Liam's Z4C race car project

[Liam22]

Forgot to mention - I was able to run the car over the scrutineering weighbridge.

Front axle 691.5 kg
Rear axle 670.5 kg
Total 1362 kg

That's on a full tank, so ~40 kg of fuel. Encouraging when it comes to stripping the car later. And 50.8 / 49.2 (f/r) weight distribution - that engine doesn't weigh as much as it looks.

 

[Darkangelv2]

Sounds like a great first day for understanding your car

I find it really interesting to read the care and attention you guys put into a track day - preparation and maintenance checks during.

I’m definitely taking notes!

 

[Liam22]

thank you

I may have been premature to recommend the paint. It discoloured on my first track session. Mind you, back in the paddock the front discs were still over 275⁰C so perhaps not an issue for road cars.

 

[enuff_zed]

Crammed the boot full of tools and spares and headed off to Snetterton for a shakedown track day

Hey, if you ever head to Snetterton again, let me know please. I only live 3 miles away and would be interested to come and have a look-see

 

[Liam22]

Snetterton is my local track so I do my testing and setup there.

Usually I post stuff ahead of time, but things have been extra-crazy lately...

Coming back to what I wrote back in February:

My plan for the build is this:

1. Brakes, suspension, bushes, all fluids, etc
2. Take it for a run around the Nurburgring while it's still road legal
3. Strip, roll cage, race safety equipment

I head off for the Nurburgring on Sunday 8)

 

[Jembo]

I

Nevertheless, looks like I need stiffer front springs, as running dampers at the max is a sign of overly soft springs.

You’ll have to check they fit, but my new eibachs will be coming off my M in August/sept as they are too hard n low for Kent roads

Welcome to make me an offer

J

 

[JDavis21]

I head off for the Nurburgring on Sunday 8)

Enjoy it! I managed 5 laps last week, and coming from the MINI - the Z4 felt so composed.

I plan a few more updates later this year, mostly to remove some weight. But shall be booking a trackday or evening at Snetterton when it's ready, as it's only 45 minutes from home, and round the corner from work.

A 2:19 is okay, given the fact barely any weight has been stripped yet and it was your first day in the car.

 

[Liam22]

First time at the 'Ring. What a place! I've driven every race track in the UK, and a few in Europe (including Spa) but the Nordschleife is like no other.

Indicated 150mph into T1. Hitting the bump stops all the way down the main straight over the bumps. Quite frankly, its terrifying.

8:20 BTG on my last lap of the day, and I was taking it easy because I have some grumbling from the rear brakes. But I'm a long way from knowing my way round.

 

[Darkangelv2]

8:20 is no slouching!

 

[JDavis21]

First time at the 'Ring. What a place! I've driven every race track in the UK, and a few in Europe (including Spa) but the Nordschleife is like no other.

Indicated 150mph into T1. Hitting the bump stops all the way down the main straight over the bumps. Quite frankly, its terrifying.

8:20 BTG on my last lap of the day, and I was taking it easy because I have some grumbling from the rear brakes. But I'm a long way from knowing my way round.

8:20's damn good going with stock power and weight! Makes me want to do a trackday next time I go, was being quite cautious during my TF laps and always had a passenger with me.

Sounds like you definitely need some stiffer springs before going back on track! When is the interior strip and cage happening?

 

[MrPT]

A lot of people have reported bottoming out at the Ring, even with aftermarket suspension on its stiffest bump settings.

I still get have occasionally when driving on the road, albeit with a softer setup - seems to be another feature of the fussy rear axle on these.

 

[Jalfrezi]

What a great thread, quite inspiring!

 

[Liam22]

I found another 4 seconds today. 8:16 BTG.

Ran out of rear pads, so called it a day at lunchtime. Also think I've cooked the NSR wheel bearing as it's very grumbly, but went away after half a lap. Bloody awful on the road though.



And just to show I was trying...



The interior strip starts this weekend. Shout if you want anything... piano black trim and oyster leather sports memory seats (non-heated).

 

[Mr Tidy]

I found another 4 seconds today. 8:16 BTG.

Ran out of rear pads, so called it a day at lunchtime. Also think I've cooked the NSR wheel bearing as it's very grumbly, but went away after half a lap. Bloody awful on the road though.

That's commitment - it sounds like you've had a great trip!

Just a small thing, but if you have the luggage net in the boot I'd like that please.

 

[johndglynn]

The interior strip starts this weekend. Shout if you want anything... piano black trim and oyster leather sports memory seats (non-heated).

Such a great thread! I’d be interested in the Piano Black trim

 

[exdos]

OP, Fantastic well documented and illustrated thread! You've done a cracking job with the car and I hope it'll reward you with success on the racetrack.

FYI, the compression at Tiergarten at the Nordschleife creates the greatest compression loading on suspension anywhere even greater than at Fuchsröhre so bottoming out there is normal.

 

[Liam22]

One of the rear pads went metal-on-metal at Brussels so I spent most of the journey home with huge gaps and lots of coasting.

Also, the handbrake failed the day after passing the MoT so I had to use the electric seats to hold a pole onto the brake pedal on the Eurotunnel!

Rewarded myself on a successful return home by applying the mandatory sticker:



For those with a few minutes to spare, here is my best lap. Gets a little exciting at 6:25

[youtube]R6oin4zmtKU[/youtube]

 

[IAmOrion]

This is a great thread - super impressive seeing all the work you've done on it!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Great thread, and a fantastic video - thanks for sharing.

6:25 definitely looked very "exciting". :lol:

 

[SloanRH4]

Awesome thread! Enjoyed reading everything, lots of questions which means I have lots of things to learn about.
How do you feel about the Strongflex bushes? At some point I'd like to get PU bushes, would you recommend them for a street car? I have also fitted the ones for the shifting linkage, was a real PITA since I did it without removing the driveshaft but now shifting feels a lot better!

Keep up with the good job you're doing!