???XJR and E36M3 or E46 M3???

[integrale44]

Would appreciate your thoughts... I want to do trackdays fairly seriously in '08 and can't work out if I'm better to get an E36 M3 as a base for a track car and still use my XJR everyday, or do I chop in the Jag and go for an E46 to use both everyday and on track? I live in the centre of town so parking two cars is a real pain - but maybe it's worth it?

I know there is a compromise with each option, but those of you with both E36 and E46 experience maybe can give some advice, for example is the newer M3 that much better on track than an E36?

[E36GUY]

e36M3 would be a far cheaper option and won't be slower than the e46 round the track. Plus it doesn't have all the electronic gadget nonsense either

[Vixpy1]

I'd go for the E36 option

[JezF]

I think you should also really consider going for the lightweight option - Caterham/Westfield/Tiger/Elise/Aeriel etc etc as they'll have the M3 in the corners and will also be a lot cheaper on consumables. Look at a club like Lotus On Track and it will also cost you a lot less for trackdays.

I'd certainly not use the XJR for regular trackday work unless you have very deep pockets. XJR for normal driving and a lightweight car for trackdays would be a great car combination in my opinion.

Not the first time I have suggested this!

Jez

[integrale44]

Caterham is interesting, but not too good for on road parking... Maybe it's best to get a good E36 which would still be reasonable to park on the street.

[JezF]

Ah, totally fair enough - I'd feel the same way! Check out e36coupe.com if you haven't already.

Jez

[trackm3]

Go e36 m3, i am just building one for the track/race use next year, great car not to expensive and will make a great trackday car.

[integrale44]

I think that's it... thanks guys its off to look for an E36 for me. Any suggestions for sensible mods for the track to start off with before getting too crazy (I need to spend a LOT on instruction first!)

[Mroad]

integrale44 said:

I think that's it... thanks guys its off to look for an E36 for me. Any suggestions for sensible mods for the track to start off with before getting too crazy (I need to spend a LOT on instruction first!)

Good to see you have got your priorites right, instruction is worth more than any mods to a car!
If you are going on track though the first mods to do (to virtually any road car) would be to the brakes otherwise it may well spoil your track time. Change the pads and the brake fluid to something decent (I have used Ferrodo DS2500 pads and Motul RBF600 fluid but you may have another preference). Brake hoses can also be changed to braided items at the same time but not essential to start off with.
Also give it a good service, I change all the fluids if I buy a car as I have no idea of what state they are in, even if it has a full service history.
Then go and drive it

[naetype]

After all the above:

Z3 steering rack swap - £200 from ECP.
X Brace (not strut brace)