Z4 E85 track day mods

[steverz4]

Hi there,
Im interested in hearing from fellow E85 drivers who have made mods to their cars for track days,
Ive upgraded my tyres, and im getting adjustable suspension fitted.
Main question is what brakes people are running - ive got EBC yellow pads on standard discs, but I really want to get the discs & pads properly upgraded (without spending a fortune)
Any experience anyone has would be greatly appreciated....
Cheers
Steve

 

[mmm-five]

What model Z4 is it?

How many track days have you already done (i.e. have you got the most out of yourself, before you spend money on the car).

Some of the smaller-engined models can be cheaply upgraded with the larger brakes from the larger sport models (or 3-series).

 

[brillomaster]

I track my e85 3.0i... just done tyres and brakes. My preferred tyre is currently federal 595 rsrs, 245 35 18 front, 255 35 18 rear. And then taken for alignment like a z4m.

As for brakes, i was running ebc blues but they get too hot, and then disintegrate, one set lasted 2 days. Switched to performance friction 08, which have done 5 days now and only half worn, highly recommended.

I find the standard 300mm fronts are ok. But i have removed the front fog lights and access panel in the wheel arch, which helps a lot to keep brake temps down.

 

[NickDE]

I've tracked my Z4C on yellowstuff pads with no issues.
My track 330ci runs yellowstuff without issues. It has the same discs and calipers set up as the 3 litre Z4s, just with a heavier car so harder work for the brakes. They don't overheat but need replacing after three full trackdays eg Spa, Nurburgring, Oulton. When using yellowstuff follow the bedding in instructions fully.

 

[steverz4]

Thanks all, i've got a 3.0i manual, ive done Brands Indy 3 times, so getting fairly used to it now - the EBCs are yellow, and have seemed much better than standard ones

Like the idea of front airflow fog light removal, thanks for that one !

Appreciate all the thoughts...

….cheers Steve

 

[Haggisman]

Hi, have raced various cars for about 20 years, the last car being an E36 M3 that I developed over 7 or so years.

Have recently bought the Z4 and took it to the track for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it performed really well straight out of the box. However, I did get a thorough check to make sure everything was working as it should and nothing was going to fall off or come loose. I also upgraded the brakes with same size slotted rotors ( drilled ones can crack ), Pagid black pads and Motul high temp racing brake fluid (will be fitting S/S braided brake lines soon). Stopping is pretty important.

Road tyres can go “off” after several laps so I run a set of semi slicks that are road legal. Worth a couple seconds a lap at our local track. I also prefer a “square” ( no smart comments please, I mean the same rim width and the wheels are still round) wheel set up for flexibility and neutral handling which can be adjusted with suspension settings. Adjustable sway bars can be useful to sort out oversteer / understeer issues. On my budget I stuck with a decent set of one way adjustable shocks and race springs.

I was surprised how a decent race seat and harness helps you get a better feel for what the car is doing and stops you sliding about.

Let me say that once you get the track bug it’s hard to shake off and hurts the wallet so decide what your objectives are - there will always be a faster car around and you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun.

One of the best thing you can do is get proper tuition from a track experienced driver and he / she will help you get the most out of the car.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[tomrdy]

Have you guys running the 3.0 m54 done anything in terms of the oil pump for track use? More in regards to the nut failure? It was something that I came across and sort of put a concern in the back of my mind about running the car on track last year.

From what I've read it seems to be more so for the E46 ZHP (higher rpm and even just not on track) or cars running lightened flywheels etc though ... and a seemingly 0 occurance in the z4 community.

Would be cool to hear some thoughts from other members who regularly track their 3.0.

 

[Haggisman]

Have you guys running the 3.0 m54 done anything in terms of the oil pump for track use? More in regards to the nut failure? It was something that I came across and sort of put a concern in the back of my mind about running the car on track last year.

From what I've read it seems to be more so for the E46 ZHP (higher rpm and even just not on track) or cars running lightened flywheels etc though ... and a seemingly 0 occurance in the z4 community.

Would be cool to hear some thoughts from other members who regularly track their 3.0.

I was concerned about the oil pump nut on my M3 which had a lightened flywheel so from memory I drilled through it, wired it and used loctide to secure it. No issues then, I also baffled the sump to prevent Oil surge on fast sweeping corners.

The list can go on and on as the time spent on track increases unfortunately.

 

[steverz4]

Thanks all for further comments and advice
On the braking front, I do have EBC yellow pads, but I do think it would benefit from better discs and fluid
I just I bit of tuition would be money well spent too! Just need to swallow my pride and do it.....
....thanks again all!

 

[Silverzedtom]

Id start with a half decent set of pads - looks like your already sorted and a brake fluid flush and see how you go before dropping cash. Might as well work out what you think could be improved once you’ve got a feel for the car on the track.

If your front bumper is in good condition I’d be tempted to get a clear film on it as it will get peppered with tiny stone chips, especially if you keep going back for more :driving:

 

[steverz4]

Thanks silverzedtom!