My suspension/brake upgrading path

[italyix]

After reading the stickies and multiple threads about upgrading suspension, I have come up with a list of parts to install/buy.

I already have the KW S/O kit, along with front and rear RD Sport sway bars and UUC SSK w/ DSSR, which all require installation still.

To complete the car and get rid of the sloppiness of the M3, I have decided on the following:

TMS Rear subframe bushings
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-15...1m-e9x-m3.aspx

Vorshlag engine mounts and tranny mounts
http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info...b8e83dd0333e71
http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info...b8e83dd0333e71

VAC differential mounts
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...kit-p2217.aspx

SS brake lines by goodridge
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...brake-line-kit

I was also looking into shaved upper guide supports for the fronts shocks, so I can get more suspension travel when installing the springs.

My previous car was an Evo IX with power flex engine and tranny mounts, along with suspension bushings and full coil overs with stiff springs rates, so I am accustomed to a non-plush ride with increased NVH. I do not mind, I am the only one driving the car.

Why the upgrades you ask? Because the car has almost 60k and in my opinion, needs a refresher. I also like do not like the slop which has apparently started to plague my M3.

I was going to upgrade the power, but I feel the car has plenty to suit my needs, without me getting killed.

I am posting to see if I might have missed anything or if anyone has done these upgrades already all at once.

Thank you in advance for keeping this thread on topic.
Andrew

[TX335]

What are your goals? Are you going to track the car, or just drive it on the street? I'm no expert, but it seems to me that you wouldn't need any of the mounts or brake lines if you're just running on the street. They will only increase NVH.

If you're looking to track the car, I would still put the money from the mounts and bushings into the brakes first. Stainless lines, pads, and better fluid (e.g. Motul) will help a lot over stock.

[italyix]

Originally Posted by TX335

What are your goals? Are you going to track the car, or just drive it on the street? I'm no expert, but it seems to me that you wouldn't need any of the mounts or brake lines if you're just running on the street. They will only increase NVH.

If you're looking to track the car, I would still put the money from the mounts and bushings into the brakes first. Stainless lines, pads, and better fluid (e.g. Motul) will help a lot over stock.

Its mainly my DD and I dont mind the NVH...but I am still trying to understand how bad the vibrations will be.

i do spirited mountain driving, so i am looking for better feedback from the vehicle. Eventually, I'd like to start tracking.

[RickyBobby]

I find it odd that you are pairing track only bushings with street going lowering springs. You'll be left with a crappy handling car with a harsh driveline. What are your goals??
I guarantee you that my car with stock bushings and ast coilovers will outperform your proposed mods by a huge margin, and with more comfort.
Add a set of coilovers to your list like ast, ohlins etc and then you'll be talking.

[TX335]

Originally Posted by RickyBobby

I find it odd that you are pairing track only bushings with street going lowering springs. You'll be left with a crappy handling car with a harsh driveline. What are your goals??
I guarantee you that my car with stock bushings and ast coilovers will outperform your proposed mods by a huge margin, and with more comfort.
Add a set of coilovers to your list like ast, ohlins etc and then you'll be talking.

+1. You'd probably be better off going with a better suspension system than the bushings/mounts if you're mainly concerned with the car's handling.

[italyix]

Originally Posted by TX335

+1. You'd probably be better off going with a better suspension system than the bushings/mounts if you're mainly concerned with the car's handling.

I'd like to retain the EDC. Are the mounts that bad for DD and occasional spirited driving?

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by italyix

Its mainly my DD and I dont mind the NVH...but I am still trying to understand how bad the vibrations will be.

i do spirited mountain driving, so i am looking for better feedback from the vehicle. Eventually, I'd like to start tracking.

KW V3's seems like what you really want. I've been thoroughly impressed with my setup on the street and track. KW V3's, corner balance, and dial in some stock negative camber during an alignment. It was night and day for me.

Alekshop over in Fremont has been dialing in a great setup for a bunch of locals and we've all been very impressed both on the street and track.

[RickyBobby]

Originally Posted by italyix

I'd like to retain the EDC. Are the mounts that bad for DD and occasional spirited driving?

It really all depends what bushing materials you choose for each location. Solid diff mounts usually don't transmit any more nvh into the cabin but the rest of the bushings you mentioned sure do. I also am used to stiff cars and have race level spring rates, but I cant imagine changing bushings in my e90 any time soon.
I also dont think that you've worn out your oem bushings in 60k miles of street driving in California. I'd bet it's you're shocks starting to age. To put things into perspective, I'm getting ready to replace my 14 yr old m3 with most of the items in your list. The only ones that really need it are the cracking diff bushings.

[Porschefile]

^I agree. The bushings were okay on my 100k mile E36 M3 before I made it into a racecar with the exception of the diff bushings, which were worn out. I bet yours aren't too bad at 60k. Poly or solid motor mounts transmit a LOT of NVH.

Just upgrading the brake lines is insufficient IMO, do at least track pads if you're going to track it. And I'm leaning toward just keeping my suspension stock (except align.) until I am ready to pay $$ for coilovers, my personal opinion.

[neilvosko]

your OG bushing may just be worn, M3 is far from sloppy

[italyix]

Originally Posted by neilvosko

your OG bushing may just be worn, M3 is far from sloppy

We'll find out this weekend, getting it all installed.

[joe@ptech]

Looking forward to your feedback after you pick it up. Thank you for trusting us with your M3.

[bigjae1976]

Here is my list of the biggest adders to NVH from least to most...

Diff
Engine
Tranny

That seems like overkill for a street car.