Question for FI vendors/track guys

[NoSoup4U]

I am going to be purchasing another E36 M3 in short course. I originally built up my E46 M3 to club race in HP; but, decided I did not want to take the chance of stressing and popping the engine. I know Evosport races their's in Cmod; but, I think their engine is a bit tweaked.

I know the twin-screw has been theoretically coming to the market for at least 2 years now. IT has not happened. So, I am discounting this aspect until someone else corrects me.

Are there any FI tuners out there interested in working together to build a FI M3 that will be club-raced. There are three things that will be paramount: a) reliability of the engine to run at 6000-7000 rpm's; b) combat heat-soak; c) reliability.

Ideally, I would like to have 300-320 rwhp in a 2600 lb car. If more can be had reliaby, even better. I would like to do that reliably. But, perhaps I need to go NA. I know sunbelt cams, headers, exhaust, and tuning should bring me to about 270 rwhp, or a built motor should do this. I probably would need to smaller turbo to combat lag; but, at the same time, would need something large enough that is efficient so it does not generate a lot of heat.

I think I've found the car ... but, wanted to speak with some FI vendors, if they are interested, to see if this is a car we can build together.

TIA

p.s. -- other FI guys, do you think this is possible to build a reliable club-raced FI car; or, should I stick to NA in your experience? Think about it this way, the car will probably be sitting at 5000 rpms-7000 rpm's all of the time.

[Spencer]

First thing, you do know that if you go with a turbo M3, you will be in a class by yourself most of the time. I believe FI E36 M3's get bumped up a class, so instead of CM, you'd be in BM or AM. Not sure what would happen in prepared, or if you could even run in prepared. Either way, I know there was a discussion about this over the winter and the conclusion came to the fact that you would basically be running by yourlself.

Just a thought. I'd build an IP car and have tons of competition without the hassles of FI. Or if you have cash dripping out your wallet, CM is a big class as well.

[DefactoM6]

In a car of that nature, getting the power numbers you desire should be a piece of cake. Dunno what the rule books state, but as far as delivery goes. what will be key is the turbo you use, you can have a monster intercooler to combat heat soak. If this is going to be a track car, are you going to be using a standalone?

In any event, the weight of the car is up to you, but as far as getting power numbers go, a car that lives at those kind of RPMs can make numbers WAY more than that. If I were to build a turbo car for HP (assuming the rules allow it), here's what i'd do...

Mild PnP
Mild turbo cams (for you to breathe up-top)
9:1 slugs of choice w/Total Seal rings (Wiseco or CP already have designs, though Pablo was talking about JE doing a new BMW design. Let me reinforce that for the power numbers you're talking about, this is totally unneccesary, however, this is a track car, so I'd be building it for maximum reliability/durability)
Lightened/balanced rods (at your power numbers, you totally don't need pauters or the like, so just balance and lighten the stockers for better revving)
ARP hardware throughout w/10mm head studs (11mm not neccesary)
Oil pan baffle and upgraded pump or dry sump system (gotta have that on a track car)
Upgraded water pump

That motor would be pretty much bulletproof on the track. I'm not too familiar with HP rules, but this would be a badass motor. Also, remember since it's an E36, the motors are cheap. Buy an M52 out of a Z3 2.8, bore it out and build it to S52 specs so that you have a lighter assembly (the M52 in the Z3 2.8 is an aluminum block, save some weight, which is of concern to someone like you)

Then get yourself the following for the turbo setup:
Turbonetics manifold (the new design)
Turbosmart 48mm/TiAL 46mm/HKS 50mm/Turbonetics Newgen 51mm wastegate (so you can run low boost without worrying about spike
Garrett GT30/40R turbo (should be more than enough power for your application, will provide the instantaneous low-down grunt you need, and in combo with the wastegate, will be able to make large amounts of boost
ATP combo recirc/blowoff valve with anti-stall
ICS or WCR Intercooler
42# injectors and an Aeromotive FPR
Turbosmart or Blitz SBC-ID boost controller
M50 manifold (if your car is not a 95)
3.5" HFM and ICS tuning

A setup like that should yield HP numbers far beyond what you're looking for...far far beyond. The good thing is that it'll still be power that's really useable down low, but will breathe all the way to redline. It will also be really reliable, especially since you may end up running low boost for races since the power will be somewhat unneccesary unless you're qualifying.

In short, talk to ICS. If you're looking to do an HP spec car, I'm not sure what kind of motor work is allowed, but one thing's for sure: they'll get you power way beyond what you first expected, it will be more useable than you could have ever hoped for, and it will be reliable beyond compare. My .02

[///3oris]

Honestly, TT Stage I and only run 6psi and black ceramic coat everything you possibly can. If you'd like for added safety get an MLS gasket (but not a thick one). In addition to that get an oil cooler, a PWR radiator and you should be fine.

I'm hoping to take my car to the track soon--still waiting for some parts that I ordered to come in.

Boris

[GG///M3]

If you'd like for added safety get an MLS gasket (but not a thick one).

Boris
Why?

[///3oris]

Why?

Your stock engine wasn't designed with constant boost in mind. Tracking an FI car is a little different than running it on the street. I don't think it's necessary, but it could help from a reliability standpoint (this is his main concern).

Anyway, I'll be tracking mine soon--not worried at all. Although I will say running an FI car will take lots of gauges at the track... so open up an account with SPA & VDO/Autometer... you want to know EVERYTHING that is going on.

Boris