Newb Working/Modding Toward SE30

#1

I’ve done a few HPDE events and a couple seasons of autox in lightly modified Subarus but I’m ready to really improve my driving and work toward competitive wheel to wheel racing.

I recently purchased a US-Spec '89 325 (this is my first BMW BTW) that will be the tool for this journey. The idea behind this purchase is to modify the car according to SE30 rules over time while getting as much seat time as possible at autox, HPDE, and open track events.

In a few months I’ll be coming back to the states, specifically the Kansas City area. From what I’ve read there aren’t many (or any) SE30 events in the area but there are a decent amount of autox and track events to keep me busy.

What I’m really getting at here is that I’m a newb and I have a lot of newb questions about modifications and/or ways to modify parts. I’m well aware of the search function and I’ve been using it quite a bit but from reading people’s posts it seems like everyone is already well-established in W2W racing and the intent of this forum is pretty specific. What I would like to know initially is if I can post my questions on this board or if I should be posting on the SE30 sub-sections at other forums like E30tech and r3vlimited?

Sorry for the lengthy post, I thought I should explain my situation and ask before I get overwhelmed with replies like “this has been covered before” and “please search”. My feelings won’t be hurt if you guys tell me to find information elsewhere :wink:

PS: Since this kind of reads like and introduction; Hi everyone, my name is Tim.

#2

Hi Tim,
there are a ton of newbies to racing here, so ask away.
Personally, I’m using my spece30 build to learn a lot more about working on cars so even those who have been around a while can be newbies.
Also check out some of the resource links in the Links section.
Even if there aren’t a lot of spec e30’s in the kansas area yet, you can run the car in GTS or PT so there are lots of places to play.
cheers,
bruce
(colorado)

#3

Gateway was added to the Midwest schedule this year, but I doubt there will be any Spec E30s there this year (I don’t like the track so I won’t be going). Putnam is probably around 10 hours from you and Mid Ohio 13-14 hours. Kansas City is just not a good area if you’re a racer. I think Hallet is probably the closest track and NASA does not race there. Not sure how far Mid-America is? Either way you’d be one of the first Spec E30s in that area of the country.

#4

Tim,

I’m a relative newb as well and find everyone on this forum to be very friendly and helpful. Following this forum and seeing how helpful and friendly everyone is was one of the main reasons I decided to build a SpecE30 car. If you can’t find the answer to your question in the regulations or buy searching the forum, post away. I’m sure you’ll find everyone more than willing to help you out.
Good luck.

Bob

#5

Smart people get smart by asking questions. :wink:

I think I’ve been lingering around here for about 2 years and still haven’t raced mine W2W (not for lack of desire. Money/job issues interfered). I did most of the build of the car myself with very little prior BMW experience. I wouldn’t be afraid to ask Spec specific questions here. The E30 message boards tend to be overrun with people who think they know more than they do, though there are exceptions. Better to get the right answer from those who ‘do it’ vs speculation from those other guys.

These are great cars, very fun to drive at the limit and not at all expensive to work with. I think you’ll have fun even if you don’t ever race it in a spec race.

#6

Thanks for all the responses, I greatly appreciate it.

When I wrote that original post I was feeling a bit worried about this E30 I’m buying. It doesn’t run and I have never purchased a car this beat or “tired” before. I know I’m not going to have a problem finding parts since I’m currently in “the motherland” but for some reason I was just worried.

I’m really looking forward to getting my hands dirty and to start driving this thing!

#7

I thought I’d update my then-overwhelmed into :laugh:

Since I wrote the OP I’ve gotten the car to my shop, cleaned it up and began the “gutting” process. I’ve got all my brake parts in and I’m waiting on a new alternator, Sparco Speed seat and Schroth Rallye 4 harness (since I’m just doing autox, driving schools and track days for now). Once everything has arrived and is installed I’m hoping the weather gets better so I can get some seat time around the Nurburgring.

Here are a few pics of my beaten pseudo-race car:

Here’s what I got done today during my cleaning/stripping session:

#8

Hey Tim,

That’s going to be a great looking car… I always was partial to red! B)

Welcome… You’re gonna have a blast! The Spec E30 community is great!

Fritz