which E36 M3 for track car?

attbimmer · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 02:54:14 PM

I've been looking for an E36 M3 to turn into a track car for a few months and am still torn between a 95 or '96+. I was leaning rowards the '96+ cars, but found a very nice 95 (100k miles) with an excellent service history for just under $10k. It also already has a roll bar. I was a bit concerned with the smaller engine in the 95, but relativly minor bolt-ons seem to produce pretty nice gains in the 5-7k RPM range which is really what your using on the track. Another concern was the 2.93 rear end vs 3.23.

What are most of you using for track cars? Any regrets with having either a 95 or 96+?

iNcUbUs_21 · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 03:06:48 PM

The '95 M3 with S50 motor should have 3.15 rear if I'm not mistaken. If the '95 has had the valve retainers replaced/upgraded, that would be the better track car - especially since it already has the rollbar. The valve retainers are weak on the '95s, especially if they are original with 100k miles.

OBDI is generally better for bolt on mods than OBDII.

SG_M3 · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 04:23:51 PM

doesn't matter.

badgtho · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 06:03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG_M3

doesn't matter.

untrue.

whichever one has teh most ebay chrome.. so it gets wrecked on the track.

oh.. and seriously.. a sedan is the best choice.

weld the sunroof and rear doors shut.

LiveStrong///M3 · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 09:59:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgtho

oh.. and seriously.. a sedan is the best choice.

+1 M3 sedan FTW!!!

Cheeze · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 10:09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveStrong///M3

+1 M3 sedan FTW!!!

+1

attbimmer · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 10:12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgtho

oh.. and seriously.. a sedan is the best choice.

weld the sunroof and rear doors shut.

I have heard that, but haven't found any decent manual trans sedans near me.

SG_M3 · Mon, Jul-09-2007, 10:43:06 PM

only thing bad about a sedan track car are, fitting race seats. Some wider seats wont' fit due to the B billar. And the door opening are smaller, making getting in and out in an emergency with a cage that much more difficult

iNcUbUs_21 · Tue, Jul-10-2007, 01:08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil97m3Blue

+1

Damn Phil, how many EasyPass toll booths were on the track?

Cheeze · Tue, Jul-10-2007, 02:12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG_M3

only thing bad about a sedan track car are, fitting race seats. Some wider seats wont' fit due to the B billar. And the door opening are smaller, making getting in and out in an emergency with a cage that much more difficult

Def good points.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iNcUbUs_21

Damn Phil, how many EasyPass toll booths were on the track?

Hahah, it's right on the other side of the mirror from my line of vision so I never even saw/thought about it.

None of the instructors ever said anything either.

Mon, Jul-09-2007, 02:54:14 PM	#1
attbimmer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 37 Reputation: 0 Location: Tustin, CA	which E36 M3 for track car? I've been looking for an E36 M3 to turn into a track car for a few months and am still torn between a 95 or '96+. I was leaning rowards the '96+ cars, but found a very nice 95 (100k miles) with an excellent service history for just under $10k. It also already has a roll bar. I was a bit concerned with the smaller engine in the 95, but relativly minor bolt-ons seem to produce pretty nice gains in the 5-7k RPM range which is really what your using on the track. Another concern was the 2.93 rear end vs 3.23. What are most of you using for track cars? Any regrets with having either a 95 or 96+?

Mon, Jul-09-2007, 03:06:48 PM	#2
iNcUbUs_21 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 2,509 Reputation: 0 Location: Northern VA	The '95 M3 with S50 motor should have 3.15 rear if I'm not mistaken. If the '95 has had the valve retainers replaced/upgraded, that would be the better track car - especially since it already has the rollbar. The valve retainers are weak on the '95s, especially if they are original with 100k miles. OBDI is generally better for bolt on mods than OBDII. __________________ Wes '98 Arctic Silver coupe --- The LTW Club

Mon, Jul-09-2007, 04:23:51 PM	#3
SG_M3 #56 JP M3 Join Date: Dec 2003 Age: 29 Posts: 4,986 Reputation: 0 Location: Dallas TX	doesn't matter. __________________ Sean

Mon, Jul-09-2007, 10:43:06 PM	#8
SG_M3 #56 JP M3 Join Date: Dec 2003 Age: 29 Posts: 4,986 Reputation: 0 Location: Dallas TX	only thing bad about a sedan track car are, fitting race seats. Some wider seats wont' fit due to the B billar. And the door opening are smaller, making getting in and out in an emergency with a cage that much more difficult __________________ Sean

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
e36 > e46 for first track car?	yemenmocha	E36 M3 (1992-1999)	18	Thu, Jul-10-2008 12:39:17 AM
E36 M3 vs Spec E36 for a Track Car?	gel	M3 Track: Racing and DE	6	Sun, Mar-04-2007 01:21:38 AM
FS - Street/Track E36 M Car - Charlotte, NC	AirDoc	Parts for Sale/Wanted	9	Tue, Sep-05-2006 02:39:30 AM
FS: 1995 E36 M3 Track Car	Toddzilla	Parts for Sale/Wanted	0	Fri, Jul-21-2006 03:52:10 AM
E36 M3 as a track car....	tomwac	E36 M3 (1992-1999)	20	Sun, May-14-2006 06:44:27 PM