E36 M3 track car vs my C63 coupe

[DARK_M3]

Very cool! I wish I had one. And a small team with funding so I could start running in the Continental sport car series.

[gthal]

Just got back from the first track day in the E36 M3. All I can say is WOW.

It felt like I was driving a go-kart compared to the E92 M3 or C63. It simply stuck like glue. It was very visceral and raw. I could feel and hear everything the car did. It was incredibly neutral and was hard to get it to oversteer or understeer. It simply went where I pointed it with ease. The steering was precise, little to no body roll, incredible grip (this was on Dunlop Star Spec street tires and it still had incredible grip).

Heel toe is much easier in the E36 than the E9X and I was faster today than I have been in either my E92 M3 (DCT or 6MT) and my C63 coupe. I actually started to change my driving lines as I could MUCH more aggressively dive into corners, brake later and harder and get back on the gas much, much earlier. The E9X M3 and C63 are fun track cars but this little car is just amazing. It was by FAR the most fun I have ever had at the track. I'm out again next Thursday

Anyone who is on the fence about a track dedicated car, just go get it. You worry less (the investment at risk is much lower), you are incredibly connected to the car, safer (roll cage, 6 point harness, hans, fire system), and faster than you would think. The E36 M3 is simply an amazing track car with balanced and predictable handling, huge braking, decent power and incredibly direct and communicative chassis. If you can't tell, I'm happy

[1MOREMOD]

good to hear. did you time laps? how much quicker were you than the merc and new m3?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by chriszeh

good to hear. did you time laps? how much quicker were you than the merc and new m3?

We aren't allowed to record lap times (insurance issues) but I am certain I was running notably quicker. There was a Porsche 911 Turbo (older version), a Corvette Grand Sport and an E92 M3 (DCT) and I was easily as fast or faster than any of those cars. We are all in a similarly experienced run group so likely no big difference in driver ability... the E36 M3 was just the faster car.

My next project is to buy an E92 M3 and do the same thing to it... get it completely track prepped and stripped... take out all extra weight, redo the suspension and brakes, exhaust, roll cage, etc. That would be a beast too. When prices come down in a few years, that will be the next project. There has to be a way to get an E92 down 500 lbs... that would be a beast of a track car. The only issue is everything for the E92 is WAY more expensive than for the E36. The E36 M3 is actually a VERY cheap car to build and maintain.

[1MOREMOD]

thats sweet. grand sport and turbo 911 arent slow by any means. yeah the e90 would make a nice full prep track car at 3100 lbs.

[dnvrdrvr]

Originally Posted by gthal

Just got back from the first track day in the E36 M3. All I can say is WOW.

It felt like I was driving a go-kart compared to the E92 M3 or C63. It simply stuck like glue. It was very visceral and raw. I could feel and hear everything the car did. It was incredibly neutral and was hard to get it to oversteer or understeer. It simply went where I pointed it with ease. The steering was precise, little to no body roll, incredible grip (this was on Dunlop Star Spec street tires and it still had incredible grip).

Heel toe is much easier in the E36 than the E9X and I was faster today than I have been in either my E92 M3 (DCT or 6MT) and my C63 coupe. I actually started to change my driving lines as I could MUCH more aggressively dive into corners, brake later and harder and get back on the gas much, much earlier. The E9X M3 and C63 are fun track cars but this little car is just amazing. It was by FAR the most fun I have ever had at the track. I'm out again next Thursday

Anyone who is on the fence about a track dedicated car, just go get it. You worry less (the investment at risk is much lower), you are incredibly connected to the car, safer (roll cage, 6 point harness, hans, fire system), and faster than you would think. The E36 M3 is simply an amazing track car with balanced and predictable handling, huge braking, decent power and incredibly direct and communicative chassis. If you can't tell, I'm happy

I know, right? Glad to hear you got it out and it surpassed your expectations. I'm at the track in my E36 every chance I get! Makes me every time.

[gthal]

Pictures from today's track event. I absolutely LOVE this car!!

[klammer]

[adc]

Nice company at the track... Do share more of your impressions when you have a chance.

[jpirelli]

Sweet

[Hisam135i]

that is a BA car sir well done!

[IMG]

Badass !

[AlteredBe4st]

Congrats on the new toy.

[Alex@AUTOcouture]

looks sick

[TheKosherStogie]

BEAUTIFUL an lighter

[Raja Ventureshield]

speechless. e36s looks so beautiful
c63 e36. nice 36 flipped backwards is 63. :-)

[dcgolfdr]

Great car, I want to do the same thing!!
Does anyone want to buy a GTR??

[MVEED3]

Nice find. The build is legit. I agree on the Schrick cam recommendation. The top end wakes up nicely especially with good tuning.

When you get the car on scales, let us know what she weighs in at.


Thanks,
Allen

[gthal]

Thanks everyone for the comments. The e36 is in storage for the winter... can't wait until next season. This past summer was a BLAST!

[rjd598]

that is so amazing. love that color too i want one so bad

[WarrantyTracker]

You. Rule.

I don't know how you can take a paint job that sweet to the track. Time to chip it up.

I have a 140-hp-ish '79 E21 Euro that weighs 2400#. Seriously short on power (though it was the fast 6cyl FI 3-series of its day) but the light weight makes it a rare thrill to flog. Everybody should have at least one light car with great suspension!

[rotaz]

So sick. I think I'll be going this route as well. E36 will be cheaper to maintain than the cayman.