Carr Industries Spec E30 Build Kit

#1

I’m starting a spec E30 build, and noticed that Carr Industries has what they call their "Spec E30 Racecar Build Kit" It is a pretty extensive package of parts. I did a quick comparison on pricing everything separately (with the brands of parts mentioned a lot on this forum) and it looks to be a pretty good price. My concern is that many of the parts are their own, and I havent seen any mention of them (good or bad) on the various forums as I’ve been reading through.

Below is what is included for $2500:

Front Adj Camber Plate Kit
H&R Race Spring Set
Front and Rear Swaybar Kit with Links, bushings, and Reinforcements
Urethane Rear Subframe Bushings
Urethane Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
Stainless Brake Line Kit
Hawk Front HT-10 Racing Pads
Racing Wheel stud kit
Urethane Front Offset Control arm bushings
Front and Rear Bilstein Struts and Shocks
Billet Rear Shock Mount kit
Urethane Engine Mount Kit
Urethane Transmission Mount Kit
Front Strut Tower Bar
Short Shifter Kit
Urethane Shift Rod Bushings
Racing Power Kill Switch for interior

Any thoughts on them, their parts (obviously the springs/shocks, etc… are the same) vs. other brands, etc…? It looks convenient and like a way to save a few bucks, but I want to make sure I don’t end up with inferior (or at least recommended) parts.

#2

Looks like a fair price and very convenient. I believe most of the parts are from Ireland Engineering so they would not be considered inferior from my experience, but other might disagree. One bonus is that you don’t have to deal with IE direct to get the parts as they are notorious for screwing up orders.

You could probably shop around and source the parts from 3 or 4 suppliers and save $100 or so but IMO its not worth the hassle. Keep in mind that you don’t need all of these parts to get the car ready for the track. If your budget allows and you planned on doing all of these parts anyway I’d say go for it

#3

+1 for Carr.

I’ve known the guys at Carr for several year. I’ve never had any issues with the work they have done or the parts I’ve bought from them. I wish they had this package when I started my build. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them… as I’m sure I will do again and again.

#4

I’ve had good experiences with Carr. Carmine and Tom are both very knowledgable people. Carmine has raced an e30 with BMW CCA and Tom is just finishing up a 2002tii. They’ve always done me right.

#5

RChrystler wrote:

Actually, Tom used to race 2002’s and was a BMW CCA instructor.

#6

Cool! Last time I was at the shop, around a month ago, he was finishing up a 2002 for he and Carmine to race in BMW CCA. It looks nice. Carmine has an e28 M5 that he runs in HPDE.

#7

I’ve been passed very fast by Carmine in that M5 last December at a Porsche event at VIR. He is very good in that car even with the stock suspension. The built engine doesn’t hurt him either.

#8

+2 for Carr sales and service.

-Scott

#9

+3 for Carr.