Thinking about replacing 08 Boxster with a 3 series track/auto cross car. Don't care about pretty. You know, a nice 25 footer. All in budget of $15,000. Need help deciding on whether to build M3 vs 325i/328i/330i?
Thinking about replacing 08 Boxster with a 3 series track/auto cross car. Don't care about pretty. You know, a nice 25 footer. All in budget of $15,000. Need help deciding on whether to build M3 vs 325i/328i/330i?
How competitive do you want to be? Looking like you'd be building, autocross wise, a DSP or SM car with a cage. Not sure how far 15k gets you, but - https://www.scca.com/articles/2003774-shopmanual-chapter-9-d-street-prepared
go to vorshlag, read their build thread(s) on the 330i/328i's
depending on what classing etc.
Biggest hurdle I remember is knowing that the oil pump will always fail at the worst time... (high rpm.)
Vorshlag also extended the redline on their 330i car, which they felt led to some of their engine issues.
To be nationally competitive in the M3 you'll have to go full SM, which is going to be a lot more expensive. I'd go DSP, either E36 or E46.
Random note: It's not mentioned in that scca article, but if you do the RTABs, use the stock ones with the limiters. I found that it really calms the rear end down on my old E36 M3.
Looking more for personal challenge and fun than competition. Potential resale in a couple of years also a consideration. I do not have a shop, just a garage. Very handy with tools but would rely on pros for big stuff.
If that's the case, find the best car you can, with the best records possible. Don't sweat stuff like the sunroof, etc. Fit the largest street tire you can on an 18" rim, bolt in a roll bar, get a good set of sway bars, camber plates, and coilovers, and go have fun. You won't be classed competitively, but you'll have all reversible mods and a still very fun car.
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