So, the idea sparked during a chat with our ad contact at GRM (Grassroots Motorsports). We were discussing their Ultimate Track Car Challenge (UTCC), an event Vorshlag participated in back in 2008. The competition has intensified over the years, with entries reaching extreme levels (like the $220,000, 600hp GTP car that clinched the 2009 UTCC). UTCC didn’t grab my interest this time around, but then the GRM $200X Challenge came up. The question was posed: Why doesn’t Vorshlag build a car for that? Initially, I hesitated, thinking they weren’t looking for “shop built” entries. But, as long as we adhered to the same budget constraints as other teams, it was a green light. Intriguing…
What’s the GRM $2010 Challenge all about? Essentially, teams construct a car on a shoestring budget – $2010 or less – and then compete in the annual Grassroots Motorsports event. This challenge comprises three segments: autocross, drag racing, and a car show. Performance in the racing events, combined with the car show ranking, determines the overall winner based on a points system. Labor costs are exempt from the budget, encouraging teams to leverage fabrication skills, DIY engineering, and smart bargain hunting on platforms like eBay to create impressive automotive contraptions. The budget ceiling incrementally increases by $1 each year. For reference, here are the 2009 rules: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/eve…allenge/rules/
The Dirt E30 Team showcased their turbocharged, box flared E30, securing 3rd place at the $2009 GRM Challenge.
This concept ignited some brainstorming sessions with local car enthusiasts, and a compelling idea emerged: a BMW E30 powered by a V8 engine, riding on wide wheels and tires, accentuated by fender flares. Given Vorshlag’s reputation for BMW V8 swaps, revisiting this formula on a budget-friendly scale seemed like a natural fit. Adding to the motivation, the Vorshlag LS1 powered E36 “Alpha car” was recently sold. Honestly, I’ve always been drawn to the GRM $200X Challenge, but only if the resulting car could be genuinely fast. With our shop currently without a dedicated high-speed project, the timing felt right. Forget about LeMons-style antics – no funny costumes or clown-car transformations here. While some GRM Challenge teams embrace that spirit, it’s just not our style. GRM has refined the Challenge rules recently to discourage tube-frame chassis and closed loopholes. They’ve also introduced a peer review system allowing teams to challenge potential budget overspending. Importantly, certain safety upgrades, like a 4-point roll bar, harnesses, and fresh OEM brake hoses, are now budget-exempt.
My aim for this GRM Challenge car is clear: build a legitimately quick machine for track days and autocross events, while also aligning with Vorshlag’s core business – perhaps even developing another V8 swap kit based on insights gained from this project. Who knows, if it survives the $2010 Challenge, maybe we’ll even take it to UTCC. We know the recipe: a lightweight BMW 3 series chassis paired with a potent engine swap is inherently fast. With the right components and tuning, it can achieve impressive handling and braking. The challenge lies in executing this within an extremely tight budget, relying heavily on DIY ingenuity and fabrication. Perfect for the current economic climate!
Performance in autocross holds significant weight in the scoring, but drag strip times and car show appeal are still factors. Our primary focus will be maximizing autocross performance, aiming to complete the build early enough for extensive testing. The plan is to prioritize speed, then shed weight, then refine aesthetics, and eventually test its quarter-mile sprint time. Crucially, reliability is paramount – I have no patience for fragile race cars!
Left: Cleaning the engine bay of the BMW E30. Right: Evaluating engine bay space for the V8 swap.
This multifaceted challenge – encompassing drag racing, autocross, and fabrication – aligns perfectly with my background and the skills of our dedicated team of volunteers. And speaking of starting points, feast your eyes on the rust-free $500 Craigslist find that will be the foundation of this project:
Left: McCall, Amy, and I inspected and purchased the BMW E30 in low light conditions. Right: Towing the newly acquired BMW E30 to the Vorshlag workshop the following morning.
It’s a 1986 BMW 325 coupe, currently non-running due to a fuel leak and dead battery. Cosmetically, it’s a bit rough around the edges, but the interior is a pleasant surprise – partially restored with new carpet, seats, door panels, and even a new dashboard. This level of interior refurbishment was unexpected, and frankly, quite nice. We were initially planning a complete gutting to minimize weight, but the condition of the interior might persuade us to keep it semi-streetable, unlike the Alpha car’s stripped-out nature. The original 2.5L engine and 5-speed transmission will be sold off to free up budget space, and there’s already been interest in those components. This E30 gem was located a mere 8 miles away – sometimes Craigslist delivers real luck! Team member, long-time Vorshlag tester, and Z3M-LS1 builder Jason McCall and I hauled it back to the Vorshlag shop using his truck and trailer.
Left: The surprisingly well-maintained and restored interior of the BMW E30, featuring upgraded seats. Right: McCall addressing the stuck hood release cable to access the engine bay.
Left: The BMW E30 in a partially disassembled state upon arrival at the shop. Right: Post-cleaning, revealing the faded paint and minor body damage.
In the upcoming update, Project Update #2, I’ll delve into the drivetrain options we’re considering for the E30. It won’t be the typical LS-based V8 we’re known for at Vorshlag, as the $2010 budget simply doesn’t allow for that, not even close. Instead, we’re exploring more economical V8 engines from 1990s sports and luxury vehicles. Hold off on your guesses for now – we haven’t finalized the choice ourselves. However, the three engine contenders we’ve narrowed it down to are all intriguing. I’ll also discuss alternative non-V8 engine options and car models we considered and ultimately rejected, along with the reasoning behind those decisions. Stay tuned for Project Update #2 later this week!
