NASA Announces New Spec Class for E36 BMW's
January 9, 2009 10:17 AM —
The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is pleased to introduce a new spec class for BMW E36 chassis cars (1993-1995 325i-is) called Spec 3. Spec 3 rules are based largely on the tried and true format that exists for NASA's successful Spec E30 class for E30 chassis BMW's. Spec 3 will be a regional level class initially and will convert to a national level class once class participation is high enough. Spec E30 National Champion and Mid Atlantic Regional Director Chris Cobetto has written the rules for the class and stated "The BMW 3 series platform has traditionally been a fun and very reliable platform. Our idea in creating Spec 3 was to adapt the successful Spec E30 philosophy to E36 chassis cars. Spec E30 succeeds because the cars are inexpensive to build and maintain, reliable, and competitive without being overly complex. This combination has proven attractive to both new and experienced drivers looking for cars that do not require complex sorting. We have spent much of the 2008 season sorting our Spec 3 test car and have come up with what we think is a package for the E36 that works very well."
Road Race Technologies (RRT) of Dulles, VA also played a vital role in establishing the testing format and build of the test platform. Cobetto added that "One day I was talking to Barry Battle, one of the owners of RRT, about a Spec E30 type of class for the E36 chassis and we just kept agreeing with each other that there was a need for a good set of rules. Barry felt that we had a great opportunity to lab test several suspension packages to determine a theoretical best package and then mount it on the car and put it through some real world testing. All the manufacturers we approached were enthusiastic about the project. We tested springs, swaybars, shocks, and bushings from Koni, Bilstein, H&R, Vogtland, Eibach, UUC and Turner. Toyo was great and supplied us with 6 sets of tires for testing. Vorshlag provided motor mounts and some great camber plates. To keep the test drivers safe, Apex Performance provided a Sabelt Taurus seat, Sabelt harnesses and an Emergency Suppression Fire System. RRT then worked their magic with the car build and the car was solid and fast right out of the box."
While the rules will provide more detail regarding the overall package, prospective Spec 3 racers can expect the spec tire to be the new Toyo 888 225/50-15 on 15x7 wheels weighing no less than 15.5 lbs. ECU's and differentials will have to remain stock with stock limited slip differentials allowed. The exhaust, suspension package, brake pads, air filter, track width and nearly every other part or dimension except for the interior will be specified. Estimated build costs are between $10,000 and $15,000 depending upon the price one pays for the starting E36 platform.
Rules and more information can be seen on our rules page or www.spec3racing.com.
Search NASAProRacing.com:
