NOR-CAL General Chat.

[2mAn]

In an amazing way.

I'm autox'ing her tomorrow.

M20b30. 272 cam. 10:1 cr pistons. 19lb injectors. markd chip. over sized valves +1mm. ported head. s50 crank(donated by Kronus) and s52 rods. rebuilt transmission.

How big are the pistons? and more importantly, when are you going to dyno it. I am really excited to see M20 builds coming back

[CarsonE30]

What's r3v's opinion on fun hatchbacks? R53 Mini, MazdaSpeed 3, other suggestions? Maybe a mini trunk instead, ie. Colorado, Canyon, Dakota, SR5? I just can't do track days in a truck which is probably a good thing lol

[TheRob]

The golf GTI is always a good choice for a hot hatchback. I like the R53 mini coopers, I've seen a few with failed superchargers and waterpumps are kind of a pain in the ass on them but they are fun cars and are basically tiny E46's. There's also the Ford SVT Focus, pretty good little car and you can get them cheap. The interiors are shit though. Don't forget about the 318ti, they get a bad rap but I personally like them. The ep3 Civic SI too, kinda funky but reliable and fun, would probably make a good track day car too.

[jpod999]

The current Beetle Turbo is a really fun car. It’s a GTI with a better looking body on it. Can be had with the dual clutch automated manual too...since we all know you prefer autos.

[mtech325]

The R53 Mini is certainly fun, but it's cramped in the engine compartment and you'll be back to buying BMW parts. For a low buck hot hatch, Japanese may very well be the way to go, as they're pretty bulletproof.

Normally I'm not a proponent that the latest is the greatest, but some of the newer cars a pretty potent. The Fiesta ST is a blast to drive and can be had used in the low to mid teens. The interior isn't anything special, but it's also ~2700 lbs. and is fun right out of the box. For a little more money, the Focus ST offers a more practical back seat and a bit more power, but does weigh more.

A newer GTi is another option (MK7). Not as raw as the Ford ST cars, but you do get a nicer interior and less boy-racer styling if that matters.

Probably the most reliable of the hatchbacks is the one made by Chevrolet with the pushrods and fiberglass body. Comes with a complementary Hawaiian shirt too ;D

[2mAn]

Can be had with the dual clutch automated manual too...since we all know you prefer autos.

shots fired
:rofl:

[Cabriolet]

How big are the pistons? and more importantly, when are you going to dyno it. I am really excited to see M20 builds coming back

Simon,
I'm not sure. bimmerheads handled it.
i autox'ed it today so it's probably broken in. I'll look into dyno'ing it soon.
But its enough power to get into trouble. I've been driving like an idiot non-stop and I know it's going to lead to a ticket.
It is pinging with the markd tune only under WOT at 4k+ rpm. i need a new tune from mark soon and that should help with the dyno numbers.

[2mAn]

Simon,
I'm not sure. bimmerheads handled it.
i autox'ed it today so it's probably broken in. I'll look into dyno'ing it soon.
But its enough power to get into trouble. I've been driving like an idiot non-stop and I know it's going to lead to a ticket.
It is pinging with the markd tune only under WOT at 4k+ rpm. i need a new tune from mark soon and that should help with the dyno numbers.

Did they not provide you with a spec sheet?

Stock Bore (84mm) yields ~ 2860cc (call it 2.9L)
Mahle Motorsport 85mm Pistons gets you to 2928cc, could technically be called a 3L, but closer to 2.9L still... so maybe its a custom piston, but then they should have some specs to get one made

Thats why I ask. Any specific specs behind the port work too would be awesome. I get that people love them, but I love science and numbers too. Please share the dyno specs when you have them... and update your thread now!

[CabbE30]

Pic of my vert after the parts swap from the schwarz last week:

[newman8r]

Pic of my vert after the parts swap from the schwarz last week:

Nice! looks like mine almost. Same wheels even.

[CarsonE30]

The golf GTI is always a good choice for a hot hatchback. I like the R53 mini coopers, I've seen a few with failed superchargers and waterpumps are kind of a pain in the ass on them but they are fun cars and are basically tiny E46's. There's also the Ford SVT Focus, pretty good little car and you can get them cheap. The interiors are shit though. Don't forget about the 318ti, they get a bad rap but I personally like them. The ep3 Civic SI too, kinda funky but reliable and fun, would probably make a good track day car too.

I had one VW, ('89 GTI), and my mom has had a couple Beetle's and Beetle Turbo's and I've sworn that I'll never have another VW lol. The R53 is potentially expensive and no matter what, will have to be expensive at one point or another and that's really the only thing that holds me off of them. I've always liked the SVT focus more than I'd like to admit for just about as long as I can remember but I don't think I've ever seen one in person, let alone driven one or known anyone who has/had one. The 318Ti would be my absolute go-to for a potential swap car but right now, that's out of the question. As far as Civic's go, I'd love an EG but as far as Honda's go, a Fit Sport piques my interest...

Can be had with the dual clutch automated manual too...since we all know you prefer autos.

You had me at auto tbh ;D

The R53 Mini is certainly fun, but it's cramped in the engine compartment and you'll be back to buying BMW parts. For a low buck hot hatch, Japanese may very well be the way to go, as they're pretty bulletproof.

Normally I'm not a proponent that the latest is the greatest, but some of the newer cars a pretty potent. The Fiesta ST is a blast to drive and can be had used in the low to mid teens. The interior isn't anything special, but it's also ~2700 lbs. and is fun right out of the box. For a little more money, the Focus ST offers a more practical back seat and a bit more power, but does weigh more.

A newer GTi is another option (MK7). Not as raw as the Ford ST cars, but you do get a nicer interior and less boy-racer styling if that matters.

Probably the most reliable of the hatchbacks is the one made by Chevrolet with the pushrods and fiberglass body. Comes with a complementary Hawaiian shirt too ;D

Yeah, as much as an R53 is my personal favorite, it's definitely one of those "gotta pay to play" cars and with my 135 nearing completion, I can't see myself opting for the R53 in the long run. I'd absolutely love a Fiesta ST but that's out of my price range for now and I'm not gonna get a 2nd car payment lol. Also, sign me up for the shirt :mrgreen:

[TheRob]

The upside to the SVT is you can find one in top shape for probably 5 grand or less because they were never really popular here. As long as you don't car what people think you'll be fine. The Caterham 7 came with the SVT focus engine and those things can move pretty good, the Brits seem to love them.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/ford-focus-svt-2004/6528661175.html

The standard Mazda 3 is also supposed to be a really great car to drive, especially with a manual transmission and also on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Reliable, good cars for the most part. You could also go for the Protege 5, the predecessor to the Mazda 3 hatchback.

[McGyver]

I could use some advice.

I plan to put an s50 in my daily and possibly auto-cross it occasionally. It's currently on H&R Sport with Bilstein Sport shocks.

I have a full 5-lug swap from my crashed vert that I was going to sell, but now I'm having second thoughts.

Since I plan on upping the power, should I use the 5-lug swap to get the bigger brakes, tire width, and tire options? Or is the stock brake system with good pads/rotors and stock wheels with good tires sufficient for the extra power??

[2mAn]

More power could use more brakes. Its not absolutely necessary but its a good idea since you already have the parts

[wworm]

I would keep the 5 lug swap, especially if you want to autox every so often.