Pepe

Ok. here's the situation and would like to hear the opnion from you guys.

We are currently racing against cars like the Type R and M3 E30 (4 cyl)/ E36 (6 cyl) but we now have to carry an extra 200-pounds on top of the 2,700 weight (as per SCCA fro T2). The other cars, specially the Type R, are getting closer to us but we still have the advantage.

What I don't like is how the car feels with all that weight. Also the competitors keep complaining that we should carry even more weight.

Solution? We could move one class up. The car would still be very competitive but there's one big problem. In this class a brand new 2002 M3 coupe is going to start racing next event. This car weight 3,415 and has 333 HP.

If we are given the option of running light, like 2,600-pounds, do you think the S2K could race competitively witht he M3?

I could also request a performance mod to equalize the competition. I was thinking of a 4.44 differential.

Let me know you opinions.


PS: For those wondering why we have such a weird way of grouping cars is because we don't have a lot of vehicles so we have to do this in order to have enough cars per class

cdelena

Some of it depends upon the tracks you run on. The E46 comes with gobs of torque and bigger wheels and tires. There are places where our cars are at a bit of a disadvantage because the track and gear ratios combine to leave us out of the power band but if we lose a second to an E36 we make it up elsewhere.. but if you lose a couple of seconds to an E46 here and there you may never come out. I don

Pepe

Cdelena:

Our track is fast. I never come out of VTEC in the whole track. But I could use a higher differential, like ATS 4.44.
The main issue is the main straight. The E46 will just kill me here but wondering if I put the car through a good diet I can keep up with him. I doubt the BMW will handle or brake a lot better than the S2K and with less weight these areas will also improve.

cdelena

Yes, but if the entire track is fast I think you will be worse off against the E46. Seems like the shortwheel base and rigidity of our car gives us an advantage in certain situations where we can keep the revs up, drift, and negotiate camber changes. The big powerful cars certainly have the advantage where they can put the power to the ground or use torque to overcome momentum loss in awkward turns.

My guess is that you would have to get down to 2500 pounds to compete with a well driven E46 on a fast course, and it may still be a challenge.

Sev

Go with the Js racing 4.44 differential would be a great mod for you. It gives a better 0-140 mph time and improves wheel drive force everywhere. A super mod if you have the right installer.

Have you taken out things like the AC and sound deadening materials yet?

I believe you would be able to compete with him with the new 4.44 diff, however it won't be easy.

The E46 M3 was only 4 seconds faster over Nurburgring which is 20.6 kms (8 min 35 vs 8 min 39), it also has a LOOOOOOOOOOOng straight in which higher horspower and better aerodynamics will easilly make 2-3 seconds if not more.

My guess is unless there is a skill difference between you guys, you should be ok especially with the 4.44 diff.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Juila911

I am too dumb to understand the number 4.44?
Can anyone explain it to me?

lupin

Juila:
I believe they're talking about rear end ratio. Normally it's written as 1:4.10, 1:3.23, etc.

Higher number (like 4.44 compared to 4.10) usually means faster acceleration (due to more torque to driving wheel), but at the cost of lower top speed at every gear.

BTW, I see that you're from lafayette too.

Juila911

Hey, lupin
Thanks for the reply. If you see a white S2000, that's me.

I am getting Veilside GT wing.

lupin

Hmm...

you're the one with the windhsield banner?

Juila911

Yes, AFS Motorsports.
We are trying to make a Imports car club at Purdue.
I have friends with S4, 2 WRXs, M3, Prelude, Eclipse, RX-7, Supra and so on.
I talk to you sometime later.