What is the cost of Spec E30 vs. SM or SSM

#1

Hi All!

I run an SM and SSM in the SCCA, have raced with you guys a few times and love the track time and way things are run though those little Legends are a nuisance.

Anyway, I like the extra room that you have in an E30. I am 6’5 and couldn’t be an inch taller or wider and get in or out of the car so I was thinking about something a bit more roomy.

What is the cost to build and maintain an E30? My miatas are all but bulletproof. Trans lasts at least 2 or 3 years, diffs the same or longer, the engines are great and only cost about $2,000 direct from Mazda if you need a new one.

So I was wondering the following.

  1. How much to build an E30?
  2. How much to rebuild a trans? a diff? clutch replacement?
  3. How strong is the trans and engine?
  4. How many sets of pads/rotors in a season?
  5. How long to tires last?
  6. Do you have factory support like Mazda?

I figure between race fees and maintenance it costs me about $5,000 a year to run 10 races in SM and 10 races in SSM. How much for an E30?

Thanks in advance!
Dave

#2

Dave - Welcome. You should have as much/more fun (with a little more power) than SM.

Regarding your questions (been doing this 2 yrs):

  1. Depending on donor car investment, but $7 - 12,000.
  2. Trans - $300 used (don’t know of anyone who has rebuilt one), clutch $300 (not counting labor), LSD diff, used $175
  3. Engines are strong, last 250k+, trans - 3 seasons (best guess)
  4. Pads/rotors - every 2-3 race weekend (driving style and track dependent), rears last longer
  5. Tires - every 2-3 race weekends, depending on track and shaving. Should be similar to SM
  6. No factory support, but good sponsors with discounts

Your race expenses seem similar to specE30.

Ed

#3

I noticed from some of the specs there is considerably more HP than a SM yet lap times are slower. Can I guess that the handling is less and time gets made up for on the straights? Thanks for the other info. It sounds reasonable and a distinct possibility!

How many Spec E30s are running in NASA? How about at Summit and VIR?

#4

Summit point/ VIR would fall into the mid-Atlantic region. You could expect 20+ cars each weekend.

#5

As far as the lap times I wouldn’t say the handling is much worse, though I’m sure a Miata is better. I think it’s simply the laws of physics. The BMW is heavier, and has the aerodynamics of a…well, a brick. :stuck_out_tongue: I’ve driven both Miatas and my E30 and I can tell you the BMW is every bit as much fun to drive once the spec suspension is installed. And you’ll love the one thing Miatas don’t have: torque!

#6

Every bit as fun, that’s what I want.

So the draft definitely plays a part. Do the bumbers match up for some good teamwork on the straights? that’s legal in NASA right?

It’s a shame you aren’t using the same tires.

#7

Dave Morris wrote:

Absolutely, the car is shaped like a brick so the draft is very good.

Dave Morris wrote:

[quote]
Do the bumbers match up for some good teamwork on the straights? [/quote]

Yes

Dave Morris wrote:

[quote]
that’s legal in NASA right?[/quote]

Yes

Dave Morris wrote:

[quote]
It’s a shame you aren’t using the same tires.[/quote]

We currently use the Toyo RA1 but are moving to the R888 this year sometime.

#8

It is recommended that you know who you are bump-drafting so you have a good sense of how they’ll react (e.g. so it doesn’t turn into a punt).
bruce