Daveg27,

The E36 M3 outhandles the E46 M3 hands down, from everything I've ever heard.

I agree that the S2k would be more fun for sure, if you can 'live' with it. Personally, I've decided I can

Ugh... LS1 V8 into an E36? Yuck. Just get an M3 and enjoy. Much better motor. Not as fast as an LS1, but not a frankenbeast either.

 

I"ve had my m3 since 1998....oil changes are 35 bucks or you can do it yourself...brake pads are cheap too if you don't want krazy stuff...the usual maintenance really isn't more expensive than a honda...atleast that's what i've noticed...

tuning parts are just equally as expensive....

i'm debating whether i should buy another s2000 myself too...i think u really have to drive one for an extended amount of time to decide...reason why i havent' done the swap is that i'm 6-2 and the s2k is just a little tight for me...no room to relax my leg or anything...m3 is roomy and very torquey with ecu re-map...

the 'only' solution to your problem is to buy a m3 and a s2k =)

 

I have not driven an e36 M3, just the e46. I wouldn't doubt the e36 handles better though, the S2000 certainly does.

I may not go with the M3 though, perhaps an e36 323 would make a better "donor" since it's going to be gutted anyway! The allure of the M3 is the suspension is pretty much ready to go and the M3s diff can handle an LS1. It would make the project much easier, though probably not cheaper.

And I'd disagree that the I6 is a better motor than the LS1. The LS1 has much more potential than the I6, cheaper to maintain and repair, and is probably gonna be more reliable for a track car. Despite the "stigma" of being a pushrod engine the LS1 is a very modern engine.


Who knows though, I'm still undecided on what to do anyway. I guess I'll just have to be happy with my S2000 for another season!

Oh, and sorry for hijacking the thread!

 

Why not compare the s2k to the M roadster? Much better comparison, same style of car, same price level and similar vintage.

That said, I'd pick s2000 over an e36, regualar m roadster vs s2000 would be a toss up, s54 roadster over s2000.