I signed up for a DE at VIR with Mid-Atlantic Alfa Romeo Club, May 5th and 6th. It was originally supposed to be North course, but for some reason they got pushed over to the South course. What the heck, I've never done South, so I'm game. They are running this with Vintage Racers, and the format is "small bore", meaning you can't have more than 3.5 liters deplacement. Sounds like a MINI to me. I could bring 2 MINI's and still have less than 3.5L, and it'll be kind of nice not seeing the M3's and Vettes bearing down on me in my rearview. It'll be fun to check out all the old Vintage stuff, too.

Anyway, they seem like a nice laid-back bunch of guys that just like to drive fast and have fun, so if anyone in the NC-VA area has the urge, there's still time to sign up. What's better than a May morning on the Dan River with the smell of brakes wafting past the Oak Tree?

Check out - www.pastaeaters.com

 

Bullfrog, M3's don't have 3.5 liters. you'll have to wait for next year for the V8 M3 that's still only 4.0 liters and 420hp.

 

Really? Just how big is that 6-banger in those M3's? Guess I need to learn my BMW's.

 

I'll try and keep this short.

current E46 M3 is 3.2 liter and has 333hp (S54 motor)
E36 M3 had 3.2 liter engine and made 240 hp (S52 motor)
the early E 36 M3 was OBD 1 and had a 3.0 engine 240 hp(S50 motor)
the euro-version of the E36 M3 made 289 hp. Some of those motors are in the us now.
E30 M3 was a 4 cylinder 2.3 liter engine with 190 hp. (S 14 engine)

now the curve ball. The Z3 M roadster or M coupe (hard top) was produced between the years of the E36-E46 transition so the early years had the S52 engine and the later years had the S54 engine. There is no way to tell from looking at the outside of the car if it had an extra 100hp.

 

Excellent info, thanks. Now when I see one bearing down on me in my mirror, I'll have half a clue what it is!

Seriously, I love 'em. For whatever reason, I've seen Lotii, Vettes, Cobras, and others in various agricultural excursions, but I rarely see the M3's in trouble. I guess they're just very capable and predictable. If I could afford it, I'd get one.

 

I think i'll be on the North couse that weekend.

 

Isn't that the Ferrari club on the North course? It'd be fun to wander over and check a few of them out. I'll look for you.

 

Ferrari is the only club that will let you take anyone for a ride at speed. It's a blast.