E46 M3 road legal track car
Discussion
Had a lengthy-ish build thread on here before the greedy b******s at photobucked destroyed it.
(As Photobucket has done over my last build, here's a new one)
Brought this car bone stock in late 2012 and never had intentions on turning it into a fully fledge track car.
First track outing was November 2014 and has been a steady stream of modifications and track days since.
IMG_5933 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
IMG_5955 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
IMG_5941 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
IMG_5934 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
And now (summer 2017)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
This is as the car stands today, I've just picked up a CSF oil cooler and a Motorsport 4.10 diff ratio to rebuild a spare diff, just need to decided on what LSD to go for.
________________________________
Been a while since updated this;
Haven't had a dry track day since June last year
Snetterton... managed a 2:08 with a knacked stock diff that was no longer locking
CH_170608_SN_Cars_0226 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
CH_170608_SN_Cars_0808 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
CH_170608_SN_Cars_1655 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
CH_170608_SN_Cars_1679 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Goodwood.. only managed to match my best of a 1:27, no matter how much pushed on was still the same time; was an extremely hot day so I blame that
PBWPIX by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
PBWPIX by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Got given some GSR carbon wings so chucked them on to see how the fit was before painting them (which in the end took about 5 months)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
4.10 and Wavetrac going in
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Had two 20 min sessions around Castle Combe... first time on the circuit and first time on AD08R, not a track I enjoyed but could of just been down to conditions, best was only a 1:20
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Plumbing in the CSF oil cooler, my stock lines had cracked so used the end OEM fittings that went into the oil cooler itself with some AN10 fittings welded on so I could use braided lines
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Done Bedford GT again to see if my custom exhaust with 3 boxes would pass noise regs... first session out black flagged
was 0.7 db below the limit so spent the rest of the day short shifting and lifting out, not ideal but was a freezing, wet and to start icy day but still had fun... temps never went above 2 degrees, best was only 2:57
by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Being 6'3 I like my seat low but the steering wheel was left a little high, so I made a 5 to 10mm shim which has lowered it perfectly!
by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Jan 2018... Wings and some other little bits of body work finally painted
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
New PF front rotors with black bells and RSL29 pads
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Side note bought some 3 piece splits to put the AD08R on, there all built and tyred up but yet to see the car
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Refitted a stock exhaust system to pass noise regs at Bedford GT with no lift, and I've never done Thruxton which is even more strict so this downgrade should get me in there no problems (fingers crossed)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
I for one actually love the sound of the stock system and have even missed the rasp/rattle.
Lastly carried out a full service so I'm all ready for track days 2018
First one booked is Bedford GT this Saturday coming 17/2/18
___________________________________________________________
Some onboard footage
https://youtu.be/r5O0fZoR9Vo
https://youtu.be/jnoeu6ip9HY
https://youtu.be/josfeMxLtx0
___________________________________________________________
So Bedford GT on 17th Feb went okay-ish. Was sunny and dry but a cold day, managed 4 session in the morning and on the 4th got the dreaded black flag for going over the driveby db limit...game over
Turns out when I installed my stock exhaust system I clearly hadn't done up from my cats to centre section tight enough, only 3 out of the 6 bolts were left and they were obviously loose too, had also blow out the gasket.
We only realised this after we'd loaded up the car and was driving out of the pits with the windows open, couldn't tell at all with windows up and helmet on.
I've since fitted new gaskets, bolts that are done up FT and also double nutted it just to be sure it never happens again.
Some pictures and video from the day
1DX25626 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Run-of-the-mill GTR holding up braking zones and corners
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
1DX25514 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
1DX25561 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Fun lap chasing an Aerial Atom
https://youtu.be/nnEAdr4yoPA
Got my hand on some Image billet 60 motorsport wheels that needed a refurb.
Had the centres done in Satin black and lips in Gloss black to break it up a little then bought a new set of bolts and built them in my lounge.
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Finished off with some Ti studs from PSdesign
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Wheels have directional centres for added brake cooling. 9.5" up front and 11" out back, which I may reduce down to 10.5 or even 10 to make tyres fit little better.
________
Just gave the car a quick wip over and a nut & bolt check to make sure all is well for Rockingham on the 24th March
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Also have a few session around Silverstone on Easter Monday at the PistonHeads meet was rebooked due to snow.
(As Photobucket has done over my last build, here's a new one)
Brought this car bone stock in late 2012 and never had intentions on turning it into a fully fledge track car.
First track outing was November 2014 and has been a steady stream of modifications and track days since.
IMG_5933 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrIMG_5955 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrIMG_5941 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrIMG_5934 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrAnd now (summer 2017)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrThis is as the car stands today, I've just picked up a CSF oil cooler and a Motorsport 4.10 diff ratio to rebuild a spare diff, just need to decided on what LSD to go for.
________________________________
Been a while since updated this;
Haven't had a dry track day since June last year
Snetterton... managed a 2:08 with a knacked stock diff that was no longer locking
CH_170608_SN_Cars_0226 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrCH_170608_SN_Cars_0808 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrCH_170608_SN_Cars_1655 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrCH_170608_SN_Cars_1679 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrGoodwood.. only managed to match my best of a 1:27, no matter how much pushed on was still the same time; was an extremely hot day so I blame that
PBWPIX by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrPBWPIX by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrGot given some GSR carbon wings so chucked them on to see how the fit was before painting them (which in the end took about 5 months)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr4.10 and Wavetrac going in
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrHad two 20 min sessions around Castle Combe... first time on the circuit and first time on AD08R, not a track I enjoyed but could of just been down to conditions, best was only a 1:20
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrPlumbing in the CSF oil cooler, my stock lines had cracked so used the end OEM fittings that went into the oil cooler itself with some AN10 fittings welded on so I could use braided lines
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrDone Bedford GT again to see if my custom exhaust with 3 boxes would pass noise regs... first session out black flagged
was 0.7 db below the limit so spent the rest of the day short shifting and lifting out, not ideal but was a freezing, wet and to start icy day but still had fun... temps never went above 2 degrees, best was only 2:57 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrBeing 6'3 I like my seat low but the steering wheel was left a little high, so I made a 5 to 10mm shim which has lowered it perfectly!
by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrJan 2018... Wings and some other little bits of body work finally painted
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrNew PF front rotors with black bells and RSL29 pads
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrSide note bought some 3 piece splits to put the AD08R on, there all built and tyred up but yet to see the car
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrRefitted a stock exhaust system to pass noise regs at Bedford GT with no lift, and I've never done Thruxton which is even more strict so this downgrade should get me in there no problems (fingers crossed)
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrI for one actually love the sound of the stock system and have even missed the rasp/rattle.
Lastly carried out a full service so I'm all ready for track days 2018
First one booked is Bedford GT this Saturday coming 17/2/18
___________________________________________________________
Some onboard footage
https://youtu.be/r5O0fZoR9Vo
https://youtu.be/jnoeu6ip9HY
https://youtu.be/josfeMxLtx0
___________________________________________________________
So Bedford GT on 17th Feb went okay-ish. Was sunny and dry but a cold day, managed 4 session in the morning and on the 4th got the dreaded black flag for going over the driveby db limit...game over
Turns out when I installed my stock exhaust system I clearly hadn't done up from my cats to centre section tight enough, only 3 out of the 6 bolts were left and they were obviously loose too, had also blow out the gasket.
We only realised this after we'd loaded up the car and was driving out of the pits with the windows open, couldn't tell at all with windows up and helmet on.
I've since fitted new gaskets, bolts that are done up FT and also double nutted it just to be sure it never happens again.
Some pictures and video from the day
1DX25626 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrRun-of-the-mill GTR holding up braking zones and corners
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr1DX25514 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr1DX25561 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrFun lap chasing an Aerial Atom
https://youtu.be/nnEAdr4yoPA
Got my hand on some Image billet 60 motorsport wheels that needed a refurb.
Had the centres done in Satin black and lips in Gloss black to break it up a little then bought a new set of bolts and built them in my lounge.
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrFinished off with some Ti studs from PSdesign
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrWheels have directional centres for added brake cooling. 9.5" up front and 11" out back, which I may reduce down to 10.5 or even 10 to make tyres fit little better.
________
Just gave the car a quick wip over and a nut & bolt check to make sure all is well for Rockingham on the 24th March
Untitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrUntitled by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrAlso have a few session around Silverstone on Easter Monday at the PistonHeads meet was rebooked due to snow.
I bet that is superb fun on track and looks superb as well!
How you getting on with the extended gearstick? I did the same thing with my RX8 much to others critism, I find it so natural to move your hand from wheel to gearknob and back again without reaching down.
Keep up the good work!
How you getting on with the extended gearstick? I did the same thing with my RX8 much to others critism, I find it so natural to move your hand from wheel to gearknob and back again without reaching down.
Keep up the good work!
AmosMoses said:
Good god man! That is fabulous, bet this thing can really move on track, awesome.
Thank you... does okay on track, trying to do as many days as possible this year to get all the seat time inBowen86 said:
Absolutely love this. Pretty sure I saw it at Castle Combe, in the monsoon conditions.
Keep up the good work mate.
Yeah think it was the forge action day ? Keep up the good work mate.
Here's a onboard of how bad it was out there https://instagram.com/p/BY4KwfNBR_4/
ManOpener said:
Love the Apex ARC-8s, such a fantastic looking wheel.
They are my fav wheel, any other wheel that goes on the car has to complete with Apex's and it's tough. C2james said:
Do slightly love this car, follow it on Instagram and 197.net when you had the Clio (AG 200). I’ve only had my M3 a week and already started in small things haha
Good man... do kind of miss that clio cup.m3jappa said:
Im loving this! Especially the wheels!
What is that shifter? is it sequential or just higher up normal. I had a geoff steel one in my old e36 m3 and it was excellent.
It's a CAE shifter, so still a normal H pattern but just up higher and sprung loaded so always centrals to neutral.What is that shifter? is it sequential or just higher up normal. I had a geoff steel one in my old e36 m3 and it was excellent.
Check it out on some onboards... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gbiMdKGGcV0P24Z...
james_gt3rs said:
Ah I know this car, flew passed me at Bedford last time I went (yellow VX220, December ish). Quick car!
The wet and icy day ? Bad conditions and had to short shift for noise but still had fun!Jay_87 said:
MEGA car, can't wait to see it on track at Rockingham... i'm coming a passenger ride!
Looking forward to it mate. Haven't managed to upload any footage or photos from Rockingham yet... but did buy a few photos from a couple of Silverstone session on Easter monday
This event was first schedule for the beginning of March but was snowed off, a month on and typically snow was forecasted again... but thankfully we only got heavy rain, and I was not going to let that stop me.
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on Flickr
They've actually resurfaced Silverstone start to finish, on first impression grip level is up in the wet so hopefully the same in the dry, biggest thing noticed was how much louder it was through the car, especially in braking.
Car performed pretty faultlessly, will try get around to uploading GoPro footage.
This event was first schedule for the beginning of March but was snowed off, a month on and typically snow was forecasted again... but thankfully we only got heavy rain, and I was not going to let that stop me.
Silverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrSilverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrSilverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrSilverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrSilverstone National 2-4-18 by Sam Ratcliffe, on FlickrThey've actually resurfaced Silverstone start to finish, on first impression grip level is up in the wet so hopefully the same in the dry, biggest thing noticed was how much louder it was through the car, especially in braking.
Car performed pretty faultlessly, will try get around to uploading GoPro footage.
As always it's a great read.
For the Google Chrome users with a plug-in your old thread isn't dead and still very much visible
.
I saw the wheels at Silverstone and felt they looked superb! How do the AD08Rs compare to the NS-2Rs and AR-1s you had?
Another thing I wish to know is how come you didn't go to the CSL airbox? I know they are not cheap but am also aware Eventuris and gold leaf isn't exactly bargainous either.
The whole package looks superb.
For the Google Chrome users with a plug-in your old thread isn't dead and still very much visible
.I saw the wheels at Silverstone and felt they looked superb! How do the AD08Rs compare to the NS-2Rs and AR-1s you had?
Another thing I wish to know is how come you didn't go to the CSL airbox? I know they are not cheap but am also aware Eventuris and gold leaf isn't exactly bargainous either
. The whole package looks superb.
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