I am looking to purchase a race ready m3 e36 that I can use in DE's, NASA and PBOC races. Currently, I'm using a 2011 porsche gt3 rs for DE's but I don't want to risk dinging it racing. I was at Sebring this past weekend for Winterfest and there were several and were running real fast. Anyhow, I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on the car as dedicated racer weekend worrior type thing.

Regards,

Big Al.

 

There are a lot of standard M3's around that are mechanically up to the task but may have salvaged titles or are in marginal cosmetic condition for resale that would be good candidate but I have only seen a few over the years that have been stripped for track duty. Are you willing to have it shipped? I would be happy to keep an eye out for one. I do recall that I saw one in Phoenix maybe 6 months ago. If you are looking for one that is "track ready" you may want to post on some M3 specific forums and nasa/scca sites.

Doug

 

I saw this one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Track...item46001165b4

 

Thank you! That one on ebay looks like a positive.

 

If you're looking to race decide on a class first, understand the rules, then seek a car. I've seen a lot of M3s pop up race ready on eBay recently so it's definitely a good place to keep your eyes open. Also keep an eye on the race/track FS section of BF.

Note that the M3 posted above would need extra door bars to pass technical inspection to get a logbook, it may need more as well. I would look for a car truly race ready with a logbook, it saves a lot of time, money, and possibly headache.

 

Simon - Thank you for you suggestions. I just finished emailing the ebay listing on the log book. I learned a lot about that sort of stuff this weekend at sebring. As far as which class; my plan is to get my competition license first and then rent a few different cars in different classes to see where I wanted to be. I thought spec miata but coming from a gt3 rs its just too slow for me. I'd like a dedicated race car for under 30k so my options are somewhat limited.

 

Simon - "race/track FS section of BF" ??????

 

No problem! Your plan sounds good, definitely a good way about deciding on a class. Spec Miatas may be slower than the Porsche but they definitely require a high level of race technique (and *****) to win. They also provide good competition driving since there are usually huge fields with evenly matched cars.

The track for sale section of BimmerForums, I didn't know if recommending another forum was frowned upon here so was trying to be discreet.

 

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2741000069.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/2763328654.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...790338684.html

 

http://lynchburg.craigslist.org/cto/2775674434.html

I would also consider a bone stock Boxster. Funnest car on the planet.

I did coilover and corner balancing on my Cayman and it was the best handling car I had ever driven. I could hang with some VERY potent cars. You could do the same with a Boxster for a fraction of the money.

 

Only one in the links above seems to be race ready.

You can find Spec Boxsters for decently priced ready to go, I've definitely seen them for under $30,000. I just don't know how competitive they would be and if there is a big field of them in your area.

Are you really set on an E36 M3? This seems like a great deal for which looks like a very well built car:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1681869

There are some other good deals on there for E36 M3 race cars, such as this one:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1676029

Of course if you just want to go REALLY fast you can pickup a stock car for cheap and maintenance isn't too bad.

How much track experience do you have?

 

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/2795904954.html

These are hella fun. I had an 89' that had 290rwhp.

 

Okay so now I'm thinking of an e46. I could get one at auction for under 12k and then add about 20k to get it track ready. Anything I should look out for?

 

Save yourself the headache and buy one already built, it's cheaper and already sorted.

 

Agree 100% ^^