Hi folks!
I just completed my 2nd track day in the Z4 this past weekend, and it was a complete blast... Some of you guys gave me phenomenal tips on my 1st track day (when the car was completely stock, about 7-8 months ago), and I've done a couple of modifications in my garage since then so it was nice to get a before and after track day comparison. This is my first car I've ever done upgrades to and ended up following a DIY route for the learning experience and to get my hands dirty. Note that this is also my daily
.
Figured I might as well do a quick write-up of a list of the modifications and attach some quick thoughts on the ones that made the biggest difference and feel in terms of performance (for me personally):
1. BC Racing BR coilovers: these were the best bang-for-your-buck coilovers I could find. For under $1000 USD, adjustable rebound and compression + ride height! This probably made the biggest difference in terms of cornering and overall stability, compared to track day #1.
2. Enkei RPF1's 18x8.5 + Advan Sport S 245/50/18: I had Michelin PS3's on previously with the stock 104 alloys, but these just look really nice and reduce the overall weight probably by around 40 lbs. The advan sport S's are nice and grippy -- very streetable but also performed great on the track.
3. OEM hard top: had to retrofit the wiring and install the hard top supports, since very few of the North America Z4's come with the hardtop prep kit option, but it was so worth it! This made the chassis feel much stiffer, the ride much quieter, and in my opinion I like the look more than the soft top (the soft top is still under, may gut it out if I ever get a roll bar or cage installed)
4. H&R sway bars (front): I installed these with the coilovers, and immediately noticed a decrease in body roll in the corners during any sort of spirited driving, but especially on track day #2! Highly recommend...
5. Racing Dynamics strut bar: I threw this on after the coilovers and sway bars, and I guess the chassis feels a bit stiffer now, but not too much of a difference (more so eye candy I guess)!
6. eBay Air scoop + aFe performance cold air intake: honestly, can't tell the difference... But I guess it looks nice and sounds real nice at the higher revs. Meh.
7. ZHP shift knob: feels heavier and nicer than stock for sure! But I'm planning to install the Rogue Engineering short shift kit + swap this out for the Storm Motorwerks V4 knob (and the e-brake handle as well for some matching decorations), so we'll see how that feels...
8. Carbon fiber ducktail and front splitter: just looks cool, not sure if the extra downforce helped... Maybe 5%? Couldn't really feel a difference here, but again, installed them for the eye candy haha.
My biggest annoyance: stock seats! I was getting thrown around left and right, and my knees were starting to get bruised. The stock seats are quite comfortable for daily driving, but just not quite up to par for the track. I just received my Braum Elite racing seats and will be installing those this weekend, so by the time I do track day #3 I hope to report back with some updates. These new seats have the leatherette beige colour (I wanted an OEM-look to the seats)
.
Final thoughts: the Z4 is a great track car! Although there isn't as much aftermarket support, YouTube videos, write-ups, documentation, etc. all of these modifications were quite doable and easy-to-follow for a first time DIYer. There was definitely a bit of understeer just due to the weight of the car (had to keep light on the throttle in the corners to avoid having the car whip out from behind me, as opposed to the Miata drivers who were flooring all the way through the corners), but the feel of the car was so smooth and responsive this time around! Not to mention, I got to pass a few of the S2000's in the novice group... That felt pretty good .
Here are some photos:
Cheers!
I just completed my 2nd track day in the Z4 this past weekend, and it was a complete blast... Some of you guys gave me phenomenal tips on my 1st track day (when the car was completely stock, about 7-8 months ago), and I've done a couple of modifications in my garage since then so it was nice to get a before and after track day comparison. This is my first car I've ever done upgrades to and ended up following a DIY route for the learning experience and to get my hands dirty. Note that this is also my daily
.Figured I might as well do a quick write-up of a list of the modifications and attach some quick thoughts on the ones that made the biggest difference and feel in terms of performance (for me personally):
1. BC Racing BR coilovers: these were the best bang-for-your-buck coilovers I could find. For under $1000 USD, adjustable rebound and compression + ride height! This probably made the biggest difference in terms of cornering and overall stability, compared to track day #1.
2. Enkei RPF1's 18x8.5 + Advan Sport S 245/50/18: I had Michelin PS3's on previously with the stock 104 alloys, but these just look really nice and reduce the overall weight probably by around 40 lbs. The advan sport S's are nice and grippy -- very streetable but also performed great on the track.
3. OEM hard top: had to retrofit the wiring and install the hard top supports, since very few of the North America Z4's come with the hardtop prep kit option, but it was so worth it! This made the chassis feel much stiffer, the ride much quieter, and in my opinion I like the look more than the soft top (the soft top is still under, may gut it out if I ever get a roll bar or cage installed)
4. H&R sway bars (front): I installed these with the coilovers, and immediately noticed a decrease in body roll in the corners during any sort of spirited driving, but especially on track day #2! Highly recommend...
5. Racing Dynamics strut bar: I threw this on after the coilovers and sway bars, and I guess the chassis feels a bit stiffer now, but not too much of a difference (more so eye candy I guess)!
6. eBay Air scoop + aFe performance cold air intake: honestly, can't tell the difference... But I guess it looks nice and sounds real nice at the higher revs. Meh.
7. ZHP shift knob: feels heavier and nicer than stock for sure! But I'm planning to install the Rogue Engineering short shift kit + swap this out for the Storm Motorwerks V4 knob (and the e-brake handle as well for some matching decorations), so we'll see how that feels...
8. Carbon fiber ducktail and front splitter: just looks cool, not sure if the extra downforce helped... Maybe 5%? Couldn't really feel a difference here, but again, installed them for the eye candy haha.
My biggest annoyance: stock seats! I was getting thrown around left and right, and my knees were starting to get bruised. The stock seats are quite comfortable for daily driving, but just not quite up to par for the track. I just received my Braum Elite racing seats and will be installing those this weekend, so by the time I do track day #3 I hope to report back with some updates. These new seats have the leatherette beige colour (I wanted an OEM-look to the seats)
.Final thoughts: the Z4 is a great track car! Although there isn't as much aftermarket support, YouTube videos, write-ups, documentation, etc. all of these modifications were quite doable and easy-to-follow for a first time DIYer. There was definitely a bit of understeer just due to the weight of the car (had to keep light on the throttle in the corners to avoid having the car whip out from behind me, as opposed to the Miata drivers who were flooring all the way through the corners), but the feel of the car was so smooth and responsive this time around! Not to mention, I got to pass a few of the S2000's in the novice group... That felt pretty good
. Here are some photos:
Cheers!
