Problem Cars

[chuck baader]

Jeff, Eric...re.the 318 BMW with M42. I have done quite a bit of research regarding this motor with the thought of changing for a more balanced car. First, I could not find anyone that has done a full IT build. Second, those who have played with the motor have said it will not respond to tuning the way the M20 does...i.e., you can't really improve on the factory numbers. That being the case, the car is too heavy as classified. Chuck

[Flyinglizard]

The Rocco is about 50 or80# better than the Rabbit GTi. That is, add 50# and the cars will be very close. The windsheild angle and the lower Cg, makes for a lot better car.
Best is the Jetta 2.

[frnkhous]

See 88-91 civics vs. crx. The ITAC claims aero plays no part in the process, now you can find lots of people, including those who have driven what were supposedly identically prepped cars back to back on the same track and say the crx is faster. I believe the factory cf of drag is lower as well, but they weigh the same. At road atlanta the number has been said to be as high as 1 second in an identical car. The rocco should not be heavier end of discussion. Aero either is part of the equation or it is not. Now if wheelbase is an issue the civic vs crx thing gets interesting because you have a measureable by the itac difference.

[tgerrity]

Jeff, Eric...re.the 318 BMW with M42. I have done quite a bit of research regarding this motor with the thought of changing for a more balanced car. First, I could not find anyone that has done a full IT build. Second, those who have played with the motor have said it will not respond to tuning the way the M20 does...i.e., you can't really improve on the factory numbers. That being the case, the car is too heavy as classified. Chuck

Boy, would I like to be able to "tune" the M20 in my 325e. I'm getting buried under all the Piñatas showing up in ITA in the Midwest.

Any hints as to where to look?