E36 328i Track Car - Componentry Upgrade Advice

[Rob J]

Hi all.

I'm new to using forums so if I should be posting this elsewhere please tell me.

I have just bought a 1998 E36 328i and will be converting it into a road legal track car. 230k on the clock but a sound body & strong engine.

I'm handy on the track, but not under the bonnet so I am looking for some advice about what changes to make/not make and which componentary would best suit my objectives.

I have already taken inspiration and advice from similar existing threads such as Craigs 328i project etc.

Eventually the car will recieve an S54 powerplant, (one reason I was happy with a high milage base car) so all changes I am making will be to this end but should also ideally work with the 328i engine whilst this is in place.

First up - suspension & brakes; £2.5k budget for both. For suspension I am thinking fully Powerflex poly-bushed all round and a set of coilovers. I have no idea on which coilovers and how much to spend. Car will be used 50/50 for road and track.

Is there anything additional to consider with the fact that an E36 M3 evo rear axle will also be going in?

All advice for the first part of my build appreciated. Thanks

[Rob J]

Gents,

Thanks for your feedback and recommended options - I'll take a look at what you have suggested and make some decisions about what gets tackled first and which products to buy.

I will cage the car out, preferably welded but budget dependent....

I would rather the project take a bit longer and be more expensive rather than taking the budget option. Over the next 18 - 24 months my budget will be £10-15K I hope! (included engine conversion if I go down this road).

Appreciate the benefit on engine may not justify the investment but part of my wanting to do this is a) just for the sheer hell of it and b) well...there is no b, is one of those ' cus I just wanna'

Some pics of the old girl below

[Rob J]

Thanks to all for their advice - so with ambition tempered a little (as was my budget with new driveway going in) I have decided to take a simple approach to start:

Front strut brace
kW v2 coilovers
Interior strip & bucket seats
RS29 pads
Some sticky rubber (tyres need replacing anyway)

I have my seats and strut brace, with coilovers on order, but I can't find anywhere selling these pads for my car....

Can anyone point me in the right direction? It's a 1998 e36 328i manual

Thanks!

[Rob J]

LanceRS said:

I can't remember all the details,but there is a brake upgrade using the e46 330 parts. Just a thought before you spend out.

Cheers Lance, I have looked at a few upgrade options and for the time being decided to stick with standard and just upgrade the pads. My long term goal is an s54 engine conversion and will look at a big brake upgrade if/when that happens