.

Are e30 verts too heavy to be fun at autocross?

See above.

Are convertibles too much of a hassle to bring to track events?

Yes. No one will let you run with them unless you've installed an SCCA- or FIA-approved roll bar. I don't think anyone offers an off-the-shelf roll bar kit that you can just bolt in. So that means custom fabrication = $$$.

How hard is it to find a hard top for the e30 convertible?

Quite hard.

Would I be better off with a Miata?

For a track car? Most definitely.

[SkinnyVT]

^ +1 on everything except the miata answer (there is nothing wrong with the car itself I just would have a personal issue with driving one).

If you are considering getting something for the track then get a car with a roof. Also you live is Mass, it's not like the weather is amazing here in the northeast. Lime Rock in october/november = potential for 30-40deg and rain/snow.

[SamE30e]

I don't know about there but here in SOLO 2 you need to have a roll bar in a convertable.

[Miatamania]

Get a miata.

What he said. Cheap to own, cheap to mod. Better feel/steering than the E30, slower without FI though.

I don't know about there but here in SOLO 2 you need to have a roll bar in a convertable.

Yep, auto-x needs no roll bar, all tracks will require one. A 400 dollar investment and the miata is no longer as gay as it was before and you have a track legal setup and a slight bit more chassis rigidity. Add bolt in door bars, you get a LOT more chassis rigidity.

[thereisnoyun]

What he said. Cheap to own, cheap to mod. Better feel/steering than the E30, slower without FI though.



Yep, auto-x needs no roll bar, all tracks will require one. A 400 dollar investment and the miata is no longer as gay as it was before and you have a track legal setup and a slight bit more chassis rigidity. Add bolt in door bars, you get a LOT more chassis rigidity.

dont kid yourself a miata is still gay. hahaha

[CalypsoBean]

Thanks for the great answers guys, I appreciate it.

Regarding the weather - I moved here from Canada, so even in the dead of winter Boston is like a tropical paradise for me!

[sefb222]

what's the hardest thing about driving a miata?

telling your parents you're gay.

[Danny]

Miatas are no joke.

[Miasma]

The E30 vert actually has a integrated roll bar in the windshield, Works pretty fucking good in a rollover too. But you will still need a roll bar to race most venues.

[Wishno87]

Hardtops come up for sale all the time but expect to pay quite alot for one. They do add alot of chassis rigidity though.

[rThor432]

Miatas are no joke.

E30's are no joke.

[kishg]

i don't see the point of buying an e30 vert and sticking a cage in it. just get a coupe or sedan.

[bmw325csi]

^What he said. Would a vert ever be able to be a fun canyon cruiser though?