[Liquidpaper]

Ladies and Gents:

I've caught the bug and have been very slowly tweaking my car (235i) to be (more) track capable.

So far I've:

Gotten a P3 Gauge (oil temp);
Switched to Dunlop Direzza II tires;
Put in ATE 200 Fluid; and,
Purchased (and have an appointment to install) camber plates.


What has everyone else done? I've tried to keep my modifications down to the essentials/reversible, and so far it's a blast to drive on the track.

Has anyone gone in a more dedicated direction? Brake kits? Stainless lines? Track dedicated pads? Lighter wheels? Rocket boosters? I'd like to get a master thread started about suspension/car setup for track use.

UPDATE:

Okay, so I've lost my mind and decided I'm going to keep the car past lease, so I took the plunge and started modding.

Here is the full (for now) list:

MP Black Kidneys
MP Exhaust
MP Stainless Pedals
Ground Control Camber Plates (getting a re-alignment soon, too aggressive atm)
H&R Sport Springs
Challenge F22 Stainless Lines
ATE 200 Fluid
Porterfield R4-S Pads
APEX 18x8.5 ET 38 in Hyper Black x4; Direzza II 255/35/18 x 4
P3 Vent Gauge
Deist Custom 6 Point Snap-In Harness (yes, I am going to have the floor drilled for eye-bolts, because racecar)

Next on List:

MP LSD

I think after those mods, I'll be satisfied for now. Im waiting for a tune though. I don't want a piggy unit. Gintani (who is close to me) is working on an F22 tune (already did the F8X tunes at the software level), or maybe if they come out with an F22 MPPK, I'll do that, but I really don't want a piggy box. Considering how hard I run the thing, I'd probably do an intercooler upgrade with any sort of tune.

Anyone else do anything recently?

[pikcachu]

a square setup probably so you can rotate left to right and front back... but maybe with the camber plates you don't have much issue

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

a square setup probably so you can rotate left to right and front back... but maybe with the camber plates you don't have much issue

A square setup would be best. However, I think dialing in some camber can alleviate whatever understeer the car has. Also, yeah, it would be nice to be able to rotate tires.

Pika, have you taken your car to the track?

[pikcachu]

once to an HPDS

[rwalker]

which camber plates?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by rwalker

which camber plates?

Ground Control. Turns out camber plates for F30 cars work for F2X cars as well (F20, 21, 22). GC makes plates that work with stock springs and dampers, so long as the wiring for the adaptive suspension comes from the side of the strut tower, rather than the top.

I'm set to have them installed in a week. I'll post a review, don't worry.

[rwalker]

I have GCs on my M235i as well. Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

My track setup is square 18x9 et41 D-Force LTW5s with 255/35r18 Toyo Proxes R888s. I run a 5mm spacer in front to clear the strut.

I ran this setup at a recent Speed Ventures track day and really liked it. I'll get to try it out in the SD BMWCCA autox on 2/7. My last autox was on the stock staggered PSSs (with the camber plates), and I didn't do very well (though I'm still learning the car). Looking forward to making a comparison anyway.

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by rwalker

I have GCs on my M235i as well. Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

My track setup is square 18x9 et41 D-Force LTW5s with 255/35r18 Toyo Proxes R888s. I run a 5mm spacer in front to clear the strut.

I ran this setup at a recent Speed Ventures track day and really liked it. I'll get to try it out in the SD BMWCCA autox on 2/7. My last autox was on the stock staggered PSSs (with the camber plates), and I didn't do very well (though I'm still learning the car). Looking forward to making a comparison anyway.

I'm still on the OEM staggered setup, but I switched to 235/40 and 255/35 Direzza II's. I like them a lot better for track use. I think I might try the venerable (and cheaper) Hankook RS3's after this set is done, just for comparison.

I've never heard of D-Force before. I just checked them out -- what an awesome deal. 18x9's that weigh less that 20lbs for under 300 a wheel? Damn.

[rwalker]

mine were even cheaper: I bought 'em used

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

I'm still on the OEM staggered setup, but I switched to 235/40 and 255/35 Direzza II's. I like them a lot better for track use. I think I might try the venerable (and cheaper) Hankook RS3's after this set is done, just for comparison.

I've never heard of D-Force before. I just checked them out -- what an awesome deal. 18x9's that weigh less that 20lbs for under 300 a wheel? Damn.

i like these

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ed&showRear=no

16lbs and 17" which means cheaper tires.... for a 245 square

[rwalker]

can you fit 17" wheels over our brakes?

[e46m3lol]

I've pretty much made my 228i a multi use car. I track it at road course events, drag strips and use it as a daily every day. Couldn't be happier with it! Right away I did H&R lowering springs and racing seats, carbon fiber hood for weight reduction, upgraded my tires from the bridgestone run flats on the stock wheels to some Michelin pilot super tires with VMR V703 wheels for track. For the shows I run a set of Savini BM9 with Toyo proxes rubber. Also got a RolloFace big brake kit (8 piston front and 6 piston rear 380mm rotors all the way around), I'm full bolt on including Hexon racing turbo upgrade, AR design c@tless DP, ER intercooler, Rolloface Chargepipe, JB4 stage 2 with flex fuel and EWG wires, Injen intake and a muffler delete. It's been a blast on and off the track. Every mode I've done can easily be removed and put back to stock

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by rwalker

can you fit 17" wheels over our brakes?

yes http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1017577

[rwalker]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

yes http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1017577

thx. had forgotten about that... These should work then, too:

http://www.apexraceparts.com/apex-pr...C-8-Wheel.html

[pikcachu]

not sure 9 would fit in the front

[rwalker]

I've proven that 9inch wheels fit if you have camber plates and offset of 36mm. To get those ARC-8s in there you'd need 6mm spacers.

Of course, et42 gives a fair bit of rear poke. For reference, here're a couple of pics of my 18x9 et41 setup:

[Liquidpaper]

Hm, I did some research, and I think I might go with Apex 18x8.5 ARC-8 Wheels. Price point is reasonable and they're super light (and they look cool).

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by rwalker

I've proven that 9inch wheels fit if you have camber plates and offset of 36mm. To get those ARC-8s in there you'd need 6mm spacers.

Of course, et42 gives a fair bit of rear poke. For reference, here're a couple of pics of my 18x9 et41 setup:

Okay so, question for you. There is a group buy of APEX ARC-8 wheels going on right now. They have 18x8.5 ET 38 wheels available for a killer price. I'm thinking I might go for it, but they said they have not tested it yet to see if it will clear our brakes. They have tested the same wheel with an offset of 45, and that clears. I checked the fit, and they should be fine, but I wanted a second opinion. Anyone?

[rwalker]

et38 should have more spoke clearance, but the shape may differ...

I'd not go with it unless Apex stands behind it.

Also, 18x8.5 et38 rear would look a lot like mine (IMHO, too pokey for the street).

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

Ladies and Gents:

I've caught the bug and have been very slowly tweaking my car (235i) to be (more) track capable.

So far I've:

Gotten a P3 Gauge (oil temp);
Switched to Dunlop Direzza II tires;
Put in ATE 200 Fluid; and,
Purchased (and have an appointment to install) camber plates.

What has everyone else done? I've tried to keep my modifications down to the essentials/reversible, and so far it's a blast to drive on the track.

Has anyone gone in a more dedicated direction? Brake kits? Stainless lines? Track dedicated pads? Lighter wheels? Rocket boosters? I'd like to get a master thread started about suspension/car setup for track use.

Getting ready for the summer HPDEs, like you:
- Full flush, refill with ATE 200 brake fluid
- Steel brake lines (Turner Motorsports)

I want to upgrade the sway bars, but they seem too new and not enough different brands yet. I may do the first event on stock M235 suspension (vs. HR springs) to learn the car better.

Thought about an aFe or BMS intake, but others seem to be selling theirs, preferring a quieter intake. Anyone know of a drop-in K&N air filter?

I am tempted on upgrading the down pipe though.

Since it is my DD, I'll be keeping the staggered setup for now.

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by rwalker

I've proven that 9inch wheels fit if you have camber plates and offset of 36mm. To get those ARC-8s in there you'd need 6mm spacers.

Of course, et42 gives a fair bit of rear poke. For reference, here're a couple of pics of my 18x9 et41 setup:

Cars stance combined with those black 18" rims looks superb.

How do the camber plates work with adaptive dampers cabling ?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by Bee Pee

Cars stance combined with those black 18" rims looks superb.

How do the camber plates work with adaptive dampers cabling ?

If the cables are attached to the side of the strut, you're fine. The plates won't work if the cables come out of the top.