Any SE Guys thinking Spec E46?

#1

Are any Southeast region racers considering building a Spec E46? I know there are some mid-atlantic and west coast builds happening. It seems like an interesting class with potential but so do a lot of other spec classes. I am seriously considering it but only if it looks like there is potential in the Southeast. I even have a small sponsorship deal in place if I move to the class. The local BMW dealership is interested because the car is more comparable to the vehicles they sell now, and anytime someone is willing to give me money to go racing I will take a look! To be viable I think a 8-10 car field within a 2 year time period would be ok with me. Anyone?

#2

I thought about the class and there are many things that are interesting, but I decided to build a SpecIron car instead. There is more excitement about the class and I think it will grow quickly. I could be wrong, but I feel the SpecE30 is strong in the SE snd will last a long time, the SpecE46 will be a very slow class to grow. I tried to get a customer interested in E46 and found no interest.

#3

Joel what is the Speciron that you are building?

I keep coming back to the 818 idea.
Pantas may too. Still too earily.

Damion is wasting time with the e46, unless the sponsor thing is really big. Otherwise “free oil changes for life” and a set of brake pads every now and the does not offset the hidden cost of building a new car. And, where and who are you racing?

I told him it is a lousy idea. I’ll let you guys pound some sense into him.

RP

#4

From what I’ve heard, it is a whole new level of investment required to build a car, even using your own labor. The product may well be worth it, but for people used to the building/runnng costs of SE30, it would be a big adjustment.

#5

[quote=“Patton” post=77174]Joel what is the Speciron that you are building?

I keep coming back to the 818 idea.
Pantas may too. Still too earily.

Damion is wasting time with the e46, unless the sponsor thing is really big. Otherwise “free oil changes for life” and a set of brake pads every now and the does not offset the hidden cost of building a new car. And, where and who are you racing?

I told him it is a lousy idea. I’ll let you guys pound some sense into him.

RP[/quote]

I know, I know. BTW it would be 5 sets of tires, free labor and shop time in the build of the car and all the misc odds and ends outside of the major parts to build the car so not insignificant

#6

Too rich for my blood. I agree that most of the E30 crowd are in this because a car can be built “relatively” inexpensive and compete. Not sure that will be the case with E46.

#7

After just finishing an e30 build, I can address the cost of building a new car. Figure over 20K for a complete car after all the little things you need. That is for a turnkey car.

#8

I agree cars are getting more expensive, but we are expecting more in the car. I still say SpecE30 is one of the lowest cost of racing classes. Robert, SpecIron is the 05-2010 Mustang class. I have a customer that wants to build one and I am going to be part owner so I can drive. Donor cars are getting cheap enough, and there are 10k worth of Ford Racing parts to add, plus the safety gear. Parts are cheap to repair and to fix sheet metal. Cars are selling for what they cost to build, which is a big plus. I hate the fact that my 944Spec cost as much as an E30 to build but it won’t sell for more than 8.5k

#9

Obviously Spec E46 is the direction Jason Tower and I are headed in. But most of what you guys have said is true, and not something we would argue. The class really isn’t (or intended to be) a competitor for Spec E30.

The goal is to fill a gap between Spec E30 and the “open” classes. You can get into a great Spec E30 car for $10-15k. Winning a GTS race in a competitive field can cost you $40-50k at minimum.

Spec E46 is targeting the $25k range and Spec E30 like levels of competition and equality. So far it seems to be a formula many people are interested in. It’s generated a lot of buzz, and there are quite a few cars being built as we speak.

Operating costs shouldn’t be so bad, rotors are still cheap, pads will last a lot longer, and the 235/17 Toyo’s aren’t too bad. Plenty of junkyard cars for body parts. But the build cost is absolutely higher.

Having to build cars from scratch hurts, the ability to pick up a used SE30 and go hit the track is a great asset. I don’t see a ton of people switching, and those who do will end up providing another car for a new SE30 contender to pick up and jump in with. Don’t fear your SE46 brethren, we look forward to sharing the track!