For background, I use my 996tt at driving schools 3-4 times a year (instructor) but the car is pretty much stock since it is my daily driver. I may do suspension/brakes/chip but not much more since I use it year round. However, I just found a 2002 M3 SMG that I can get for under 15K because of high miles (122,000). I know the owner since he sold me years ago an e36m3. He commutes between cincinnati and cleveland hence the high mileage but the guy is an absolute fanatic about car maintenance (synthetic oil every 3k, everything works perfect on the car, etc). He also doesnt take the cars to driving schools. Anyway, I was thinking about getting an e36m3 to turn it into a track toy but at this price, this is looking very interesting. I know the car is heavy, etc... but with the right suspension and brakes (plus removing all the interior stuff, seats, ac, etc) it can fly. I also have tried an smg m3 at the track and absolutely loved it - precise shifts & able to focus on the line. I guess the other option would be to buy the m3 for a daily driver and turn the turbo into a track toy but dont think I have that kind of money. Any thoughts welcome!

 

An E46 is an absolutely wonderful track car, especially w/ SMG. Ideally I would use my M3 to learn a track and then take my GT2 out for a time.

 

I am considering the same exact idea. I have looked at several e36 m3's which are around 10K, but its very tempting to get the E46 M3, which i abosolutely love. I have also read on the forums its very easy to get rid of the bulk on the E46 to get it close to the E36 M3's weight.

My 996tt will become a weekend car after i get the M3.

The only thing i would be worried is the SMG, i heard they cost a ton to fix if it breaks...and also not many indy shops to fix SMG. 6 speed would be a safe option.

Let me know how it goes...

 

Have you seen the E36 LSX swap's? The power/weight ratio increase's....Aluminium vs Iron block. I hear you can get them down to 2500LBS with 400RWTQ...

I am waiting for someone to do the E46 LSX swap. I hear they are having issues with the CAN line.

I think it's a great idea.

 

I'd personally do the "e36" for a track car instead...Actually, I'm in the final stages of completing this for mine:













Should weigh in right at 2200# and I've got an LS1 that will go into it when we kill the 383 stroker that's in it now! I just had the exhaust made and installed by a local fabricator (he's done three V8 Datsun Zcars for me over the years) and we just completely the lexan window for the rear and side 1/4 windows. I probably have another 80 hours in completing it. But atleast now I can start it up and move it around the shop when I want to!

We're also going to start on building my oldest son a Miata Specracer over the winter...

Mike

 

[quote=vbmw335;2397702]

My 996tt will become a weekend car after i get the M3.

quote]

Are you saying you would use the m3 at the track or the 996tt? Also I know there is risk with the smg but it is amazing at the track plus the low price car I am looking at comes with it....which is the only reason why I started with this crazy idea.


Never heard of that but sounds like a massive job.


Mike - I have had both e36 and e46m3s and the power on the e46 is sooo good (plus much newer) that at those prices you almost have to get the e46. My idea is to do a simple build meaning, take out weight, add safety (cage, seats, harness), and add suspension brakes but no MAJOR overhaul. By the way, your project looks amazing!

 

Another option is an already prepped E46 M3. The ultimate M3 track car is available for $40,000. This E46 M3 won its class SSGT1 SB in the 2007 One Lap of America in NA form. In 2009 One Lap of America it came in 3rd overall and won its class SSGT1 SB with Catesby Jones driving. Car has app 480 whp with a prototype HKS supercharger and ran a 2:05 standing start lap @ Daytona 24 hr course. The 2nd place GT2 ran a 2:04 standing start lap. This is 1 well prepped FAST M3

Shamelees plug to sell my M3 as I have way to many cars.

Peter

 

There is a "kit" for the E36 LSX build, I believe it's around 5k and it comes with: craddle, half-shafts, drive shafts, engine mounts etc........

I hear it's not that bad to install...

 

I loved my e46 M3, SMG. Sold it with almost 70K miles and never had any issues with the SMG. Very solid car and you can get them for cheap.

 

I have no doubt it is an awesome car and cheaper than building it myself.....Funny how quickly this escalates from a $15k idea to a $40k idea.

 

what do you think is a killer, gotta-get-it-even-if-will-be-a-huge-fight-with-my-wife-idea. The car has 122k miles and is in very good condition, 1 owner asking 15k.

 

I would try to get one that has a little less miles.
The price shouldn't vary that much.

 

Funny, I have always liked the E46 M3 and just drove a 2002. I was very disappointed in the power delivery. My 951 is considerably faster and feels much better in the twisties. The previous M3 is lighter and would probably work better as a track car. I guess if you took enough weight off it, it would be much better. it is quite heavy for how much hp it has.

 

If you really wanted to create a crazy track machine, look at Horsepowerfreaks. Those guys make some crazy M3s.

 

+1, some local 6speeder told me there was a thread on the HPF Stage 3 v.s. an x50 in one of those mexico-runs on the board, didn't really search for it though.