Track duty MB, which engine, transmission...?

[NormCcoupe]

Previously owned 2002 C32 AMG and enjoyed doing MBCA track events. Went to the V8 side with C5 Corvette,05 GTO, and CTS-V and wanted to pick a competitive car for MBCA club events.

Auto crossing and road course show the heavy MB products achilles heel is weight and I like the manual transmission for mostly track duty car. The lightest late model is the C230 Coupe and has manual as an option with around 3300 lbs with no options. Priced right for a car to be driven half dozen times annually well under $7-8K. This would be unmodified stock class.

The second option would to go MBCA modified class. The C32 is heavy at around 3600 lbs for US optioned compared to the Coupe with room to modified for power and handling for just over $10K. Or modify a C230 Coupe as it's under powered and keep the manual trans or just add a C32 motor to it for a C32 Coupe, C32 engine can be had for under $3500. Or buy a C320 Coupe and add power adder but would have automatic trans but would be lighter than the C32 with less weight.

Mid-Ohio MBCA is in May 2011.