Thinking of '93-'95 FD RX-7 as a dedicated track car

[Longboarder]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm not a "wrencher" whatsoever and the more I think about it the more I migrate to a newer BMW as a track car.

In fact tomorrow I'm going to see a 100% stock 2003 M3 SMG with 18's (listed for $11K). I figure after some basic maintenance (fluid flush, etc), tires, alignment and brake pads, it's ready for the track. Plus I can beat the snot out of it and not worry much.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

My vote also is for an S2000! They are a blast to drive on the track. Only down side is aftermarket parts are not cheap...

They are cheap compared to M3 parts.

[rhouck]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm not a "wrencher" whatsoever and the more I think about it the more I migrate to a newer BMW as a track car.

In fact tomorrow I'm going to see a 100% stock 2003 M3 SMG with 18's (listed for $11K). I figure after some basic maintenance (fluid flush, etc), tires, alignment and brake pads, it's ready for the track. Plus I can beat the snot out of it and not worry much.

SMG

Make sure to do research on S54 (and e46 in general) track reliability as well prior to purchasing. Kaiv here on m3post tracked his extensively and might be able to talk you through any potential issues and costs.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by rhouck

SMG

Make sure to do research on S54 (and e46 in general) track reliability as well prior to purchasing. Kaiv here on m3post tracked his extensively and might be able to talk you through any potential issues and costs.

Thanks. Found a 2003 SMG Sport package that seems appealing. Transmission didn't clunk when changing gears and didn't shudder upon start up when warm...engine seemed to be strong, no weird sounds or rattles and everything was in good working order. One owner car and 100% stock.

I'm bringing it to the best shop in OC (MRF Engineering) to do a PPI tomorrow so I will be informed by an expert as to whether this particular car is in decent shape to use as a track car.

[Longboarder]

F8ck it. Instead of buying a beater (RX-7, S2000, e46 M3) for a dedicated track car, I'm turning my e92 into a track car. Purchasing a BBK today and then will start looking at springs, camber plates, corner balancing and of course, tires.

But thanks for all the input/insight guys.

[Jaypod]

Nice choice, but I have to say, I was looking forward to a track car build thread

[Raucky2000]

That works, but one of my golden rules: Whatever your track car is, be prepared to write it off. If you can't stomach the pain of writing that check then pick a different car.

[96LTWM3]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

F8ck it. Instead of buying a beater (RX-7, S2000, e46 M3) for a dedicated track car, I'm turning my e92 into a track car. Purchasing a BBK today and then will start looking at springs, camber plates, corner balancing and of course, tires.

But thanks for all the input/insight guys.

Hustling 3800lbs around a track is not as fast as it sounds, regardless of HP. Fun? Absolutely! The E92 is still balanced and a hoot to slide around in. But you may find yourself still getting passed by S2000, RX-7,and E36.

BTW Thanks for beating the snot out of your 2013, its much appreciated by the community

Im interested in seeing your results with the blower and DCT during high heat track sessions.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

Nice choice, but I have to say, I was looking forward to a track car build thread

Me too. Particularly with a car like the FD RX-7. Oh well...doing a track build the M3 will be cool as well. I just bought a BBK yesterday (StopTech 380/365 with drilled rotors). Not the best but will do fine for my skill level. I and am now researching suspension.

Originally Posted by Raucky2000

That works, but one of my golden rules: Whatever your track car is, be prepared to write it off. If you can't stomach the pain of writing that check then pick a different car.

Agree 100%. I've given it a lot of thought. I'm ok with it.

Originally Posted by 96LTWM3

Hustling 3800lbs around a track is not as fast as it sounds, regardless of HP. Fun? Absolutely! The E92 is still balanced and a hoot to slide around in. But you may find yourself still getting passed by S2000, RX-7,and E36.

BTW Thanks for beating the snot out of your 2013, its much appreciated by the community

Im interested in seeing your results with the blower and DCT during high heat track sessions.

You are sooo right. Currently I only have engine mods. It was supposed to be an airstrip (roll-on) car only. So at larger tracks it does ok...although the brakes are the achilles heel so I just bought a BBK to be installed next month. And with the stock suspension, it's a complete slug around the tracks with tighter turns and less open straights. Next, I will be looking into suspension.

@ 3,800 lbs, no matter what I do, unless I remove weight, it will never be able to do what a 3,000 lb car can do. I realize that...and I'm ok with that.

The car has performed flawlessly so far at 2 track events but the conditions were cold. The VT2 with the air to water intercooler seems very good as keeping IAT's down, which in turns keeps oil temps down. I can rest my hand on the intake manifold after 20 laps in a row. But I'm expecting the blower to cause some heating issues if I run it at 100% on say a 95 degree day. I'll probably have to come in early. If I was going to do a track only car, I wouldn't have installed the blower in the first place.

[rhouck]

Though it sounds like you are committed already, a reminder that for the cost of the BBK and suspension for the e92, you could buy a prepped track car And the cost of race gas and tires....

Look forward to seeing you out there though. There is an event on Sat Jan 19th hosted by a forum member here that you should make it out to!

http://speeddistrict.com/item/events...anuary-19-2012

[klammer]

Good luck and I'm on the same path, sans blower. I love this car and the fact that I can truly have a car that does well on the town and the track is a challenge I just couldn't pass up. In my mind, I love the irony of a street car (in my case 4 doors) that can keep up with all but the fastest cars on the track with some simple mods. I have no interest right now, or the room... Ahhhh urban living... For a dedicated track car. I want to be the guy who shows up, pulls out the car seats, shames a few "sports cars", rolls up the windows, hits the AC and radio, and drives home. There's something romantic (for me) in that. If I wreck it, then it becomes the dedicated track build Good luck and have fun, the slopes pretty slippery

[bigjae1976]

I think the only must upgrades are:

BBK
Coilovers
Seats
Harnesses
Wheels & tires

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by rhouck

Though it sounds like you are committed already, a reminder that for the cost of the BBK and suspension for the e92, you could buy a prepped track car And the cost of race gas and tires....

Look forward to seeing you out there though. There is an event on Sat Jan 19th hosted by a forum member here that you should make it out to!

http://speeddistrict.com/item/events...anuary-19-2012

I can do this in stages but you are probably right. I only need to spend $6.5K for now...the StopTech BBK is $5.3K installed, and I will initially start with springs (I have EDC) and camber plates. Already have Michelin PSS which may last a couple more sessions. But I should get lightweight 18"wheels/tires and a good coilover system and those will put me back another $6K (if I'm lucky).

I hope to see you at one of the Speed District or other events. I can't make the one on the 19th since it's likely that I only have brake rotor life for one more track event and I'm going this Sat with SpeedVentures to Big Willow so I will have to wait until my BBK comes before my next event.

Originally Posted by klammer

Good luck and I'm on the same path, sans blower. I love this car and the fact that I can truly have a car that does well on the town and the track is a challenge I just couldn't pass up. In my mind, I love the irony of a street car (in my case 4 doors) that can keep up with all but the fastest cars on the track with some simple mods. I have no interest right now, or the room... Ahhhh urban living... For a dedicated track car. I want to be the guy who shows up, pulls out the car seats, shames a few "sports cars", rolls up the windows, hits the AC and radio, and drives home. There's something romantic (for me) in that. If I wreck it, then it becomes the dedicated track build Good luck and have fun, the slopes pretty slippery

lol yeah it certainly does well on the fast tracks. Even though I'm a noob and just practicing being smooth, my lines, entrance & exist speed, etc the car is so fantastic that it's faster at 75% then many other cars at 100%. But at the low speed technical tracks, I'm having a hard time not getting lapped.

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I think the only must upgrades are:

BBK
Coilovers
Seats
Harnesses
Wheels & tires

Good to know. Hadn't thought about seats/harnesses.

[rhouck]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

I can't make the one on the 19th since it's likely that I only have brake rotor life for one more track event and I'm going this Sat with SpeedVentures to Big Willow so I will have to wait until my BBK comes before my next event.

FYI rotors are covered under your new BMW maintenance plan. They are free. You can go to WSIR on Saturday, then drive to the dealership and ask for them to give you new rotors (if they are indeed past minimum depth... which I would be somewhat surprised about unless you have done a ton of track days already!)

That maintenance plan is rolled into the cost of the car --- use it!

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by rhouck

FYI rotors are covered under your new BMW maintenance plan. They are free. You can go to WSIR on Saturday, then drive to the dealership and ask for them to give you new rotors (if they are indeed past minimum depth... which I would be somewhat surprised about unless you have done a ton of track days already!)

That maintenance plan is rolled into the cost of the car --- use it!

I hear you but I'm never going back to a BMW dealer. Having a blower eliminates the warranty and free maintenance but I knew that before I bought the car.