Suggestions for builds

[bmwaddict24]

Whats the best platform for a good build? Trying to find a good platform, that can be street and track ready.

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by bmwaddict24

Whats the best platform for a good build? Trying to find a good platform, that can be street and track ready.

Mazda MX5 Miata NA

[bmwaddict24]

Mazda MX5 Miata NA

Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into the Miata. But if I wanted a BMW, what would you suggest?

[BlkGS]

Corvette, C4-C6.

If you insist on a BMW, an E46 or E92 M3.

[Elderado82]

I’d probably go with an E36 M3 for building a street and track car. With a budget of around $15k, here’s how I’d approach it:

First, aim to find a clean, well-maintained E36 M3 for around $8k-$12k. Look for one with minimal rust and a solid maintenance history. For power upgrades, I’d start with a cold air intake for around $200 - $400 to improve airflow and add a bit more horsepower. A high-flow exhaust system, costing $1,000 - $1,500, can increase power and enhance the sound—brands like Supersprint or Borla are great options. An ECU tune, priced between $500 - $1,000, will optimize the engine’s performance, and companies like Epic Motorsports or Turner Motorsport offer excellent tunes.

For suspension, I’d recommend adjustable coilovers from brands like KW or Bilstein, ranging from $1,500 - $3,000, to significantly improve handling. Adding front and rear strut bars, costing $200 - $500, can enhance chassis rigidity. Upgrading to performance brake pads and rotors will cost around $500 - $1,000, and for serious track use, consider a big brake kit for $2,000 - $4,000. Lightweight wheels and high-performance tires, costing $1,500 - $3,000, with a staggered setup and wider tires at the rear for better grip, will also make a big difference.

In terms of performance, the stock BMW E36 M3 boasts 282 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of torque, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds. After these upgrades, you can expect a noticeable increase in power. Adding a cold air intake will provide around 5-10 extra horsepower, a high-flow exhaust system can add another 10-15 horsepower, and an ECU tune will further enhance performance by adding approximately 20-30 horsepower. Altogether, these upgrades should boost the E36 M3’s total horsepower to an estimated 321-331, resulting in a noticeably more powerful and exhilarating driving experience on both the street and the track.

Adding up these costs, the total range is around $13,400 to $26,400, depending on the specific parts and whether you include the big brake kit. This setup will give you a robust and high-performing E36 M3 for both street and track use.

[bmwaddict24]

Originally Posted by Elderado82

I’d probably go with an E36 M3 for building a street and track car. With a budget of around $15k, here’s how I’d approach it:

First, aim to find a clean, well-maintained E36 M3 for around $8k-$12k. Look for one with minimal rust and a solid maintenance history. For power upgrades, I’d start with a cold air intake for around $200 - $400 to improve airflow and add a bit more horsepower. A high-flow exhaust system, costing $1,000 - $1,500, can increase power and enhance the sound—brands like Supersprint or Borla are great options. An ECU tune, priced between $500 - $1,000, will optimize the engine’s performance, and companies like Epic Motorsports or Turner Motorsport offer excellent tunes.

For suspension, I’d recommend adjustable coilovers from brands like KW or Bilstein, ranging from $1,500 - $3,000, to significantly improve handling. Adding front and rear strut bars, costing $200 - $500, can enhance chassis rigidity. Upgrading to performance brake pads and rotors will cost around $500 - $1,000, and for serious track use, consider a big brake kit for $2,000 - $4,000. Lightweight wheels and high-performance tires, costing $1,500 - $3,000, with a staggered setup and wider tires at the rear for better grip, will also make a big difference.

In terms of performance, the stock BMW E36 M3 boasts 282 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of torque, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds. After these upgrades, you can expect a noticeable increase in power. Adding a cold air intake will provide around 5-10 extra horsepower, a high-flow exhaust system can add another [...]

Is it possable to find a good E36 on the forum. If not, i might look at bring a trailer.

[Elderado82]

The forum seems to cover only up to the E46. I’m sure there’s an E36 forum out there somewhere. Stick to platforms like Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids, and take your time making a purchase. Avoid CarGurus; it’s usually full of overpriced cars at dealerships or vehicles with salvage titles. While you might occasionally find a gem in private sales there, it's becoming increasingly rare.

[bmwaddict24]

Originally Posted by Elderado82

The forum seems to cover only up to the E46. I’m sure there’s an E36 forum out there somewhere. Stick to platforms like Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids, and take your time making a purchase. Avoid CarGurus; it’s usually full of overpriced cars at dealerships or vehicles with salvage titles. While you might occasionally find a gem in private sales there, it's becoming increasingly rare.

Yeah cargurus is not the best. Thats where i got my jetta tdi. The car sat for to long at their dealership without being revved at high rpms. This opened the door for turbo problems due to soot build up. 🤢