[jmg]

Hey everyone, I'm entertaining the idea of a used F87 as a track/weekend car. I tracked a F80 M3 and F80 M3 CS for 4 years and now I'm tracking a G87. The G87 is excellent, but it is quite expensive and I'm thinking I should get a used M2 Comp for around $60-70k which will be cheaper to insure and repair.

I've only tracked the M2 Comp at 3 separate M Schools (one 2-Day event, and two 3-Day events). I did some laps in the short track course at Thermal and it really was fun to toss the M2 around. Although they required us to use DSC, it was easy to manage the M2's shorter wheelbase. I ended up in first place with an almost 2 second faster time then the next fastest driver.

Has anyone else moved from a F8X or G8X to track a F87? Any regrets or words of advice? I've been tracking DCT and Auto this whole time, but I think I want to go 6MT this time.

[3LiterBeater]

I follow these guys who do really in-depth analysis on their ring cars. This video goes into detail on the G series track use.

My personal stance is always the smallest/ lightest car is the best for track day fun.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by 3LiterBeater

I follow these guys who do really in-depth analysis on their ring cars. This video goes into detail on the G series track use.

My personal stance is always the smallest/ lightest car is the best for track day fun.

Yeah I follow them too. Iirc it wasn't the G8X itself that was the problem, but the scarcity of parts. That's not something that will really affect me being I only track once or twice a month!

[MooMooM2]

its true and the G8x was actually much better with brake pad usage so on that aspect actually cheaper.

However I am not sure how much cheaper it really will be to track an M2 if you already have an M3... because you have to buy the car and its not going to be that much cheaper (still heavy, parts are still expensive, insurance will still be expensive on a 50-60k car). I think sure if you track a lot but a few days a year I don't think would be worth to buy another car.

That said, the g8x is a weapon but the the f87 is more fun on the track imo.

[OG Shark]

I haven't tracked a G8x yet - but have both an F80/2 and F87. Assuming you are looking at an M2C then it would have a fairly similar feel to your F80. The shorter wheelbase like you mentioned makes it a bit more playful than the F80/2 - both a positive & negative. The weight is basically the same with the M2C having a hair better distribution. Upgrade benefits are pretty much the same for both. Aero is about the only area where the M2C has a bit more benefit as it helps settle the bit looser rear in the high speed stuff.

To me the decision between the two is based on the ultimate goal. For outright pace I like the additional stability of the F82 only for the bit more rear stability it has in the high speed stuff. I think that gives it just a slim advantage over the F87 but worth it if pace is the driver. We are currently converting an F82 into our next wheel to wheel car. The F87 however I feel like is a bit more fun to drive - the playfulness from the wheelbase being helpful here. For track days it really is a blast to drive. The F80/2 is as well but the F87 is a step above imo. And the F87 is absolutely capable of being extremely fast. And the F87 is not hard to manage when it does step out - pretty friendly track manners for sure.

Both can absolutely shine as dual duty cars as well if the plan is to keep it streetable. They also do not need a ton of mods in order to achieve a very quick pace - Project 223 M2C Build - this was our exact goal with the first phase of our M2C build. Our custom spec Nitron R1 singles, Bend Calibration tune & flex fuel, Wagner intercooler, & AP brakes and we were already clear on the 2nd quickest F8x at COTA by 2 seconds. And this is a full weight, extremely well mannered street car. We have taken it quite a bit further since that phase - kind of going full stupid with the car now to see how far we can push it on the track - but still going to be a street car. The F82 is certainly capable of this as well - just not quite as playful.

[Suds]

I agree with Shark above, the M2c is a fun little package and the shorter wheel base is noticeable. I have tracked two F82’s (6MT and DCT) and still own one as my primary daily. I know a lot of the car feel comes from having race seats and harnesses in the M2, it is so easy to feel where the car is starting to go.
M2c requires 19” wheels unless you decide to replace the brakes with AP or another brand that lets running 18” wheels.
The other consideration is rims and whether you would want a square set up.

[David.m]

Originally Posted by jmg

Yeah I follow them too. Iirc it wasn't the G8X itself that was the problem, but the scarcity of parts. That's not something that will really affect me being I only track once or twice a month!

They did say the G80 was a lot harder on tyres compared to the F80 (I would assume the same tyre), 50% more wear at front I think. Would be reasonable to expect the weight of the G87 to be harder on tyres, I guess fewer hot laps before you overheat them and overall quicker wear.

Once guys start tracking the G87 I'll be interested to see how it corners compared to F87, not only tyre wear but how much more tyre it will need to achieve equal/better cornering speeds.

[PackPride85]

Get an OG F87. You can run 18's and oem brakes that don't require caliper removal to change pads. Plus being lighter it won't eat up tires as fast. Just have to ok with the power decrease vs s55. Although if you just FBO you can up to m2c stock up and more torque.

[OG Shark]

Originally Posted by PackPride85

Get an OG F87. You can run 18's and oem brakes that don't require caliper removal to change pads. Plus being lighter it won't eat up tires as fast. Just have to ok with the power decrease vs s55. Although if you just FBO you can up to m2c stock up and more torque.

Good call - the OG is a blast on track. Just need to be aware of its limitations going in - heat management being a big one too. Such a fun car to track though when it is in its happy place.

[PackPride85]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

Good call - the OG is a blast on track. Just need to be aware of its limitations going in - heat management being a big one too. Such a fun car to track though when it is in its happy place.

Good point on heat management. In terms of overall engine temp and health I think that only applies once you get into aggressive tunes and beyond FBO.

IATs on the stock IC will limit power, but that temp indicator will stay solid in the middle for oil/coolant. I'm running a Wagner comp IC on stage 1 tune and while it will eventually heat soak some, I've had zero issues with oil/coolant temps even in 90+ weather.

[MannyM5]

I had an f80 in the past and now have an OG m2 f87. While the m2 is down on power a bit compared to my old m3, the lighter weight and shorter wheelbase make up for it on track.

I chose OG over Comp due to it being lighter weight overall, ease of changing brake pads, ability to run 18's, and ability to run schroth quick fit harness/hans with oem seats. Cost savings was an added benefit. 👍🏼

[jmg]

Originally Posted by MannyM5

I had an f80 in the past and now have an OG m2 f87. While the m2 is down on power a bit compared to my old m3, the lighter weight and shorter wheelbase make up for it on track.

I chose OG over Comp due to it being lighter weight overall, ease of changing brake pads, ability to run 18's, and ability to run schroth quick fit harness/hans with oem seats. Cost savings was an added benefit. 👍🏼

Are the Competition brakes not easily swappable like the F80's?

[David.m]

Originally Posted by jmg

Are the Competition brakes not easily swappable like the F80's?

It's just the front pad change on M2C BBK require caliper removal unlike OG/F80/82 needing just the 2 pins out.
The caliper bolts are spec'd as single use, assume most don't replace them each pad change though.

[3LiterBeater]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

Good call - the OG is a blast on track. Just need to be aware of its limitations going in - heat management being a big one too. Such a fun car to track though when it is in its happy place.

My experience has been excellent. I think many make the mistake of asking that engine for more power when it doesn't "need" it. (Personal preference, of course)

I've tracked my OG 6MT in all weather and conditions without a single heat-related issue. 100f and not so much as a misfire. It's fantastic

[3LiterBeater]

Originally Posted by MannyM5

I had an f80 in the past and now have an OG m2 f87. While the m2 is down on power a bit compared to my old m3, the lighter weight and shorter wheelbase make up for it on track.

I chose OG over Comp due to it being lighter weight overall, ease of changing brake pads, ability to run 18's, and ability to run schroth quick fit harness/hans with oem seats. Cost savings was an added benefit. 👍🏼

Couldn't have said this better myself. Weight is such a huge killer on the track. Cost reduction is an added plus.

OG is the answer (but I'm heavily biased and shouldn't be fully trusted)