Any of y'all run a Miata on track?
#31
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but dell, if you should want s2000, this is the one. i give you a deal on it.
you need a cage on s2000 or miata.
if you have more Q on S2000, email me. i would hate to hijack dell's thread.
dell, i emailed you (not sure which email addy is good) on my thoughts on BSR, E36M3 and SM. feel free to ping me if you got Q's.
#33
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I rented a spec miata for a day when my car was getting set up and enjoyed it. I would buy one to race but unless I had a few other sm's to play with I found it not nearly as entertaining on turns. The sm would really hold well on corners, almost too well taking the sphincter factor out of the turn like with my 6-3. But I did find great feedback on whether I took turn correct when lead following. Exit speed apparently is so crucial on the straights.
I think you should rent one before buying. GL
I think you should rent one before buying. GL
#34
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Get a supercharger or turbo or a small block chevy v8. There's one guy with a v8 that does 1:54-1:55 at th. Tony of TCdesign had a supercharger on his and has similar times. Mike
#35
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o speak of what you ask - you need to decide if you want a DE car or a club racing car. Any 'spec' car is a race car dedicated to fit into specific class to run against similar cars. If you want DEs I do not see much point in going into miata. whole point of spec miata is to allow normal average guys with limited budget to race. there are always some spec miatas for sale, i would not try to build one from scratch, it is waste of time. you can always replace what needed in the car you get.
Imho if you plan on doing mostly DE and later may consider racing I would get a spec boxster - it is a bit more fun as you get more power. or you can build/buy E36 based track car, it is also not very expensive to run.
speaking of all those chassis listed above only reason to go that way down from any 996/997 tub is to reduce operational costs. if you can afford to track 997 car - do it. If not - downgrade. I definitely cannot afford to race 997 tub but for a dozen of DE days per season it works out just fine.
#36
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Dell,
If you go Maita route and SC it you can get pretty good NASA TT classing from Greg. We have a couple of local Miata guys 1 SC'd and 1 Turbo who are pretty quick and will blow a SM out of the water. The Turbo car runs 2:29's @ Sebing and the SC car runs 2:34's @ Sebring.
I went the 95M3 route. I got it with a built motor for $8000 but the suspension is just Sway bars and lowering springs. Right now I am having fun learning how to drive a momentum car and will add suspension later.
ps. Even weighting 3175#'s in NASA TTC trim and no suspension on Conti take offs it blows SM out of the water. 2:34's @ Sebring and I am leaving about 2 sec on the table from a really good driver.
Peter
If you go Maita route and SC it you can get pretty good NASA TT classing from Greg. We have a couple of local Miata guys 1 SC'd and 1 Turbo who are pretty quick and will blow a SM out of the water. The Turbo car runs 2:29's @ Sebing and the SC car runs 2:34's @ Sebring.
I went the 95M3 route. I got it with a built motor for $8000 but the suspension is just Sway bars and lowering springs. Right now I am having fun learning how to drive a momentum car and will add suspension later.
ps. Even weighting 3175#'s in NASA TTC trim and no suspension on Conti take offs it blows SM out of the water. 2:34's @ Sebring and I am leaving about 2 sec on the table from a really good driver.
Peter
#37
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Since I have decided that the Turbo is not going to be sold anytime soon and that it really isn't a car I feel like tracking, I decided to get a dedicated track car.
And no, adding a GT3 is not going to happen. If I get another GT3 for the track, it will be a cup.
With that said, the idea of a Miata is really appealing. I have heard nothing but great things about them (i.e, reliability, fun factor, low operating costs, etc). Of course, at fast tracks like VIR, the long straights could really get frustrating. Personally, I don't care, as my favorite part of the track is any spot where you actually turn the wheel![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
A Miata or a 944 seems to be in the price point I was thinking (<10K all in). There is plenty I can read up on with respect to 944's here on RL but need to get smart on the Miata.
So......any of y'all run a Miata on track? If so, any help would be appreciate. I have no idea what year(s) I would need to get, what items need to be done to get her track worthy, etc, etc, etc..
TIA!![Cheers](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
And no, adding a GT3 is not going to happen. If I get another GT3 for the track, it will be a cup.
With that said, the idea of a Miata is really appealing. I have heard nothing but great things about them (i.e, reliability, fun factor, low operating costs, etc). Of course, at fast tracks like VIR, the long straights could really get frustrating. Personally, I don't care, as my favorite part of the track is any spot where you actually turn the wheel
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
A Miata or a 944 seems to be in the price point I was thinking (<10K all in). There is plenty I can read up on with respect to 944's here on RL but need to get smart on the Miata.
So......any of y'all run a Miata on track? If so, any help would be appreciate. I have no idea what year(s) I would need to get, what items need to be done to get her track worthy, etc, etc, etc..
TIA!
![Cheers](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
No just kidding. I have driven several MX5 cup cars and Spec Miatas on track. They are a blast to drive, simple to maintain, and easy on parts for DE type stuff. The problem I have with them is the speed and speed potential with them for the budget you are setting for yourself. They will be slow, especially compared to your turbo or the GT3. Wait make that crawling slow compared to your other cars. They are fun in the turns but on a track like VIR they aren't as fun to drive as at a track like CMP or Roebling.
For <$10K I would look into an E36 M3 or 325/328. The base car can be had for a big price range ($1500 to $10K). The convenience of this chassis for a track car is the M3 parts bolt on a 325 so there are lots of easy parts to find making them cheap. The maintenance on the car is super easy to do yourself or for a shop to do cheaply. They engines are strong and run for a long time (friend has a specE36 with over 200K on stock engine that runs 1:41s all day at Road Atlanta). Take the weight out of the cars and they become 2800lb or less trackcars that are easy on tires and brakes. On the back straight at VIR you will still see 130+MPH so they feel fast. And they are fast enough that with student or friend in the passenger seat they will still feel they get the ride of their lives.
Just for reference about lap times and such for these cars here are a couple of samples.
VIR
2:12.9xx Spec E36 racecar (basically a stock 325 with a ****box H&R Spec suspension, 3.15 diff, and BGF R1s)
2:12.xxx Bone stock 1995 M3 except a JRZ RS suspension package from BimmerWorld and hoosiers
2:09.xxx Same car but gutted and a 3.64 diff (3.15 stock)
2:07.xxx NASA GTS3 328 (full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
2:04.xxx NASA GTS4 M3 ((full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
#38
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For <$10K I would look into an E36 M3 or 325/328. The base car can be had for a big price range ($1500 to $10K). The convenience of this chassis for a track car is the M3 parts bolt on a 325 so there are lots of easy parts to find making them cheap. The maintenance on the car is super easy to do yourself or for a shop to do cheaply. They engines are strong and run for a long time (friend has a specE36 with over 200K on stock engine that runs 1:41s all day at Road Atlanta). Take the weight out of the cars and they become 2800lb or less trackcars that are easy on tires and brakes. On the back straight at VIR you will still see 130+MPH so they feel fast. And they are fast enough that with student or friend in the passenger seat they will still feel they get the ride of their lives.
Just for reference about lap times and such for these cars here are a couple of samples.
VIR
2:12.9xx Spec E36 racecar (basically a stock 325 with a ****box H&R Spec suspension, 3.15 diff, and BGF R1s)
2:12.xxx Bone stock 1995 M3 except a JRZ RS suspension package from BimmerWorld and hoosiers
2:09.xxx Same car but gutted and a 3.64 diff (3.15 stock)
2:07.xxx NASA GTS3 328 (full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
2:04.xxx NASA GTS4 M3 ((full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
Just for reference about lap times and such for these cars here are a couple of samples.
VIR
2:12.9xx Spec E36 racecar (basically a stock 325 with a ****box H&R Spec suspension, 3.15 diff, and BGF R1s)
2:12.xxx Bone stock 1995 M3 except a JRZ RS suspension package from BimmerWorld and hoosiers
2:09.xxx Same car but gutted and a 3.64 diff (3.15 stock)
2:07.xxx NASA GTS3 328 (full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
2:04.xxx NASA GTS4 M3 ((full racecar with big brakes, aero, headers, exhaust, cage, etc)
Sure, it's tough coming from a GT3 all the way down to this in terms of speed but I am just looking to have fun and do it in a car that won't break me in terms of finances if I wad it up.
#39
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based on my conversations with track E36 owner and spec boxster owners IMHO operation costs are very similar. as of '<10K all in' i do not understand how to do that. i understand good track E36 is about of $20-30K car depending of how much you spend on motor, brakes, data system, fire suppression, etc. pretty much same ballpark as spec boxster. donor cars for both do cost pretty much same money. spec miata may be will fit into $10K but probably only if you go with stock NA motor.
email Ian Prout of SCDA - "ian @AT@ scda1.com" - he races spec miatas and knows a lot about them. again I am not sure why to look at tub cost here, you should count maintenance money probably, not a base tub 'all in' cost.
email Ian Prout of SCDA - "ian @AT@ scda1.com" - he races spec miatas and knows a lot about them. again I am not sure why to look at tub cost here, you should count maintenance money probably, not a base tub 'all in' cost.
#40
#41
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based on my conversations with track E36 owner and spec boxster owners IMHO operation costs are very similar. as of '<10K all in' i do not understand how to do that. i understand good track E36 is about of $20-30K car depending of how much you spend on motor, brakes, data system, fire suppression, etc. pretty much same ballpark as spec boxster. donor cars for both do cost pretty much same money. spec miata may be will fit into $10K but probably only if you go with stock NA motor.
A spec boxster will set you back between 25-50K depending on build out. While the operating costs are not nearly as high as say at GT3, the cost of a motor in a 986 is insane compared to a SM or BMW.
Remember, I have no stated I am going racing. Just want a good dedicated track car (i.e., race car not street car) that I can run at the limit, have fun, and feel safe at the same time.
Trust me, I have been doing this a long time, know the costs, and know the exposure on track. My thinking is very rational and pragmatic.
#42
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I think you will like E36 car much more than miata. go to any event where you have some guys driving it and may be you will find a way to try it out and make your own opinion of if you like it or not.
#43
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Dell, here is your car. Cage in this car is built by the best in the Atlanta area. The rest of the stuff is what you want for a track car and I bet the price is a little bit negotiable.
I can check it out for you if you like
1995 BMW E36 M3 Track Car. Silver coupe with 5 spd. Street legal. 170k miles. Dinan intake, chip, strut brace. Super fast and reliable. Upgraded sport suspension with Bilstein sports, lower springs and sway bars. Handles fantastic. Less than 1000 miles as track car. Over $7000.00 in upgrades. Gutted interior with new Robinson Racing fully welded club racing spec cage. New OMP drivers seat with Schroth Hans ready 6 point belt. New Momo wheel and ****. Aluminum floor pans (mats). Fixed carbon fiber sunroof panel. Excellent paint with no body damage. Comes with stock M Contour wheels with good tires and a set of 17 x 8 Kosei Track wheels with Kuhmo V710s. $11,500.00 (Atlanta, Ga)
VIN: WBSBF9326SEH04486
Charles at (404) 593-7758 or calhounmetalworks@earthlink.net
Photos at:
http://photobucket.com/calhoune36m3
I can check it out for you if you like
1995 BMW E36 M3 Track Car. Silver coupe with 5 spd. Street legal. 170k miles. Dinan intake, chip, strut brace. Super fast and reliable. Upgraded sport suspension with Bilstein sports, lower springs and sway bars. Handles fantastic. Less than 1000 miles as track car. Over $7000.00 in upgrades. Gutted interior with new Robinson Racing fully welded club racing spec cage. New OMP drivers seat with Schroth Hans ready 6 point belt. New Momo wheel and ****. Aluminum floor pans (mats). Fixed carbon fiber sunroof panel. Excellent paint with no body damage. Comes with stock M Contour wheels with good tires and a set of 17 x 8 Kosei Track wheels with Kuhmo V710s. $11,500.00 (Atlanta, Ga)
VIN: WBSBF9326SEH04486
Charles at (404) 593-7758 or calhounmetalworks@earthlink.net
Photos at:
http://photobucket.com/calhoune36m3
#44
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on a pragmatic side - total support costs of any purpose built track only car (tow, trailer, gas, etc.) will more than offset your current operational costs of streetable GT3 car you can drive to a track and drive back.
I think you will like E36 car much more than miata. go to any event where you have some guys driving it and may be you will find a way to try it out and make your own opinion of if you like it or not.
I think you will like E36 car much more than miata. go to any event where you have some guys driving it and may be you will find a way to try it out and make your own opinion of if you like it or not.
Dell, here is your car. Cage in this car is built by the best in the Atlanta area. The rest of the stuff is what you want for a track car and I bet the price is a little bit negotiable.
I can check it out for you if you like
1995 BMW E36 M3 Track Car. Silver coupe with 5 spd. Street legal. 170k miles. Dinan intake, chip, strut brace. Super fast and reliable. Upgraded sport suspension with Bilstein sports, lower springs and sway bars. Handles fantastic. Less than 1000 miles as track car. Over $7000.00 in upgrades. Gutted interior with new Robinson Racing fully welded club racing spec cage. New OMP drivers seat with Schroth Hans ready 6 point belt. New Momo wheel and ****. Aluminum floor pans (mats). Fixed carbon fiber sunroof panel. Excellent paint with no body damage. Comes with stock M Contour wheels with good tires and a set of 17 x 8 Kosei Track wheels with Kuhmo V710s. $11,500.00 (Atlanta, Ga)
VIN: WBSBF9326SEH04486
Charles at (404) 593-7758 or calhounmetalworks@earthlink.net
Photos at:
http://photobucket.com/calhoune36m3
I can check it out for you if you like
1995 BMW E36 M3 Track Car. Silver coupe with 5 spd. Street legal. 170k miles. Dinan intake, chip, strut brace. Super fast and reliable. Upgraded sport suspension with Bilstein sports, lower springs and sway bars. Handles fantastic. Less than 1000 miles as track car. Over $7000.00 in upgrades. Gutted interior with new Robinson Racing fully welded club racing spec cage. New OMP drivers seat with Schroth Hans ready 6 point belt. New Momo wheel and ****. Aluminum floor pans (mats). Fixed carbon fiber sunroof panel. Excellent paint with no body damage. Comes with stock M Contour wheels with good tires and a set of 17 x 8 Kosei Track wheels with Kuhmo V710s. $11,500.00 (Atlanta, Ga)
VIN: WBSBF9326SEH04486
Charles at (404) 593-7758 or calhounmetalworks@earthlink.net
Photos at:
http://photobucket.com/calhoune36m3
#45
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i personally getting more and more inclined to build or buy gutted c5 z06 car now or may be '09 c06. will see how it all will work out.