Dedicated track car under 15K?

[blackbeast535]

Guys,

How many people have a dedicated track car? My E90 hasn't been on the track yet but it I will probably do about 16 track days this year and I'm not sure if I want my E90 out there for all of them? I'm mainly going to be doing HPDEs & BMW CCA schools. I've done VIR in my old 325I and absolutely loved it.

It seems like it would be fun to have a street legal HPDE project car I can work on but is it a waste of money? My E90 is my DD and I plan on keeping if for a long time. I'm wondering if I should just do a few brake upgrades on the E90 (Stainless Steel Brake Lines/Fluid/Track Pads) and Enjoy my M?

If I switch to a lowered HP car will I have as much fun as in my M3? I was looking a E36 M3's, and Porsche Boxster S or 944's-(defeintely want a German car ) Track insurance + tires & brakes for the M can get expensive and would not feel a bad if something happened to my track car.

Any Ideas?

[vantagesc]

Whether or not to get a dedicated track car can only depend on personal preference. I have friends that prefer flogging around a heavy but powerful car in comfort. Others want a super light car than they can corner at insane speeds, brake very late, and basically have to work harder to get the lap time. If you're a good driver, you can definitely have more fun in a lower powered but more nimble car. But it's not for everyone. Stock for stock, some of these cars aren't any slower, depending on the track. Some people just want a FAST car regardless of weight or driver involvement.

The E90 is a great platform and does extremely well for a heavy sedan, so there's no shame in getting it track ready and enjoying a dual use car. Throw $5k at it, and it will do really really well. On the flip side, I doubt you get much good that's German for $15k all in. Maybe a 944.

The big advantage in my mind of having a dedicated track car is safety. You can do a full cage + harness + HANS, but you may have to trailer it to the track.

I would consider an S2000 as well. I've looked into the dedicated track car thing and right now it's the best value for $10-15k easily. Particularly if you find one that's already built out and track ready. A stock one needs a few things here and there. But, you will have to keep the engine revving high and really maintain momentum to be fast.

[yyoo]

How about a Spec Miata? Great track car and great potential race car. Replacement parts and consumables (rims, tires, brake pads) are cheaper and will also last you a lot longer.

Had a Spec Miata and would get one again but my wife doesn't want me to get a dedicated track car.

I drove my Spec Miata to and from the track, but it was probably one of the more stupid things I've done because if I had ever gotten into an accident on the street I'd probably have cracked my head open against the rollcage.

[blackbeast535]

I've looked at the Spec Miata's and S2000's but this car would be dual purpose: Weekend Car and HPDE car. The Boxster appeals to me because it's a convertible and mid engine design. I would be driving this to the track so a car with a full cage is out. It would be years before I would ever have the chance to race in a series.

[von_zoom]

How many people have a dedicated track car?

I have a good idea. I have a street legal dedicated track car which is ideal for VIR, or any other track for HPDE events. The car knows its way around VIR very well. If you have run at VIR, then in all likelyhood you may have seen it. It is for sale, and all details are shown at:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641774

Please feel free to email or pm.
Thanks, vz

[THE TECH]

Spec Miata is super competitive so make sure you know what you're getting into before going that route.

[Krozi]

You can pick up an E36 M3 for pretty cheap these days...gut it and you got a <3000lbs car.

[askjeeves]

Not German. But you can get a pretty decent condition 350z within your budget. NASA has also just started a spec 350z group too.

[Slapshot9]

I tracked a '93 325is for 15 years among 4 East Coast tracks and thoroughly enjoyed and deeply miss this car I sold back in October. I tracked my E90 a couple weeks ago at PBIR and it was great, but not the same feeling and enjoyment as a properly set up E36. Keep the E90 as a DD and buy/build a E36 track car.

[Erhan]

If you want weekend + HPDE car, I think the best car is E46 M3. Although it is hard to find a decent one for 15k. You can try E36 M3. Pretty sure you can find one with decent track mods for 15k.

Another good track car is Porsche 944. Very good, balanced chassis. If the power is not enough, you can later add a LS3.

Btw, it is better to learn high performance driving with a light, underpowered momentum car. You'll be a better driver in the long term.

Originally Posted by askjeeves

Not German. But you can get a pretty decent condition 350z within your budget. NASA has also just started a spec 350z group too.

350z is very heavy, and it needs immediate BBK to be useful at the track. Also the V6 engine is very rough.

[Merked M3]

I think you should consider a car that is not German. That makes the prices higher and there is no need for a luxury interior on a dedicated track car. My suggestion would be an Evo 9 for $9K and $6K of mods, or a used Mustang with a big engine. And in my interpretation of a track car I am imagining a stripped back seat and trunk, half cage and huge spoiler. It sounds like that may be too ricer/young for you though.

[blackbeast535]

An E36 M3 sounds like a good start, but I think I would like to try out a P car although not a 911.

[askjeeves]

Originally Posted by erhanh

If you want weekend + HPDE car, I think the best car is E46 M3. Although it is hard to find a decent one for 15k. You can try E36 M3. Pretty sure you can find one with decent track mods for 15k.

Another good track car is Porsche 944. Very good, balanced chassis. If the power is not enough, you can later add a LS3.

Btw, it is better to learn high performance driving with a light, underpowered momentum car. You'll be a better driver in the long term.

350z is very heavy, and it needs immediate BBK to be useful at the track. Also the V6 engine is very rough.

It isn't too difficult to get the z in the 3000-3100 lb range with a cage. Its not exactly a miata, but the weight isn't too bad. This at least applies to the earlier years since the car got progressively heavier. Also, the track model comes with the Brembos which hold up well with some stainless steel lines, race fluid, and proper pads.

But I'm biased since I've started down the path of turning my Z into a full time track car.

[Brainofjjj]

Originally Posted by askjeeves

It isn't too difficult to get the z in the 3000-3100 lb range with a cage. Its not exactly a miata, but the weight isn't too bad. This at least applies to the earlier years since the car got progressively heavier. Also, the track model comes with the Brembos which hold up well with some stainless steel lines, race fluid, and proper pads.

But I'm biased since I've started down the path of turning my Z into a full time track car.

I had a 350 as well, the HR model, bought as a stripper and used it as a track car. The car had great balance and plenty of power but not enough to get you into trouble. I tired of it quickly but I do regret selling it. It would have made a good platform for a S/C for that extra oomph.

I now have an Elise and a RX7 that are stripped, one for fun and one for Chumpcar. Neither are perfect though. I'm a hard man to please it seems.

The most fun I've had was in a 05 Z06 race car but i'm not ready for that and i don't want to trailer something all the time. I do that with the RX and it can be a real PITA.

[blackbeast535]

Thanks guys for the input. I think I'll just track my e90 this season and do some brake upgrades. At this point I have a hard time justifying another car that sits parked 90% the time. I could use that extra money for more m3 mods and track time.

[richardg]

e36 m3 or a spec miata. I never went all out on my e36m but you can find base vehicle for 4-6k on craigslist if you look hard enough. The other 10 grand you can sink into safety, suspension, tires, and other prep.