Best AutoX'er???

[BlOOe46]

my budget is 15k, and im looking to buy a car within a year or so as a streetable autocrosser to be raced in SCCA club events and the like...

what would you suggest??? (looking to race in GT class)

im pretty partial to bmw, and have considered both the e30 and e36 m3s to race, and from looking around, ive pretty much found that for 15k i can get an ok e36 with high mileage (70k-100k avg) or an e30 in good condition (but cant really justify spending that much on a 10+ yr old car...

so im open to any considerations, options, etc.

so far, the only mods i have considered for an e30 would be stroking to a 2.5L s14 configuration and building a strong N/A motor
the e36 on the other hand, i would be more willing to rebuild a high mileage motor for a lower compression (9.5:1 or so) and try to scrape up every penny (over time) and go for the Active Autowerks turbo setup...

anyone any comments? ideas?
please give me something else to look at... trying to keep all options wide open

[THE4TH]

see if you can locate an old 97 teg type r ...
it may not be the fastest thing out there but it sure looks better..

[dLocke]

Originally posted by THE4TH
see if you can locate an old 97 teg type r ...
it may not be the fastest thing out there but it sure looks better..

Yes, and looks are what's gonna help him turn in the best time at the autocross!! *sarcasm!!!* Man, THE4TH is a Honda boy clear as day!!!!

BlOOe46,
The car's you're talking are great for autocross. E30s are such a boy racer car to begin with and e36 are one of my favorites. I think an E30 evo I or II would be an excellent option (if it can be found) or an e36 lightweight (if it can be found). But you might want to consider the power to weight ratio's of cars and determine which one will be your best choice. Something smaller like a Z3 or miata or S2000 may be worth the investment too. Happy hunting. I wish I were in your position. I'm being forced to sell my BMW for a fuel effiecent commuter car for my college and work driving.

[dLocke]

I was just thinking that I see competition cars in the Roundel (BMWCCA official magazine) all the time. There website will even let you see some cars (albiet, 15 days after members, so it helps if you're a member, you get first dibs)

Here's the link:
http://www.bmwcca.org/classfd/old/CL...D_frames.shtml

Not sure if you wanted a project car from scratch or what. But it is an option.

[BlOOe46]

hahaha tegs

no but seriously, that was some pretty good feedback

[dLocke]

Wouldn't the 325ix make a good autocrosser or does it have class limitations because its awd? Maybe do it up for autocross and get another daily driver.

[BlOOe46]

i would, but its an automatic

[GreatOne01]

Yuck. Hate the sound of em'.

[dLocke]

Originally posted by BlOOe46
i would, but its an automatic

Oh, I see. Yeah, I wish my 535i was a 5 speed all the time lately. It would be more fun except for those traffic jams I seem to sit in a lot lately too (especially when it rains).

[dollarauto]

you might look at some miata's they tend to do well in autox and you can usually get them cheap enough where you can take some of the 15k and mod it up a bit

[THE4TH]

ITR