Which e36 as a track car?

If you were going to purchase an e36 for a track car, which would you buy?

e36: m 2dr, m 4dr, m coupe, other.....

4dr without moonroof.

What do you want to do with it? Is this just for fun at HPDEs or do you want to go racing?

Base model 318ti. I love the 318ti regardless but you also do not ever have to worry about the subframe ripping itself out of the floor. Plus they are light weight as is and are a featherweight when stripped out.

First, it depends on what you want to do with it - full blown racecar or DE car. Second, it depends on how experienced you are. Third, it depends on how much money you are willing to spend.

Honestly, if I were just starting off, I'd be inclined to purchase a 325 or a 328 (probably a coupe). It's cheaper than an M3 and will get you some good seat time. Additionally, parts are abundant and also cheap. Then, as you gain experience and speed, you can put an S50 or 52 in it and make your very own "M3." This works especially well with the E36 because there is no difference between the M and non-M bodies so you won't start feeling like "man, if I bought an M3 I'd have more room to fit bigger wheels and tires."

But that's just what I would do...

PS - building a track car is time-consuming and expensive. Ask me how I know

Originally Posted by SpeedDemon

What do you want to do with it? Is this just for fun at HPDEs or do you want to go racing?

Just for fun at HPDE's and maybe some racing in the future!

Originally Posted by SDKmann

Base model 318ti. I love the 318ti regardless but you also do not ever have to worry about the subframe ripping itself out of the floor. Plus they are light weight as is and are a featherweight when stripped out.

Probably the worst e36 to turn into a track car, terrible rear suspension and it's about as stiff as a wet noodle.

I'd go for a 2 door 328.

Very logical responses, especially from a cost stand point of view. I have always wanted to pick up an e36 m coupe as a track car. I know they look odd but I like em...What are the down sides to having one as a track car? Other than cost.

HAS TO BE an M coupe no vert no moon roof! Most amazing suspension ever! Light and nimble. All you would need to do is throw a 2JZGTE in there w/ all nec mods and you'd have a KILLER track car

Originally Posted by vaio76109

Probably the worst e36 to turn into a track car, terrible rear suspension and it's about as stiff as a wet noodle.

Why is the rear suspension terrible when on the 318ti but adequate when on an E30?

Originally Posted by SDKmann

Why is the rear suspension terrible when on the 318ti but adequate when on an E30?

Terrible might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it's certainly not good. On an E30 you're stuck with the e30 design, but with an E36 you've got the option of getting an E36 or E30 rear end. When the e36's rear design is far superior, why would you choose the one with the poorer design?

i was always that the e36 323i was the lightest body. plus an s52 swap. and you be golden.

Originally Posted by vaio76109

Terrible might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it's certainly not good. On an E30 you're stuck with the e30 design, but with an E36 you've got the option of getting an E36 or E30 rear end. When the e36's rear design is far superior, why would you choose the one with the poorer design?

Personally Id take the one with proven reliability. When you consider the big picture the decrease in performance is not enough to dissuade me from going with the setup that is not prone to failures. I guess it really comes down to what kind of sacrifices you are willing to make since you are sacrificing something with both options.

Originally Posted by mvrk10256

i was always that the e36 323i was the lightest body. plus an s52 swap. and you be golden.

The 318ti was the lightest E36.

Why get a separate car for DE's? Your 330 should be fine if you are just starting out.

328is would be my pick

Originally Posted by howie

HAS TO BE an M coupe no vert no moon roof! Most amazing suspension ever! Light and nimble. All you would need to do is throw a 2JZGTE in there w/ all nec mods and you'd have a KILLER track car

Christ

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Why get a separate car for DE's? Your 330 should be fine if you are just starting out.

it's an auto....

I'd get a 95 m3 coupe, pull the S52 out sell it to buy some goodies, and drop in an M52. All of the brake and suspension benefits of the M3 with the reliability of the M52. Then down the road you can build the car to JP spec and kick some JP E46 butt! (Sorry Greg)

Originally Posted by howie

HAS TO BE an M coupe no vert no moon roof! Most amazing suspension ever! Light and nimble. All you would need to do is throw a 2JZGTE in there w/ all nec mods and you'd have a KILLER track car

third retarded post I've seen from you today.

I would avoid those unreliable E36s and find an E30.