Budget Track Car Build (E36 Inside)

Hey guys. As some of you know I recently sold my 04 330i ZHP, my first BMW. It was hard to do. I really enjoyed the car, but I really missed having a track dedicated car. The ZHP was my weekend toy, and I felt it was too nice to 'race out'. I sold it to a Mafia member and started a search for a E36. I really wanted a M3, but my budget wouldnt allow it right now. I work as a Tech at an Audi VW dealership in MD. At the same time I sold the ZHP someone traded in a 95 325i. Employees can purchase traded in cars for little over trade in. So now it begins-

1995 325i 140k
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/001-3.jpg

Sorry to hear that the ZHP is no longer in your garage, but good luck with the E36 track build! I have a Boston Green E36 non-M myself, and it has been a great car, just rolling over 230,000 miles today! Still love my ZHP, but two German ladies can get awfully pricey. Your car looks really clean for its age and like she was well-loved. Maybe I'll see you at VIR or SP sometime!

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its looking great
all it need is some black trim restoration

how is the interior and what are your Engine Plans???????
very curious to see what comes of this purchase, such as track videos and awesome photos lol

good luck and congrats

very nice pickup, and those Motorsport wheels are one of my favorites that BMW ever put on a car. Looking forward to a build thread

Thank you all. Brett- hope to see you at the Point or VIR. Jreyes- The interior is old, and tan. I am in the process now of stripping out the interior. As far as the engine, for now I am going to have fun with the 140k mile 2.5, but one day... :devilish. Hermes- The ds1 wheels are also one of my favorites. They just need some decent rubber on them.

Since I titled this 'Budget Track Car Build' I will start with a 6k budget. That includes regular maintenance items, performance parts, etc. I am sure to destroy my budget, but thats what I am shooting for.:rofl update- budget exceeded....

I started stripping out the ol tan.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/013-1.jpg

Then I started stripping out pointless items like AC, Brackets, Alarm horns, Solvent bottle, Cruise control, you get the idea.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/014-1.jpg

Yes, I will be following this to glory. We will be victorious.

Nice looking car. I hope to have an E36 track car someday. Looks like PO put in camber plates and adjustable struts.

I want to see this on your car, but not sure if it will work with that paint job... p/n 51148014500 - E36 M3 Lightweight Motorsport Flag hood/trunk decal

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/atta...1&d=1060504475

skip the high rise PTG wing

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Originally Posted by LivesNearCostco

Nice looking car. I hope to have an E36 track car someday. Looks like PO put in camber plates and adjustable struts.

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My first step was to get rid of the destroyed stock suspension. The rear mounts are completely gone, and noisey cant even describe it. I wanted a coilover more geared towards tracking than street. I installed TRM Coilovers this past Weds. They have camber plates and nice rear mounts. I was part of a 'group buy' on Bfc. I am very happy with them so far. Very good price, lots of good features. TRM can rebuild and revalve shocks if needed. They have pretty stiff rates- 670 f/ 890 r, and rear sway bar removal is recommended due to rear rates. They seem to handle awesome so far, but I wll update after I get them on a track.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/002-1.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...bmw/002-10.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/002-5.jpg

Sweet car mang, was looking good last night :)

Love the DS wheels

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Originally Posted by Hermes

I want to see this on your car, but not sure if it will work with that paint job... p/n 51148014500 - E36 M3 Lightweight Motorsport Flag hood/trunk decal

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It will need a race car paint job one day. Alpine white is my favorite.....:biggrin

Thanks M3ta5in. Your new M3 was looking great too.:drool Should be fun this winter getting our rides ready for spring.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hermes

I want to see this on your car....
skip the high rise PTG wing

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Just a heads up, that's the OEM LTW wing, actually pretty proven performance to boot. And to the E36 M world, slapping the flag on a non-LTW is kind of like slapping an M badge on our ZHPs...but as always, to each their own!.

Track car build is looking awesome. Glad you had some progress off the bat so we didn't have to sit with baited breath :)

Do you have a full target build spec sheet or anything? What's the finished product in your head for this first iteration? caged?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zj96sc

Track car build is looking awesome. Glad you had some progress off the bat so we didn't have to sit with baited breath :)

Do you have a full target build spec sheet or anything? What's the finished product in your head for this first iteration? caged?

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I waited till I got started to create the thread. I wanted to start it off with some progress. I dont have a spec sheet, but basically I just want a track day toy that is still able to be driven to events. I plan on just doing track days, maybe an occassional autoX. I previously had a few dedicated track cars. I do not plan to race wheel to wheel. Yes I want it caged, not sure whether I am going to do bolt in with reinforcements, or have one welded in. We will see when I get there.

The Plan- In no specific order-
Maintenance
Suspension & Reinforcements
Interior
Seats & harness
Roll cage
Wheels & tires
Lots of track days!

Great looking 325i. Body looks really clean. Good luck with your track car transformation.

If you're changing the wheels, I've seen those OE wheels go for some nice $$.

Also, what do those front seats look like? :eeps

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ryans323i

Great looking 325i. Body looks really clean. Good luck with your track car transformation.

If you're changing the wheels, I've seen those OE wheels go for some nice $$.

Also, what do those front seats look like? :eeps

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His fronts are pretty worn. He just threw the backs away to give you an idea of the interior condition.

Ok thanks.

E36 track rat FTW! This will be a cool build and a fun car.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zj96sc

And to the E36 M world, slapping the flag on a non-LTW is kind of like slapping an M badge on our ZHPs...but as always, to each their own!.

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true, I guess you could always just do something similar but not exactly the same so you don't look like you're pretending to be something you're not.

I actually like the way it's designed for the E46:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/imag...rtflags_lg.jpg

Good stuff. Thanks for posting, really looking forward to reading the progress reports.

A few shots of my buddy's '97 M3 in Boston Green with the silver checkered flag decal on the hood & front fender, just to give you an idea of how that color combo looks:

Attachment 2685

Attachment 2687

Attachment 2688

Attachment 2686

If you really want to go nuts with the race car paint & graphics down the line...maybe this E30 will give you some inspiration - (not that you need it).

Attachment 2690

Attachment 2689

Attachment 2691

Of course, there is also the clean & classic E36 Lightweight:

Attachment 2692

Attachment 2693

^That TMS car has a cool f-ing paint job. I've seen some other race cars with that 'x-ray' style paint job.

what about the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans art car style?

E92 original
http://germanautonews.files.wordpres...227highres.jpg

E30
http://germanautonews.files.wordpres...pg?w=490&h=336


Click here to read more about Miguel Aponte-Rios’ BMW CCA Club Racing 1989 E30 M3

I dig the 'Racecar pics'. Very nice.

I took the 325 to work yesterday and installed new tierods and front swaybar links. Then it was on to the alignment rack. I fine tuned the ride height, and spent a while trying to get all the alignment specs dead on. It all turned out great. Then it was the long way home, PA backroads. The car felt great, much better. I think by spring she should be ready for the track.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/002-4.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/001-5.jpg

Next I have a full coolant system overhaul with fan delete. My next available Saturday will be spent busting that out. I am also shopping for a set of fixed back race seats, Sparco, Cobra, Recaro, etc. If anyone spots any good condition used seats let me know. I would like a set of two, but not necessary. Since I will not be 'Racing' the seats can be out dated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audi 0000

Since I titled this 'Budget Track Car Build' I will start with a 6k budget. That includes the price of the car, maintenance, performance etc. I am sure to destroy my budget, but thats what I am shooting for.:rofl

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audi 0000

I am also shopping for a set of fixed back race seats, Sparco, Cobra, Recaro, etc. If anyone spots any good condition used seats let me know. I would like a set of two, but not necessary. Since I will not be 'Racing' the seats can be out dated.

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wanna start the destruction of the budget?


not a fixed back seat but Recaro Evo X from an E36!

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...h/IMG_0088.jpg
Fs: E36 Recaro Evo X seats w/wedge engineering brackets

you can probably get him to deal, doesn't look like he has any bites yet


Schroth Hybrid-II 6-pt harness + shoulder pads

http://devlab.dhs.org/public/IMG_2988.jpg
FS: Race car parts


Sparco Evo2 Plus fixed back

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...leparts029.jpg
FS: NEW Sparco Evo2 Plus race seat


Recaro Pole Position fixed back

http://i55.tinypic.com/119ulfo.jpg
FS: BNIB Recaro Pole Position (pair)



Recaro (? - pics suck)

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachm...3&d=1306163865

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachm...1&d=1306163865
Fs::::::: Recaro front seats


Cobra Suzuka GT seats with VAC Motorsports side plates

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...e/IMG_1888.jpg
FS: Cobra Suzuka GT seats

Looking good man, sorry I couldn't make it down Saturday, I really wanted to go.

belts for my race car are one thing i'd never buy used. I don't care what the seller says, you NEVER know their history. Unless I'm cutting cellophane off of them, I'm buying new from a retailer. Just my 0.02.

If you wanted to get a little crazy -
Used e36 m3 euro engine w/ 5 speed transmission, 179,000 km - $5,000 shipped to U.S.
http://static.schmiedmann.dk/Product..._62834_big.jpg

http://www.schmiedmann.com/A39902/pr...uctnumber.aspx

He could sell his car, add $5000 and just buy an e36 M3 with those miles.

Sorry Audi, not trying to give you any ideas :p

I would love to swap a euro M3 motor in. That is not in my budget right now. I am trying to build a fun track car for what that motor cost alone. Maybe one day:biggrin

I have the 325 at work today, I knew it would be a slow day here. I just removed the front bumper and ditched the remaining AC components, everything is now gone beside what is in the cabin. While the bumper was off I also secured the brake vents and removed the fog lights. I have until 5 so I will probably move back into the interior for some more removal of creature comforts.

Next will be the coolant overhaul/ fan delete, new tires, and hopefully I will find some race seats. I have been eyeing Ebay, craigs, forums, etc, for some Sparcos, or similar.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by M3TA5IN

He could sell his car, add $5000 and just buy an e36 M3 with those miles.

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But the euro M3 motor was not detuned like the American one. It has 42 more hp.

After many hours of searching Forums, Ebay, and Craigslist. I purchased a set of used Corbeau Fx1 Pro seats today. They are in new condition, and the price was right. It required a nice 4 hour long road trip, but worth it. I am stoked. I will order side mounts and floor brackets from VAC this week.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/014-2.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/015-1.jpg

This week I picked up a used rollbar from a local BF member. I got it bolted in, a little paint, and ordered some padding for it. I spent some time removing the rest of the interior trim, and cleaning up the wiring harness. The harness will be an involved project, one step at a time. It definetly is looking alot cleaner with less wiring running to things removed. I am still waiting on my seat brackets to mount the Corbeau Fx1 seats. They will be installed soon. I will have pics up as soon as they are installed. Enjoy.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...K4/bmw/004.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...K4/bmw/003.jpg

Oh wow! :applause2 Moving right along I'd say.

Agree with Ryan. Boston Green track beast is lookin' really good. Now for some warmer track weather...

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Is the rollbar fit that poor, or is it the angle of the photo?

I get that there will always be a little bit of a fitment lack when you're buying out of the box rollbars, but that looks like it is sitting a good 6-8" from the b pillar and 3-4" from the roof.

Is this normal? I just know from my offroad days that we'd shoot for fitment SUBSTANTIALLY tighter than that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zj96sc

Is the rollbar fit that poor, or is it the angle of the photo?

I get that there will always be a little bit of a fitment lack when you're buying out of the box rollbars, but that looks like it is sitting a good 6-8" from the b pillar and 3-4" from the roof.

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It fits fine. It is touching the sunroof cassette (soon to be removed for carbon sunroof delete) so less than an inch from roof, and as far as the :-pillars, that is normal as the bolt in bars are made to fit sedan or coupe, so pretty standard fit.

sedan/coupe universality answers my question 100%. thanks.

I finally was able to get VAC seat mounting brackets. Someone had a set on Ebay so I was able to save a few bucks. I also received Kirkey rollbar padding, and a 5' vinyl strip to make a sun screen. Good to make a little more progress.

I love getting boxes in the mail.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/008-1.jpg

Alright so Corbeau Fx1 seats installed. My father loaned me a set of Corbeau seat belts, they are only temporary use until I get five point harnesses. I threw some padding on the rollbar main hoop, and a black vinyl screen on the windsheild. I didnt have visors after removing the headliner, so the vinyl screen helps out. There is still alot that needs to be done, so I will update soon.....

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/003-2.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/004-2.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/006-1.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...K4/bmw/005.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/002-7.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../bmw/001-6.jpg

Your phone, you should pick it up when you create badassery :p

Cars looking sick dude!