1st Track day in the Z4MR

T

TomCar

Member
 Solihull
I'm not much of a poster, but I have been reading here for 6 months or so. - Apologies for long post.....
Just thought I write a few lines about my 1st track outing this evening at Donington in the Z4MR.
I have driven Donington a number of times in a variety of cars, the last time in the Z4's predecessor, a Lotus Elise 135r. Comparisons are a bit useless between the two, but the Z4 didn't embarrassing itself, being faster on the the straights and more fun when moving around in the corners, but it was a bit boat-like when changing direction, you can really feel the weight. Through 125 track miles at an average of 11 mpg I had a total blast.
Now the bits where I pick the brains of other regular track drivers...
The car came to me with bilstein sport dampers and H&R springs on the rear and probably on the front, looks good, but doesn't inspire confidence in the handling. Are Eibachs an improvement here?
The over light steering is likely down to set-up, i hope, is the CSL set-up the way to go?
The brakes weren't bad although not confidence inspiring and despite a softening pedal towards the end didn't really let me down. I know additional cooling is the answer, as well as the new OE brakes I have to fit.
The engine as always was epic, with very little except modded stuff and racing cars being faster on the straights.
My conclusions are that whilst it's a great all-rounder, im sure a few well placed improvements can transform the package.
Thanks for reading, the floor is yours......
Tom
Sorry if it's in the wrong forum.
 
TomCar said:
I'm not much of a poster, but I have been reading here for 6 months or so. - Apologies for long post.....
Just thought I write a few lines about my 1st track outing this evening at Donington in the Z4MR.
I have driven Donington a number of times in a variety of cars, the last time in the Z4's predecessor, a Lotus Elise 135r. Comparisons are a bit useless between the two, but the Z4 didn't embarrassing itself, being faster on the the straights and more fun when moving around in the corners, but it was a bit boat-like when changing direction, you can really feel the weight. Through 125 track miles at an average of 11 mpg I had a total blast.
Now the bits where I pick the brains of other regular track drivers...
The car came to me with bilstein sport dampers and H&R springs on the rear and probably on the front, looks good, but doesn't inspire confidence in the handling. Are Eibachs an improvement here?
The over light steering is likely down to set-up, i hope, is the CSL set-up the way to go?
The brakes weren't bad although not confidence inspiring and despite a softening pedal towards the end didn't really let me down. I know additional cooling is the answer, as well as the new OE brakes I have to fit.
The engine as always was epic, with very little except modded stuff and racing cars being faster on the straights.
My conclusions are that whilst it's a great all-rounder, im sure a few well placed improvements can transform the package.
Thanks for reading, the floor is yours......
Tom
Sorry if it's in the wrong forum.
Click to expand...

Hi Tom,

I am in a similar place, done a couple of track days in my ZMC and am on the exciting but expensive road to turning the car from being competent into a weapon. I will leave it to the others who have far more experience to advise properly, but do you have the basics covered like strut brace, Pagid or EBC pads, Clutch Delay Valve delete?
Not sure how you are finding the pedal positions but I am gonna buy an accelerator pedal cover to help with the heel n toe position which I find a little off. You are happy with the engine which makes sense, it wasn't a priority for me either the power is there.
I don't find my steering overly light but perhaps that's due to the ZMCs differences at the front end..
You're not running stock suspension and people tell me that KW ClubSports are the real solution on track to the "slightly boaty" feel and keep the car flat reducing the weight transfer. Sorting out the suspension and brakes/cooling are the top of my list of things to do next. I am also about to order some braided hoses, some 5.1 fluid and some solid bushings.
Good to know someone else whose on this journey too :)

Phil
 
Could look at stiffer ARB's to make it feel more planted. People rave about these being one of the best handling mods for what isn't too big an amount of money. After that you are likely to want some form of adjustable coilover so you can have them properly setup.

You might also want to look at the geometry of the car and have it tweaked slightly to suit your needs. This and the ARB's should help with the steering feel.

Brakes, if not already, some decent fluid like ATE Super Blue, braided hoses and some decent pads like Ferodo DS2500's or similar should see you good for just about as much abuse as you can throw at the car.
 
simonlpearce said:
Could look at stiffer ARB's to make it feel more planted. People rave about these being one of the best handling mods for what isn't too big an amount of money. After that you are likely to want some form of adjustable coilover so you can have them properly setup.

You might also want to look at the geometry of the car and have it tweaked slightly to suit your needs. This and the ARB's should help with the steering feel.

Brakes, if not already, some decent fluid like ATE Super Blue, braided hoses and some decent pads like Ferodo DS2500's or similar should see you good for just about as much abuse as you can throw at the car.
Click to expand...

Anyone else got any tips?
 
I haven't tracked mine but as said track setup,Tyres (semi slicks & pressures) updated arb's then polybushing. All about what you want to achieve in the end. All about the weight as well as you know but sometimes I think enjoying the cars for what they are is half the fun.

Would it be cheaper finding a cat d m3 and just totally stripping it out I wonder ?.
 
pHilli0 said:
Anyone else got any tips?
Click to expand...
If you can give me a ballpark figure of what you're prepared to spend, and if you'll be installingDIY, I'll tell you (tomorrow) what I'd do in the order for best bang for buck. :thumbsup:
 
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