Spec 3 / chumpcar build

[E36chump]

So I’m beginning a build on a road race car. Will be my first. I’ve been doing drag racing ad dirt circle track for years. I have a candidate car in a 318i with a manual transmission that I got for 200. Engines wasted but everything else is ok. Going to swap in a m50 anyway so no biggie.

I started fitting the interior in preparation for a cage and came across the airbag control module. Does this need to stay plugged in for the car to run?

[Zxc4]

No

[19Spec3]

Hi there E36 Chump!

Glad to hear that you're considering a Spec3 build! As Zxc4 mentioned, you don't need the airbag module for the car to function. As with any racecar build, it's best to read the rules, link here, and then read them three more times. That way you don't inadvertently put some expensive illegal parts on there that you'll have to remove later. If you have any questions about Spec3 or the build process, please feel free to send me a PM. The racers are very friendly and responsive to questions on the Spec3 Facebook group, link here. Hope to see you on track soon!

[E36chump]

Yeah I've been over the rules and I actually have a copy on my work bench next to me just for a reference. Thankfully I'm only working on stripping the thing down to prep it for a roll cage at this time. I'll start ordering up bits for it after I get the engine swap done. I went ahead and joined that facebook page so thank you for reference on that. Cheers!

[Crustashio]

Wouldn't making a spec3 out of a 318 be a massive PITA?

[19Spec3]

Depends on your definition of "massive." It'll need an M50 and red label 413 DME. Other than that, I think they're essentially the same -- brakes, transmission, diff. etc. If the OP got a clean 318i shell for $200 and has an M50 lying around, that sounds like a great start to me.