BMW V8/V10 track car build advice please

[Partyvan]

Hello all,

I'm after some advice on a track car build. I currently have a very track focused Honda CRX (~800kg, 270bhp). In the past I've also had an E46 M3 and loved it to bits on track.

I am wanting to start building up my next track car, which has the following requirements to be met:

- 450+ BHP naturally aspirated
- Nimble chassis, reasonably light
- 3 door, preferrably a coupe
- Prefer DCT for track use
- Air conditioning (don't laugh - I see it as a safety item on hot trackdays!)
- As good value for money as possible

So straight off the bat, I think I can rule out anything 6 cylinder, due to the power requirement. I loved the E46 M3 on the Ring but it was underpowered by about 100bhp in my opinion. So we're into V8 or V10 territory. I'm also ruling out the E36 as they are difficult to get wide wheels and tyres on and are old enough to have serious rust issues.

Here's my options so far:

1) Base model E46 coupe with a wide body kit (Pandem style) and BMW V8/V10 conversion. I see no advantage in starting with an M3 if the standard brakes, suspension and engine are going in the bin... and a cage & wide arch kit are added.

2) As above but with LSX V8 (Any real advantage over a BMW unit?) Aircon might be a little trickier. Plus no DCT option.

3) E92 M3. Track spec coilovers, suspension, brake upgrade. Clubsport style interior. Light enough? Nimble enough? Saves me the hassle of an engine swap which is a huge plus.

4) E60 M5 put on a serious diet is an outside contender. Weight and lack of tuning parts compared to the 3 series might be the biggest drawbacks. No coupe option either.

Thanks in advance

[Weekendrebuild]

Coupe option ?? It’s called a e63 m6 lighter to with carbon roof

[Jakg]

How much are you looking to spend?

I think for track work something smaller might be a better option - i.e. 1-2 series.

Obviously not a V8, mine.

I think a 135i (the old one - E82) might make a surprising track car with some //M bits.

I think an M5/M6 would be a rather poor track car.

[helix402]

Try Dyno Torque for an LS E46 or E92 conversion. Advantage over a BMW V8/10 is reliability and ease of power increase.

Edited by helix402 on Thursday 28th May 21:46

[drdino]

There's an 1 series coupe with an E90 M3 V8 conversion:
https://www.instagram.com/ninarosebarber/

[Pistonheader101]

E92 M3 and strip it out

[mmm-five]

Z4C or MC with a V10 M5/Viper engine or V8 M3 engine?

Viper V10


V8 from BMW Motorsport (although I think this one was sold for over £100k as race car):

[Partyvan]

Thankyou gents.

I'm woefully ignorant of the 1 series. I couldn't tell apart a 135i 140i or a 1M. No idea on pricing, engines, performance etc. I assumed they are new enough to not be naturally aspirated? Do they give a good weight saving over the V8 M3?

M6 is an option yes. I didn't even think about that.

[Partyvan]

Z cars just don't quite appeal, I'm not sure why.

[mmm-five]

Partyvan said:

Z cars just don't quite appeal, I'm not sure why.

Well, they're not very practical, and get worse once you cage them and start tearing the interior out to put braces in!

Plus there's no way you'd get a spare set of wheels, plus tools in there.

[Partyvan]

mmm-five said:

Well, they're not very practical, and get worse once you cage them and start tearing the interior out to put braces in!

Plus there's no way you'd get a spare set of wheels, plus tools in there.

That sounds right. I felt very claustrophobic in a Cayman and an S2000 I can only imagine this is similar.

[Partyvan]

I had a bit of a false start to this build!

Supercharged E46 M3, with front and rear BBK, H&R coilovers and SMG

Excuse the awful wrap!


Gearbox problems killed my love for the car.

Back to the drawing board.

[roadie]

Pistonheader101 said:

E92 M3 and strip it out

This seems like far and away the easiest route. Alternatively, as someone else has pointed out you can swap the E92 V8 into the E8x chassis as they share a lot of components.

[Mr Tidy]

roadie said:

Pistonheader101 said:

E92 M3 and strip it out

This seems like far and away the easiest route. Alternatively, as someone else has pointed out you can swap the E92 V8 into the E8x chassis as they share a lot of components.

Or you could stuff a BMW V10 into an E85 like this!

[aka_kerrly]

helix402 said:

Try Dyno Torque for an LS E46 or E92 conversion. Advantage over a BMW V8/10 is reliability and ease of power increase.

Edited by helix402 on Thursday 28th May 21:46

This is a good plan!