Back in Z4MC ownership- and building a track beast :)

[dannyg_m3]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Hope everyone is well?

I am just in the process of buying a Z4MC to use as a Nurburgring Bashing machine!

I have a budget of approximately £7k to spend on upgrades to the car. Below is a list of what I am planning, but if you have any direct experience of what else to do (or different manufacturers of parts to suggest) then please feel free to comment.

I should mention that the car already has genuine CSL wheels and a Grouppe M induction kit.

Here goes;
-Have engine bearings replaced, new oil pump and high pressure oil sensor fitted (preventative maintenance).
- KW Clubsport or Bilstein equivalent springs and coilovers (any advice here appreciated, spring rates and rear end coilover info needed).
- Adjustable Rear trailing arms or limiter kit (any info helpful)
- adjustable ARB's (manufacturer required).
- RS29 brake pads
- wheel stud conversion
- Corbeau race seats and runners
- 5 point harnesses (any body got any images of where to mount the fixings especially if I want to keep the plastic trim bedind the seats in the car)?
- have steering wheel and gear lever re-trimmed in alcantara (supplier needed).

I think that's about it, but any more suggestions welcome.

Ta
Dan

 

[exdos]

I'd add Vibra Technics engine mounts, a Strongstrut strut-brace and brake cooling ducting.

 

[dannyg_m3]

Hi Exdos,

Thank you for the info.

I know that you have done a lot of work to your suspenion setup etc, do you have a link to any discssions or build thread that I could read? I have raced an E36 M3 for many years, but would like to 'fast track' the setup process as much as possible if I can...

Many thanks
Dan

 

[TomK]

- Corbeau race seats and runners
- 5 point harnesses (any body got any images of where to mount the fixings especially if I want to keep the plastic trim bedind the seats in the car)?
Dan

Best way to do this is to remove the large speaker from behind the seats (or the plastic cubby if you don't have the 10 speaker option), behind which you'll find the bulkhead where you can drill for the eyelets. 10 mins to put it back together again and you would never know they are there.

 

[dannyg_m3]

Hi TomK, will I be able to put the large speakers back in once the harnesses are fitted?

Ta
Dan

 

[markos]

You can get lighter wheels than CSLs if weight saving is your thing...

 

[Mister T]

I'd sell the CSL wheels, buy some light 18s and also put some money towards some new brakes

 

[stevo///m3]

More aggressive cams
4 x very sticky rubber
Add a dollop of lightness...
Stevo

 

[TomK]

Hi TomK, will I be able to put the large speakers back in once the harnesses are fitted?

Ta
Dan

Nope, but I just unclip them from the eyelets when I'm done and then pop the speaker back in. Takes 10 mins. I'll pm you some photos if you like.
I also would look at 18" rims (like the APex ARC-8s I have with are lighter than CSLs) as you have access to cheaper and a wider range of rubber. I've also found the car to handle and ride better personally (I used to have CSLs).

 

[Grumpyowl]

Royal wheels for you steering wheel and gear lever

Search on here, lots inc myself highly recommend them.

 

[exdos]

Hi Exdos,

Thank you for the info.

I know that you have done a lot of work to your suspenion setup etc, do you have a link to any discssions or build thread that I could read? I have raced an E36 M3 for many years, but would like to 'fast track' the setup process as much as possible if I can...

Many thanks
Dan

Hi Dan,

I've never specifically written a build thread but I can give you a few links to specific threads on various individual mods if that helps. If you want to discuss, send me a PM with what you want to know and I'll do my best to help.

 

[dannyg_m3]

Hi TomK, will I be able to put the large speakers back in once the harnesses are fitted?

Ta
Dan

Nope, but I just unclip them from the eyelets when I'm done and then pop the speaker back in. Takes 10 mins. I'll pm you some photos if you like.
I also would look at 18" rims (like the APex ARC-8s I have with are lighter than CSLs) as you have access to cheaper and a wider range of rubber. I've also found the car to handle and ride better personally (I used to have CSLs).

Yes please do PM me some images.

Thanks

 

[tertius]

Here are some pictures of how my seats and harnesses are fitted, also a side on view showing wheels (Forgestar F14) and ride height on Intrax suspension:

 

[TomK]

ooh, those seats :wub:
I'm a bit confused though, where the eyelets are, that's not the bulkhead you've drilled into right? Is that safe? From recollection that metal's not the thickest?

 

[tertius]

ooh, those seats :wub:
I'm a bit confused though, where the eyelets are, that's not the bulkhead you've drilled into right? Is that safe? From recollection that metal's not the thickest?

I didn't do it - I think BMSport did the work - having checked it is certainly pretty substantial there and backed by an FIA harness plate so I think it is secure.

 

[TomK]

Sure it's fine then. I was kind of advised otherwise but I guess those guys know their stuff.

 

[tertius]

Sure it's fine then. I was kind of advised otherwise but I guess those guys know their stuff.

I'm not really sure there is an ideal solution. E.g. If I had my harnesses mounted where yours are, they would be too low and the harness angle too steep.

In an ideal world you'd put a proper cage in and have a harness bar, but without ripping the interior apart i can't see a way of doing it.

 

[TomK]

Agreed, if I was really building the car for the track it should have a cage in.
The angle for my belts is not too bad though (around 30 degrees) so depending on who you ask it's fine. I've seen a lot lot worse!

 

[tertius]

Agreed, if I was really building the car for the track it should have a cage in.
The angle for my belts is not too bad though (around 30 degrees) so depending on who you ask it's fine. I've seen a lot lot worse!

I suppose it will turn on where you position your seat - for me, with the seat right back, the belts would be nigh on vertical if they went down into the speaker cavity.

 

[carl]

Disclaimer: I'm not entirely sure of my facts here, but... I think if you want to compete in a closed cockpit car in the UK you need to have those seats with "ears" to stop your head banging from side to side.

Personally I wouldn't have harnesses in any car that didn't have a cage.