I have retired my E60 M5 from track duty, and we are currently building an E36 track car. Now, a disclaimer right at the start -- the use of the term "we" here will denote the Royal "We," as my friend and track- and wrench-whiz extraordinaire Chris K. works his magic, and I watch, stay out of the way, and occasionally help in the unskilled brute force department. Along the way, you will see contributions from Jon "get-fast dot net" F., who also graciously volunteers his help. So, here we go.


We started with this, a 1998 Technoviolet/Mulberry M3 Coupe, a 1-owner car with 117,000 miles I found in and drove back from Boston last week:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8835/img0873km1.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1220/img0872qs2.jpg

The interior looked fine . . .
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6599/img0877uo8.jpg


. . . but not for long:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/849/img0880up2.jpg


http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8916/img0879so8.jpg


Here I am "helping" remove the stock exhaust. I am the one on the left, being only marginally more useful than the three smaller observers behind me:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9883/img0884ir0.jpg


A couple of rear suspension bolts were so rusted that we had to resort to the saw. They came off, so the installation of some new parts (lower rear control arms) began:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8521/img0885ne9.jpg

Yes, we will need something in here . . .
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/6043/img0886pw3.jpg

The Ground Control rear lower control arm in place:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2564/img0887uv4.jpg

Old radiator out . . .
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6984/img0888ga3.jpg

New PWR radiator in:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5998/img0889vo3.jpg

Planning to install a lot of the new suspension components tonight. Stay tuned.

looks like it has a lot of potential. Are you keeping all of the stock parts or selling them?

cool project. Subscribed to see updates and progress.

Was the PWR a direct drop in replacement? I'm interested to see how it works out for you.


Chris

nice project! i look forward to seeing it on track in the near future!

looks like it has a lot of potential. Are you keeping all of the stock parts or selling them?

I will be selling many of them once everything is out and ready to go. Certainly the following:

(1) Front vader seats, rear seats, rear headrests door panels and rear side panels,
(2) Stock exhaust,
(3) Stock shocks and springs,
(4) HK amp and speakers
(5) OBC
(6) Contour spare wheel w/tire

I probably will keep the contour wheels and use them as the second set until I get a second set of track wheels. (I already have a set of K1s with Toyo R888s for the track.)

cool project. Subscribed to see updates and progress.

Was the PWR a direct drop in replacement? I'm interested to see how it works out for you.


Yes, the PWR fits in just fine. There is an oversized model available that is more difficult to fit, but the standard size that I got works fairly easily.

Looks like fun. It reminds me of how I spent last winter.

subscribed to see updates...im looking into doing the same thing to my car this coming summer

Old radiator out . . .
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6984/img0888ga3.jpg

Hey, those are my arms! I cut that knuckle when the engine drain plug was being stubborn. :D

Be there shortly,

Jon

What did you decide on spring rates and shocks? Are you going to drive or trailer the car to the track?

Awesome... reminds me of how I spent my winter 2 years ago also :)

You also might want to check with Max Fischer. He is down in Richmond as well and is ganking his S50 out to put in a S54. He might have parts if you guys need them.

Interested in selling your mulberry vaders?

Nice. This was my winter, spring and summer this year.

Keep updating this thread.

The rear Ground Control sway bar, JRZ RS shocks, and rear springs are in (sway bar end links connection is pending corner balancing):
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6624/img0891in2.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/371/img0894tu5.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3816/img0895do2.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5125/img0898nj6.jpg

The fronts are waiting in the wings:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/276/img0896jw8.jpg

This weekend should see much activity

What did you decide on spring rates and shocks? Are you going to drive or trailer the car to the track?

The springs are 700 front, 800 rear.

I will drive to and from the track for a few months, but plan to have a trailer and tow vehicle some time in 2008.

Interested in selling your mulberry vaders?

Absolutely. I have been trying to get the time to take photos of the vaders, as well as the rear seats and door panels, so I can offer them for sale.

The springs are 700 front, 800 rear.

I will drive to and from the track for a few months, but plan to have a trailer and tow vehicle some time in 2008.

What's the length of the rear springs, I can't quite make out that number. If it's a 6" long spring is that the typical size that will fit those articulating adjusters?

Carlos.

What's the length of the rear springs, I can't quite make out that number. If it's a 6" long spring is that the typical size that will fit those articulating adjusters?

Carlos.

Should be 5". Can't get low enough with 6" @ 800lbs unless the car is pretty heavy out back.

Jay

Should be 5". Can't get low enough with 6" @ 800lbs unless the car is pretty heavy out back.

Jay

How about 6" 600 lb ones? Sorry not meaning to thread hijack. :stickoutt

Carlos.

How about 6" 600 lb ones? Sorry not meaning to thread hijack. :stickoutt

Carlos.

Should be fine. I think I've got a set in my trailer.

Jay

Rear springs are 5".

Come on you didn't expect me to send 6" springs with a track setup did you? :-).

A whole lot of progress today. The Rogue short-shift kit, replacement steering rack, front control arms and bushings, front rotors and pads, and front struts:
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9656/img0903he1.jpg

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/597/img0902pi2.jpg

Planning to make strides on the interior on Sunday.

Good progress so far. I'm jealous of your JRZs.

I'm curious if you're planning to upgrade your diff? I have the same GC rear sway bar you installed but I have not tried to install it because I'm concerned it will not clear my finned diff cover.

Good progress so far. I'm jealous of your JRZs.

I'm curious if you're planning to upgrade your diff? I have the same GC rear sway bar you installed but I have not tried to install it because I'm concerned it will not clear my finned diff cover.

The jury is still out on the gearing. I will see how the first few track days go. I don't recall which way the fins extend, but as long as it is mostly down, you shouldn't have a problem.

Work continues:
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/921/img0904mq7.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6691/img0906rz1.jpg

Virtually all mechanical work is done, most recently the front sway bar, wheel studs, radiator charging, changing transmission, power steering and differential fluids. Not much extraneous stuff left in trunk (including deletion of the spare tire rod):
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6413/img0909vk8.jpg

The AA Gen 3 exhaust went on too, although not without a struggle due to corrosion of the fasteners on the original mid-section pipe:
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1062/img0915ss5.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6433/img0914wz0.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4591/img0912eb9.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2103/img0913ov5.jpg

The AA unit is very nice. The sounds is fairly mild at idle, but makes a distinct difference under load.

Hoping to attack the roll bar and seats tomorrow.

Looking real good!

Ill keep my eye on this thread!

I like the advertisement in the pictures. This update brought to you by Road Atlanta, Lucas, Denso, Eibach, Kirk racing products, Stoptech, VIR, TeamTech, Ground Control and JRZ. :D

BTW you need an M50 manifold, stat!

-Carlos.

I like the advertisement in the pictures. This update brought to you by Road Atlanta, Lucas, Denso, Eibach, Kirk racing products, Stoptech, VIR, TeamTech, Ground Control and JRZ. :D

BTW you need an M50 manifold, stat!

-Carlos.

Sponsorship opportunities still available! :D

Engine work is the winter project.

^ I sent you a PM

The roll bar is in, tight as a drum:

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2553/img0916ub3.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8278/img0920jl9.jpg

The Racetech 4000W seats also went in, but not without quite a struggle to get the brackets to the match the width of the seat (which is wider in the back than the front):

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8940/img0921ck8.jpg

Stay tuned.

Roman
Are you going to VIR Friday?

Cool thread. Looks close to my car, except it took a lot longer than a weekend to get that way.

You have done most of the work to your car in a week than I've done to mine in 3 years...:rolleyes

Have you got the roll bar properly reinforced?

I'll be watching your progress and future videos to come :)

I thought I was the only one that works on their cars as fast as that.

I cant wait for things to be done so i like ordering everything together and doing everything all at once so get fast and sick results thumbs up keep this thread alive :alright

Roman
Are you going to VIR Friday?

I can't make it this Friday, but I will be there for the Chin event on Sunday and Monday.

You have done most of the work to your car in a week than I've done to mine in 3 years...:rolleyes

Chris is a blur of wrenches, drills, and various other tools which I barely even recognize. As I mentioned at the outset, my highest and best use usually is staying out of the way and providing brute force when needed. I did have a fairly comical experience picking up a 150 cubic foot nitrogen tank (to power the tools) wearing a suit and asking the guys to put it in the trunk of the M5. I think they thought they were on a hidden camera gag show.

what kind of swaybars are you using?

what kind of swaybars are you using?

Ground Control slide adjustable sway bars (large front and medium rear).

Is that a Kirk Racing bar? I had one of those installed in my 99 M3 before it was converted to and IP/GTS3 car and the fitment was outstanding.

Do you have plans for a full cage eventually? Are you planning to race?

Is that a Kirk Racing bar? I had one of those installed in my 99 M3 before it was converted to and IP/GTS3 car and the fitment was outstanding.

Do you have plans for a full cage eventually? Are you planning to race?

Yes, that is a Kirk bar and the fit is, indeed, excellent. I have no immediate plans to race or to install a full cage. The safety benefits of a cage are obvious, but I am not ready for the hassle of climbing through the cage each time to enter and exit the car.

Nice looking bar!!!

Quick question, can you still fold the back seats down with the kirk roll bar installed?

Getting very close! The wheels went on:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5057/img0926oi4.jpg

Momo steering wheel hub adapter, and you can see the quick release on the wheel:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2673/img0927pl7.jpg

The Momo Mod. 78 wheel on:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1244/img0930zr7.jpg

Fuller view, including camera mount on roll bar:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8585/img0931be0.jpg

Corner balancing planned for tomorrow.

Nice looking bar!!!

Quick question, can you still fold the back seats down with the kirk roll bar installed?

I don't know, it would be close. You obviously cannot have the side bolsters in. But the rear seat is useless for occupants with the bar in, so I don't know what is to be gained by keeping them in.

Getting very close!

Corner balancing planned for tomorrow.

Stainless lines are installed, CDV is removed, brakes & clutch are flushed & bled with Superblue, seats & harness eye bolts are tight, oil's full, etc. The car was ready to go back on the ground tonight. First test-drive will be tomorrow, to settle everything and make sure there's nothing else to deal with after cornerweighting (other than bleeding the cooling system, finishing the harness install, attaching the swaybar end links, etc.) You'll definitely want to put some miles on your new tires & pads before VIR. :D

Proud to be a minor helper during this great project,

Jon

I don't know, it would be close. You obviously cannot have the side bolsters in. But the rear seat is useless for occupants with the bar in, so I don't know what is to be gained by keeping them in.

Ive got the same bar in my coupe. The rear seats will not fold all the way down. They will go 1/2 way down before the harness bar stops them.

Unless you are tyring to keep the back looking pretty, id take them out, as well as the seat bench and side bolsters. At the same time, yank the side panels. If a full out race car build is in your future, Id sugest removing the rear tar mats before the bar goes in. It seriously gets in the way...

Is that Kimmelshue doing all the work? LOL...nice build thread. Been there! Bimmerworld is working on my cage as we speak, getting ready for Audi in Nov. at VIR. Perhaps see you there?

You should have just gone for full cage from the get-go ;) Don't ask me how I know this.

Is that Kimmelshue doing all the work?

LOL, not *all* the work... MRichmond and I do occasionally hand him a wrench or a beer. :D

Jon

Hmm, maybe you can get him to come down here and work on my car too...I'm very good at handing tools and beer....hahah.

LOL, not *all* the work... MRichmond and I do occasionally hand him a wrench or a beer. :D

Jon

The difference being that Jon actually can identify all wrenches, while my expertise ends with the beer.

And don't listen to this "minor helper" nonsense. Jon has spent more time under the car during this process than I have, and he was even awake some of that time.

You guys are doing it the hard way...on your back.:D You need to come by and use a lift. You will probably need to bring your own tools since mine are scattered around the shop.:eyecrazy

Ive got the same bar in my coupe. The rear seats will not fold all the way down. They will go 1/2 way down before the harness bar stops them.

Unless you are tyring to keep the back looking pretty, id take them out, as well as the seat bench and side bolsters. At the same time, yank the side panels. If a full out race car build is in your future, Id sugest removing the rear tar mats before the bar goes in. It seriously gets in the way...

Thanks for the advice TIATO. Not for looks, I transport my tires to the track in my back seat and I would hate to lose that ability with the installation of a roll bar. I of course could buy a trailer but would rather not.

And the car will eventually be converted to a full race car but not for a long time from now.

May I ask a ball park budget you had on this car. You certainly have tackled and are still tackling so many thing's I'd like to get done on my car.

Ten days of intense work by Chris (with a major assist from Jon) have resulted in a track beast earning to be let loose. The final touches were made last night, including the install of the Momo strut brace:
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2092/img0941fd6.jpg

Next came the corner balancing. The car weighs 2,976 lbs with all fluids, including 3/4 of a tank of gas (this is will roll bar, and carpet, A/C. front door panels, console, etc. still in), a net reduction of 200 lbs compared to the stock weight:
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1892/img0944fw7.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5435/img0949kg2.jpg

Today was alignment day:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8829/img0960ck3.jpg

A small steering fluid leak appeared last night. It seems less today, and time did not allow swapping of hoses. (The steering rack is new.) Depending on how it does this weekend at VIR will dictate what steps are needed in that department. The initial setup caused noticeable tire rubbing on the right rear tire. The additional negative camber gained through the alignment has eliminated most of it. If it becomes bothersome, I will remove the 5mm rear spacers.

The Sunday and Monday VIR event will be the real proving ground, but several things are obvious already:

Thanks to the new front steering components, the steering is razor sharp with zero slop. The turn-in is fantastic.

The Rogue SSK is great. The throws are short, well defined, and immediate.

With the rear sound insulation removed and the AA exhaust added, the car is loud! The ride, predictably, is rock hard on streets with less than ideal pavement thanks to the springs, bushings, etc., etc. The car makes clear that it is meant for the track.

A track report will follow early next week.

May I ask a ball park budget you had on this car. You certainly have tackled and are still tackling so many thing's I'd like to get done on my car.

Sure. The car cost $10,500. Through this phase, I am at around $14,000 in parts.

Cool, and thanks!

Is this excluding labor :D

Cool, and thanks!

Is this excluding labor :D

Car -- $10,500.
Performance parts -- $14,000.
Skilled labor -- Priceless.

:redspot

cool build, nice pics. Hope to be doing the same soon.

subscribed

Looking very good!

Did you use a helper or tender spring on the rear? With the 5" you have to make sure it stays seated.

Car -- $10,500.
Performance parts -- $14,000.
Skilled labor -- Priceless.

Fun on the track---- super priceless

I will be selling many of them once everything is out and ready to go. Certainly the following:

(1) Front vader seats, rear seats, rear headrests door panels and rear side panels,

Great build! In '08 I'm going to do the same thing but mine will be a full-out time-trial/FP autox car with no dash, etc. Now why did you start out with such a nice car? I've been thinking all along that I would try and find a trashed out one for $5-$6k and go from there.

On a side note, (I'd PM you but I'm new on here) did you sell your interior parts yet? If not, I'd be interested in the center console with cup holder and armrest.

Good luck!

Damn! Car looks great. I'll look out for you at VIR. I'll go ahead and stick my arm out the window now for the pass signal; don't want to slow you down! :D
Kevin

Great build! In '08 I'm going to do the same thing but mine will be a full-out time-trial/FP autox car with no dash, etc. Now why did you start out with such a nice car? I've been thinking all along that I would try and find a trashed out one for $5-$6k and go from there.

On a side note, (I'd PM you but I'm new on here) did you sell your interior parts yet? If not, I'd be interested in the center console with cup holder and armrest.

Good luck!

I thought about getting a car for as cheap as I could, but opted for this one because I felt it offered a better chance at a reliable platform with a solid engine. Had I saved a few thousand and gotten a real beater, I probably would have needed to spend a signigicant part of that saving on replacing additional parts. Setting up a car for track use requires reliability and solid components, since you don't want stuff failing or falling off at speed.

I will me marketing the interior parts shortly.

All I can say is "wow!" As much fun as the M5 was to track, this is in an entirely different category. Everything about the car sceamed "precision." Turn-in is instantaneous, the grip is phenomenal, and the ability to place the car wherever was needed made for a tremendously enjoyable experience. Perhaps most tellingly, the two parts of the track where I felt the least comfortable in the M5 (for those familiar with VIR -- Turn 3 and the tricky downhill Rollercoaster/Hogpen complex) were the most enjoyable in the M3.

Trailbraking was a breeze. At the end of the long back straight is an uphill left turn that sets up the Rollercoaster. Ideally, this left is used as the continuation of the braking zone so that braking can begin later. I was reaching over 130 mph in the straight, braking at the "1" marker and the car would obediently make the left with no drama.

Understeer is practically nonexistent, except for a couple of times when I barreled into Turn 1 way too hot, but even then the E36 platform is so wonderfully forgiving that corrections are relatively easy.

Brakes were tremendous. Stock calipers. Brembo blank rotors. Hawk HT-10 pads. Stainless steel brake lines. Brass brake guides. BBK seems utterly unnecessary at this point.

Having had his M3 on the track once before, Jason was scorching off the bat. I progressively placed trust in the car and the speeds increased dramatically. By the end of Monday (after only as couple of days in these cars), we both were running within 2-3 seconds of the best laps we had achieved in the M5s after months. And this is on the VIR full course, where HP really does help. For example, on the back straight, instead of 160, I was around 135, on the front straight, instead of 145, I was around 130, and on the bridge straight before the uphill esses I was at 115 instead of 135. Gives you an idea how much faster were were through the turns. There are considerably better times to be had from these cars once we learn them more and trust them more.

OK, here are some photos.

First, the two new weapons, nose to nose (I will get some real numbers next time):
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9341/img0985he7.jpg

Before too much track grime took hold:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2861/img0986ya7.jpg

Several Turn 3 shots:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4451/img0981zp4.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9215/img0982qx4.jpg

Just completed a pass between 2 and 3 and chasing Jason:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7219/img0979lh0.jpg


I am hoping for two more days this month and then embark on some winter projects that may involve engine work.

Hey,
just went through the whole thread and it looks great, much applause to your 10 day stretch to get the car where it is, very impressive! I am taking on a similar battle, but Im shooting for march to have it done, Im starting from scratch and will be fabbing a custom cage.
check it out, http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=864450
Keep up the great work and enjoy the car!

Finally found time to take a few "after" photos.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7520/img1013mt5.jpg



http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2564/img1027oo5.jpg

The stablemates:
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6365/img1020bg9.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/355/img1024hr7.jpg

Check out that sweet get-fast dot net sticker in the side window :D

Jon

Sweet Build...and documentation....I wonder if my soon to be "Track Beater 328I" project is worthy of a thread with pictures/discussion :D

What are your alignment specs?

What are your alignment specs?

Front camber is almost -3 degrees. Based on tire wear from the first track day, we are about to pump it up to -3.5. Rear camber is -2, which will go to -2.5. Front 1/16 total toe out. Rear 1/16 total toe in. Castor is too much at 7.9; that will go to around -6.5.

Wow I am jealous! Car looks great! I have done almost exactly what you have done minus the suspension and radiator and it was over the course of 4 years hehehe

Your next mod should be I/o ports video mount so we can see the car in action! :redspot

Fun thread - I just read it all the way through for the first time...thinking...ugh, I remember that, oh, that sucked, etc...

I think everyone should do a garage track car build, just for the experience.

Fun thread - I just read it all the way through for the first time...thinking...ugh, I remember that, oh, that sucked, etc...

I think everyone should do a garage track car build, just for the experience.

I was thinking the same thing when I browsed through this thread. All those hours of wrenching...some of it fun and some of it really fun. :D

Your next mod should be I/o ports video mount so we can see the car in action! :redspot

Funny. The I/O camera mount is already in. I hope to get some decent video this weekend at VIR. Grand Course on Sunday, which I have not yet run.

I was thinking the same thing when I browsed through this thread. All those hours of wrenching...some of it fun and some of it really fun. :D

Remember, guys. I can't take credit for any of the wrenching. The K-Factor and get-fast stickers are on the car for a very good reason. However, it was great fun being there throughout the process, and I am very glad that I went this route rather than buying a car that already was built.

Funny. The I/O camera mount is already in. I hope to get some decent video this weekend at VIR. Grand Course on Sunday, which I have not yet run.You know I had feeling you would have that on the way too. :)

Nice build, i think you were smart to buy a street car and make it a track car yourself, though I am jealous on the help you got. I hope to get my car close to yours by next year. I live in richmond too, maybe i'll run into you at vir sometime....

Nice build, i think you were smart to buy a street car and make it a track car yourself, though I am jealous on the help you got. I hope to get my car close to yours by next year. I live in richmond too, maybe i'll run into you at vir sometime....

We need a Richmond meet.

Agreed.

Please post your lap times from the VIR grand course when you have them so we can compare to the "Lightning Lap".

We can meet a my place. I have plenty of room and my neighbors won't complain. getfast knows where I live.

We can meet a my place. I have plenty of room and my neighbors won't complain. getfast knows where I live.

Yes! I'm sure several of us would be up for that. I can bring a fender roller or scales or something else to play with.

Better yet, how about VMP on December 2nd during the last autocross of the year? Kinda like this, but two weeks later:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=866769

Who's in? :D

Jon

What size rims and tires are you running?

MRichmond's beautiful technoviolet #99 is on 17x8.5" Kosei K1's with 235/40-17 fulltread Toyo R888's.

Jon

RESURRECTED!

So what's happening to the beast this winter?

:handclap

RESURRECTED!

So what's happening to the beast this winter?


About to do lightweight kevlar flywheel/clutch, AA headers and AA 3" race exhaust in time for the start of the season on Feb. 16. Will post photos.

Updating for the OP... all the parts mentioned above have been installed, and here are photos of the car at VIR earlier this week...

James Clay (left) and MRichmond (right):

http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/td308vir/photo11.jpg

Redbaronf2001 on the front straight:

http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/td308vir/photo41.jpg

Randy Pobst about to drive, with Redbaronf2001 riding shotgun:

http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/td308vir/photo70.jpg

http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/td308vir/photo71.jpg

Looks like fun,

Jon