As many of you know, I have been searching for a car that I can use for track events and autocross events. I had planned on going to look at this car tomorrow, but I talked myself out of it today:

http://www.apexmotorcars.com/apexmotorcars/carthink/CarDetails.aspx?VIN=WBAAA1309H2320272

If I go look at it, I would likely buy it, and I don't need to spend that much money on a car I will likely only use 6 times a year (figuring 3 track events and 3 autocrosses). I imagine that I will eventually get addicted and end up doing more events, but my other hobbies and my schedule don't allow for that right now. So it is stupid for me to spend 6-8k on a car I will rarely use.

So I need to find an e30 (most likely) for 2k or so that only needs 1k+ of work to be track-ready...not necessarily fast or anything, but something to go out there and start learning...something that I can modify as time and money allow in the future...

So, if you have any tips on cars that meet the aforementioned description, please let me know.

Thanks.

:wave

As many of you know, I have been searching for a car that I can use for track events and autocross events. I had planned on going to look at this car tomorrow, but I talked myself out of it today:

If I go look at it, I would likely buy it, and I don't need to spend that much money on a car I will likely only use 6 times a year (figuring 3 track events and 3 autocrosses). I imagine that I will eventually get addicted and end up doing more events, but my other hobbies and my schedule don't allow for that right now. So it is stupid for me to spend 6-8k on a car I will rarely use.
Sounds like a reasonable and well-considered decision. :ponder


Congrats on not losing your mind... entirely. :thumbup:

Get a miata. Weld in a roll bar, upgrade the brakes. Done. You can pick up an early one fairly cheap too.

Sounds like a reasonable and well-considered decision. :ponder


Congrats on not losing your mind... entirely. :thumbup:

I should apply that same logic to the other purchases I am contemplating... :ponder

:shifty

Get a miata. Weld in a roll bar, upgrade the brakes. Done. You can pick up an early one fairly cheap too.

That is a great idea, but the young lady I am currently dating would disown me if I ever bought a Miata.

I should apply that same logic to the other purchases I am contemplating...
Bah. That'll be more economical, more fun, used more often, and won't require garage space. :redspot


That is a great idea, but the young lady I am currently dating would disown me if I ever bought a Miata.
That, and "those" jokes would never end then. :eyecrazy :help



:rofl

That is a great idea, but the young lady I am currently dating would disown me if I ever bought a Miata.

But girls think they are cute. Honestly, she should have no say on what you get for a track car.
Bah. That'll be more economical, more fun, used more often, and won't require garage space. :redspot



That, and "those" jokes would never end then. :eyecrazy :help



:rofl

Those jokes will end when you go to the track.

Get a miata. Weld in a roll bar, upgrade the brakes. Done. You can pick up an early one fairly cheap too.


Get out. :shifty

:eatpop:

Get a miata. Weld in a roll bar, upgrade the brakes. Done. You can pick up an early one fairly cheap too.

Bill, WHATEVER YOU DO... DO NOT BUY A CONVERTIBLE.

They are not allowed at any BMWCCA HPDEs *in the peachtree region.

*edit

Get out. :shifty

Age before beauty ;)

Bill, WHATEVER YOU DO... DO NOT BUY A CONVERTIBLE.

They are not allowed at any BMWCCA HPDEs.

are too.

"Convertibles are permitted only if they have sufficient rollover protection. Sufficient rollover protection implies an SCCA-FIA spec'ed rollbar with a diagonal reinforcement and rearward bars (backstays). The "broomstick rule" applies: driver's and passenger's helmets should not portrude beyond a "broomstick" going from the rollbar to the top of the windshield. Independent hoops or "pop-ups" are not accepted as they are not efficient or reliable at protecting occupants at higher speeds. Hardtops are not a substitute for a rollbar on a convertible, as they are not as strong as a regular top.

Occupants of convertibles will be asked to either use arm restraints to keep the occupants' arms in the cabin if a rollover occures, or to drive with the windows up for the same purpose. "

Not our chapter.

Bah. That'll be more economical, more fun, used more often, and won't require garage space. :redspot


:rofl :rofl

Get out. :shifty

See, Silverbeam, I told you she wouldn't approve!

Age before beauty
If that's the case, I'd say Lea wins on both counts.




:devillook





:eatpop:

Not our chapter.

Why would you want to drive a miata with the BMWCCA anyways? But honestly, I can't find anything on your chapter's website that says no verts allowed.

If that's the case, I'd say Lea wins on both counts.




:devillook





:eatpop:

:rofl

But girls think they are cute. Honestly, she should have no say on what you get for a track car.


Those jokes will end when you go to the track.


:nono Not this girl. I think they look like pickles. Pickles are not cute. Men who drive pickles are totally gei.

I do say what vehicles will not be in my garage, ie gei Miatas.


The jokes will become more hardcore at the track. Everybody knows it.

Why would you want to drive a miata with the BMWCCA anyways? But honestly, I can't find anything on your chapter's website that says no verts allowed.

They say no verts in the rules that they send to via email you after you sign up for the driving schools.

I do say what vehicles will not be in my garage...
And Bill listens because this is true not only literally, but metaphorically. :paranoid:



:biglaughb

And Bill listens because this is true not only literally, but metaphorically. :paranoid:



:biglaughb


The metaphorical part is all that matters, actually...

:devillook

:nono Not this girl. I think they look like pickles. Pickles are not cute. Men who drive pickles are totally gei.

I do say what vehicles will not be in my garage, ie gei Miatas.


The jokes will become more hardcore at the track. Everybody knows it.

Everyone knows that? That's funny. I've seen many a miata at the track, and I have never heard a single joke. No one jokes about what car you drive at the track. At least not here. The Miata is a very capable track car that should be given respect, no matter what food item you think it looks like.

No one jokes when a Miata laps a 911. They just watch, and comment. And give the Miata guy props. But even then, they don't tell the 911 guy he sucks, I have never ever seen anyone gotten teased for messing up or getting passed at the track. Everyone is there for the same reasons: to have fun and become better drives. Whether you are in a 90,000-dollar car built for track use, or a Chevy Aveo, everyone gets respect.

So I don't know what kind of track events you are going to.

The Miata has more potential then an E30 as a track car and they cost about the same, which is why I suggested it. He can do with my suggestion what he wants.

The metaphorical part is all that matters, actually...
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

If that's the case, I'd say Lea wins on both counts.





I think they're close to the same age...

:shifty

Whether you are in a 90,000-dollar car built for track use, or a Chevy Aveo, everyone gets respect.


A Chevy Aveo should never get respect. Ever.

Everyone knows that? That's funny. I've seen many a miata at the track, and I have never heard a single joke.
We should probably explain to SB that the jokes to which we refer are a specific sort relating to a particular Atlanta local, rather than Miatas themselves. :ponder

Lea's take on the looks aside, Miatas are indeed quite capable track cars. :thumbup:


But that's not the kind of joke we're talking about. ;)



I think they're close to the same age...
Ah, it doesn't matter. I was just trying to instigate an e-catfight. :rofl






Lea FTW!!!! :buttrock





:devillook







:D

A Chevy Aveo should never get respect. Ever.

It was racing, and holding its own. Much respect for the driver of that green little box of 911 eating doom.

You people have polluted my thread....

Now back to my original question...

Miatas are fun, but 6>4.

Also, gei-ness must be considered. Plus, I don't work on Miatas, and Bill sure as hell won't be doing his own work.

You people have polluted my thread....
And this is a surprise because? :ponder

Plus, I don't work on Miatas, and Bill sure as hell won't be doing his own work.
:lol :lol :lol

Plus, I don't work on Miatas, and Bill sure as hell won't be doing his own work.

Ah yes, the most important consideration....

We should probably explain to SB that the jokes to which we refer are a specific sort relating to a particular Atlanta local, rather than Miatas themselves. :ponder

Lea's take on the looks aside, Miatas are indeed quite capable track cars. :thumbup:
It's my fault for leaving my demographic zone in regionals :D

no no no.

This is what I'm saving my pocket change for:

http://www.edmunds.com/media/il/features/general/aerial.atom/ariel.atom.f34.500.jpg

It's my fault for leaving my demographic zone in regionals :D

;)

Ah yes, the most important consideration....

We can't have you messing up your manicure, can we? ;)

We can't have you messing up your manicure, can we? ;)

Dude, that was so wrong. :nono

Sorry, couldn't help it. :stickoutt

We can't have you messing up your manicure, can we?
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol OH SNAP!!! :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Dude, that was so wrong.
Yeah, Matt... :az






Manicures that pretty can't be cheap. :help




:rofl

A Chevy Aveo should never get respect. Ever.
Not even from Geo Metro owners? :95

Manicures that pretty can't be cheap.

:rofl

WTF does everyone from California come to the GA forum. I must say you are much cooler than the last person from California that came here. Don't remember the guys name but I know it was in Dean's thread about his pictures being used as advertisement.

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol OH SNAP!!! :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol


Yeah, Matt... :az






Manicures that pretty can't be cheap. :help




:rofl

So he'll get manicures but he wont' drive a Miata :rofl

WTF does everyone from California come to the GA forum. I must say you are much cooler than the last person from California that came here. Don't remember the guys name but I know it was in Dean's thread about his pictures being used as advertisement.

Well, I guess I'm just a good 'ole girl. You guys post almost as much as we do, so when you are scrolling down the main page, you see Georgia threads a lot.

WTF does everyone from California come to the GA forum.
They want to know what it's like to live in a state with lower taxes and more freedom?

WTF does everyone from California come to the GA forum. I must say you are much cooler than the last person from California that came here. Don't remember the guys name but I know it was in Dean's thread about his pictures being used as advertisement.
Yeah he kept arguing and finally understood that he was never going to win. Oh well they did elect Arnold as the governor.

So he'll get manicures but he wont' drive a Miata :rofl

I don't get f'ing manicures. Matt is just projecting.

They want to know what it's like to live in a state with lower taxes and more freedom?
Please, please, please, for the love of anythng and everything sane, don't start that nonsense up in here. :shifty

Okay. Sorry. :smiliecap

Please, please, please, for the love of anythng and everything sane, don't start that nonsense up in here. :shifty

Amen. That is all over OT. We keep our stuff on-topic in here. Take this thread, for example...

:shifty

Okay. Sorry.
Thank you.

:cool

Back to topic:

I think [Miatas] look like pickles.

:rofl

Great. That's the first thing I'll think the next time I see a Miata.

Matt, what auto-x class would that modded E30 have put Bill in if he had bought it?

...what auto-x class would that modded E30 have put Bill in if he had bought it?
Division 1-Pretty... :coywink



:rofl


SORRY!! Couldn't resist! :D

Division 1-Pretty... :coywink


Bet you won't say that next time you see me...

:shifty

Bet you won't say that next time you see me...
:rofl

:rofl :rofl

Matt, what auto-x class would that modded E30 have put Bill in if he had bought it?

The SCCA Solo2 class would be DSP (D street prepared), I think. I'd have to check the mod list more carefully. If not DSP, it would almost certainly be SM (Street Modified) legal.

Everyone knows that? That's funny. I've seen many a miata at the track, and I have never heard a single joke. No one jokes about what car you drive at the track. At least not here. The Miata is a very capable track car that should be given respect, no matter what food item you think it looks like.

No one jokes when a Miata laps a 911. They just watch, and comment. And give the Miata guy props. But even then, they don't tell the 911 guy he sucks, I have never ever seen anyone gotten teased for messing up or getting passed at the track. Everyone is there for the same reasons: to have fun and become better drives. Whether you are in a 90,000-dollar car built for track use, or a Chevy Aveo, everyone gets respect.

So I don't know what kind of track events you are going to.

The Miata has more potential then an E30 as a track car and they cost about the same, which is why I suggested it. He can do with my suggestion what he wants.

Yes. Everyone who matters knows that.

I attend BMWCCA track events for the most part because I prefer to drive a BMW instead of a pickle. Furthermore, I have never and would never tease anyone about his/her car or performance at the track because I do have a great deal of respect for people like myself who are out there driving their asses off so don't go there.

I am completely aware that there may be some people who have built pickles into great track cars that lap 911s. Good for them. Dare I say that one would have to invest some serious cash to make a pickle capable of hanging with a 911. You can build a Miata until you are blue in the face, but at the end of the day, it is still a Miata and is still totally gei.

As for Miatas having more potential than E30s as track cars, I'm afraid I disagree, but you go ahead and think that and while you're at it, take your infinite wisdom to OT because you obviously took a wrong turn and ended up in the GA forum.

Yes. Everyone who matters knows that.

I attend BMWCCA track events for the most part because I prefer to drive a BMW instead of a pickle. Furthermore, I have never and would never tease anyone about his/her car or performance at the track because I do have a great deal of respect for people like myself who are out there driving their asses off so don't go there.

I am completely aware that there may be some people who have built pickles into great track cars that lap 911s. Good for them. Dare I say that one would have to invest some serious cash to make a pickle capable of hanging with a 911. You can build a Miata until you are blue in the face, but at the end of the day, it is still a Miata and is still totally gei.

As for Miatas having more potential than E30s as track cars, I'm afraid I disagree, but you go ahead and think that and while you're at it, take your infinite wisdom to OT because you obviously took a wrong turn and ended up in the GA forum.


:eek: :eek:

DAYUM!!!

DAYUM!!!
^^^
What he said. :paranoid:

teh silverbeam was here?

Was.

Lea's personal catchphrase has been revised.


"Don't sass me! :wwfinger"

has now been replaced with:

"DON'T F&CKING SASS ME!!!"
:ar15firin :bash :killshot: :rock: :bazooka :headshot



:help

Lea's personal catchphrase has been revised.


"Don't sass me! :wwfinger"

has now been replaced with:

"DON'T F&CKING SASS ME!!!"
:ar15firin :bash :killshot: :rock: :bazooka :headshot



:help


She has some attitude, huh?

She has some attitude, huh?
Yeah, good luck with that. :paranoid:

:eatpop:

:eatpop:
Copycat. (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7186885&postcount=9)

:D

I thought it was "Get out."

Lea's personal catchphrase has been revised.


"Don't sass me! :wwfinger"

has now been replaced with:

"DON'T F&CKING SASS ME!!!"
:ar15firin :bash :killshot: :rock: :bazooka :headshot



:help

:rofl

What? Was I a little harsh?:angel

Y'all slippin'... straight slippin'.

Y'all slippin'... straight slippin'.
fcuk me tender, cunt boy.

Yes. Everyone who matters knows that.

I attend BMWCCA track events for the most part because I prefer to drive a BMW instead of a pickle. Furthermore, I have never and would never tease anyone about his/her car or performance at the track because I do have a great deal of respect for people like myself who are out there driving their asses off so don't go there.

I am completely aware that there may be some people who have built pickles into great track cars that lap 911s. Good for them. Dare I say that one would have to invest some serious cash to make a pickle capable of hanging with a 911. You can build a Miata until you are blue in the face, but at the end of the day, it is still a Miata and is still totally gei.

As for Miatas having more potential than E30s as track cars, I'm afraid I disagree, but you go ahead and think that and while you're at it, take your infinite wisdom to OT because you obviously took a wrong turn and ended up in the GA forum.

400 lbs lighter, torson LSD 4.10 diff, 8000 RPM redline, optional 6 speed, .96 lateral gs on the skid pad (2001, compared to .79 on the E30 325is), and double wishbone/A-arms with coilover shocks on all four corners

This is all STOCK btw.

Some representation of a Georgia Peach you've got here. :rolleyes.

Some representation of a Georgia Peach you've got here.
Depends on what sort of "Georgia Peach" stereotype one has in mind. ;)

400 lbs lighter, torson LSD 4.10 diff, 8000 RPM redline, optional 6 speed, and double wishbone/A-arms with coilover shocks on all four corners

This is all STOCK btw.



I agree. Miata's are great cars....






FOR ME TO POOP ON!

j/k. Dont kill yourself Jimmy.

Some representation of a Georgia Peach you've got here. :rolleyes.

Uh oh, this is not going to go over well, I'm willing to bet.

:laugh

It's a power struggle. :rofl

But anyway, I'm out in California. Is there anything going on round these parts tonight?

But anyway, I'm out in California. Is there anything going on round these parts tonight?

A Miata meet in San Francisco.

It's a power struggle. :rofl

But anyway, I'm out in California. Is there anything going on round these parts tonight?

I'll give you a call.

A Miata meet in San Francisco.
:lol :lol :lol

A Miata meet in San Francisco.

Can you pick me up on the way? I don't want to drive.

:rofl

Can you pick me up on the way? I don't want to drive.

Okay, I'll admit, that was funny as hell.

:laugh

400 lbs lighter, torson LSD 4.10 diff, 8000 RPM redline, optional 6 speed, .96 lateral gs on the skid pad (2001, compared to .79 on the E30 325is), and double wishbone/A-arms with coilover shocks on all four corners

This is all STOCK btw.

Some representation of a Georgia Peach you've got here. :rolleyes.


Wow. Your little book report was very informative. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on how wonderful you and your beloved Miatas are....

You just don't get it. This is a BMW forum. The reason people post on a BMW forum is because they prefer BMWs. As such, nothing you can (and I'm sure will) say will ever make me think that Miatas don't look like pickles and are not gei. It is MY personal opinion, and with 9,486 posts, I'm sure you know all about voicing your opinion to people who I'm willing to bet don't really care to hear what a "Pesky Girlfriend" like you has to say.


Hugs and Kisses

The Georgia Peach

Wow. Your little book report was very informative. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on how wonderful you and your beloved Miatas are....

You just don't get it. This is a BMW forum. The reason people post on a BMW forum is because they prefer BMWs. As such, nothing you can (and I'm sure will) say will ever make me think that Miatas don't look like pickles and are not gei. It is MY personal opinion, and with 9,486 posts, I'm sure you know all about voicing your opinion to people who I'm willing to bet don't really care to hear what a "Pesky Girlfriend" like you has to say.


Hugs and Kisses

The Georgia Peach


Bimmerforums.com is a website dedicated to owners and enthusiasts of BMW automobiles. We invite you to browse around and see the vast amount of information that is available to you here.

Just because we love BMWs (hell, I have 4 in my garage) doesn't mean we are not allowed to "perfer" other cars in other areas. If I wanted purely straight line speed, I wouldn't get a BMW. If I wanted something incredibly reliable, I wouldn't get a BMW. If I wanted something to tow and haul and offroad, I wouldn't get a BMW. And if I only had a few grand to spend on a track car, I wouldn't get a BMW. If I wanted the best car all around, I would get a BMW.

I don't give a damn what you think the miata looks like. I just think you are ignorant.

<3

...and with 9,486 posts, I'm sure you know all about voicing your opinion to people who I'm willing to bet don't really care to hear what a "Pesky Girlfriend" like you has to say.
Well, at least she includes a disclaimer that she's pesky! :D


Hugs and Kisses
The Georgia Peach
:ponder

You forgot your mascot---> :wwfinger



:rofl

I just think you are ignorant.



Now personal attacks are uncalled for... :nono She is far more intelligent than the vast majority of the folks that post on these forums, and she is the only female I know who actually tracks her car.

Okay.....now that we're done with that, let's get back to my original post.

:wave

Okay.....now that we're done with that, let's get back to my original post.
Wait... :ponder




...you had a post? :confused








:D

bill i hate to say this but thinking you can get a car track ready for $1000 is a dream. My assumption is you meant to state you don't want to go crazy on prepping the car. In reality this is what you can expect to budget for

15" rims - Check bimmerworld for Team Dynamics, price a used set of Koseis, a used set of e30 euro weaves.
225-50-15 rubber mounted and balanced.
Tie rod ends
Control arms
Control arm bushings
Rear subframe bushings (optional)
Trailing arm bushings (optional)
4.10 LSD (optional)
Bilsteins or Konis/Turner J stock kit/ ST sway bar kit.
Tranny mounts
Engine mounts
Guibo/flex disc and CSB
z3 1.9 shifter kit with new bushings or some other factory or aftermarket piece
Coolant Hoses
SS brake lines
New Rotors
New brake pads
New brake fluid
Timing belt (if you get a 325i or 325iS or 325)
Fuel lines
Fuel Filter
Misc. stuff (oh by the way)
Labor *unless u do your own stuff for the most part*

This is the world of the e30 owner
I don't claim to be the all knowing of all things related to e30s but those are what you will have to do to get a SAFE car to drive on the track.

HTH

Feel free to PM me or we can meet up for some biers to BS over shiet like this :buttrock

15" rims - Check bimmerworld for Team Dynamics, price a used set of Koseis, a used set of e30 euro weaves.
225-50-15 rubber mounted and balanced.
Tie rod ends
Control arms
Control arm bushings
Rear subframe bushings (optional)
Trailing arm bushings (optional)
4.10 LSD (optional)
Bilsteins or Konis/Turner J stock kit/ ST sway bar kit.
Tranny mounts
Engine mounts
Guibo/flex disc and CSB
z3 1.9 shifter kit with new bushings or some other factory or aftermarket piece
Coolant Hoses
SS brake lines
New Rotors
New brake pads
New brake fluid
Timing belt (if you get a 325i or 325iS or 325)
Fuel lines
Fuel Filter
Misc. stuff (oh by the way)
Labor *unless u do your own stuff for the most part*


Everything on that list is either routine maintenance, common wear items, or 100% optional mods. Track days are just as fun in a stock car (IMO), and you can learn just as much. Maybe you don't end up as fast, or the pictures of your car don't turn out as good, but it's not like you need sticky tires, featherweight wheels, and a short shifter just to go to a track day! (Let alone turner J-stock springs! :rofl) And the rest is just normal cheap stuff. A 50k service, more or less... and you can get one of those done, even at a shop, for under $1k. :dunno

Hell, I'll probably be on stock 14" bottlecaps if I make it to the BMWCCA october DE. I will have hit just about every other thing on your list though, and I'll be almost $5k in, not counting the car. :eek:

bill i hate to say this but thinking you can get a car track ready for $1000 is a dream. My assumption is you meant to state you don't want to go crazy on prepping the car. In reality this is what you can expect to budget for

15" rims - Check bimmerworld for Team Dynamics, price a used set of Koseis, a used set of e30 euro weaves.
225-50-15 rubber mounted and balanced.
Tie rod ends
Control arms
Control arm bushings
Rear subframe bushings (optional)
Trailing arm bushings (optional)
4.10 LSD (optional)
Bilsteins or Konis/Turner J stock kit/ ST sway bar kit.
Tranny mounts
Engine mounts
Guibo/flex disc and CSB
z3 1.9 shifter kit with new bushings or some other factory or aftermarket piece
Coolant Hoses
SS brake lines
New Rotors
New brake pads
New brake fluid
Timing belt (if you get a 325i or 325iS or 325)
Fuel lines
Fuel Filter
Misc. stuff (oh by the way)
Labor *unless u do your own stuff for the most part*

This is the world of the e30 owner
I don't claim to be the all knowing of all things related to e30s but those are what you will have to do to get a SAFE car to drive on the track.

HTH

Feel free to PM me or we can meet up for some biers to BS over shiet like this :buttrock

Some useful facts! Thanks you. I too am looking to purchase an E30 325i for dual trackday/daily driving duties.
Oh and I have no doubt that enough $$ could be dumped into a Miata to absolutely dust off my 911 on the track. But it would still be a Miata. It would not make me smile like my 911 does everytime the tack swings past 5K, or when I take a last look at it before I turn off the light in the garage.
Some cars just have a classic look and feel. The E30 shares that quality with the 911.
The Miata does not.

wow, someone has very strong feelings bout those miata's. :eek:


Miata's are like mopeds, fun to drive until somebody see's ya, well you know the rest. Dated a chic with a Miata, had a blast driving it. I have to say it was more fun than my E30, but I found myself quickly telling folks "its my GF's car" so they wouldnt get the wrong ideas.

Mike

Everything on that list is either routine maintenance, common wear items, or 100% optional mods. Hence me flagging them as such :) Safety first performance later. Rowing through a stock shifter versus a short shift throw like a z3 shifter is surely DEBATABLE but one is MORE EFFICIENCT and ERGONOMIC than the other IMO.

Track days are just as fun in a stock car (IMO), and you can learn just as much. Maybe you don't end up as fast, or the pictures of your car don't turn out as good, but it's not like you need sticky tires, featherweight wheels, and a short shifter just to go to a track day! (Let alone turner J-stock springs! :rofl) It's all dependant on where the learner starts from with adjusting to their car's setup vs their skill. Sticky tires do make a difference. When you're driving your car at your comfort level and it increases with the laps and your 500 treadwear tires start to get squirelly and it happens to be your 5th lap in the session..it can be a tad annoying and hinders your learning progress. My suggestions were general and not the recipie for success ;)

And the rest is just normal cheap stuff. A 50k service, more or less... and you can get one of those done, even at a shop, for under $1k. :dunno 50k service on an e30? err bimmer dealer gopher :stickoutt

Hell, I'll probably be on stock 14" bottlecaps if I make it to the BMWCCA october DE. I will have hit just about every other thing on your list though, and I'll be almost $5k in, not counting the car. :eek:Please come join us. You saw how much fun I had :redspot It's going to vary across the board and you and I agree to disagree...tell your buddy bcart the stuff he wants are his and that I will call him later. I'll swing by some time next week after work :buttrock

Now personal attacks are uncalled for... :nono She is far more intelligent than the vast majority of the folks that post on these forums, and she is the only female I know who actually tracks her car.

I know of another two if you want to ad to your list. Myself and 94is.

But honestly, much love for Lea. All in fun and games.

Bill:

Instead of getting a $1500 track car, why don't you just take that ready made track car of yours and put a bra and tape all over it like I do and then drive it as fast as you think a $1500 e30 would go. I guarantee you won't put any more wear on it than you do driving behind trucks on the ATL interstates. Just be sure not to pass any of the e30s on the straightaways, because they'll be all over your tail by the next set of turns.

go get fuked lebanon will win

Wrong thread.

:wave

...she is the only female I know who actually tracks her car.

I know of another two if you want to ad to your list. Myself and 94is.

Bah.

Teh Anna:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/th_c53e9b7f.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/c53e9b7f.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/th_8c0cd030.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/8c0cd030.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/th_89326e64.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/BimmerDawg/CCA%20School/89326e64.jpg)

This thread sucks.

Please come join us. You saw how much fun I had :redspot It's going to vary across the board and you and I agree to disagree...tell your buddy bcart the stuff he wants are his and that I will call him later. I'll swing by some time next week after work :buttrock

Right on, I actually just registered. I guess I'll make it one way or another. Maybe Bill can drive his new e30 and I'll drive his M3. :dunno

I dont know if anyone has brought this up but have you considered getting a Miata? I hear they make really good track cars.

I dont know if anyone has brought this up but have you considered getting a Miata? I hear they make really good track cars.

:lol :lol :lol

Holy crap, how did I miss 4 pages of this?

Here is an idea. Ditch the Cherokee, invest in a daily/track car. Discussion over.

Holy crap, how did I miss 4 pages of this?

Here is an idea. Ditch the Cherokee, invest in a daily/track car. Discussion over.

I need the Cherokee as I do a bunch of outdoor crap like rock climbing, etc. A car won't cut it in some of the places I go to.

I need the Cherokee as I do a bunch of outdoor crap like rock climbing, etc. A car won't cut it in some of the places I go to.

Sure it could. You saw the video of the Z4 on the dirt road :D

I need the Cherokee as I do a bunch of outdoor crap like cock climbing, etc.

:shifty

:shifty

:nono

I was talking about my hobbies, not yours.

:nono :nono


:shifty

:rofl :rofl :rofl

I have taken my Z4 on a gravel road exactly once, but I do not recommend it. :nono


I think my average speed was ~3 mph. :paranoid:


:cool

:nono

I was talking about my hobbies, not yours.

:nono :nono


:shifty
No need to hide behind the closet Bill. And FYI, I do cock drilling. Speaking of that, Im supposed to go mining next week.

if i can toss in a few ideas from my 2 years of working with NASA (and 4 DE's)

Miata - well you could build a SpecMiata - tons of fun, or get a BRP S/C and have 200-300rwhp out of a 2100lb car :eek: :eek:

E30 - everyone here seams to love them, I've yet to drive one myself, but im thinking about building a SepecE30 one day... I've yet to hear a bad word about an E30

E36 - well i love my 328is and all i have is SS lines and good pads, and its got more then enough car to handle my skills (DE-2/B) Im looking to upgrade to an LSD and 4pt belts for next year, and then eventually coil-overs and such as my skills progress.

some other "cheep" track cars people seam to like ...
Hondas (booo FWD :nono )
MR2
1st/2nd gen RX7
Porsche 944 / 914


really a BONE STOCK car with good maintance, the right brake pads, and tires (high preformace, not race) will be your best learning tool, not a "track preped" car, you learn alot more on stock cars the u will on a race car, once your ready, then build the car to meet your level :)


good luck man:buttrock

Bill:

Instead of getting a $1500 track car, why don't you just take that ready made track car of yours and put a bra and tape all over it like I do and then drive it as fast as you think a $1500 e30 would go. I guarantee you won't put any more wear on it than you do driving behind trucks on the ATL interstates. Just be sure not to pass any of the e30s on the straightaways, because they'll be all over your tail by the next set of turns.

:thumbup: :redspot

All except for the drive slow part. Yeah, don't do that.

really a BONE STOCK car with good maintance, the right brake pads, and tires (high preformace, not race) will be your best learning tool, not a "track preped" car, you learn alot more on stock cars the u will on a race car, once your ready, then build the car to meet your level :)


good luck man:buttrock

Thanks, I appreciate the advice!

Thanks, I appreciate the advice!

The Chevy Aveo or Kia Rio is calling your name.....

Why did Adeel get banned?

Now personal attacks are uncalled for... :nono She is far more intelligent than the vast majority of the folks that post on these forums, and she is the only female I know who actually tracks her car.
I just got back from Buttonwillow Raceway last night. Had another successful track day with the e36. IIRC, I was the only girl out there out of about 50 people. I usually am. :dunno

As far as a track car goes, I see alot of fast cars out there. Everything from crx's to sti's. It all depends on how much you want to spend, what types of tracks you want to run, and what type of car you like to drive. Personally, I love the e36. When the suspension, tires and brakes are good, the car just flows easily around the track. :) It's so damn neutral its scary.

i have a friend who is selling his spec miata. if you buy it, i'll drive it for you.


I don't get how miatas look like pickles... i've never seen a pickle that is miata shaped.

I've never gotten anything but respect for my miata. Usually when people find out i got one i get lots of questions about how it drives, how i like it, etc. and this includes people who aren't into cars.


i do wish i could drive it at a track. I'm not really at the point where i can afford a *good* rollbar for it though. Autox will do for now. Especially when i beat matt by 3 seconds...

I'm not really at the point where i can afford a *good* rollbar for it though.

ahhh the ONLY downside to tracking a miata on a college budget.

well once you do find yourself a bar i expect to see you comming to the NASA events with us. alll kinds odf great deals to be had :)

Track car thoughts.

1. Buy a prepped car. That $8k car in your first post will likely be cheaper after the first year than if you spend $2k on a starting point and $2k on track preparation to get on the track. You’ll then spend $2k fixing items that break under the first real hard usage the car has seen recently (if ever) and then $2k setting the car up the way you like it. Chances are, any track prepared car has 2X what they are asking for it in it.

2. Buy the least prepared car your ego will let you get away with. When I do another track car, my modifications will start in this order: Safety. Cage, belts, seats, netting. Brakes. Pads, rotors or complete systems. Suspension. Freshness first, adjustability second. Weight. Lexan windows, throw everything else out. Drivetrain. Limited slip, appropriate gearing for the tracks I will likely visit. Engine. Durability related modification.

3. Buy the lightest car with the best support. Unfortunately, this points towards a miata. The lighter car has two great advantages. First, it is easy on consumables. Tires, brakes and suspension components last longer on a lighter car. Second, lighter cars are often times underpowered so you learn the fast line and don’t have the power to hide a lot of mistakes. Also, if you are going to be towing it with a Cherokee, you need the lightest car you can find.

4. Affinity. You are going to be spending a lot of time with the car and a lot of time with others who understand the same car. If you bleed BMW’s, buy a BMW. If you love American V8 rumble, buy a pony car. If you like your tweed jacket, buy an old Austin Healy. If you think 2 Fast 2 Furious really was a great movie and misunderstood by most, buy a Skyline.

5. If your real intention is to do three track days and a few autocrosses I would recommend considering the following approach. Buy an extra set of wheels and a second set of rotors/pads for your M3 and use it at the autocross. Rent “rides” from a car owner at the track days you are looking to do. You should be able to rent a car for +/- $500 a day. If you are only doing three days a year this is a lot cheaper option and allows you to benefit from the normal “crew” that sets up the car.

There are a bunch more thoughts/rules, but my conference call is over and it is time to get some lunch.

^^^good post


my vote, track the m3

Track car thoughts.

1. Buy a prepped car. That $8k car in your first post will likely be cheaper after the first year than if you spend $2k on a starting point and $2k on track preparation to get on the track. You’ll then spend $2k fixing items that break under the first real hard usage the car has seen recently (if ever) and then $2k setting the car up the way you like it. Chances are, any track prepared car has 2X what they are asking for it in it.

2. Buy the least prepared car your ego will let you get away with. When I do another track car, my modifications will start in this order: Safety. Cage, belts, seats, netting. Brakes. Pads, rotors or complete systems. Suspension. Freshness first, adjustability second. Weight. Lexan windows, throw everything else out. Drivetrain. Limited slip, appropriate gearing for the tracks I will likely visit. Engine. Durability related modification.

3. Buy the lightest car with the best support. Unfortunately, this points towards a miata. The lighter car has two great advantages. First, it is easy on consumables. Tires, brakes and suspension components last longer on a lighter car. Second, lighter cars are often times underpowered so you learn the fast line and don’t have the power to hide a lot of mistakes. Also, if you are going to be towing it with a Cherokee, you need the lightest car you can find.

4. Affinity. You are going to be spending a lot of time with the car and a lot of time with others who understand the same car. If you bleed BMW’s, buy a BMW. If you love American V8 rumble, buy a pony car. If you like your tweed jacket, buy an old Austin Healy. If you think 2 Fast 2 Furious really was a great movie and misunderstood by most, buy a Skyline.

5. If your real intention is to do three track days and a few autocrosses I would recommend considering the following approach. Buy an extra set of wheels and a second set of rotors/pads for your M3 and use it at the autocross. Rent “rides” from a car owner at the track days you are looking to do. You should be able to rent a car for +/- $500 a day. If you are only doing three days a year this is a lot cheaper option and allows you to benefit from the normal “crew” that sets up the car.

There are a bunch more thoughts/rules, but my conference call is over and it is time to get some lunch.


Thank you very much for such a well-thought-out and informative response.

2 Fast 2 Furious really was a great movie and misunderstood by most

wow someone who finally agrees with me :lol :lol


seriously though, thats a realy great point, i've learned alot about my friends cars and SO MUCH more about BMWs just from hanging out at track events.

I NEVER would have tought a miata was cool untill i saw what they can do on track, and how "cheep" they can be (really is any track car cheep? :confused )

theres alot outthere to be learned, and this might be one of the most useful threads on here.

If you bleed BMW’s, buy a BMW. If you love American V8 rumble, buy a pony car. If you like your tweed jacket, buy an old Austin Healy. If you think 2 Fast 2 Furious really was a great movie and misunderstood by most, buy a Skyline.
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Track car thoughts.

1. Buy a prepped car. That $8k car in your first post will likely be cheaper after the first year than if you spend $2k on a starting point and $2k on track preparation to get on the track. You’ll then spend $2k fixing items that break under the first real hard usage the car has seen recently (if ever) and then $2k setting the car up the way you like it. Chances are, any track prepared car has 2X what they are asking for it in it.

2. Buy the least prepared car your ego will let you get away with. When I do another track car, my modifications will start in this order: Safety. Cage, belts, seats, netting. Brakes. Pads, rotors or complete systems. Suspension. Freshness first, adjustability second. Weight. Lexan windows, throw everything else out. Drivetrain. Limited slip, appropriate gearing for the tracks I will likely visit. Engine. Durability related modification.

3. Buy the lightest car with the best support. Unfortunately, this points towards a miata. The lighter car has two great advantages. First, it is easy on consumables. Tires, brakes and suspension components last longer on a lighter car. Second, lighter cars are often times underpowered so you learn the fast line and don’t have the power to hide a lot of mistakes. Also, if you are going to be towing it with a Cherokee, you need the lightest car you can find.

4. Affinity. You are going to be spending a lot of time with the car and a lot of time with others who understand the same car. If you bleed BMW’s, buy a BMW. If you love American V8 rumble, buy a pony car. If you like your tweed jacket, buy an old Austin Healy. If you think 2 Fast 2 Furious really was a great movie and misunderstood by most, buy a Skyline.

5. If your real intention is to do three track days and a few autocrosses I would recommend considering the following approach. Buy an extra set of wheels and a second set of rotors/pads for your M3 and use it at the autocross. Rent “rides” from a car owner at the track days you are looking to do. You should be able to rent a car for +/- $500 a day. If you are only doing three days a year this is a lot cheaper option and allows you to benefit from the normal “crew” that sets up the car.

There are a bunch more thoughts/rules, but my conference call is over and it is time to get some lunch.

This might be the most informative post I have ever seen. It is always cheaper in the long one to either buy a built car or rent. Spec E30 would be a good class to build for though. Start with a E30, do the basic mods but keep it legal for spec E30 and just see how you feel towards racing in a year or two.

Spec E30 would be a good class to build for though. Start with a E30, do the basic mods but keep it legal for spec E30 and just see how you feel towards racing in a year or two.

I think that is the path I am headed down. Thank you.

Update: May have found a decent e30. Going to look at it this weekend.

:redspot

Well Bill, if you do consider tracking the ///M, I have for sale a Colgan Front bra complete with the side mirror covers if you're interested. I originally bought it for the ///M (in case I did some mountain runs):stickoutt , but sold it shortly afterwards, never used it. Bought it used, but it's in great shape however.. :)

Update: May have found a decent e30. Going to look at it this weekend.

:redspot

BMW CCA is adding a Spec E36 class for next year btw.

Bill's never done a track day or autocross... somehow I don't think he'll be up to racing in a spec series by next season. :stickoutt

Bill's never done a track day or autocross... somehow I don't think he'll be up to racing in a spec series by next season. :stickoutt

Two seasons from now is far more likely.

:wave

I wanna be your team manager / crew chief.

We'll discuss salary and benefits later. :buttrock

I wanna be your team manager / crew chief.

We'll discuss salary and benefits later. :buttrock

Deal.

The discussion will probably go something like this:


Matt: "So, how much can you pay me?" :ponder

Bill: "Uh... nothing." :(

Matt: " :shifty "



:D

The discussion will probably go something like this:


Matt: "So, how much can you pay me?" :ponder

Bill: "Uh... nothing." :(

Matt: " :shifty "



:D

So, what's your point?

:shifty

So, what's your point?
I'm supposed to have a point? :ponder


:silly

The discussion will probably go something like this:


Matt: "So, how much can you pay me?" :ponder

Bill: "Uh... nothing." :(

Matt: " :shifty "



:D
:rofl

And thus begins the saga of Team Balla Racing.

I'm supposed to have a point?
Naaah.

Bill, have you considered an S13 or S14 240sx?

Not quite the Bimmer prestige, but a solid RWD platform, with a proven engine to boot. There's a decent-looking white S13 hatch for sale here in town. There's solid aftermarket support for these as well.

Just a thought...

Bill, have you considered an S13 or S14 240sx?

Not quite the Bimmer prestige, but a solid RWD platform, with a proven engine to boot. There's a decent-looking white S13 hatch for sale here in town. There's solid aftermarket support for these as well.

Just a thought...

Matt told me I had to buy an e30 or he wouldn't work on it.

:dunno

And thus begins the saga of Team Balla Racing.
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Matt told me I had to buy an e30 or he wouldn't work on it.

:dunno

Actually, I've wanted a 240 ever since Jacob built his into a monster. Much better $/performance ratio than BMWs. Downside is, they are hairdresser cars.

Downside is, they are hairdresser cars.
Must...resist...urge...to...make...funny...

Must...resist...urge...to...make...funny...
Naaah. :D

Must...resist...urge...to...make...funny...

Do it, Do it, Do it....:devillook On another note, I think it should be Team Bah! Racing.. :stickoutt

Do it, Do it, Do it....:devillook On another note, It think it should be Team Bah! Racing.. :stickoutt

Bah.

:shifty

Spec E36 is gonna be a blast...
if anyone needs a crew member just let me know, I work for pizza & beer (or coke :))


now that SE36 is about to start might i try to convince you to buy a '93 325is and build it for SE36. you could even talk me into maintaing the car for ya (just bring it to SC lol)


good luck man

I feel some Andretti coming on.

I feel some Andretti coming on.

Me too.

Friday night?

On another note, I think it should be Team Bah! Racing..
:lol :lol :lol

Also good! :rofl



You'll need a mascot... :D

Friday night?

Busy. Saturday night?

Do it, Do it, Do it....:devillook On another note, I think it should be Team Bah! Racing.. :stickoutt

Sounds like a play on Team BAR racing... a MAR thing. I like it!

On another note, I think it should be Team Bah! Racing.. :stickoutt
I like it...