e36 M3 track mods - anything I have forgotten?
Discussion
After wittering on to any that would listen about how pleased I am to have stumbled across such an amazingly capable and reasonably priced to buy and run track car I have gone crazy and bought another car ( for spares; motor, diff, gearbox etc.) only to find that it is a better base car than my track car and am now busily going about swapping all the trick bits onto the new car ready for a track day @ Goodwood on 6.6.09. I think I have most angles covered but thought that if any of you can enlighten me in my quest, I may be able to incorporate anything I can learn at this stage. I will list the things that I am doing and would be welcome of any ideas, thanks in advance 
2 X way adjustable Leda coil overs
2.5 degree camber plates with spherical bearings
6 pot AP's with 330mm AP discs
X brace
e46 rear suspension top mounts
oil restrictor (3.0ltr motor)
Evo sump
Eibach front and rear ARB's
ITG induction kit
Supersprint back box (looking to get de-cat section during the week)
Superchips re-map/chip? Don't know which
9" BTCC slicks
Seeing it in print just makes me realise how far I have come in such a short space of time but I am sure there are a few bit that I have overlooked or yet to learn or hear about.
2 X way adjustable Leda coil overs
2.5 degree camber plates with spherical bearings
6 pot AP's with 330mm AP discs
X brace
e46 rear suspension top mounts
oil restrictor (3.0ltr motor)
Evo sump
Eibach front and rear ARB's
ITG induction kit
Supersprint back box (looking to get de-cat section during the week)
Superchips re-map/chip? Don't know which
9" BTCC slicks
Seeing it in print just makes me realise how far I have come in such a short space of time but I am sure there are a few bit that I have overlooked or yet to learn or hear about.
GTWayne said:
After wittering on to any that would listen about how pleased I am to have stumbled across such an amazingly capable and reasonably priced to buy and run track car I have gone crazy and bought another car ( for spares; motor, diff, gearbox etc.) only to find that it is a better base car than my track car and am now busily going about swapping all the trick bits onto the new car ready for a track day @ Goodwood on 6.6.09. I think I have most angles covered but thought that if any of you can enlighten me in my quest, I may be able to incorporate anything I can learn at this stage. I will list the things that I am doing and would be welcome of any ideas, thanks in advance
2 X way adjustable Leda coil overs
2.5 degree camber plates with spherical bearings
6 pot AP's with 330mm AP discs
X brace
e46 rear suspension top mounts
oil restrictor (3.0ltr motor)
Evo sump
Eibach front and rear ARB's
ITG induction kit
Supersprint back box (looking to get de-cat section during the week)
Superchips re-map/chip? Don't know which
9" BTCC slicks
Seeing it in print just makes me realise how far I have come in such a short space of time but I am sure there are a few bit that I have overlooked or yet to learn or hear about.
Wow that car should shift then ha.. How does an X brade fit (assuming it forms an X shape). Can't see a roll cage on the list though. Also I assume it's gone through a thorough diet progamme!!2 X way adjustable Leda coil overs
2.5 degree camber plates with spherical bearings
6 pot AP's with 330mm AP discs
X brace
e46 rear suspension top mounts
oil restrictor (3.0ltr motor)
Evo sump
Eibach front and rear ARB's
ITG induction kit
Supersprint back box (looking to get de-cat section during the week)
Superchips re-map/chip? Don't know which
9" BTCC slicks
Seeing it in print just makes me realise how far I have come in such a short space of time but I am sure there are a few bit that I have overlooked or yet to learn or hear about.
Great work though - let me know when you next go to snetterton..
Rich
I certainly hope so!
I have a benchmark set at Goodwood as some very naughty so and so happened to time me
and in the old car I managed a 96 second lap ( on slicks ).
The X brace is found fitted as standard to the convertible and ties the front sub frame to the chassis and apparently stiffens the car a noticeable amount.
You are of course correct with regards to the cage and I do have one to fit but will be lucky to find the time before the 6th, but lets see.
The disc size is not so much dictated by the calliper but the size of the rim. I am sticking with 17" wheels as they are lighter, BTCC slicks are readily available in this size and I already have three sets ready and waiting; Road, Wets and Slicks.
I also have another more long term M3 project that is using 3 way Leda's, Porsche big reds with 380mm discs ( with 18" rims ), a Custom Cages multi point weld in cage and that will be running a BMW M62 4.4 ltr V8 motor/5 speed box, but as I say, that is a long term-er and I am currently otherwise immersed with the 3.0ltr
PS. Sorry h+t, forgot to say, an old school chum lives up near Snet and is coincidentally doing the same as me but with a 328 coupe so a TD is most definitely going to happen up there within the next few months so will indeed let you know
I have a benchmark set at Goodwood as some very naughty so and so happened to time me
and in the old car I managed a 96 second lap ( on slicks ).The X brace is found fitted as standard to the convertible and ties the front sub frame to the chassis and apparently stiffens the car a noticeable amount.
You are of course correct with regards to the cage and I do have one to fit but will be lucky to find the time before the 6th, but lets see.
The disc size is not so much dictated by the calliper but the size of the rim. I am sticking with 17" wheels as they are lighter, BTCC slicks are readily available in this size and I already have three sets ready and waiting; Road, Wets and Slicks.
I also have another more long term M3 project that is using 3 way Leda's, Porsche big reds with 380mm discs ( with 18" rims ), a Custom Cages multi point weld in cage and that will be running a BMW M62 4.4 ltr V8 motor/5 speed box, but as I say, that is a long term-er and I am currently otherwise immersed with the 3.0ltr
PS. Sorry h+t, forgot to say, an old school chum lives up near Snet and is coincidentally doing the same as me but with a 328 coupe so a TD is most definitely going to happen up there within the next few months so will indeed let you know
Edited by GTWayne on Sunday 24th May 12:12
dan101smith said:
The only thing I'd bear in mind is that your 3.0 has the worst steering rack of all E36s.
I'd swap it for an Evo rack or, ideally, a Z3 rack.
You may well think that Dan but I really do not have a problem with it. I do have a smaller steering wheel that helps I know but I don't find the standard rack is that bad at all. I guess we all have certain aspects that are really bothersome or cause hindrance, it is understeer for me, I really can not abide it. I'd swap it for an Evo rack or, ideally, a Z3 rack.
I first ran the car with coil overs and no ARB's @ Goodwood a few weeks ago and to be honest, didn't even notice their absence. The main reason for omitance was that the Leda front legs had no provision for the drop links so for now I am not going to bother. The spring rates are hard all round but not uncomfortably so. The car should indeed be a bit of a tool and although I have used some second hand parts, they were at least weapons grade to begin with
If I should happen across a s/h Z3 rack I probably will have it because an improvement will still be welcome.
Hey Dan, what are you doing on 6.6.09?, if you are free why not pop along to Goodwood, it would be good to meet you
If I should happen across a s/h Z3 rack I probably will have it because an improvement will still be welcome.
Hey Dan, what are you doing on 6.6.09?, if you are free why not pop along to Goodwood, it would be good to meet you
dan101smith said:
That's fair enough. Personally, I found the steering on my Evo to be too slow and pondersome.
Sounds like you've built quite a weapon!
I've got H&R uprated ARBs in mine, but I think will be changing back to standard as soon as I change my suspension for some stiffer-sprung coilovers.
I couldn't believe how bad the steering was on the 3.0 litre it was like steering a canal boat, lol, the giant wheel doesn't help either. Age isn't on their side either.Sounds like you've built quite a weapon!
I've got H&R uprated ARBs in mine, but I think will be changing back to standard as soon as I change my suspension for some stiffer-sprung coilovers.
Prob a typo but no mention of the evo twin pick up oil pump to go with the sump, dont't think you can fit sump alone, or that its worth doing?
Ref exhaust- is it a normal Goodwood db day rather than one of the rare noisy days?? I'd be tempted to keep it quiet for Goodwood is so strict on the noise there, I removed my nice throaty set up & went back to stock & gained 10kg by doing it! as I thought it would be marginal noise wise at a few locations- Bedford & Goodwod esp etc.
ref X brace-
looks like this-
goes here & replaces the single bar thats there as OE, need a couple of bolts to go with it too.
Ref exhaust- is it a normal Goodwood db day rather than one of the rare noisy days?? I'd be tempted to keep it quiet for Goodwood is so strict on the noise there, I removed my nice throaty set up & went back to stock & gained 10kg by doing it! as I thought it would be marginal noise wise at a few locations- Bedford & Goodwod esp etc.
ref X brace-
looks like this-
goes here & replaces the single bar thats there as OE, need a couple of bolts to go with it too.
Edited by iguana on Monday 25th May 22:39
^^^Goodwood is my local track so I am well aware of the protocol. As it happens it is a 105 day but even if it were a 98 day I would be OK as last time out the car made 95.
Re.sump - I was going to put the Evo sump on only because it is better baffled and has a slightly different shape that is more conducive re. track work ( or so I was led to believe ) but as it has not yet materialised it will have to wait a while as we have now replaced the cross member after removing and reinforcing it where the engine mountings are bolted through.
Whilst we are here would you be the same Iguana that once owned 'Kylie'?
If so, what a coincidence, I have owned said car for the last 3 odd years now; the funny thing is that in reference to the X brace - I bought one of these to fit to Kylie but never got round to it and am tomorrow going to fit it to 'Spot' ( the name I have given to my M3 track dog )
As I said to Dan above, should you be at a loose end on 6.6.09 why not pop along and introduce yourself @ Goodwood
Re.sump - I was going to put the Evo sump on only because it is better baffled and has a slightly different shape that is more conducive re. track work ( or so I was led to believe ) but as it has not yet materialised it will have to wait a while as we have now replaced the cross member after removing and reinforcing it where the engine mountings are bolted through.
Whilst we are here would you be the same Iguana that once owned 'Kylie'?
If so, what a coincidence, I have owned said car for the last 3 odd years now; the funny thing is that in reference to the X brace - I bought one of these to fit to Kylie but never got round to it and am tomorrow going to fit it to 'Spot' ( the name I have given to my M3 track dog )
As I said to Dan above, should you be at a loose end on 6.6.09 why not pop along and introduce yourself @ Goodwood
andygtt said:
sounds like your doing the same as me Wayne... Ive not got round to tracking mine yet as the suspension is terrible at the moment and I really need coil overs before I hit the track.
have fun
^^^Surely you mean that YOU are doing the same as ME Andy have fun
I can guarantee that after taking your M3 out on track for the first time you will be kicking yourself for not having done it sooner
Yes, I know they are fast becoming as common as muck in the track scene these days but it is a fact for a reason - Cost effective + reliability + more R & D than you can imagine = One of the most inspiration and attainable pieces of roadable track-wear available today.
Andy, let me know of your progress with regards to above and let us get together - Snet maybe?
Hi Wayne,
yip I am the same ex v8 owning reptile
love to see how the old girl is getting on, seem to remember you had big plans for her.
Couldnt make Goodwood tho ment to be tracking mine next day at the Bovington day, tho the way the prep is going at the mo I might not make it.
Dunno if the evo sump would fit with the 3.0 pick up? I do have an ebay buy evo sump sat in the wings but there are quite a few cars inc Khumo racers & trackm3s well set up beasty that run the suposidly cack single pick up & no restrictor.. & some racers run on stock rod bolts too again ment to be crap so i just dunno yet even with a 2nd hand sump but naturally buying a new pump it is still with the bolts even with no labour costs a £700ish investment.... hmmm
yip I am the same ex v8 owning reptile
love to see how the old girl is getting on, seem to remember you had big plans for her.Couldnt make Goodwood tho ment to be tracking mine next day at the Bovington day, tho the way the prep is going at the mo I might not make it.
Dunno if the evo sump would fit with the 3.0 pick up? I do have an ebay buy evo sump sat in the wings but there are quite a few cars inc Khumo racers & trackm3s well set up beasty that run the suposidly cack single pick up & no restrictor.. & some racers run on stock rod bolts too again ment to be crap so i just dunno yet even with a 2nd hand sump but naturally buying a new pump it is still with the bolts even with no labour costs a £700ish investment.... hmmm
The plans I had outgrew the original car and I am now building a V8M3 primarily for the track that can be used on the road as opposed to a road based V8e36 that could be used on the track. I plan to put an interior back in Kylie and make her into a fast road car and move her on but she did a 98.5 second lap at Goodwood which isn't bad considering.
Shame you can't make Goodwood, hope all goes well for you on the 7th
I will look at fitting the Evo sump and uprated rods on my spare engine but will fit the restrictor ready for the 6th if only to prevent the motor from burning a bit of oil and getting the marshals all excitable.
The car now has all of the suspension and brakes fitted with a de-cat exhaust ( Supersprint ) going on tomorrow. Then the wheel arches are to be modified to accommodate the 9" rims and I will be fitting a rear cage ( haven't got/made the rest yet ), secure the seat properly and install a harness and then it is game on. My ultimate goal, at Goodwood at least, is to get bellow 90 seconds although I do not think that will be possible in the M3, but I will have a bloody good go!
Shame you can't make Goodwood, hope all goes well for you on the 7th
I will look at fitting the Evo sump and uprated rods on my spare engine but will fit the restrictor ready for the 6th if only to prevent the motor from burning a bit of oil and getting the marshals all excitable.
The car now has all of the suspension and brakes fitted with a de-cat exhaust ( Supersprint ) going on tomorrow. Then the wheel arches are to be modified to accommodate the 9" rims and I will be fitting a rear cage ( haven't got/made the rest yet ), secure the seat properly and install a harness and then it is game on. My ultimate goal, at Goodwood at least, is to get bellow 90 seconds although I do not think that will be possible in the M3, but I will have a bloody good go!
GTWayne said:
andygtt said:
sounds like your doing the same as me Wayne... Ive not got round to tracking mine yet as the suspension is terrible at the moment and I really need coil overs before I hit the track.
have fun
^^^Surely you mean that YOU are doing the same as ME Andy have fun
I can guarantee that after taking your M3 out on track for the first time you will be kicking yourself for not having done it sooner
Yes, I know they are fast becoming as common as muck in the track scene these days but it is a fact for a reason - Cost effective + reliability + more R & D than you can imagine = One of the most inspiration and attainable pieces of roadable track-wear available today.
Andy, let me know of your progress with regards to above and let us get together - Snet maybe?
just gotta source some good cheap coilovers... or sort out the Koni stuff that I have on it now!
^^^When I first started looking around at suspension for my M3 I learned fairly quickly that the only time you are likely to see the words 'cheap' and 'coil over' in a sentence together it will nearly always have the word 's
te' in there somewhere too Your best bet is to try and get a decent set s/h, it may take a while but they are out there. I wouldn't bother with the Koni's myself, I had them on a 540 and they were good for the road but Paul B bought the car from me to use on the track and in that environment found them to be lacklustre and not up to the task.
te' in there somewhere too Your best bet is to try and get a decent set s/h, it may take a while but they are out there. I wouldn't bother with the Koni's myself, I had them on a 540 and they were good for the road but Paul B bought the car from me to use on the track and in that environment found them to be lacklustre and not up to the task.Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff