First car build to run both Lemons and ChampCar (Page 2 of 2)

I've been doing some research.

According to Wikipedia [so of course the figures are true], following is a summary of various BMW models #/HP ratios, as produced.

I took the two _highest_ HP figures listed for the platform, and of course that excluded any diesel models. I didn't do any zero-60 mph research, and I don't know how to associate torque with acceleration, other than to generally believe "more is better".

The higher number was usually listed for an M/ model, the other I usually took from the highest 'non-M/' model of the platform. I took a rough average of the listed curb weight, expecting a higher number would likely be for a diesel model.

Results:

E30  #/HP:  14.9-13.0
E34  #/HP:  16.7-15.6
E36  #/HP:  15.0-12.5
E46. #/HP:  17.9-10.1

Just a point of reference.

[edit: I deliberately didn't include any of the lower HP figures for any model. Obviously the ratio could be a lot worse (see above ^^). I would have posted this earlier, but I was cooking dinner.]

Using Wikipedia, searched for Exx, followed chart on those pages.

I should have listed bhp, not HP - didn't notice that; corrected below.

Used listed curb weight, averaged specs in most cases.

E30
(b)HP: 168/192
/
325i/is/ix     1985-1993     M20B25 6-cyl     125 kW (168 bhp) at 5,800 rpm**     222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm**
M3 /M3 Evo 1  1986-1987     S14B23  4-cyl  143 kW (192bhp)  at 6,750 rpm     230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft)  at 4,750 rpm
I didn't include later models with more hp
Curb weight    1,080–1,200 kg (2,380–2,650 lb)
/
Curb: 2500
# / (b)HP: 14.9-13.0

E46
(b)HP:  190/335
/
328i / 328ci[29]     1998–2000     M52TUB28   inline-6     142 kW (190 hp)     280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
M3 (US)[38]         2000–2006       S54B32         inline-6      248 kW (333 hp)     355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft)  [*I rounded to 335]
Curb weight    1,385–1,770 kg (3,053–3,902 lb)
[I took the middle road here, but I think that's a huge range for curb weight]
/
Curb: 3400
# /(b)HP:  17.9-10.2**
[** corrected]

Average lap time with pit is the equalizer. If you are making 5 minute pit stops against a car doing them in 3, you gotta make up 2 minutes on the track for stint. If you are doing 2 minute laps and 2 hour stints, you have to be 2 seconds a lap faster to make that up. The harder you push the car the more fuel it drinks and the more likely it is to break. It's a hard balance.

E30s, particularly 88-91 I think had larger fuel tanks. They have good power to weight and range. My Z motor is similar to an E30 motor but we have twin sidedraft carbs which are less efficient than the E30's fuel injection. Stock E30s, don't quite have the speed but mixing up some parts turns a blunt e30 into a scalpel.

Chumps 2 hour stint limit was pussified by the 7 hour race day. 5 minute pits stops are REALLY slow and yet they are the only organization I have seen a fire in pit lane.

Our e30 has been great for that. Bored judges, but fun and pretty cheap (compared to other people's cost they shared on fb). 4 gph, 205 tires, and minimal maintenance. They are coming up on classic appreciation now so harder to build them cheap like 6 years ago but if you get lucky can be affordable.

However, there were more E46s than any other gen at Gingerman two weeks ago and they are cheap with reliable M54s that make good power. That's probably the right ticket these days. Similar gph (5) while E36 burns more (6.5) https://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/view … 40#p326640

Seems like you if you want to run both you need to build to the Chump rulebook because it's so convoluted in what costs you big-time on points and what doesn't .  I recently did the math on my current cars.  The Jag is comfortably under 500 pts but doubtful it's competitive, particularly when they allow S5x M-motor transplants into the BMWs.  The RX7 is a little over 500 pts but too expensive/not worth it to replace parts to bring it under.  The one that is eye-popping is the Sunbeam Imp.  The 3 series and Miatas clearly must tremble at the sight of a Sunbeam Imp on the entry list.  That car is 3300 pts.

One used to be able to compete in both but since Champ continues to drop the points structure it is almost impossible....I mean if you want to actually race and not get passed every 3rd lap. Our car was about 480 when we 1st started Chumps. It was Lemons legal too. Now even with intake and carb in Champ we have 100 to burn. If when we race Lemons we have to remove the intake and carb or race EC. Our 84 T/A before it got balled up was one of the fastest Lemons cars on the track, same car Champ was mid pack.

OP is in Wisconsin where LD isn't really a player (at this point) so Chump makes more sense than LD.