Tomrdy's Nardo grey 3.0i (Thank you and farewell!)
- Thread starter tomrdy
- Start date
Turns out I ended up really liking the M Performance knob (though mine is a rep) over the ZHP once I got used to it - the ZHP felt too bulbous when I went back to it. I do have dainty hands though 
I added a little customisation to the knob today. Friend of mine kindly cut out a H pattern I drew from the M Performance cap (without digits) into some faux-suede vinyl. Then she cut the reverse out on some iridescent vinyl which I used as an inlay (I couldn't just do the iridescent layer as a full coverage as the stuff she had would not stretch at all to the curve).
Probably not to everyone's taste but I really love it!
Side note: I'm going to ... cut my nails right after I post this ...
I may see if we can cut some inlays out of some orange glow-in-the-dark vinyl which I think could look really good at night.
I added a little customisation to the knob today. Friend of mine kindly cut out a H pattern I drew from the M Performance cap (without digits) into some faux-suede vinyl. Then she cut the reverse out on some iridescent vinyl which I used as an inlay (I couldn't just do the iridescent layer as a full coverage as the stuff she had would not stretch at all to the curve).
Probably not to everyone's taste but I really love it!
Side note: I'm going to ... cut my nails right after I post this ...
I may see if we can cut some inlays out of some orange glow-in-the-dark vinyl which I think could look really good at night.
The Supersprint powerloop is developing nicely! The sound is becoming more growly - it seemed a tad "airy" straight after install. I honestly didn't think breaking in an exhaust was a thing, but now I'm experiencing it first hand. So far the car has done less than 100km since install.
Some points about this set up:
- Subjectively a very lovely sound
- Legal and not obnoxiously loud
- Burbles and occasional pops on decel
- Better looking tips
Pretty much exactly what I was after so I'm a very happy chap
[youtube]n6WnG4aWOy8[/youtube]
Some points about this set up:
- Subjectively a very lovely sound
- Legal and not obnoxiously loud
- Burbles and occasional pops on decel
- Better looking tips
Pretty much exactly what I was after so I'm a very happy chap
[youtube]n6WnG4aWOy8[/youtube]
Installed an extended clutch stop today to eliminate the dead space at the end of the clutch travel.
Initial impressions are it totally transforms the shift sequence. It seems like a small thing but the difference is kind of surprising.
Original reason I got it was actually for pedal positioning. I've always adjusted my seat so that my left leg can hit the clutch to the floor while its 90% extended. However to do so, meant my right leg was a bit cramped on the accelerator + brake. I've always thought this might be why I've had aggravated back pain after driving the car for extended periods.
Anyways, really happy with this so far after the 5 minute or so drive! Worth doing and in theory, should make shifting much more direct and quicker.
For some comparison, when I drove my friend's BRZ, I told him the clutch felt really direct and "button-y". Sort of on/off bam-bam but I didn't know why. Seems that the dead space may account for some of that as I'm getting that same feeling.
Tis a positive thing for me 8)
Sorry for the crummy pic!
The one I got from a local seller didn't come with a locking washer - though I've wound it in as far as it will go and it's gone TIGHT so perhaps not needed. I'll try and find one regardless just to complete the job and probably a washer for neatness around the carpet.
One thing to note the padding on the stop is a bit spongier than OEM - not sure how i feel about that but easy to change later.
Initial impressions are it totally transforms the shift sequence. It seems like a small thing but the difference is kind of surprising.
Original reason I got it was actually for pedal positioning. I've always adjusted my seat so that my left leg can hit the clutch to the floor while its 90% extended. However to do so, meant my right leg was a bit cramped on the accelerator + brake. I've always thought this might be why I've had aggravated back pain after driving the car for extended periods.
Anyways, really happy with this so far after the 5 minute or so drive! Worth doing and in theory, should make shifting much more direct and quicker.
For some comparison, when I drove my friend's BRZ, I told him the clutch felt really direct and "button-y". Sort of on/off bam-bam but I didn't know why. Seems that the dead space may account for some of that as I'm getting that same feeling.
Tis a positive thing for me 8)
Sorry for the crummy pic!
The one I got from a local seller didn't come with a locking washer - though I've wound it in as far as it will go and it's gone TIGHT so perhaps not needed. I'll try and find one regardless just to complete the job and probably a washer for neatness around the carpet.
One thing to note the padding on the stop is a bit spongier than OEM - not sure how i feel about that but easy to change later.
Finally found a bluetooth/aux dongle that works perfectly and auto-pairs! This is a game changer for me as I've been living with a pez one that needs to be manually selected again... and again....
Now I switch the car on and it's already sorted. Can definitely recommend this one from Baseus. Was only around $15 AUD shipped so peanuts.
Took the chance now that I'm happy with my extras (dashcam, BT, halo wiring) that I decided to finally tidy up these mess of wires. Pulled out the lower panel and glovebox to neaten everything up instead of a maze of wires sneaking between bits of the glovebox.
ALSO had a look at why the air-recycling mech was making noise. Nothing seems broken (no skipping gears) but one of the arms does seem misaligned. It's bumping into place when the metal rod slides in which is causing my sound. Resolved to leave it until it becomes worse in some way.
Finally, popped in some LED switch bulbs into the foglamps. They toggle between WHITE and AMBER. Probably a bit gimmicking but I wanted to complete the LED swap anyway and figured... have a go
Now I switch the car on and it's already sorted. Can definitely recommend this one from Baseus. Was only around $15 AUD shipped so peanuts.
Took the chance now that I'm happy with my extras (dashcam, BT, halo wiring) that I decided to finally tidy up these mess of wires. Pulled out the lower panel and glovebox to neaten everything up instead of a maze of wires sneaking between bits of the glovebox.
ALSO had a look at why the air-recycling mech was making noise. Nothing seems broken (no skipping gears) but one of the arms does seem misaligned. It's bumping into place when the metal rod slides in which is causing my sound. Resolved to leave it until it becomes worse in some way.
Finally, popped in some LED switch bulbs into the foglamps. They toggle between WHITE and AMBER. Probably a bit gimmicking but I wanted to complete the LED swap anyway and figured... have a go
tee.gilding
Active member
Loving the amber LED fogs - care to share which bulbs you went for??
tee.gilding said:
Sure! Though I haven't had a chance to give them a good test at night (as fog lamps) so can't attest to performance yet.
The listing I bought from on ebay is dead but here's a pic of the ones I got:
They're generics so no brand associated with them but if you do a search you'll find tonnes that are the same. Total plug and play for my fogs but I don't think they will work on a FL set?
tee.gilding
Active member
Thanks, I'll see if I can find something that'll fit mine. Should be something with the right fitment somewhere!tomrdy said:
These rocked up! Hopefully i'll have some time tomorrow to get them on!
Genuine part from local BMW dealer. I do think I prefer the newer version of the MPerf pedals look-wise but got these at a bit of a steal due to stock clearance so ... :roll:
For other's future info: The brake and clutch have soft rubber inserts for grip (the black base) while the accelerator doesn't - the black bits on it seem to be plastic so not sure on the grip level of those. I suppose with floor-mounted throttles you're not really going to slip off the pedal. Either way, I don't think the grip level will be any worse than bare since it's plastic originally anyway.
Will update on how I go
Genuine part from local BMW dealer. I do think I prefer the newer version of the MPerf pedals look-wise but got these at a bit of a steal due to stock clearance so ... :roll:
For other's future info: The brake and clutch have soft rubber inserts for grip (the black base) while the accelerator doesn't - the black bits on it seem to be plastic so not sure on the grip level of those. I suppose with floor-mounted throttles you're not really going to slip off the pedal. Either way, I don't think the grip level will be any worse than bare since it's plastic originally anyway.
Will update on how I go
Fitted the M Perf pedals today! As anticipated, the brake pedal was the toughest one.
Everyone: You'll likely break some drill bits.
Me: No, just don't be a goose.
.
.
.
Also me:
:rofl:
Overall though was fairly straight forward.
The only thing I messed up with is forgetting to change drill bits out when I got to the accelerator - it uses self-tappers instead of nut + screw so I ended up probably 0.2mm too big of a hole :!: . The screw hole then is slightly threaded. In saying that, those screws are pretty superficial - the 3M tape all along the back of the pedal is so strong that when I tried to take it off to reposition, I was certain something was about to break
I think they look ace so I'm well chuffed
I actually think the brake + clutch have better grip with the raised rubber vs standard. The throttle is about the same HOWEVER, just that extra thickness added has made heel-toe that little bit easier to reach
Everyone: You'll likely break some drill bits.
Me: No, just don't be a goose.
.
.
.
Also me:
:rofl:
Overall though was fairly straight forward.
The only thing I messed up with is forgetting to change drill bits out when I got to the accelerator - it uses self-tappers instead of nut + screw so I ended up probably 0.2mm too big of a hole :!: . The screw hole then is slightly threaded. In saying that, those screws are pretty superficial - the 3M tape all along the back of the pedal is so strong that when I tried to take it off to reposition, I was certain something was about to break
I think they look ace so I'm well chuffed
I actually think the brake + clutch have better grip with the raised rubber vs standard. The throttle is about the same HOWEVER, just that extra thickness added has made heel-toe that little bit easier to reach Update:
Bits to refresh the frontend to try and get the car as best I can before the Z's first track day this Saturday! I discovered a lot of play in the ball joints on the arms pretty late so dropping this to the mechanic to sort out tomorrow as I've not got time off.
Febi-bilstein track rods and control arms paired with Whiteline lollipops to replace the standard.
Car has been exhibiting some looseness for a while now (especially at 0) and in the last 2 weeks, some light shaking/wobbles at higher speeds. This may also explain why there is the "whoop whoop" sound coming from my feathered tyres
Bits to refresh the frontend to try and get the car as best I can before the Z's first track day this Saturday! I discovered a lot of play in the ball joints on the arms pretty late so dropping this to the mechanic to sort out tomorrow as I've not got time off.
Febi-bilstein track rods and control arms paired with Whiteline lollipops to replace the standard.
Car has been exhibiting some looseness for a while now (especially at 0) and in the last 2 weeks, some light shaking/wobbles at higher speeds. This may also explain why there is the "whoop whoop" sound coming from my feathered tyres
Had my first track day with the Z and what a blast! The car ran beautifully and was only let down by me. I was afraid there would be a tonne of understeer but the car held nice and predictably through Luddenham Raceway in Sydney.
My first time on this track as well as first time tracking the Z, I only got 3 sessions in as an over-enthusiastic power-over in the 3rd session sent the Z off
and messed up the mounting of the front right tyre. This lead to a slow-then-fast leak of air which I ended up shoving ductape over and limping to a tyre shop on the way home. No damage but a TONNE of dirt actually ended up INSIDE the wheel/tyre
Glad I never went silly and experimented on the public road. Saved the learning for the track where I was just left with a laugh with my mates and some minor cosmetic damage instead of anything serious.
For those wondering, 15mm spacers with the 107 wheels does indeed rub... especially pronounced when going hard at it on track.
Removed everything from the front and will also take the opportunity to try and fix up the undertray a bit...
Time to start looking for some better wheel options to get rid of the spacers as I think the track-bug is biting...
My first time on this track as well as first time tracking the Z, I only got 3 sessions in as an over-enthusiastic power-over in the 3rd session sent the Z off
and messed up the mounting of the front right tyre. This lead to a slow-then-fast leak of air which I ended up shoving ductape over and limping to a tyre shop on the way home. No damage but a TONNE of dirt actually ended up INSIDE the wheel/tyre Glad I never went silly and experimented on the public road. Saved the learning for the track where I was just left with a laugh with my mates and some minor cosmetic damage instead of anything serious.
For those wondering, 15mm spacers with the 107 wheels does indeed rub... especially pronounced when going hard at it on track.
Removed everything from the front and will also take the opportunity to try and fix up the undertray a bit...
Time to start looking for some better wheel options to get rid of the spacers as I think the track-bug is biting...
Finally got some pics from the track photographer. Somehow still buzzing from the track day. Certainly want to get back again at least once more this year.
Looking at the pics, there's quite a bit of roll/pitch. Also, my front left shock is getting tired and starting to weep oil so starting to think about a refresh. Front swaybar droplink could also do with a renew.
Leaning towards the B12 Prokit (with new mounts front and rear) though the cost of it at the moment will workout to be maybe +$200 over a BC Racing BR kit down here in Aus, which would be an adjustable kit. If I'm honest though, I'm not sure I'd be a good enough driver to be able to benefit from being able to adjust the dampening.
Hmm.
Looking at the pics, there's quite a bit of roll/pitch. Also, my front left shock is getting tired and starting to weep oil so starting to think about a refresh. Front swaybar droplink could also do with a renew.
Leaning towards the B12 Prokit (with new mounts front and rear) though the cost of it at the moment will workout to be maybe +$200 over a BC Racing BR kit down here in Aus, which would be an adjustable kit. If I'm honest though, I'm not sure I'd be a good enough driver to be able to benefit from being able to adjust the dampening.
Hmm.
That looks like a lot of fun and not a bad shakedown for you/your car either. :lol:
What did you fix the arch liners with, is that plastic welded? I’d like to try that at some point.
Must admit, I’m not the greatest driver either and I have really enjoyed being able to adjust the dampers to suit my liking and/or the road trip. The thing I’d be more concerned about is whether the “softest” setting still offers a decent level of comfort (which might actually come down to the included spring rates).
Fantastic pic.
What did you fix the arch liners with, is that plastic welded? I’d like to try that at some point.
Must admit, I’m not the greatest driver either and I have really enjoyed being able to adjust the dampers to suit my liking and/or the road trip. The thing I’d be more concerned about is whether the “softest” setting still offers a decent level of comfort (which might actually come down to the included spring rates).
tomrdy said:
Fantastic pic.
MrPT said:
I've just used a plastic patch cut from an old folder sleeve and joined using some contact adhesive that's flexible when dried. Then I've just fillted it in with said adhesive. I'm not sure how "good" this fix is but I've patched it so that it's kept the angle of the rub so hopefully it won't blow through again :roll: It's near superficial so as long as it keeps water/dirt out, she'll be right!
I'm going to go at it with a heat gun when I have the wheels off next and try to push the liner as far from the wheel as possible.
MrPT said:
That's what I'm thinking too as the spring rate is probably a bigger factor for comfort than dampening? My friend has adjustable coilovers on his MX5 and at the softest setting, it just becomes a bouncey mess - but at a "good" amount of dampening for the spring, it's on rails at the track... but tiring for long journeys.
All that said, having adjustables to tinker with just for the fun of it does have its value... gotta try it before you can hate it right?
BMWZ4MC said:
Hey another Sydney-sider!
I've been to Wakefield a few times (not in the Z). Looking at maybe MDTC Marulan later which looks to be a fun short technical track!
Last I went Wakefield was a few years back so not sure how it is now. I can say Luddenham was pretty well run this time around. GPS timing provided, separate gated (and locked) area for track day attendees away from other patrons at the park for karts/paintball etc. No CAMS or day licence needed.
Only downside is there's no air on sight so bring a pump if you're planning to adjust pressures up/down!
For the day you'd get 4-5 sessions in of 15 min (my mate did 5).