E36 M3 Track Car Build Log

MRichmond · 24th October 2007, 04:36

As mentioned in the previous thread, in which many of you offered helpful advice to help my search for a track car, I will keep this thread updated with the buildout of the M3. 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 "www.get-fast.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:

The interior looked fine . . .

. . . but not for long:

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:

A couple of rear suspension bolts were so rusted that we had to resort to the saw. They came off tonight, so the installation of some new parts (lower rear control arms) began:

A great beginning since the car was unmolested 60 hours ago. More updates to follow.

MEnthusiast · 24th October 2007, 07:43

great thread!!! Love the pictures especially the little ones. Dont forget the E36s have a weakness with the rear shock mounts so while you are taking the car apart, be sure to address this. Its a great car.

Frits · 24th October 2007, 11:26

Great! I recently bought an E36 M3 track car too.

What are the plans?
Planning on doing any engine mods? Which engine does it have by the way?

MRichmond · 24th October 2007, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frits

Great! I recently bought an E36 M3 track car too.

What are the plans?
Planning on doing any engine mods? Which engine does it have by the way?

The Phase I plan is:

-- JRZ RS suspension (w/race plates, weight jackers, Eibach 700 F and 800 R springs)
-- Ground Control F and R sway bars
-- Ground Control adjustable rear lower control arms
-- F and R control arm bushings
-- Engine and transmission mounts
-- PWR radiator and Stewart water pump
-- Rogue short-shift kit
-- Kirk roll bar
-- Racetech 4000W seats
-- Teamtech 6-point harnesses
-- Kosei K1 wheels w/Toyp R888 235/40/17 rubber
-- AA Gen 3 exhaust
-- Various other upgrades, including stainless brake lines, brass brake caliper guides, new rotors, Hawk HT10 pads, Momo wheel, etc.
-- Also replacing some worn parts -- steering rack, front control arms, tie rods

The engine is the US 3.2L. Most likely, this winter I will do a cam/intake/headers upgrade. I am toying with the idea of doing a Euro 321-hp motor, but it appears that I can get nearly the same power with the former route. Flywheel/clutch also is on the horizon.

Frits · 24th October 2007, 15:29

I would suggest going for a front big brake kit at once...

A friend of mine installed a short shifter in his M3. He liked the shifter very much, but he got rid of it, since it was very annoying on the track. He had a Schnitzer short shifter, and his main concern was that it needed too much effort to shift...

Nice upgrades!!

MRichmond · 24th October 2007, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frits

I would suggest going for a front big brake kit at once...

A friend of mine installed a short shifter in his M3. He liked the shifter very much, but he got rid of it, since it was very annoying on the track. He had a Schnitzer short shifter, and his main concern was that it needed too much effort to shift...

Nice upgrades!!

I was going to do the Stoptech 332 mm kit, but we decided to see how the car does with good rotors, stainless lines, brass guides, and good pads. Another friend's E36 M3 track car stops very well with the stock calipers. I definitely will do it if it is warranted, but will reserve judgment for now.

The Rogue SSK (with weighted selector rod) has an excellent reputation. I will let everyone know impressions once it is in.

RussRamz · 24th October 2007, 17:08

I think this will likely develop into one of the all-time best threads of the board. I am anxious to see the progression of your car--with lots of pics!

jcrist · 24th October 2007, 18:41

Well, R'Man is quite fond of the documentary. I have not had the time to do such, but as some know, am about 1 week ahead of the R on my E36 build-out. It has been a blast, plus the usual and hearty competition between the R and myself has promoted quite the smile on James Clay's face (Bimmerworld). I will be picking up the next $1400 worth of stuff tomorrow.
For anyone who is following this thread, I woudl pay close attention on November 6th as we will have finished our first track weekend at VIR in the new units. Not that we will be trying to go faster than the other...................