I have both a Z and an M. Which do you think would be a better canidate to become a hard core track car? Which has more tuning potential? what would you do?

 

the M3, no question

 

I think this depends on how much $ you want to spend.

 

Really hmmm thats surprising. I was leaning toward the Z becouse
power potential is higher for less money, a fully built motor with a JWT tt will out do the M3 . Brakes same on both cars, and you can fit 285/315's on the Z

 

I'd go with the Z. Stock, sure the M3 is better. But for a bit of money the Z is very good.

 

The M3 is a faster car

 

but he wants to full track a car and stripping all the luxury features of a bmw takes away from the car. every car has good tuning potential given enough money. i would go with tracking the Z and keeping the M3 has a fast dd

 

I would go with the Z. It would be pretty painful to put roll bars, harnesses etc in the bimmer. Also modding it will be a pain with all sorts of lights lightening up in the dash, Check this, check that, engine this, engine that...too much. Stay simple. 350z all the way.

 

The Z for more bang for the buck..! I don't know too much about tracked Bimmer's But I have seen a "Bimmer World" touring car in action at Laguna Seca and it was fast!!!I do not think it was even a M3.

 

Theres also the yellow ones from Turner that have won a lot of races in touring for SCCA.

 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I think cost would end up being less for the Z. But depending on how much money you have, a built M3 is a pretty crazy car.

 

umm... venturing outside the realm of these two cars, I'd say go for evo for hardcore track car.

choosing between these two, money aside, the M

 

Since I have ran at MSR a few times in my G35 I have seen the M3 lose to the Z many many times (or should I say get passed). The E46 doesn't handle like the E36. It is much heavier. The 350z is light and is just a better handling car. I was able to pass M3's in my G35. But a E36 passed me and was literally on 3 wheels most of the time.

 

From the 2003 Road and Track article titled "David vs Goliths"

Lap time's at Willow Springs 2.5 mile road course

2003 350Z track 01:40.06

2003 SMG II 01:40.09

Also tested
Chevrolet
Corvette Z06 01:36.50

Fulll article
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1

 

The E46 is a heavier beast, but still does well. An E36 M3 is a much better candidate.

But to be truthfull, to select a good track car, whick would hurt you less if you back into a wall on track?

This is why many of us buy cheaper cars for track use.

 

Neither. Sell the M3, buy a Formula Mazda, and use the remaining money to fund a season of racing.

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/formulamazda.htm#top

 

Y'all read my mind. The E36 would be the best of the three.

Now, since he brought cost into the equation, I would say Z hands down. However, don't waste your time with F/I. If you really want to burn that kind of cash, go get a used Z06 and you will have a real track monster. F/I on the Z is just not reliable enough for the track. Sure, some do fine, but it is tricky.

So, I say the Z will a really good N/A setup, some short gearing, and a great suspension.

 

Ya, I dont think I could argue with that. Rather then F/I, I think I would just consider getting a Vette.