Trackday car opinions/suggestions?

MeEsH BaKkA

MeEsH BaKkA

MeEsH BaKkA

Soldato
Joined
12 Dec 2002
Posts
2,951
Hi, I have been doing quite a few trackdays and trips to the ring recently in my current car and I have decided that I want a dedicated toy so that I dont ruin my main car. The main suggestions I have had from a few people all point to one make BMW. Either a E30 325i or a E36 328i both stripped totaly, caged and lsd'd are the actual suggestions, I have seen post here regarding jap turbo cars being expensive/un-reliable for track use and as my current car is turbo I personaly want NA for the track. Are the two cars mentioned above the best choice if so what one is better apart from cost E30/E36. Any other choices, I have thought about MX5's but not too sure on the power and also wouldnt want to roll a soft top.

Thanks for any help :)
 
Budget?

Sam's thread has a lot of suggestions, but E36 328i sport would get my vote assuming you can't reach for the E36 M3. Although be aware, that although the E36 328i sport comes with an LSD as standard, it's a pretty shonky LSD in all honesty (roughly 30% lockup).
 
Budget?

Sam's thread has a lot of suggestions, but E36 328i sport would get my vote assuming you can't reach for the E36 M3. Although be aware, that although the E36 328i sport comes with an LSD as standard, it's a pretty shonky LSD in all honesty (roughly 30% lockup).
Click to expand...

My budget is get the car cheap as poss with sound mechanicals/shell and then spent money on new suspension, brakes saftey etc...

An m3 is quite expensive I would rather spend the money on modifications (another reason for a track car I get to tinker) although the 3.0's are coming down in price I have just realised so they could be an option. As for the LSD I would probably fit an M3 one (if different or an aftermarket one)

I have just found sams post oops.
 
The M3 diff isn't exactly much better, and then involves the hassle of adapting the different input plates and output plates to that of the 328i.

Just get an aftermarket LSD and stick it in the 328i's housing (if you go the 328 route).
 
Personally I would suggest an MX5 if budget is a concern and self building is your plan. You can get a MK1 for little money and then have all sorts of fun preparing it for track day duties including a full cage! Sure an M car will destroy it on the straights but the MX5 is ideal to get some track time in and when you want more power either add some forced induction or buy something quicker. Beauty of the MX5 is if you prang it then it's relatively cheap to put back together, unlike and M car.
 
paradigm said:
Budget?

Sam's thread has a lot of suggestions, but E36 328i sport would get my vote assuming you can't reach for the E36 M3. Although be aware, that although the E36 328i sport comes with an LSD as standard, it's a pretty shonky LSD in all honesty (roughly 30% lockup).
Click to expand...

the 1996 328 came with an lsd. Those 1997 and after that just had ASC iirc.

MeEsH BaKkA said:
Would there be a masive performance diffrence between a 328i with a few breathing mods an LSD and decent suspension or should I just save for an M3?
Click to expand...

For german emissions tax reasons the e36 328's intake manifold was restricted. If you get the older 325 manifold and a larger bore throttle body and remap it can produce a good 30bhp.

mani_compari.jpg


It depends what your budget is though, and whether you want to chance buying a rough m3. Iirc somebody will know more than me here. but they can suffer vanos issues. Which can be very expensive.
 
Last edited:
Thomas. PLease. said:
the 1996 328 came with an lsd. Those 1997 and after that just had ASC iirc.
Click to expand...

If it's a genuine sport, it will be LSD equipped. If its not, it won't.

Thomas. PLease. said:
It depends what your budget is though, and whether you want to chance buying a rough m3. Iirc somebody will know more than me here. but they can suffer vanos issues. Which can be very expensive.
Click to expand...

The 3.0 was single VANOS (exhaust cam only), and wasn't exactly prone to issues. The 3.2 was twin VANOS, and has been known to need a rebuild every so often, but most have been done these days.

MeEsH BaKkA said:
Would there be a masive performance diffrence between a 328i with a few breathing mods an LSD and decent suspension or should I just save for an M3?
Click to expand...

M3 is a different kettle of fish, much more focussed car, and the one I'd choose in a heartbeat if I knew it was within (sensible, i.e. not over-stretching) reach.

Housey said:
Beauty of the MX5 is if you prang it then it's relatively cheap to put back together, unlike and M car.
Click to expand...

I'd agree, if it were a primary road car being kept pristine. As a track car, they can be "repaired" and maintained for not much more than the 328i. Parts aren't that expensive for the E36 M3 these days. Yes, obviously it'll cost more than a MK1 MX5, but I think you'd be surprised.
 
Last edited:
MeEsH BaKkA said:
Would there be a masive performance diffrence between a 328i with a few breathing mods an LSD and decent suspension or should I just save for an M3?
Click to expand...

With the 'normal' mods you can get them from 193bhp to ~220bhp...but that usually requires DaveF / GruppeM induction, M50 manifold, remap. Even then 210bhp is a more likely figure.

You can't get much out of the M52 engine and for the most part they all make stock when put on rolling roads (not sure why mine was 206bhp as the engine was stuffed and didn't have the above mods).

M3 is already at a better level of power as it is.
 
Budget isnt realy a concern I just dont realy want to spent a silly amout on a base car when I could get a cheaper car and chuck decent suspension etc on it.

As for forced induction on an MX5 that isnt cheap from what my friend has spent on his mk1 1.8, which is around 8.5k on 6 speed box and 250bhp/240lbft suspension brakes etc... plus the original car so just over 10k :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom