TheDan's Z4R

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 11:19 am

Front suspension jobs done, including:

Front lower control arms with lollipop bushes - Meyle HD

Front shock absorbers - Bilstein B4

Front springs - Suplex M-Sport

Front drop link - Meyle HD

Front track rod arms - Meyle HD

: IMG_20201123_103243.jpg (208.25 KiB) Viewed 1348 times

Just got the rear to do next and then a 4 wheel alignment.

Swampy1982 · Post by **Swampy1982** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:56 pm

Anyone else get excited when they see parts laid out like that, love looking forward to fixing them and the results, such a sense of satisfaction

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 5:41 pm

Swampy1982 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:56 pm Anyone else get excited when they see parts laid out like that, love looking forward to fixing them and the results, such a sense of satisfaction

Yeah I enjoy laying them out like that before beginning, it makes the job feel like giant Meccano!

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 5:46 pm

Today, I fitted new rear shock absorbers (Bilstein B4s), including new bump stops, protection tube and top mounts. Old shocks were dead with no "springback", I think they were original parts that were on the car when new.

I also fitted new rear springs (Suplex M-Sport) with new upper and lower spring seats while I was there.

Happy days!

Swampy1982 · Post by **Swampy1982** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:01 pm

How does it sit now? Get some pics up!

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 10:08 pm

Swampy1982 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:01 pm How does it sit now? Get some pics up!

Will do tomorrow buddy, didn't manage to get the convertible boot shelf back in before the light faded. This meant I didn't take it out for a spin to settle the new springs and dampers. Looks crazy high now like its ready for some off-roading!

AlphaEchoAlpha · Post by **AlphaEchoAlpha** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 11:01 pm

Good stuff, looks great with the aero kit! I imagine it'll drive very differently once you complete the work

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 4:39 pm

Here it is 15 or so miles after fitting the new rear springs & shocks. Still quite high at the rear, but it will settle more soon.

: IMG_20201208_144605_edit.jpg (168.57 KiB) Viewed 1248 times

Swampy1982 · Post by **Swampy1982** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 7:49 pm

Looks great mate, how does it ride?

Nothing quite like doing the work yourself and seeing the benefits.

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 10:04 pm

Swampy1982 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 08, 2020 7:49 pm Looks great mate, how does it ride?

Nothing quite like doing the work yourself and seeing the benefits.

Oh it's great, much less harsh ride and is planted through the corners!

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:53 pm

Forgot to post at the time but got an alignment done after the suspension jobs. Apparently the rear was very difficult to get the camber achieved due to worn bushes (on the to-do list!). Here is the alignment sheet:

: IMG_20210108_153606 (2).jpg (137.44 KiB) Viewed 1150 times

Not gonna lie, not looking forward to refreshing the rear bushes, I've heard its an arse to do. The alignment is good enough for now and it actually feels pretty good with neutral handling through the corners.

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Fri May 28, 2021 6:23 pm

I've made some updates and not posted on this thread for a while so here goes.

I did the Z4's first track day on 22nd April at Bedford Autodrome. The morning was fantastic with a few great sessions getting familiar with the track and the car. Unfortunately I went through the front brake pads by lunchtime and that led to an early home time for me.

: 51134965904_ab60f73de7_o_edit.jpg (91.09 KiB) Viewed 1056 times

After these calamities and knowing I was going to do many more track days (the car is great so suited to them) I have decided to do a brake system overhaul. I found many options including big brake kits from K Sport, Stoptech and VMaxx, but in the end decided to go down the common route of upgrading to 325mm discs and a slightly less common route of Megane 3 RS Brembo 4 pots paired with Carbotech XP8 pads.

: PXL_20210528_094737716 (1).jpg (191.94 KiB) Viewed 1056 times

I got around to fitting all of this today in time for my next track day at Donington Park on 7th June. I noticed there were going to be caliper to wheel clearance issues (something I had foreseen).

: PXL_20210528_153926398.jpg (226.74 KiB) Viewed 1056 times

So I fitted the 12mm spacers I bought and success, no more caliper clearance problems, however the bolts that were provided with the spacers were too long and were fouling the heat shield behind the hub. Doh! I can't get new bolts from them until Wednesday (damn bank holiday lol) so I guess this project will have to be on pause until then. Car is currently just sitting on stands.

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:22 pm

Following on from the drama last week I have now successfully completed the brake upgrade, fitted the 12mm spacers and bedded in the new Carbotech XP8 pads. I will probably do another harder bedding in session during the first stint at the track evening on Monday, but even now it stops like it has hit a tree!

Thanks to Liam22 for the inspiration and advice when deciding what route to go down.

AndyBeech · Post by **AndyBeech** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:39 pm

Good stuff mate and a good choice on the brakes! Shouldn't get any problems in future with those

What brake fluid did you go for?

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:14 pm

AndyBeech wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:39 pm Good stuff mate and a good choice on the brakes! Shouldn't get any problems in future with those What brake fluid did you go for?

I had another litre of ATE TYP200 (previously ATE Super Blue) left from when I replaced it a couple of months back. If its not good enough I can always flush it with RBF700 or Castrol SRF if I am feeling wealthy

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R

TheDan's Z4R