325TI - Project Mpact
Discussion
I know, I know.... i keep watching them 
Nunga said:
Loving this build, and think a 3 Mpact is a great thing indeed. I have KW V3s on my E46 M3 and they reused the factory top mounts, so unless the design has changed in the last two and a half years (possible) you’d have needed to go to the Clubsport to have fully adjustable top mounts. And I swapped my top mounts over as well to run more camber; great budget bodge.
Thank you, I stand corrected you are right. It's the KW clubsports that have the adjustable top mounts not the V3's.Out of interest, what does it handle like with the top mounts swapped? does the steering feel heavier with the extra caster?
Well, it's been a year exactly since the start of the "quick engine swap", this time last year i had taken the engine out of the M3 over the Christmas break. And....... the engine still hasn't made it into the Compact yet, as with most projects everything seems to take double the time expected.
With an update from my last post i had some "under hood" estoril blue mixed up to try and colour match the crack repair on the strut tower, it's not perfect but i think it's the best it's going to get without respraying the entire engine bay. I think it will be fine once i refit the strut brace, most of it will be hidden.
Ideally with the front track i wanted to stick with the M3 items (top mounts, bottom arms and tie rods) but after a lot of faffing about plans have changed.
I'm going to be using the stock Compact sport front track as it's narrower, this allows plenty of tolerance for different offset wheels and wheel spacers.
Not only do i want to space the wheels out to give clearance from the back of the wheel to the coilover but to allow clearance for a brake caliper upgrade, BMW calipers are good for day to day driving but on track days brake fade seems common. A few months ago after searching for Brembo Porsche calipers (which seems the way to go) i started thinking what else could i use. Ideally Radial mount calipers to suit a disc of 325mmx28mm (M3 or bigger) that i could mock up some mounts, then get them drawn and machined from billet.
After searching for many different car makes i came across a full set of calipers, brand new in there boxes directly from Lotus. A pair of front AP 4 pot calipers (red) and a pair of AP rear 4 pot calipers (black) with pads which are used on Lotus Evora GT's.
With one of the old and warn discs from the front of the M3 i roughly worked out i can fit an M3 disc and AP caliper inside a 17" wheel, although the diameter is tight..... have to be careful where wheel weights go.
The only other slight problem is the distance from the face of the caliper to the rear of the spokes on the wheel, this is where the wheel spacers will need to be used (hence my decision to use the compact narrower front track).
A standard 17" front Compact wheel with a 15mm spacer, due to the curvature of the spokes (still a bit snug).
An old 17" RS740 from my last E46 Compact, Same 15mm spacer.
A 19" VMR VB3 with a 10mm spacer
And a 19" front wheel off the M3, this bolted straight on with no spacers and gave plenty of clearance but........i can't use these due to the offset on the rear wheels ( they poke out far to much for my liking).
All of the above wheels fit without sitting ridiculously close to the wheel arch, even with the 15mm spacers.
Now that is all worked out, all be it roughly i know what i'm using and i can go about getting hubs etc blasted, cleaned and painted.
Top mount wise on the KW M3 coilovers i still haven't come to a decision on what i'm doing with them, adjustable top mounts are still a last resort as i think they are too harsh for daily driving.
hopefully i'll have more updates soon.
With an update from my last post i had some "under hood" estoril blue mixed up to try and colour match the crack repair on the strut tower, it's not perfect but i think it's the best it's going to get without respraying the entire engine bay. I think it will be fine once i refit the strut brace, most of it will be hidden.
Ideally with the front track i wanted to stick with the M3 items (top mounts, bottom arms and tie rods) but after a lot of faffing about plans have changed.
I'm going to be using the stock Compact sport front track as it's narrower, this allows plenty of tolerance for different offset wheels and wheel spacers.
Not only do i want to space the wheels out to give clearance from the back of the wheel to the coilover but to allow clearance for a brake caliper upgrade, BMW calipers are good for day to day driving but on track days brake fade seems common. A few months ago after searching for Brembo Porsche calipers (which seems the way to go) i started thinking what else could i use. Ideally Radial mount calipers to suit a disc of 325mmx28mm (M3 or bigger) that i could mock up some mounts, then get them drawn and machined from billet.
After searching for many different car makes i came across a full set of calipers, brand new in there boxes directly from Lotus. A pair of front AP 4 pot calipers (red) and a pair of AP rear 4 pot calipers (black) with pads which are used on Lotus Evora GT's.
With one of the old and warn discs from the front of the M3 i roughly worked out i can fit an M3 disc and AP caliper inside a 17" wheel, although the diameter is tight..... have to be careful where wheel weights go.
The only other slight problem is the distance from the face of the caliper to the rear of the spokes on the wheel, this is where the wheel spacers will need to be used (hence my decision to use the compact narrower front track).
A standard 17" front Compact wheel with a 15mm spacer, due to the curvature of the spokes (still a bit snug).
An old 17" RS740 from my last E46 Compact, Same 15mm spacer.
A 19" VMR VB3 with a 10mm spacer
And a 19" front wheel off the M3, this bolted straight on with no spacers and gave plenty of clearance but........i can't use these due to the offset on the rear wheels ( they poke out far to much for my liking).
All of the above wheels fit without sitting ridiculously close to the wheel arch, even with the 15mm spacers.
Now that is all worked out, all be it roughly i know what i'm using and i can go about getting hubs etc blasted, cleaned and painted.
Top mount wise on the KW M3 coilovers i still haven't come to a decision on what i'm doing with them, adjustable top mounts are still a last resort as i think they are too harsh for daily driving.
hopefully i'll have more updates soon.
Looking good so far.
With the caliper clearance issue, if you do go with spacers, hub concentric ones from H&R or akin would be the best way, it's what i used for my conversion with the Porsche calipers if you've not gone with them already.
As for using OEM top mounts but getting some camber in, I've been considering getting these https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-265-front-fixed... but the import price could get expensive.
Only downside is that they're semi fixed at 2.5 to 3 degrees.
With the caliper clearance issue, if you do go with spacers, hub concentric ones from H&R or akin would be the best way, it's what i used for my conversion with the Porsche calipers if you've not gone with them already.
As for using OEM top mounts but getting some camber in, I've been considering getting these https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-265-front-fixed... but the import price could get expensive.
Only downside is that they're semi fixed at 2.5 to 3 degrees.
amc_adam said:
Well, it's been a year exactly since the start of the "quick engine swap", this time last year i had taken the engine out of the M3 over the Christmas break. And....... the engine still hasn't made it into the Compact yet, as with most projects everything seems to take double the time expected.
With an update from my last post i had some "under hood" estoril blue mixed up to try and colour match the crack repair on the strut tower, it's not perfect but i think it's the best it's going to get without respraying the entire engine bay. I think it will be fine once i refit the strut brace, most of it will be hidden.
Ideally with the front track i wanted to stick with the M3 items (top mounts, bottom arms and tie rods) but after a lot of faffing about plans have changed.
I'm going to be using the stock Compact sport front track as it's narrower, this allows plenty of tolerance for different offset wheels and wheel spacers.
Not only do i want to space the wheels out to give clearance from the back of the wheel to the coilover but to allow clearance for a brake caliper upgrade, BMW calipers are good for day to day driving but on track days brake fade seems common. A few months ago after searching for Brembo Porsche calipers (which seems the way to go) i started thinking what else could i use. Ideally Radial mount calipers to suit a disc of 325mmx28mm (M3 or bigger) that i could mock up some mounts, then get them drawn and machined from billet.
After searching for many different car makes i came across a full set of calipers, brand new in there boxes directly from Lotus. A pair of front AP 4 pot calipers (red) and a pair of AP rear 4 pot calipers (black) with pads which are used on Lotus Evora GT's.
With one of the old and warn discs from the front of the M3 i roughly worked out i can fit an M3 disc and AP caliper inside a 17" wheel, although the diameter is tight..... have to be careful where wheel weights go.
The only other slight problem is the distance from the face of the caliper to the rear of the spokes on the wheel, this is where the wheel spacers will need to be used (hence my decision to use the compact narrower front track).
A standard 17" front Compact wheel with a 15mm spacer, due to the curvature of the spokes (still a bit snug).
An old 17" RS740 from my last E46 Compact, Same 15mm spacer.
A 19" VMR VB3 with a 10mm spacer
And a 19" front wheel off the M3, this bolted straight on with no spacers and gave plenty of clearance but........i can't use these due to the offset on the rear wheels ( they poke out far to much for my liking).
All of the above wheels fit without sitting ridiculously close to the wheel arch, even with the 15mm spacers.
Now that is all worked out, all be it roughly i know what i'm using and i can go about getting hubs etc blasted, cleaned and painted.
Top mount wise on the KW M3 coilovers i still haven't come to a decision on what i'm doing with them, adjustable top mounts are still a last resort as i think they are too harsh for daily driving.
hopefully i'll have more updates soon.
Good to see that things are progressing with this and you have found a direction with the front end set up.With an update from my last post i had some "under hood" estoril blue mixed up to try and colour match the crack repair on the strut tower, it's not perfect but i think it's the best it's going to get without respraying the entire engine bay. I think it will be fine once i refit the strut brace, most of it will be hidden.
Ideally with the front track i wanted to stick with the M3 items (top mounts, bottom arms and tie rods) but after a lot of faffing about plans have changed.
I'm going to be using the stock Compact sport front track as it's narrower, this allows plenty of tolerance for different offset wheels and wheel spacers.
Not only do i want to space the wheels out to give clearance from the back of the wheel to the coilover but to allow clearance for a brake caliper upgrade, BMW calipers are good for day to day driving but on track days brake fade seems common. A few months ago after searching for Brembo Porsche calipers (which seems the way to go) i started thinking what else could i use. Ideally Radial mount calipers to suit a disc of 325mmx28mm (M3 or bigger) that i could mock up some mounts, then get them drawn and machined from billet.
After searching for many different car makes i came across a full set of calipers, brand new in there boxes directly from Lotus. A pair of front AP 4 pot calipers (red) and a pair of AP rear 4 pot calipers (black) with pads which are used on Lotus Evora GT's.
With one of the old and warn discs from the front of the M3 i roughly worked out i can fit an M3 disc and AP caliper inside a 17" wheel, although the diameter is tight..... have to be careful where wheel weights go.
The only other slight problem is the distance from the face of the caliper to the rear of the spokes on the wheel, this is where the wheel spacers will need to be used (hence my decision to use the compact narrower front track).
A standard 17" front Compact wheel with a 15mm spacer, due to the curvature of the spokes (still a bit snug).
An old 17" RS740 from my last E46 Compact, Same 15mm spacer.
A 19" VMR VB3 with a 10mm spacer
And a 19" front wheel off the M3, this bolted straight on with no spacers and gave plenty of clearance but........i can't use these due to the offset on the rear wheels ( they poke out far to much for my liking).
All of the above wheels fit without sitting ridiculously close to the wheel arch, even with the 15mm spacers.
Now that is all worked out, all be it roughly i know what i'm using and i can go about getting hubs etc blasted, cleaned and painted.
Top mount wise on the KW M3 coilovers i still haven't come to a decision on what i'm doing with them, adjustable top mounts are still a last resort as i think they are too harsh for daily driving.
hopefully i'll have more updates soon.
Regards
Those brakes are awesome Adam 
Ref the M3 wheels, I can't remember the offset of the M3 rears now, et20 seems to ring a bell.. perhaps you could have them machined to bring them to a workable spec? Just did a quick search and found these guys in Chelmsford who offer the service
http://www.tttoolsltd.co.uk/services/
Ref the M3 wheels, I can't remember the offset of the M3 rears now, et20 seems to ring a bell.. perhaps you could have them machined to bring them to a workable spec? Just did a quick search and found these guys in Chelmsford who offer the service
http://www.tttoolsltd.co.uk/services/
amc_adam said:
With one of the old and warn discs from the front of the M3 i roughly worked out i can fit an M3 disc and AP caliper inside a 17" wheel, although the diameter is tight..... have to be careful where wheel weights go.
I had exactly this problem with my v8 e46. It was running some cades wheels I think they're called. You can see in this pic - if you zoom in a bit - how I got the wheel weights on.This was a 356mm disc and ap 6 pot 7040 caliper.
Anyway I wanted to chime in to say different wheels vary in thickness of their barrel or inside shape / size - you understand my novice terminology. I switched to some light weight OZ wheels and had loads of room for weights. At least a few extra mm. I went from caliper knocking weights off to caliper clearing weights. So don't assume the inner barrel will be similar on other wheels. If you want to test fit some 17 inch OZ I have a couple of sets in bmw fitment 8 inch wide 5x120 et40 that are 7.2 kg per wheel or there abouts.
Personally I prefer smaller diameter wheels but understand I'm out on my own a bit in that respect. Happy to help out if you want to join the tiny wheel club.
19x9.5 +27 is a standard Styling67 M3 rear wheel.
19x8 +47 is a standard Styling67 M3 front wheel.
The 18s are 18x8 +47 and 18x9 +26, in case people were looking for it too.
On topic, if you’re looking for a wider but not super aggressive wheel for the rear, you could run a CSL Styling163 front wheel; 19x8.5 +44, so it will sit in much further. I think smaller wheels would be better as well, for what it’s worth, but just offering alternatives.
19x8 +47 is a standard Styling67 M3 front wheel.
The 18s are 18x8 +47 and 18x9 +26, in case people were looking for it too.
On topic, if you’re looking for a wider but not super aggressive wheel for the rear, you could run a CSL Styling163 front wheel; 19x8.5 +44, so it will sit in much further. I think smaller wheels would be better as well, for what it’s worth, but just offering alternatives.
shalmaneser said:
If you're going to machine adaptor brackets you may as well use CSL front discs with are 345mm (from memory). Bit bigger so better braking and will fill those 19" wheels a bit better.
I would be tempted to go for 18" wheels though personally.
A set of Oz racing ultraleggra on a square set up would look sweet on this. Bringing the unsprung weight down as well.I would be tempted to go for 18" wheels though personally.
https://goo.gl/images/C1X6bs {/URL}
Edited by M4CK 1 on Wednesday 9th January 15:33
Edited by M4CK 1 on Wednesday 9th January 15:36
Sf_Manta said:
Looking good so far.
With the caliper clearance issue, if you do go with spacers, hub concentric ones from H&R or akin would be the best way, it's what i used for my conversion with the Porsche calipers if you've not gone with them already.
As for using OEM top mounts but getting some camber in, I've been considering getting these https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-265-front-fixed... but the import price could get expensive.
Only downside is that they're semi fixed at 2.5 to 3 degrees.
Thank you, yes that's the way i was thinking with wheel spacers .....i'll need the longer bolts too, i think they come with them.With the caliper clearance issue, if you do go with spacers, hub concentric ones from H&R or akin would be the best way, it's what i used for my conversion with the Porsche calipers if you've not gone with them already.
As for using OEM top mounts but getting some camber in, I've been considering getting these https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-265-front-fixed... but the import price could get expensive.
Only downside is that they're semi fixed at 2.5 to 3 degrees.
I didn't realise people made those plates, thank you. I had a similar idea, either that or press the studs out the top mount and relocate them... i need to have a better look at the top mounts really.
I do too, fill the inside of the wheel up nicely! I never used to like the style of the standard wheels but it's grown on me.daniel-5zjw7 said:
Those brakes are awesome Adam
Ref the M3 wheels, I can't remember the offset of the M3 rears now, et20 seems to ring a bell.. perhaps you could have them machined to bring them to a workable spec? Just did a quick search and found these guys in Chelmsford who offer the service
http://www.tttoolsltd.co.uk/services/
Good man, handy to know the website thanks. The M3 rears are et27 9.5j, i did look at the inside of the wheels but there doesn't seem much material on them to machine off.... maybe 5mm max. My VMR rears are 9.5j et45 and used to touch slighly under hard driving, but i have slightly rolled the rear arch for a bit of clearance now. I'd have to have a fair chunk taken off them to make them usable, but i don't think it's possible.Ref the M3 wheels, I can't remember the offset of the M3 rears now, et20 seems to ring a bell.. perhaps you could have them machined to bring them to a workable spec? Just did a quick search and found these guys in Chelmsford who offer the service
http://www.tttoolsltd.co.uk/services/
Thanks for the input!
ATM said:
I had exactly this problem with my v8 e46. It was running some cades wheels I think they're called. You can see in this pic - if you zoom in a bit - how I got the wheel weights on.
This was a 356mm disc and ap 6 pot 7040 caliper.
Anyway I wanted to chime in to say different wheels vary in thickness of their barrel or inside shape / size - you understand my novice terminology. I switched to some light weight OZ wheels and had loads of room for weights. At least a few extra mm. I went from caliper knocking weights off to caliper clearing weights. So don't assume the inner barrel will be similar on other wheels. If you want to test fit some 17 inch OZ I have a couple of sets in bmw fitment 8 inch wide 5x120 et40 that are 7.2 kg per wheel or there abouts.
Personally I prefer smaller diameter wheels but understand I'm out on my own a bit in that respect. Happy to help out if you want to join the tiny wheel club.
Thank you for your input, It's surprising how time consuming it is working out clearances etc. Looks like you had a fun time too! This was a 356mm disc and ap 6 pot 7040 caliper.
Anyway I wanted to chime in to say different wheels vary in thickness of their barrel or inside shape / size - you understand my novice terminology. I switched to some light weight OZ wheels and had loads of room for weights. At least a few extra mm. I went from caliper knocking weights off to caliper clearing weights. So don't assume the inner barrel will be similar on other wheels. If you want to test fit some 17 inch OZ I have a couple of sets in bmw fitment 8 inch wide 5x120 et40 that are 7.2 kg per wheel or there abouts.
Personally I prefer smaller diameter wheels but understand I'm out on my own a bit in that respect. Happy to help out if you want to join the tiny wheel club.
Yes i can see what you mean, I've done a lot of head scratching in the past with building 3 piece splits and making things fit, learnt the hard way/best way.
That's kind of you to offer, if i get to the stage when i need to try one i'll drop you a message thanks. I prefer the way it handles on the smaller wheels hence the reason trying to squeeze them into the standard 17" wheels.
Nunga said:
19x9.5 +27 is a standard Styling67 M3 rear wheel.
19x8 +47 is a standard Styling67 M3 front wheel.
The 18s are 18x8 +47 and 18x9 +26, in case people were looking for it too.
On topic, if you’re looking for a wider but not super aggressive wheel for the rear, you could run a CSL Styling163 front wheel; 19x8.5 +44, so it will sit in much further. I think smaller wheels would be better as well, for what it’s worth, but just offering alternatives.
Thanks, i didn't realise the 18's are slightly narrower. 19x8 +47 is a standard Styling67 M3 front wheel.
The 18s are 18x8 +47 and 18x9 +26, in case people were looking for it too.
On topic, if you’re looking for a wider but not super aggressive wheel for the rear, you could run a CSL Styling163 front wheel; 19x8.5 +44, so it will sit in much further. I think smaller wheels would be better as well, for what it’s worth, but just offering alternatives.
My VMR vb3's (CSL replica's) are 19x9.5 et45 on the rears, i went for these years ago as i wanted to maintain the concave face/spokes on the rears...... putting the front wheels on the back without the concave never seems to look quite right in my eyes. Thank you for your help though
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