So I am slowly putting together my IP/GTS3(I think this is what I will end up in) 99 BMW M3. I have been talking with as many people as will listen about suspension and what to get and what will be "good". I prefer to be over educated before I purchase or do something which usually leads to better results! So here goes... My question list.

Even if you are not racing but have experience with one of the options please voice your opinion. I accept any and all advice ;)

Sponsors/Vendors feel free to peddle your wares to me because I am shopping and would love to slap on more decals ;)

-IP/GTS3 guys what is everyone actually running on car? Competitive/front running or not what is working for you?

-What kind of adjustments are you making? Changing at every track? Swapping spring rates at certain tracks?

-Failure rate/customer service? I won't name any names but it seems some of the companies need rebuilding quite a bit more often than others. I am sure there is a warranty period but I don't want to be sending shocks back and forth over and over with faults. I know eventually things can and will go wrong, it will wear out but just looking for a general idea.

-What kind of spring rates did everyone end up on? With those rates what did you end up running for sway bar? Removed in the back, big in the front or both big?

Let me know if I need to look further but I have on my list:

AST 4100/4200 - Front Runner Right Now
TCKline Kits
Ground Control Kits

I want the car to be on track for the GTS3 Race at Road Atlanta March 09. Not in a huge rush so just provide me with the information you have and let's go from there!

If I were looking to build a competitive IP car right now, I would look at the following options for dampers:

AST 4200 from Vorshlag or RRT
JRZ's from Bimmerworld

Actually, my first choice would be a set of Ohlins, but that would require some custom work from RRT. That may or may not be in your budget, and as of recently, I think RRT was having trouble sourcing the dampers they want from Ohlins due to Ohlins' focus on roundy-round racing in the States.

You can't go wrong with either of the two choices above. The JRZ's are "proven" by guys like Randy M and Dave White, but I suspect the AST's will prove to be just as good once folks start putting them on competitive cars with competitive drivers. Someone will have put together an IP car with AST's by the time you need to make a purchase, so you might be best to sit back and wait a bit. I know RRT is starting to get their hands dirty testing and tuning with the AST's and have been impressed with them as compared to the Ohlins they've run on various cars for a few years now. You also can't go wrong working with RRT or Bimmerworld (or Vorshlag for that matter, though I list the other two because they are closer to you).

I wouldn't consider the TCK/GC kits with the old revalved street Koni's. The AST's or JRZ's are a better place to spend your $$ in my opinion.

As for specific setup advice on spring rates and bars, I can't help you there...though I would love to put together an IP car. It's developed into a great class.

imo, suspension is the most important part of a prepared class car so spend the extra bucks and get the best legal option...then spend whatever is left on driver development ;)

I'm partial to JRZ's since i've been fairly successful using them over the last couple of seasons. in 2007, the HP, IP, JP, and GTS-3 national champions were all running JRZ suspensions.

as far as setup changes - we usually make some minor changes for each track. we typically use our settings from our last trip to that track as a starting point and do some fine tuning from there. we also make changes for wet conditions.

as far as specific parts (spring rates, sway bars, etc), contact bimmerworld and they can get you all set up.

i have had zero issues with my JRZ's since they were installed in mid 2006.

My vote goes to the JRZs also, they are a proven shock in many forms of racing throughout the world. Their support is great and they can be rebuilt by dozens of vendors across the US.

PM me if you have any questions.

Sounds like a religious war to me. JRZs are definitely proven. ASTs are selling well (apparently) and should show up soon at a race track near you (yo Fair -- need a test monkey? ;)). Unless I'm mistaken, ASTs and JRZs are both similar in design concept, no doubt b/c both technical leads worked together at Koni originally, correct?

FWIW, I am running Koni DAs F&R, 600 F and 700 R spring rates, although they look too soft from the pics of the PIR weekend (motor went phhhffft so I'm done for a while :help). RD bars F&R. Definitely not the fastest setup out there. Could have something to do with the seat to steering wheel interface though.

Good luck w/your project.

I have a garage full of springs from 400-950lb and the setup I like best is 800F/800R as per Dale@Evosport's recommendation. Turns out, as usual, he knows what he's talking about.

Front H&R 28mm full stiff and went back to a stock rear bar.

Currently using AD DAs, once the budget heals it might be time to upgrade.

imo, suspension is the most important part of a prepared class car so spend the extra bucks and get the best legal option...then spend whatever is left on driver development ;)




+1,000,000. Of course, I need the driver development.
Joel

Thanks guys!

Anyone else have any input?

Advance Designs, nice shock. Easily tailored to your needs. Had them for 4 years, just rebuilt them, super easy. Just check the n2o in them regularly. Good support, at least for me.

Changes depend on the track, and conditions. I carry a few springs with me, log shock changes over the car for different tracks. Usually set a base line before the weekend and then make adjustments.

Spring rates? More than 800 less than 1200. Most IP cars are in that range. I run a GC front bar and turner rear bar. Tried the no rear bar, and stock rear bar, didn't work for me.

I am currently on 500 ft and 525 rear with Turner bars. The car is fast and has tremendous lateral grip. However I am going to switch over to a stock 325 rear bar and heavier springs to see what that is like. I had a good baseline to start with... when I started my project my laptimes would have been in the top 3 at my home track.
Fast forward to making my IP debut 1 year later and I am 3 seconds too slow. IP is quickly turning into a $$ battle. Engine / cam technology is being pushed out pretty far and shock technology is too. My TCK Koni DA setup was competitive just a few seasons ago... now it might get me into the top 10... Oh woe is me!

Yah I am not too worried about that. I know I will find someone out there to race :)

Yah I am not too worried about that. I know I will find someone out there to race :)

The Spec E36 guys?

:rofl

I kid.

The Spec E36 guys?

:rofl

I kid.

Actually that's somewhat true. There are CMod cars that can't hang with the all out IP cars. IP car lap times are what BMod before it became CMod used to be. A top GTS3 car is even faster.

Dampers have evolved, DOT-R tires are faster, more/better brake kits, more power, etc. The E36 at this point is pretty well developed.

Carlos.

The Spec E36 guys?

:rofl

I kid.

As long as it is fun

As long as it is fun

Dang man,

That car sure has transformed nicely! :)

Actually that's somewhat true. There are CMod cars that can't hang with the all out IP cars. IP car lap times are what BMod before it became CMod used to be. A top GTS3 car is even faster.

Dampers have evolved, DOT-R tires are faster, more/better brake kits, more power, etc. The E36 at this point is pretty well developed.

Carlos.

True. I just saw an opportunity to pick at Halston and took it. He and I actually share quite a bit of track time.

Plus we can make fun of each... always fun...

haha

*pokes geordie*

Halston how much are those stickers, from performing imports?, I didn't see those last spring.

You know what I'm runnin ;)

If you can get sponsors go for it man! If not I say get somethign like I have to save you some $$$$$$. GC Race w/ AD shocks and spherical goodies where allowed for IP.

You know what I'm runnin ;)

If you can get sponsors go for it man! If not I say get somethign like I have to save you some $$$$$$. GC Race w/ AD shocks and spherical goodies where allowed for IP.

The AST 41004200's are the front runners right now. I am not really considering the 4100's but they are on the list.

What you have is 3000 dollars the same as what the other items I am looking at. At that point I would rather have the AST's I think.

However TRM is about to release their items. If it is equal in quality and performance that will be on the list too.

Performing Imports paid for the decals...