anyone race the E36 318is?

[prodogdriver]

Hey guys

I have a general question. I just purchased a '97 318is from a co-worker. ton o miles, rust free got for cheap $$. So does this car have any motorsports potential? or should I just get a 6cyl model?

Thanks
Mike

[lateapex911]

Chris Chandler runs one (I think it's the one you mention) here in the NE and does very well against a very stout crowd.

Maybe if the new VIN rule flies, you could just use the chassis and pop an ITS/ITR 325 motor in, IF the rest of the chassis is the same.

[Doc Bro]

Hey guys

I have a general question. I just purchased a '97 318is from a co-worker. ton o miles, rust free got for cheap $$. So does this car have any motorsports potential? or should I just get a 6cyl model?

Thanks
Mike
[/b]


Depends on your level of ambition. The m44 is not known for it's class leading #'s. Can make good torque. Pretty maxed out from the factory. Despite what anyone says the 2600 lbs seems portly (if only slightly Andy, Jake et al.). The 2.5l is a much more known commodity but will increase your costs. Brakes are good with minimal fade , has potential to handle well.

Keep us posted.

R

[Andy Bettencourt]

[attachmentid=1268]

[Z3_GoCar]

You should read this thread:e-36 318 buld up (http://itforum.improvedtouring.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7644)

Now that the ecu rule has been changed... the stock ecu can be relagated to the salvage heap, the motor can have a proper tune. I don't know if this will help the output. I kind of doubt it will, because what really causes the motor to not gain power is still unchanged.

James

[cchandler]

Car is a 1997 318is. Feel free to PM me. I've not been able to get down to weight (currently 2690 with 1/8 tank of fuel). Well known that there is not alot of power to be had from the M44. Pricey build (and not done yet)!. However, it is a Bimmer. Alles ist sehr gut!!

[Andy Bettencourt]

Alles ist sehr gut!! [/b]

Yes, everything IS good!

THIS GUY races one...Tom Selleck I think.

http://www.autotechnicracing.com/images/driver_christian.jpg

[chuck baader]

Christian, email me please.... [email protected] ... Thanks, Chuck

[prodogdriver]

March update, the steering rack started to give me problems during a road trip back from Chicago recently so the car is parked until I install a rebuilt rack. When Gingerman opens up in April I will drive this car during an open track session to see what kind of lap times I can do

[prodogdriver]

ok, I replaced the steering rack but I still have a 'bind' in the steering, the steering sticks when when I go around a corner. Do I need to replace the strut bearings?

thx

[lateapex911]

ok, I replaced the steering rack but I still have a 'bind' in the steering, the steering sticks when when I go around a corner. Do I need to replace the strut bearings?

thx

"Sticks"??? Put it up on jack stands and manually push the wheels back and forth. It could be any number of bushings/ball joints, etc. Figure it out before replacing parts based on assumptions.

OR......it could be bad alignment. Caster helps the "self centering" aspect of the steering. If it's not enough, the steering won't return on it's own. Something to consider, and maybe check.

[robits325is]

ok, I replaced the steering rack but I still have a 'bind' in the steering, the steering sticks when when I go around a corner. Do I need to replace the strut bearings?

thx

Check the swivel in the steering shaft.

[chuck baader]

Yes, and make sure the washers, etc. are in the right order. Chuck