I also recommend checking out the CS. Great car.
I have to ask however why you wouldn't recommend modding the car to add power? TPC turbo kit for CS has great reviews, and while not exactly very cheap, it's not that expensive either at $10k.
Or if you rather stay with N/A engine, good free flowing exhaust, GT3/race plenum and a tune should also be good for 35-40hp in case of CS. While it's not 'substantial' power gain my CS with SRP + Remus feels stronger, and all under $3.5k

 

I've always preferred n/a engines. Turbos are fine, if the owner is willing to spend that much money and take the associated risks. I have messed with engines and cars a long time, and I've never done a major engine modification that I didn't regret. I have not looked into the TPC kit, but I suspect, assuming you want a track competent car, by the time you do everything (brakes, suspension, etc.), you will have a lot more than $10K in it.

I had an '08 Cayman S, loved it, but wanted more power. I found a great '05 GT3 for less than I paid for the Cayman. No car is perfect, but the GT3 satisifies me, and all I need to do for the track is switch brake pads.

 

I agree totally, if you want to track it then not only you need suspension work done, but also need a stronger clutch and LFW. Brakes may be ok for lighter track use if you install track brake pads.

OP didn't specify however if he's tracking his cars or not. For street there are many CS owners with a TPC turbo on stock clutch and suspension, so for street you may not need anything else. Stock clutch may eventually give up, but you replace it when needed.

For tracking I agree used gt3 makes more sense as it's ready to go from the factory.

For street used '06 CS can be obtained for $32-$35k for a stripper and if you slap the turbo on you have close to 500hp on very conservative 5.5psi. Cayman suspension/brakes can handle this power IMO as long as you don't track it.

Congrats on the GT3 btw!

 

Poke around on M3forum and see what you find. There are a few nice Z4's with great wheel and tire set ups on there.

 

Per request for modded M Coupes... Here's mine.

 

M3forum has the most dead of the Z4 forums. M3forum had a project thread about Roman's white Z4M, but that was long ago; he's sold the car and now has an E92 M3. I'd go with Zpost.

 

I looked at the Cayman S when shopping in 2007, and while I really liked it, the lack of a limited slip differential and the fact it was under 300hp were issues. Every time I thought about buying it, I kept spending tons of virtual cash on mods, a problem I didn't have with the Z4MC. It had great feel, though, and they've bumped the power up a bit; still burns that the LSD is optional at that price-point.

 

Wow, that's tough one. I think both are great cars.
E46M for the track and Z4M for the chick magnet?

 

which one is better?
Whichever one you can get in alpine white with Imola red leather.

 

LOL, are you sure about that? IIRC the E46M3 was the chick magnet and the Z4M is the dude magnet/track car

 

If anyone buys a car for chicks they are the biggest tool to ever walk the planet.

 

I disagree. There are three good reasons for any man to pursue a course of action: To protect his loved ones, to keep his word, and to get laid. You can debate the method, the quality of the results, the fiscal aspects, but I'll be damned if I'll argue with the reason.

 

Between the two, Z4MC anyday over the m3. I agree with the post above, the Z4M is what they M3 should have been. Furthermore, the e9X m3 is what the e46 m3 wanted to be but wasnt. The e46 m3 is somewhat of a no mans land car to me at this point (ive owned 2, 2004 m3 and 2006 m3 competition). its wasnt a hardcore like the z4m, nor was it a comfy luxurious GT car like the e9x m3.
I would compare the z4m to a cayman S or a z4m vert to a boxster s as they are very similar in feel. the straight line punch is very very close (drivers race), and they both have great steering and refined, balanced chasis'.
The z4m excites in a way the m3 does/can not IMO. i feel much more pure and connected experience, not to mention it sounds better too (no tinny rasp, which i presume is due to a different exhaust layout, particularly in the true shaped x pipe.)

 

you will love this picture thread then!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3818549&page=1

and i would choose the Z4m for myself because its newer, and every single person has an e46 M3! IMO the interior is lacking in both cars, but i prefer the Z4's. And Z4 will be a better handler as the short wheelbase, 330 RWHP and 6 speed will give u a blast to drive.

 

i love both, but prefer the M3