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Generally, I’m curious how competitive is SE30 build in ITS? If you do, do you swap ECU? Tires? Suspension to coil overs?
Looking at the most recent SCCA IT results at Thunderhill, and using my best time there I would have run about 5th in class and about 5 seconds/lap off the winning pace.
Experiences?
From what I’ve heard, it’s true that the E30 has not been competitive in ITS for a long time - not even fully prepared for ITS (rather than Spec E30).
But if you’re a rookie like me and you want to get seat time + racing experience, there is no reason not to run SCCA. In fact, I think the popularity of Spec E30 has caused some spillover into ITS. At a recent SCCA PDX event, I ran into two E30 owners who are planning to run ITS next year.
I’m trying to build a hybrid ITS/SpecE30 racer myself. I figure as long as there are people to race against, it should be fun. Being near Summit Point, it helps that they run almost the entire MARRS series there. If I improve over time and feel the car is a disadvantage, then I’ll have to either switch cars, prep for GTS or KP or whatever, or stick with SpecE30! 
I heard a vague rumor that SCCA may consider reclassifying the E30 at some point. I’m not holding my breath since they move at a glacial pace on that kind of thing, but who knows?
Scotty wrote:
[quote]From what I’ve heard, it’s true that the E30 has not been competitive in ITS for a long time - not even fully prepared for ITS (rather than Spec E30).
But if you’re a rookie like me and you want to get seat time + racing experience, there is no reason not to run SCCA. In fact, I think the popularity of Spec E30 has caused some spillover into ITS. At a recent SCCA PDX event, I ran into two E30 owners who are planning to run ITS next year.
I’m trying to build a hybrid ITS/SpecE30 racer myself. I figure as long as there are people to race against, it should be fun. Being near Summit Point, it helps that they run almost the entire MARRS series there. If I improve over time and feel the car is a disadvantage, then I’ll have to either switch cars, prep for GTS or KP or whatever, or stick with SpecE30!
I heard a vague rumor that SCCA may consider reclassifying the E30 at some point. I’m not holding my breath since they move at a glacial pace on that kind of thing, but who knows?[/quote]
I agree. The same goes for CCA KP, PBOC and probably other race venues. There is always someone to race with. I raced with PBOC at Sebring earlier this year and had plenty of fun.
I’d love to run all the Southeast Spec E30 races but I simply do not have the funds. So, I’ll run with PBOC again and maybe SCCA.
Recalsification? That would be cool. The car would be competitive in ITA.
Don
SCCA already has an e30 in ITA…the 325e. Mine is full IT build and I am consistently 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 seconds faster than Skeen (assuming, of course, that he is the class of the field) Maybe I can get on Set Up sponsored by AARP??? :evil: Chuck
Thanks for the responses. I realize the car is not competitive, like I said in my original post the difference is some 5 seconds, maybe more. But it’s about seat time and other places to run and have a good time, and possibly with an ECU swap, Hoosiers and swap in some higher spring rates it could switch over without too much of a headache and then switch back for NASA SE30 races. Anyway, just thinking out loud - thanks for the replies.
cwbaader wrote:
Chuck did I understand correctly that your car is ITS? What is the weight limit? Rules on brakes? Wheels? Can’t an ITS car have a modified engine as well (compression, 0.030 over, high lift duration cam, headers, larger AFM, injectors)? I was under the impression that unless one has 200+hp (175 at the wheels) and lighter weight than 2700 that there is no way to be competitive in ITS.
I have driven my buddy’s ITS Prelude which is lighter than a Spec e30 (I think it is about 2400), has more power at the crank (about 200), has Penske remote resovoir shocks and it is 8-10 secs quicker per lap at Sebring than our cars (even in my hands). Plus he is a second or two off the fastest Mazdas/Integras in the class.
Having said all of that - What are the rules/allowanaces for etas in ITA? Can’t an argument be made that a true Spec E30 car has nothing on a ITA Eta?
Don
My car is ITA because of the eta motor. The SCCA weight is 2550. My motor makes approximately 140hp. The 325i car is SCCA ITS at 2750 pounds and should make 170-175hp at the wheels. The car, with full build, can be a top 5 car but probably not a winner, depending on who shows.
You need to read the GCR. SCCA rules require stock motor internals except a 1mm over bore and forged pistons are allowed. All else must be OEM. Remote reservoir shocks are expressly forbidden…if your friend is running them in SCCA he is cheating.
An ITS or an ITA car will generally be faster than the Spec e30 mainly because of tires…we can run DOT “R” compound tires. I had a ball at RA in March…passed 22 cars on Sunday in 17 laps, mostly spec cars. Finally passed Damion and ran out of laps…wanted Skeen!!!
chuck
Let me know if I can help.
cwbaader wrote:
Also: motor can have a modified DME (original housing), header, any exhaust, limited port matching, and trunk fuel cell with free pumps.
And: ANY final drive with any DOT-R tire that will fit a 15x7 rim.
BTW, Spec E30 is DOT-R also.