What Car to Replace Modified Widetrack STI
15 December 2014, 09:43 AM
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What Car to Replace Modified Widetrack STI
I normally get itchy feet about cars after about 12 months. And now after owning the STI for 18+ months I’m a bit bored. I’m just wondering what to go to next. It’s a widetrack STI mapped to approx 330bhp, with coilovers.
I just want something that’s faster than my car, but a bit nicer to be in. But still a step up in performance. I’ve started doing track days but I wouldn’t want a stripped car, and I’ve been considering the following: (budget £13500 MAX)
What I really want is a more sensible Lotus Exige S. Or some version of that which I can run as a daily.
Options:
E46 M3 – maybe a bit heavy and too refined? I’ve always wanted one though. Expensive parts, but its an M3. I’d need to get one that already had coilovers & a brake upgrade.
ZM Coupe – As above, too refined and smooth? Quite expensive to buy. Look to be out of my price range
BMW 135i/335i – Tempted with the twin turbo 3.0 engine, but the open diff, and soft comfy setup is putting me off. Also childishly, I don’t know if I’d be happy knowing I didn’t have the M3 or 135M top of the range dedicated performance car.
Porsche Cayman S – Really like these, but servicing costs are scaring me. But looking into it a bit further the intervals are quite long, so if I plan and save, it could be an option!
Cheap S2000 with a supercharger kit – This is appealing. But it means that I’m losing any ‘trading-up’ potential when it comes to change car next time. Buy a car valued at approx £4000-£5000, second hand supercharger kits are out there under £2000, get it mapped for 400bhp and buy a nice kit for it. BUT they look wrong without the hardtop, and all the ‘special’ looking ones have the insanely expensive Mugen hardtop.
Project BMW E30 325 turbo – Again, as above, Id lose the ‘trade-up’ value of building the capital in my car. But knowing an absolutely genius of metalwork, it would be feasible to make an E30 M3 replica (new rear window panel & arches) and then get it sprayed, and fit either an E36 M3 lump or turbo the 325 block.
Or I could just spend a bit more money on mine (wheels, carbon bits, front end respray & paint correction)…
Basically, I’ve got bored and I don’t know what to do. I’m struggling to find a set of alloys in my price range that are wide enough to look good but not too wide, and the solution seems to be to sell up. But Ive just spent nearly a grand on the STI and I don’t really want to shift it on!
I just want something that’s faster than my car, but a bit nicer to be in. But still a step up in performance. I’ve started doing track days but I wouldn’t want a stripped car, and I’ve been considering the following: (budget £13500 MAX)
What I really want is a more sensible Lotus Exige S. Or some version of that which I can run as a daily.
Options:
E46 M3 – maybe a bit heavy and too refined? I’ve always wanted one though. Expensive parts, but its an M3. I’d need to get one that already had coilovers & a brake upgrade.
ZM Coupe – As above, too refined and smooth? Quite expensive to buy. Look to be out of my price range
BMW 135i/335i – Tempted with the twin turbo 3.0 engine, but the open diff, and soft comfy setup is putting me off. Also childishly, I don’t know if I’d be happy knowing I didn’t have the M3 or 135M top of the range dedicated performance car.
Porsche Cayman S – Really like these, but servicing costs are scaring me. But looking into it a bit further the intervals are quite long, so if I plan and save, it could be an option!
Cheap S2000 with a supercharger kit – This is appealing. But it means that I’m losing any ‘trading-up’ potential when it comes to change car next time. Buy a car valued at approx £4000-£5000, second hand supercharger kits are out there under £2000, get it mapped for 400bhp and buy a nice kit for it. BUT they look wrong without the hardtop, and all the ‘special’ looking ones have the insanely expensive Mugen hardtop.
Project BMW E30 325 turbo – Again, as above, Id lose the ‘trade-up’ value of building the capital in my car. But knowing an absolutely genius of metalwork, it would be feasible to make an E30 M3 replica (new rear window panel & arches) and then get it sprayed, and fit either an E36 M3 lump or turbo the 325 block.
Or I could just spend a bit more money on mine (wheels, carbon bits, front end respray & paint correction)…
Basically, I’ve got bored and I don’t know what to do. I’m struggling to find a set of alloys in my price range that are wide enough to look good but not too wide, and the solution seems to be to sell up. But Ive just spent nearly a grand on the STI and I don’t really want to shift it on!
15 December 2014, 09:54 AM
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An E46 M3 will actually be slower than your Impreza.
I'd go for the Z4MC (if that's what you mean?) - cracking little car, very nice looking, fairly civilized. Just aware that you won't get that turbo kick so it might actually feel slower but it's a sub 5s to 50 little rocket.
The older 135i (which is in budget) is VERY tuneable indeed with many seeing over 400bhp - then you have a properly lairy mini supercar baiter. And RWD is FUN! You can fit an LSD is you want to later on.
I'd go for the Z4MC (if that's what you mean?) - cracking little car, very nice looking, fairly civilized. Just aware that you won't get that turbo kick so it might actually feel slower but it's a sub 5s to 50 little rocket.
The older 135i (which is in budget) is VERY tuneable indeed with many seeing over 400bhp - then you have a properly lairy mini supercar baiter. And RWD is FUN! You can fit an LSD is you want to later on.
15 December 2014, 10:39 AM
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Babybmw.net is a good place to look - sadly spoiled by a cliquey bunch of weirdos but it's definitely a mine of information.
Some of them have done mad things to their 135is - it's the twin turbo N54 engine so lots can be done with it. Options for my single (twin scroll) turbo N55 engined M135i are more limited but the tuners are beginning to get some silly numbers out of them.
Some of them have done mad things to their 135is - it's the twin turbo N54 engine so lots can be done with it. Options for my single (twin scroll) turbo N55 engined M135i are more limited but the tuners are beginning to get some silly numbers out of them.
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15 December 2014, 11:18 AM
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I shall not engage in any form of conversation with a retard. Nice try though.
15 December 2014, 11:31 AM
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My eyes! They burn!
Cant make sense of most of this.
But yeah, E46 M3 Turbo would take me into big bucks, most likely would cost £7,000+ to do properly, which is fast approaching E90 M3 or IS-F money.
Cant make sense of most of this.
But yeah, E46 M3 Turbo would take me into big bucks, most likely would cost £7,000+ to do properly, which is fast approaching E90 M3 or IS-F money.
15 December 2014, 12:37 PM
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Why do you feel fat Thomas to post on most threads about a wrx.if someone is happy with there car what is your issue.a thread that does not relate to any form of wrx,but you being sad still have to post your rubbish grow up.an as for ya 430 bhp Sti big wow.not nothing to shout about really.
As for the car 135 if I was choosing defo not the m3 you will not be in that for longer than 12 months.
As for the car 135 if I was choosing defo not the m3 you will not be in that for longer than 12 months.
15 December 2014, 01:28 PM
#18
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Why do you feel fat Thomas to post on most threads about a wrx.if someone is happy with there car what is your issue.a thread that does not relate to any form of wrx,but you being sad still have to post your rubbish grow up.an as for ya 430 bhp Sti big wow.not nothing to shout about really.
As for the car 135 if I was choosing defo not the m3 you will not be in that for longer than 12 months.
As for the car 135 if I was choosing defo not the m3 you will not be in that for longer than 12 months.
15 December 2014, 02:41 PM
#19
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Be careful if you're looking at the e46 M3. They have a tendency for the rear floor mounting points (for the read sub-frame) to crack. It appears to be when it will happen, rather than if. Repairs to get it done properly (depending upon how bad it's cracked) could run to around £1.8k. Once it starts to go (and not resolved) it will keep getting worse, which will result in a MOT failure at some point.
Just something to be aware of.
Just something to be aware of.
15 December 2014, 04:46 PM
#21
Z4mc or S2000 for me, but I would sooner go with something that's good out of the box as opposed to modding, you'll never get back what you spend on it so better to buy something at the top of your budget than for £5k and spend another £5k+ on mods, that or buy a car someone has already spent a fortune on, modding is a mugs game unless you plan on keeping it for a good few years.
15 December 2014, 04:54 PM
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Z4mc or S2000 for me, but I would sooner go with something that's good out of the box as opposed to modding, you'll never get back what you spend on it so better to buy something at the top of your budget than for £5k and spend another £5k+ on mods, that or buy a car someone has already spent a fortune on, modding is a mugs game unless you plan on keeping it for a good few years.
15 December 2014, 05:17 PM
#24
Yeah I've been making sure to see repairs in the service history when Ive been browsing.
I couldnt have 2 cars (no parking), and 350Zs dont do anything for me... BUT E39 M5 is total dream car material. But I dont know if its a bit too mature for me. Plus would it feel that much better than my STI?
Very good point. Saying what I already know really. Only thing is Id be losing 90bhp with the S2000. I know its less than that in the real world, what with drivetrain losses of the STI, and vehicle weight etc, but its still a tough selling point for me....
I couldnt have 2 cars (no parking), and 350Zs dont do anything for me... BUT E39 M5 is total dream car material. But I dont know if its a bit too mature for me. Plus would it feel that much better than my STI?
Very good point. Saying what I already know really. Only thing is Id be losing 90bhp with the S2000. I know its less than that in the real world, what with drivetrain losses of the STI, and vehicle weight etc, but its still a tough selling point for me....
I'd have one in a heart beat if I could live with a two seater, sublime handling car, I love em, great fun on road or track and a nice place to be too.
), better engine (V8), better ride and less common.