325i convertibles competitive?

#1

Hi. This is my first post and I am considering building
a spec e30 car for next year. Right now, I’m running my
Lancer Evo in group 3 in NASA HPDE (see you guys at
Infineon this weekend!), but am doing research in either
converting my daily driver 1988 Mustang into a Camaro Mustang Challenge car or joining you guys in spec e30.

Coincidentally, a good friend has a 1987 325i convertible she just decided to sell. Anyone run a
convertible here? Is the higher weight a problem?

My friend is asking only what she has into the car
(~$3000), as she got the car from a relative in
somewhat spotty shape, but had it fixed up.

If I decide to not go the spec e30 route, I would love
to setup any interested forum members to see my friend’s
car if interested. I live in Berkeley, the car is
in San Lorenzo, CA.

Oh… 1 more question… I will be commuting to local
NorCal tracks in whichever car I decide to have built,
since I don’t have the space or $$$ for a trailer and
tow vehicle. I hope that won’t become a problem.

Thanks,

Ken

#2

Hi Ken,
search the forum on “convertible” and “convertable” and you should find a bunch of posts discussing the merits of running a convertible.
cheers,
bruce

#3

Thanks Bruce for suggesting a search on “convertable”,
that wouldn’t have come to mind.

Found a couple useful threads… so if I am correct:

  1. Whether the soft top mechanisms can be removed or
    not is still unknown.

  2. 1 person is known to be building a convertible for
    spec e30 who is running a hardtop.

Ken

#4

Hello Ken

It looks like my spec e30 convert will be a diesel powered GTS car…it may eventually become a spec e30…the specific rules are covered under the NASA GCR,

Al

#5

$3k is on the high end for a donor car. I would pass on that car and find a cheap coupe/sedan.

#6

I’ll second Skeen’s POV

Once you get the car in race prep… all you really need is a body and motor +/-

there are better deals out there. but you are on the right trail…