E92 M3 Track / Racecar Project

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by tlrid3r

Interesting, what kind of studs are those.
They seem press fit

Yes, they are MSI 14mm press-in studs. Core4 Motorsports put them together for me. PM 'Gills' for more information.

If you don't want press-in. I have used plenty of BimmerWorld premium race studs with no issues. They have various options for sizing as well.

[rTrackM3]

Missing body parts and rear cage

[rTrackM3]

Front cage and Kyle Petty #42 Mello Yello

[Samo6556]

Looking good!

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by Samo6556

Looking good!

Thanks Samo!

[admranger]

That seems to be a large heat affected zone on the door gusset weld. Maybe it’s a tougher weld than the tubes. Look at the discoloration of the tube to tube welds and then the gusset. Is your guy welding that in one line or is he stitching it and then going back in to fill a little at a time?

[crowtrobot]

Awesome thread, enjoying the build and the discussion on studs. Just picked up my first e92 m3, and am using the quarantine time to prep it for the track.

I had a couple VAC studs fail on my 128i after less than a season (never torqued hot, always tightened by hand). Only found out after I drove all the way back to Philly from WGI - definitely don't want that to happen on a car with nearly double the hp...

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by admranger

That seems to be a large heat affected zone on the door gusset weld. Maybe it’s a tougher weld than the tubes. Look at the discoloration of the tube to tube welds and then the gusset. Is your guy welding that in one line or is he stitching it and then going back in to fill a little at a time?

Not entirely sure of the process. I do know that specific part was TIG welded as opposed to MIG on all other areas. Maybe that is why. I am not concerned with the integrity of the cage being compromised. Hoping the paint covers it up

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by crowtrobot

Awesome thread, enjoying the build and the discussion on studs. Just picked up my first e92 m3, and am using the quarantine time to prep it for the track.

I had a couple VAC studs fail on my 128i after less than a season (never torqued hot, always tightened by hand). Only found out after I drove all the way back to Philly from WGI - definitely don't want that to happen on a car with nearly double the hp...

Congrats on the new car! And thank you! Really looking forward to get this thing on track! I’m thrilled with how things are shaping up. Been a longer process than expected with COVID and the main builder was dealing with a lot outside of work. We are back on pace now!

[rTrackM3]

BimmerWorld Carbon Dash!!!!! So light a finger can lift it. Amazing quality! Little dusty, but fits great!

[Richbot]

Holy shit that cage is amazing

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Holy shit that cage is amazing

Thank you! Hopefully I have a painted picture in the next week.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by rTrackM3

Not entirely sure of the process. I do know that specific part was TIG welded as opposed to MIG on all other areas. Maybe that is why. I am not concerned with the integrity of the cage being compromised. Hoping the paint covers it up

That’s it! Interesting.

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by admranger

That’s it! Interesting.

It was TIG welded since the gusset is thinner gauge metal. At least that is what I told.

[Bartledoo]

How much does the carbon dash weigh vs stock?

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

How much does the carbon dash weigh vs stock?

About $1000 or so is my guess. Really lightens you’re wallet.

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

How much does the carbon dash weigh vs stock?

Carbon is 5 lbs. The bare factory dash weighs 19.4 lbs.

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by admranger

About $1000 or so is my guess. Really lightens you’re wallet.

HAHA that’s a fact. Nothing about this build has been a good investment. A racecar was put pretty simple to me early on. You buy a car for one price, spend the same amount of money making it faster, and when it’s done, it’s worth less than half of what you originally bought it for.

[WhiteM3EMC]

Originally Posted by rTrackM3

HAHA that’s a fact. Nothing about this build has been a good investment. A racecar was put pretty simple to me early on. You buy a car for one price, spend the same amount of money making it faster, and when it’s done, it’s worth less than half of what you originally bought it for.

I found myself searching for purpose built track M3s the other day, and found a lot of full caged cars with suspensions and brake kits (obviously some other mods, sometimes aero) were going for a pretty penny. I think there's definite value to the right buyer. Maybe someone who has already gone through a full build on a previous car and doesn't want to deal with it again.

[ninekrpm]

rTrackM3

i am thinking 2:20 - 2:21 flat at RA

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by WhiteM3EMC

I found myself searching for purpose built track M3s the other day, and found a lot of full caged cars with suspensions and brake kits (obviously some other mods, sometimes aero) were going for a pretty penny. I think there's definite value to the right buyer. Maybe someone who has already gone through a full build on a previous car and doesn't want to deal with it again.

Great point! I was being a little dramatic in my example, but I think if someone wants to get the best bang for the buck, it would be to find a used car that has good history. Some of the downsides usually involve the uncertainty of used parts, I personally feel less connection to the car, and most times you will have to work backwards to get it right. Regardless, the upfront cost will be significantly less. The cost of owning could be the same or more.

I could have saved $25-50k buying a used car, but I see this as my long term (10 years?) car so I would rather spend the extra money upfront to make it as personal as possible. Also, that feeling building from ground up is special. Each year I plan to get more out the car; lightweight, stroker motor, sequential gearbox, etc is all part of the plan since this car will probably see more track weekends as opposed to burning it up racing. Seeing the performance difference throughout those upgrades brings a higher appreciation for the technology in my opinion.

You said it best. Someone who wants to get that end product right away, go race, and save money upfront has value to a lot of people.

[rTrackM3]

Originally Posted by ninekrpm

rTrackM3

i am thinking 2:20 - 2:21 flat at RA

Sub 2:20!!!!! Hope all is well, Sir!