E36 Compact as a track car

[mk4gtiturbo]

Hi

Once upon a time I had a mk2 Golf that I built into a track car. I used to really enjoy it, but then I got married and had kids and sold the car, big mistake!



I'm now starting to have thoughts of building another. My daily is an new Octavia vRS and I don't really fancy tracking that. My thoughts have been turning to RWD, as I did a few track days in a Caterham (I can't afford a Caterham before anyone comments!). There is an E36 Compact local to me and it is cheap (ain't they all). I'd probably stick in a 2.8 as I know of a decent one for sale (soon) that is abot 250bhp with a few mods on it. I understand the Compact gets tail happy with that sort of power so I'm wondering if a E36 coupe or saloon would make more sense, or if there are mods for the Compact to calm things down.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Matt

[mk4gtiturbo]

The car is a 2000 X 318Ti Sport. It has light damage to the front but only the grills and bumper, no wing or bonnet damage.

I have a mate who has some bits the same colour (he is the guy with the engine, he building a 3.0 for his Touring!)

[mk4gtiturbo]

Where can I get a copy of the Compact Cup Spec?

I wanted to use the Golf for hill climbs but did too many mods to make it competitive in the class!

[mk4gtiturbo]

I bought it, so the project commences!!

[mk4gtiturbo]

Hamster69 said:

Well done. They are great fun cars. I love mine. Yes you could spend a bit more and buy a track ready car. But personally I have very much enjoyed improving mine one step at a time. Spreads the cost and increases the satisfaction!
There are a few good E36 build threads on here if you are looking for ideas. I have been writing mine for years. Good to see you starting yours at the start. Keep us updated.

Thank you. I really enjoyed building the Golf. I know there is lots I can do to it. I'll search out your build thread and have a read. First thing is to repair the damage and get it MOTed.

[mk4gtiturbo]

Thanks, just read from start to finish, wow, but I have been making notes!!

I think I need to start a build thread.

[mk4gtiturbo]

McSam said:

All the cool kids have one

Thanks, I'll have a read of that one as well when I get a spare ten minutes!

[mk4gtiturbo]

The engine I am picking up tonight, alledgely runs 244 with cams, exhaust, inlet, BBTB, etc, etc.

If I can get somewhere near I'll be happy!!

[mk4gtiturbo]

Fab32 said:

Welcome to the club!

http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I need to do a bit of an update but I actually just enjoyed looking through it again.

As you will see in some of the pictures my mate has a MK kit car which he built (he's running a Hayabusa engine in it now!) On the track it's quicker than mine, his consumables are a lot less money, but he doesn't have a roof when it rains or a heater when it's cold. His is worth more than he has spent on it, mine is certainly worth less but I wouldn't swap.

Just a word about bhp, you won't get 250 out of a 2.8 unless you visit someone with a generous dyno

Another good read!! Could I ask what gearbox, driveshaft, diff and half shafts you are using?

[mk4gtiturbo]

Thanks, I'm trying to work out if my standard drivetrain it up to the job of the 2.8 or whether I need to upgrade, LSD will come in time!

[mk4gtiturbo]

Cool, I think I'll be running the ZF, and try to cobble together a prop. From my research I think front half should be 328 and back half can be existing. I understand the E30 half shafts are better. It's all very confusing!!