naturbo

So I currently own an e46 M3 and love it, but I have always wanted a turbo miata. I planned to start modding (i.e. suspension) the ///M soon but this has brought up the question,

should I just sell it and build a track ready turbo (94-95) miata?

I am asking you guys because you actually own a turbo miata.

thoughts?

Bond

iTrader: (6)

I'd just track the M3 since you already have it. Pour gas in, go.

matthewdesigns

iTrader: (8)

I begged a ride in an E36 M3 at the track day last month. It was phenomenal, and all he had done was swap in track pads and put on sticky tires. I'd give that a shot first as I'd expect your car to be even better.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

My dad's DD is an E46 M3. He likes tracking our 118whp rental car much, much more. He is also faster in the rental than he was in the M3 (on the same tires).

soviet

iTrader: (10)

You could buy several turbo miatas if you sell your M3.

curly

iTrader: (25)

I'm all about saving money whilst having fun. Best bang for the buck would most likely be to leave the M3 alone since replacement and upgrade parts are so expensive. Pads, tires, etc, are all expensive.

Track the Miata NA. Add track pads on 1.8 brakes, one of the $100-130 wheels that are out now from Konig or Tirerack and some SM take offs. Drop in some sort of suspension and you've got an incredible track **** to learn on for what, $4000? This same money will buy you brakes, pads, wheels, and maybe tires for the M3. And then you'd be left with a squeaky daily driver that will still be expensive to fix on or off the track.

gearhead_318

iTrader: (1)

The answer is keep the M3, buy a cheap 1.8, do what curly said + a roll bar and your set. Better yet, wait tell something comes up for sale here and buy it for less then what it would take to do it yourself.

pdexta

iTrader: (17)

I'm with ^^^ those guys. I'd be deathly scared to track the M3 (although I'm certainly poorer than the OP). Best bet is to buy a '94-'97, strip it down, put suspension, tires and brakes on it. Once you get that sorted out if you really want more then start putting together the needed turbo pieces. It may sound lame coming from a car that makes 3x the power, but an NA miata with good suspension and tires is a blast to drive.

fwMiata

this. the M3 gets very expensive when stuff wears out. IF you have SMG, you can only guess what the cost is to replace or rebuild it, or even do the clutch. you could buy a nice Miata for that much $$$.

Mobius

iTrader: (2)

M3's are awesome. All of them. And, expensive on consumables. Actual parts - very expensive.

Building a dead-reliable turbo miata is no longer filled with unknowns but there are significant costs. Stick with a naturally aspirated miata and spend the money on track time.

If you have a tow vehicle option, buy someone's Spec Miata and have fun. Advance Autosport has I believe 3 for sale at the moment.

You could probably sell the M3 and buy both a used spec miata and a miata DD with the proceeds.

naturbo

thanks for all the responses guys, keeping the m3 and buying a miata is not a realistic option at this point.

I think I will track the m3 stock at first and if I really get into it and want a more dedicated track car (which I know I will) I will save up for a miata.

I really want to find someone with a turbo miata so I can get a ride in one, see what it is truly like. I have a feeling that I would have no problem selling the m3 after that experience, haha.

curly

iTrader: (25)

I still have no ******* clue how some of you chumps have a car like e46 m3, or the more popular 4-500hp WRX and then come here saying they can't afford a NA track **** or decent turbo parts for their new Miata project. WTF?!?

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

Best advice I never took.

If buying a Miata as a second car is not a realistic option due to lack of liquidity, then you need to ask yourself what would happen if you totalled the M3 on-track and insurance didn't cover it.

I am a firm believer in the idea that you should not track a car you can't afford to push off a cliff. This is doubly true if you are a track novice.

naturbo

Haha, because we spent it all on the car we own. Technically I could buy a miata and keep the M, but I would much rather do it right on one car than half *** two. The initial purchase of the miata is the cheapest part...

If I sold the m3 than I would be able to build a proper turbo street/track car.
Don't need to worry about the inconvenience of it being a DD.

Keep the comments coming.

naturbo

Good advice, and I have thought about it, only do decide not to think about it again. I guess i would sell the engine and buy a miata. Or buy a miata and keep the engine .