[Teego]

Long time lurker here. First real post.

I got out of doing HPDE's a few years ago but thought I would get back into it again next year so I took my '11 M3 to VIR for three days to see if the car could still hold its own out there. I installed Sport Cup 2's had a decent track alignment done. I also dropped in some Hawk racing pads. Though I'd been away from the track for a few years, everything came back to me and by the last session of the first day, I was back to running consistent 2:07's which is what I used to do on the full course on a good day and with a rabbit.

But geez, much has changed. I was routinely giving point-bys to GT3's, GT3Rs's, Z06's, and a Mustang (they were almost all on slicks). Three or four years ago, 2:07's were respectable. Now, you've got to be 2:02 or better just to keep up.

I was giving the car everything I had... perhaps running 9/10's for me (which I didn't find very enjoyable).

Onto my question (finally)... if you were willing set up a dedicated track car that was not a Porsche, and you had $115k to spend, and you wanted to start working toward 2:02's, what car you consider buying?

[Logicoeur]

With that kind of budget, and NOT a Porsche , I'd say the 86/brz. Throw in a 1/2jz and you're there. Even an LS if you really want to stay in the pool of readily available cheap parts across the board.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by Teego

Long time lurker here. First real post.

I got out of doing HPDE's a few years ago but thought I would get back into it again next year so I took my '11 M3 to VIR for three days to see if the car could still hold its own out there. I installed Sport Cup 2's had a decent track alignment done. I also dropped in some Hawk racing pads. Though I'd been away from the track for a few years, everything came back to me and by the last session of the first day, I was back to running consistent 2:07's which is what I used to do on the full course on a good day and with a rabbit.

But geez, much has changed. I was routinely giving point-bys to GT3's, GT3Rs's, Z06's, and a Mustang (they were almost all on slicks). Three or four years ago, 2:07's were respectable. Now, you've got to be 2:02 or better just to keep up.

I was giving the car everything I had... perhaps running 9/10's for me (which I didn't find very enjoyable).

Onto my question (finally)... if you were willing set up a dedicated track car that was not a Porsche, and you had $115k to spend, and you wanted to start working toward 2:02's, what car you consider buying?

Yeah, I would buy a Porsche.

[Teego]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Yeah, I would buy a Porsche.

I will never, ever, ever buy a Porsche!

[Teego]

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

With that kind of budget, and NOT a Porsche , I'd say the 86/brz. Throw in a 1/2jz and you're there. Even an LS if you really want to stay in the pool of readily available cheap parts across the board.

An LS will fit in a BRZ/FRS? I had no idea.

[Logicoeur]

Originally Posted by Teego

An LS will fit in a BRZ/FRS? I had no idea.

Yes with AMPLE space. There are some really nice kits out there with oem looking fit.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by Teego

I will never, ever, ever buy a Porsche!

I'm sorry for your loss.

[brigade24]

camaro SS1LE or even a ZL1 might fit the bill. both are well under your budget and the latter is basically track ready.

I also think a tastefully modded M4 will hold its own and it is a usable car. it will make plenty of power, can fit decent rubber and would not need much else to compete. M2 competition would be great but they are challenging to get.

if you do alot of track days, i would lean towards the v8 american muscularity...just easier to deal with overall.

[Desertnate]

Porsche would be my immediate go-to as well with that type of a budget.

Since Porsche is out, I'd go with a C7 Corvette Grand Sport. Sure the build quality isn't that hot and the interior is a little cheap, but for a dedicated track car many sins are forgiven.

Another option could be a 370Z. I believe there used to be a 370Z spec race series, so parts should be plentiful.

[FastF30]

Originally Posted by Teego

my '11 M3 and you had $115k to spend, and you wanted to start working toward 2:02's,

Now this is how your question should of read above... drop a S52 motor and turbo it... suspension shouldn't be an issue to upgrade... then you still will have $75,000+/- left over and a bad ass car.... put a wide body on it and it will look sick!

BRZ...lol...please don't do that...

Everybody would love and respect your bimmer creation....

This is my indies shop BMW with that set-up for pro drifting... 850hp S52 motor...very reliable and price ain't bad for the motor...








Or just rebuild your motor with forged low compression pistons and turbo it... or newer M4 and upgraded turbo and suspension...lot's of options with that budget... heck...noble race car... those are super fast... lot's of options when it comes to kit cars... The Ultima GTR720 set the Top Gear Race track record... .... or a Superlite SLC ... or ..... I wish so much I had that budget... lucky guy...

P.s. I'm not saying build the kit car... lots of used ones for sale with low miles... This one is sweet... only $69,900... they invested over $160,000 to build it... I mean come on... you can't beat that and it's road legal!

Or just get a new C8 and you'll have a warranty and a ton of cash for tires etc.... This is what I'll be doing when the Z06 start selling used in about 6 years... until then... I'll be sticking with my 335i.... I only drive a 1200+/- miles a year so no biggy for me to hold on to it... but that new AWD Mustang is coming out so you never know...

[AmuroRay]

Camaro or Mustang with a track package, big motor, wide tires - plenty of support.

I would avoid the BMW unless it’s doing dual duty - a Vette, Miata and GTR should also be considerations.

How much tracking, time attack?

[FastF30]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

GTR should also be considerations.

thumbs up on that one.. forgot about it...

You guys gotta remember his budget... miata , tang, etc is for the common folk... lol...

[brigade24]

Originally Posted by FastF30

You guys gotta remember his budget... miata , tang, etc is for the common folk... lol...

miata is the most raced car in world...That's alot of common folk!

[FastF30]

Originally Posted by brigade24

miata is the most raced car in world...That's alot of common folk!

I know... I used to have a 1990 model... redid the suspension etc... loved it...absolutely loved it... was going to turbo it but had to sell it when I moved to the city with my now wife... Hopefully we move to the suburbs and I can get my 4 car garage and buy another one... ... but right now it took 8 years on the waiting list to get our indoor parking spot and my 335 sits there...

[EstorilMSport]

I’d definitely default to a Porsche GT3 or GT4 and if that wasn’t an option I’d probably get a Corvette w/Z51 package or a Lotus.

[StealYourFace]

Hell you can buy an all done IP prepped e36 M3 with a log and recently freshened up for like 30k right now. and a truck and trailer to tow it.

Just put a pass seat back in for an instructor and have at it.

[Briland33]

Just slap a supercharger on ur e9X M3 and you'll be right there with the big bois. All the M 3 lacks is the higher power and like you said they were running slicks so run some aggressive track tires.

[eleven11]

Since you have an aversion for Porsche (), have you considered a Radical SR3 or Ariel Atom?