New Jersey BMW CCA

Installed a DICE in my 2002 X5. Sound is pretty good and there is (some) control through the factory radio and steering wheel, but I was disappointed at how limited it was. Basically, you can toggle forward and back through a playlist or through your music library, but picking by artist or album is ...

I recently did a new chain/seals on the TC on my 3.0 manual (168k on the old chain, which was starting to sag). Some aftermarket shafts are an extra 1/2" or so longer to get a better connection and reduce the spline issue.

Good luck with the rebuild.

I second the vote for a non-M E36, with a Spec E36 or similar suspension upgrade. When driven well, they're plenty fast, parts are plentiful and cheaper than M parts (I bought a whole parts CAR for $500), and the initial price of admission is a little cheaper than an M3. Plus, as the E30's continue ...

Charlie Greenhaus, at Entropy Racing (entropy dot net), has a small fleet of SCCA Spec Racer Renaults, which use essentially the Le Car drivetrain. He may be able to help with parts. BTW, he also rents the cars for racing and DE. I've driven one in races at Summit Main and Lime Rock, and at the 12 h...

I did the BSW speaker upgrade (just speakers, no sub) on my 2002 X5. The difference in sound quality is not dramatic, but it is definitely noticeable. The sound is richer, with tighter lows and less scratchy highs, and the new speakers can handle more volume and a higher bass setting without distort...

Great thread. Makes me want to get out there right now. Club-visited tracks: 1. Summit Main (fast and flows, great track to race on) 2. NJMP Lightning (also flows nicely; over-the-hill right-hander is a scary blast) 3. Shenandoah (kind of a chess match at high speed -- you need to plan several moves...

Price?

RealM3E30 wrote:What's a "Mrs" budget ????? Ya gotta set things straight right from the beginning so there are "NO" suprises. R

It's the most I can spend before she goes "WTF?" I started racing last year, which has added a little strain....

I'm a big fan of the (non-M) E36 as a great DD/track car option, if you're biasing towards track with occasional use as a DD. If it's to be a DD with occasional track use, then an M would be a wonderful choice. No slight on E30's, but they are getting hard to find. To me, the first rule of more-or-l...

Understood. Does a NASA log book count?

I would rather drive my E36 in the school, but was not sure a non-race prepped car would be eligible. If a DE-equipped car can participate, then no SM need apply.

Does the club racing school require that students participate in race-prepped cars? NASA's school did, and I can't imagine running even a "practice" race without full cage, etc. Which leads to the next question ... if race cars are required, may they be non-BMW race cars (i.e., may my Spec Miata com...

Does anyone know why the 2.5 liter engine in the 323i (168 hp - 181 lb./ft.) is less powerful than the 2.5 liter engine in the earlier, non-VANOS 325i (189 hp - 184 lb./ft)? Has anyone had a chance to compare performance of the 323 vs. an earlier E36 325? I'm considering a 323iS as a track car, but ...

Jeff:

I would really like to come to this event (Shenandoah is one of my favorites), but my niece is getting married on Saturday.

Any chance of a one-day (Sunday) registration?

Entropy Racing rents Spec Miatas and SCCA Spec Racers (I'm racing one of their Spec Racers at LRP with NASA-NE this weekend). Reasonably priced, nice people, very knowledgeable.

www.entropyracing.net

Looking for a set of used BFG R-1's with some life left in them to try out on my E36 track car, before plunking down the big $$$ on a new set.

Will pick them up or arrange for shipping.

Thanks.