pure Track e46 m3, peoples thoughts
Discussion
The two main things are obviously brakes and suspension. (There's little you can do to the engine which makes a significant difference, and it has plenty enough power to be fun)
Brakes wise, AP Racing do a very nice kit. I've got the front kit on mine, and it works brilliantly. On a lightened M3 it should be even better. Use Pagid RS29 pads or similar and you should have a fade free set-up.
Be sure to use a really good fluid as well.
Suspension wise, you'll want coilovers and there are quite a few to choose from. KW clubsport are popular, as are Intrax (which come in different versions with different levels of adjustability)
Some nice lightweight 18" wheels is a good idea too. Maybe a set of Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2? You get a lot more tyre choice with 18" wheels, as well as the tyres being cheaper.
Brakes wise, AP Racing do a very nice kit. I've got the front kit on mine, and it works brilliantly. On a lightened M3 it should be even better. Use Pagid RS29 pads or similar and you should have a fade free set-up.
Be sure to use a really good fluid as well.
Suspension wise, you'll want coilovers and there are quite a few to choose from. KW clubsport are popular, as are Intrax (which come in different versions with different levels of adjustability)
Some nice lightweight 18" wheels is a good idea too. Maybe a set of Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2? You get a lot more tyre choice with 18" wheels, as well as the tyres being cheaper.
light and stiff rims, 18 inch for cheaper tyres
powrflex bushes or minimum RTA bush limiter kits at rear
Adjustable suspensions, KW Clubsport, Intrax IK2, ASt or Nitron or Moton Or minimum adjustable front camber plates
AP or Alcon brakes, Stoptech as third budget choice, braided hoses and RS29 pads all round and dot 5.1 fluid
THEN LOOSE AS MUCH WEIGHT FROM THE CAR AS YOU ARE WILLING TO DO!
powrflex bushes or minimum RTA bush limiter kits at rear
Adjustable suspensions, KW Clubsport, Intrax IK2, ASt or Nitron or Moton Or minimum adjustable front camber plates
AP or Alcon brakes, Stoptech as third budget choice, braided hoses and RS29 pads all round and dot 5.1 fluid
THEN LOOSE AS MUCH WEIGHT FROM THE CAR AS YOU ARE WILLING TO DO!
A pair of recaro shell seats to stop you flying across the car. They do them that can use a standard seatbelt if you are not ready for a harness. They will also save you a load of weight.
Performance by added lightness and dare I say it driver training is the best and cheapest way to go faster. We all think we are Alonso or Hamilton once we are behind the wheel but a day with a proper instructor soon opens your eyes. It certianly did me.
Performance by added lightness and dare I say it driver training is the best and cheapest way to go faster. We all think we are Alonso or Hamilton once we are behind the wheel but a day with a proper instructor soon opens your eyes. It certianly did me.
Drivers seat is really important. Good support stops you hanging onto the steering wheel. Recaro pole position ABE with mounts and subframe £700ish
Brakes are a must. I use Performance Friction Discs and Pads (01's) Along with a good fluid Castrol SRF or similar. This will cost you about £750 so its a good budget way of eliminating the brake issue.
Coilovers are vital. I've had KWV3 and currently run HSD £800. Excellent value for money as they come with the adjustable top mounts and Adjustable drop links. They also work well too. Build quality and choice of materials used is a bit lacking but VFM they are great. Next up is roll bars, they make a big difference.£400
Finally, a set of track wheels with some decent track rubber like R888's
Enjoy!!
Obviously, you can go a lot further, this is just a good start!
Brakes are a must. I use Performance Friction Discs and Pads (01's) Along with a good fluid Castrol SRF or similar. This will cost you about £750 so its a good budget way of eliminating the brake issue.
Coilovers are vital. I've had KWV3 and currently run HSD £800. Excellent value for money as they come with the adjustable top mounts and Adjustable drop links. They also work well too. Build quality and choice of materials used is a bit lacking but VFM they are great. Next up is roll bars, they make a big difference.£400
Finally, a set of track wheels with some decent track rubber like R888's
Enjoy!!
Obviously, you can go a lot further, this is just a good start!
Brakes
Weight
Suspension
Cage and Chassis
Flat bottom
Gearbox (close ratio kit?)
Engine
I've deliberately put the engine at the bottom of the list as it is the M3s strongest point in standard trim, delivers ample power to be getting on with, and better value gains can be acheived elsewhere before touching the engine ........ That doesn't mean that I'd rule out a banshi volume airbox just for s
ts and giggles right at the start of the project 
Weight
Suspension
Cage and Chassis
Flat bottom
Gearbox (close ratio kit?)
Engine
I've deliberately put the engine at the bottom of the list as it is the M3s strongest point in standard trim, delivers ample power to be getting on with, and better value gains can be acheived elsewhere before touching the engine ........ That doesn't mean that I'd rule out a banshi volume airbox just for s
ts and giggles right at the start of the project Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff