Building an e36 M3 race car - advice needed
Discussion
I'm new around these parts and not a BMW or M3 expert, so please excuse what may be a newbie question.
What's the best starting point for having a e36 M3 race car build - a 3.0 or a 3.2?
It's to race in a sprint championship in Dubai, but I'd also be looking to do the Dubai 24 hour endurance race in it too. So a concern is reliability and cost of maintenance, as well as of course performance.
Am I right thinking the 3.0 is more reliable, and more economical to fix for both the engine and gearbox? If so, what sort of power can be had from them with an air box, exhaust and remap? In reality, the 321bhp of the 3.2 would be about perfect. Can I have this out of the 3.0 or is this asking too much?
What's the best starting point for having a e36 M3 race car build - a 3.0 or a 3.2?
It's to race in a sprint championship in Dubai, but I'd also be looking to do the Dubai 24 hour endurance race in it too. So a concern is reliability and cost of maintenance, as well as of course performance.
Am I right thinking the 3.0 is more reliable, and more economical to fix for both the engine and gearbox? If so, what sort of power can be had from them with an air box, exhaust and remap? In reality, the 321bhp of the 3.2 would be about perfect. Can I have this out of the 3.0 or is this asking too much?
Edited by will_968 on Tuesday 23 June 20:49
Right then...
How far do you want to take this?
I'd start with an Evo.
Then I'd stick a 5 speed box in it.
Then, depending on the tracks you're going to be on, I'd stick a shorter diff ratio on it (3.91 or so). 3.91 in an Evo tops out around 145mph.
Then, sort the brakes out - APs will be fine with some nice Pagids.
Then, add more power. They left the factory with 316bhp (not 321) and by adding lumpy cams, carbon airbox, exhaust, standalone management and a decent map, you shouldn't have much trouble getting up to 340bhp-ish.
My build journal to date is here - ::clicky::. but you'll find far better on Zone Motorsport as that's where a lot of the Kumho BMW guys reside.
How far do you want to take this?
I'd start with an Evo.
Then I'd stick a 5 speed box in it.
Then, depending on the tracks you're going to be on, I'd stick a shorter diff ratio on it (3.91 or so). 3.91 in an Evo tops out around 145mph.
Then, sort the brakes out - APs will be fine with some nice Pagids.
Then, add more power. They left the factory with 316bhp (not 321) and by adding lumpy cams, carbon airbox, exhaust, standalone management and a decent map, you shouldn't have much trouble getting up to 340bhp-ish.
My build journal to date is here - ::clicky::. but you'll find far better on Zone Motorsport as that's where a lot of the Kumho BMW guys reside.
Is the main benefit of the Evo more bhp? How do the torque outputs of the two cars compare?
And what are people's thoughts on the relative reliability of each cars engines and gearboxes? t'interweb seems to say the 3.0 car is better in this regard.
Given the regs I'm working to, 300bhp @ 1250kg is enough really. Much more and I'll just need to add more ballast.
The actual regs state 4.7 kg/bhp, including driver and with power measured at the wheels.
And what are people's thoughts on the relative reliability of each cars engines and gearboxes? t'interweb seems to say the 3.0 car is better in this regard.
Given the regs I'm working to, 300bhp @ 1250kg is enough really. Much more and I'll just need to add more ballast.
The actual regs state 4.7 kg/bhp, including driver and with power measured at the wheels.
The Evo engine has other design features that lend themselves to racing, such as the twin oil pickups. On the 3.0 you have to fit an oil restrictor valve too before hitting the track.
I've no doubt you've read about Vanos worries and the 6-speed box not being as reliable. Poppycock. You get just as many failures on either model.
For circuit racing in the UK you don't need a 6th gear, so swapping to the 5 speed box means you save weight, and it's probably a more user-friendly shift pattern. I wouldn't do it because I was worried about gearbox failure.
To be completely honest, you could build a decent race car out of either. You'll just get more out of the box with the Evo.
I've no doubt you've read about Vanos worries and the 6-speed box not being as reliable. Poppycock. You get just as many failures on either model.
For circuit racing in the UK you don't need a 6th gear, so swapping to the 5 speed box means you save weight, and it's probably a more user-friendly shift pattern. I wouldn't do it because I was worried about gearbox failure.
To be completely honest, you could build a decent race car out of either. You'll just get more out of the box with the Evo.
hi,
i am currently selling my fully race prepared M3 Evo 3.2 (1998)
never raced or tracked - we built it over the winter but sadly couldnt raise the sponsorship to go racing this year.
fullcage, welded to all the diff pick-up points
KW race suspension
AP brakes (front)
Plexiglass windows
Lightweight panels
Plumbed in fire extinguisher, electric cut offs etc
Dataloggers
HANS Recaro Seat
+ much more
can provide you full spec if you are interested.
Ragards,
SevenZero
sevenzero said:
hi,
i am currently selling my fully race prepared M3 Evo 3.2 (1998)
never raced or tracked - we built it over the winter but sadly couldnt raise the sponsorship to go racing this year.
fullcage, welded to all the diff pick-up points
KW race suspension
AP brakes (front)
Plexiglass windows
Lightweight panels
Plumbed in fire extinguisher, electric cut offs etc
Dataloggers
HANS Recaro Seat
+ much more
can provide you full spec if you are interested.
Ragards,
SevenZero
I'm definitely interested enough to want to know more. I'll PM you my email address. Do you have a link to an advert?i am currently selling my fully race prepared M3 Evo 3.2 (1998)
never raced or tracked - we built it over the winter but sadly couldnt raise the sponsorship to go racing this year.
fullcage, welded to all the diff pick-up points
KW race suspension
AP brakes (front)
Plexiglass windows
Lightweight panels
Plumbed in fire extinguisher, electric cut offs etc
Dataloggers
HANS Recaro Seat
+ much more
can provide you full spec if you are interested.
Ragards,
SevenZero
Thanks,
Will
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