M3 (S52) Motor Swap car

[vwzx7]

Originally Posted by 96cali

OP-I am well familiar with the Keller brothers at Enthusiast Auto. Many people speak highly of them and are active members of the local BMWCCA group. Can't think of one bad thing about them. If I can be of any help checking out the car or recommending another shop for an inspection I'd be happy to. I'm no mechanic but EAG is pretty thorough and typically deal with higher end cars so I don't anticipate issues. I think Campaiar here also wanted to check it out and he's done 2 6 cyl swaps. I would be available until thursday 12/18, then I'm out of town.

LMK, Phil

Thanks for that offer! From what I suspect the car is most likely in tip top shape so I also wouldn't expect any problems. Are you very near to this shop? If you happened to be close by I would appreciate a look-see if it's absolutely no bother to you at all, seriously. I've received more pictures from EAG of the car and it looks pretty nice but you never can beat an in person inspection. It's Boston Green with a tan interior....not the best color imho but for a track car I wouldn't care. If this is something you would be interested in doing let me know and I'll give them a call.

[mohaughn]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Is that a stock Mini or Cooper S? I am par with a stock Cooper S and Cooper S' with suspension can easily walk away from me.

Yeah, the supercharger ones are faster, the cooper works have more suspension work done to them I think. They accelerate much faster than I do... I would imagine a regular S with a lot of suspension work done to it can still move pretty good and I wouldn't expect to outrun one that is driven well.

I was where you the OP was about two years ago. I actually decided to stay with the lower horsepower car and really spend a lot of time working on my driving and small tweaks to get the car faster and safer. I think I'm having as much fun as everybody else out there is, even with half the horsepower. So I wouldn't discount the mini so quick unless you are really set on getting something different.

An M3 can be an expensive car to track, and that is what the car will essentially be. But I'm sure you will be impressed with how the car handles and it will bring a smile to your face if you don't mind the extra cost to play.

[vwzx7]

Oh I'm not giving up on the MINI...I love driving this car on the track! It's just I have some friends newly into this as well and they have stepped up to dedicated track cars. They also have MINI's and have been advised that they become money pits (what doesn't?) and reliability might be an issue. I've already shredded a serpetine belt once at the Glen, not fun. I'm just interested in keeping up with the fast group and the MINI eventially will be left behind out there. Also...I don't want to worry about trashing my nice summer car by accident so a dedicated track car is my way out of that. Of course spending a good chunk of change on a BMW of some sort, plus mods and maintenace, isn't a solution to worrying about a $20k MINI. Plus if it isn't street legal I'll need a trailor and tow vehicle!

Anyway......It's an ongoing decision process I'll have to think about some more.

Here's a link for you guy's to view. It's me at Limerock in October. This is Intermiate 1 with SCDa. I was since moved to Intr 2......Enjoy..

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16418074AwPAd8yD

[briansol]

Originally Posted by vwzx7

I autox with both those groups....I run most every event they host. And you? Might I have seen you around?

possibly...
i've been absent for the last couple of years... i think the last season i actually made it to an event was in 2005 with cart at the firestone lot.
perhaps one of my cars looks familiar to you
http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?p=206092

[96cali]

Originally Posted by vwzx7

Thanks for that offer! From what I suspect the car is most likely in tip top shape so I also wouldn't expect any problems. Are you very near to this shop? If you happened to be close by I would appreciate a look-see if it's absolutely no bother to you at all, seriously. I've received more pictures from EAG of the car and it looks pretty nice but you never can beat an in person inspection. It's Boston Green with a tan interior....not the best color imho but for a track car I wouldn't care. If this is something you would be interested in doing let me know and I'll give them a call.

Well I've been looking for an excuse to visit their new location. I'll have to see when i can swing a visit (this weekend vs. M/T/W). It's only about 20 minutes away. If you are serious (sounds like you are) then asking them for a courtesy drive/look should be no problem. they're cool guys and love to sell cars vs. having them on the lot. You can reach me on my cell (216)570-7173.

[vwzx7]

Originally Posted by 96cali

Well I've been looking for an excuse to visit their new location. I'll have to see when i can swing a visit (this weekend vs. M/T/W). It's only about 20 minutes away. If you are serious (sounds like you are) then asking them for a courtesy drive/look should be no problem. they're cool guys and love to sell cars vs. having them on the lot. You can reach me on my cell (216)570-7173.

Since I'm still in the searching mode for this track car - I'll hold off on the courtesy check ride/inspection. I don't want to needlessly waste your time if I'm not ready to pull the trigger on this deal. But again...thank you for the offer. I'll let you know....

[vwzx7]

Originally Posted by briansol

possibly...
i've been absent for the last couple of years... i think the last season i actually made it to an event was in 2005 with cart at the firestone lot.
perhaps one of my cars looks familiar to you
http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?p=206092

No, sorry - none look familiar. But that may be because I only started autox'ing in '07....Maybe we'll see each other around some other time. Just look for the grey/white MINI with the quad light bar up front! And Hoosiers...

[briansol]

did you see cart just banned <140 treadware from stock class? you might get bumped to SP

[vwzx7]

Originally Posted by briansol

did you see cart just banned <140 treadware from stock class? you might get bumped to SP

I don't believe it effects me.....I run in street mod with the pulley's I have on the car, among other things.

[1996 328ti]

I'm just as guilty, but let's stay on topic.

[vwzx7]

No problem...sorry about that.