97 M3/4/5 running in STU

[Chris]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

To "fit" the 285s, I was running 680F/800R spring rates. Ride heights were approximately 13.25F/12.5R, if I remember correctly. I've got some old pictures of the car on that setup and you can gauge from those pretty well. The front tires were not inside the fenders, the springs were just stiff enough to keep the fenders from ever hitting them.

In my (humble) opinion, you should wait another year, and run the M3 as-is (or at least don't go crazy rolling the fenders.) With the supposed 2012 ST* reorg, there's some chance that the M3 could end up in a competitive environment again.

I think the car was extremely fast on the 18x10/285 combo, but it didn't fit easily and took **hours** of time on the alignment rack to get the perfect camber/spacer/toe-in setup that allowed it to fit. It required higher than optimal ride heights, and still rubbed in some places.

If you ultimately want to take the car to BSP, then you might as well get the 18x10s. If you're thinking ST*, I would stick with the 17x9/255 or 265 Dunlops, or 18x9/265 Dunlop combos. 18's are exceptionally more expensive, in most cases.

[GaryK]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Hey guys, I need to make a decision and hopefully a little info will help me here. I have a 97 M3 sedan, NON-sunroof car, that I'm playing with in STU. After solving a sway bar problem, I'm encouraged with how fast the car is on a very basic setup consisting of AST 4100's, camber plates, a front sway bar, 17x9 wheels, and the typical 255 width StarSpecs.

I've been considering selling this car and getting a 325 to run in STX. But, as of now I haven't found a car so I'm thinking about doing some more prep on the M3. One of the things I'd like to do if I keep running it is the 18x10 wheels with wide tires, likely the 285 Yokes. My question is, what ride height and approximate spring rates was Mayfield running on his car as shown in this thread? I like to run my car higher than most anyway, but on the other hand I like to run softer spring rates than most. I'm trying to figure out if it's realistic for me to run the big wheels and tires and set up the way I'd like to.

Thanks

[GotCone?]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Chris Mayfield's E36 M3 has been very fast ever since he added 18x10s and 285/30/18 Yokohama AD08s. He was 3rd in a fast field of 19 at the Vail Valley Tour. AST 4200s and the other usual stuff.

Nice work Chris!

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

I want one year learning to drive Olivia without any significant changes. From the first slush event last October until now we haven't driven the same setup. I do like the 255s though.

[Fair!]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Something to contemplate:





Chris Mayfield's E36 M3 has been very fast ever since he added 18x10s and 285/30/18 Yokohama AD08s. He was 3rd in a fast field of 19 at the Vail Valley Tour. AST 4200s and the other usual stuff.

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Well, Terry was right. The S/A setup we installed never got it done so we traded up for a set of D/A and stiffer 550lb/650lb springs. The UUC 30mm/24mm bars are set to soft up front and medium for the rear.

Car feels very stable, good turn in and launched out of turns without drama. Still playing with compression and rebound but had some good baseline settings to start out with.

Let me just say that the first year with Olivia was very disappointing. Trying to run an underprepared car in this region was eyeopening. Especially since the Z3 was so competitive in both SCCA and BMWCCA.

Lesson learned...

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Pete from TC Kline said that 550s for the front was the stiffest spring I could use without suffering. That will be 550/600 on the S/A adjustable setup.

[John in Houston]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

What SA dampers are you running?

If Koni, and 'off-da-shelf', you are probably at the limit of them spring rate wise. Going up in spring rates is going to a) create a craptacular ride on the street and b) not create consistent handling characteristics.

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

The UUC bars are set full soft front and rear right now. Installing the 550lb springs tomorrow then check for push.

[Fair!]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Okay, the front is 12 3/4. The rear is 11 3/4.

That sounds about right. You could possibly lower the front by another 1/4 to 1/2".... ask your shock maker.

Have you tweaked the swaybars yet? That could solve some of your push.

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Okay, the front is 12 3/4. The rear is 11 3/4.

[Fair!]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Put the 255s on the Koseis. Running S/A 450/600 lb springs set rebound to 1/2 turn off full stiff in front, full stiff rear. Pushed badly entering corners. Slight throttle oversteer exiting. Push never got any better even after we started loosing up the rebound on the front. Car is heavy: 3416 lbs with me and 1/2 tank of fuel.

Bought 550 lb springs for the front. Ride height seems a little low for the back. Want to set the height at 5 1/4 front 6 rear measuring from the side skirt between the tires.

Any observations would be helpful. Am running the divisionals with SCCA next weekend.

Measure ride height from center of wheel to bottom of fender lip... this is easier to compare among all E36s...

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Put the 255s on the Koseis. Running S/A 450/600 lb springs set rebound to 1/2 turn off full stiff in front, full stiff rear. Pushed badly entering corners. Slight throttle oversteer exiting. Push never got any better even after we started loosing up the rebound on the front. Car is heavy: 3416 lbs with me and 1/2 tank of fuel.

Bought 550 lb springs for the front. Ride height seems a little low for the back. Want to set the height at 5 1/4 front 6 rear measuring from the side skirt between the tires.

Any observations would be helpful. Am running the divisionals with SCCA next weekend.

[97M3]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Olivia.jpg

Loosened up the front bar and ran the 600lb rear springs. Very neutral, good turn in. Olivia took 2nd in our AAA classes with myself and another driver.

[Fair!]

Re: 97 M3/4/5 running in STU

Okay, tried a set of 600lb in the rear and the car rotated better and corner exit was flatter with no push. I left the 450s on the front though. Objections?

Still pretty soft up front but the front-to-rear spring rate balance sounds a lot better... that should rotate better, for sure.