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      08-07-2012, 10:53 PM   #23
kartracer12
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You need to do the tires and wheels before you mess up one of those expensive 19"wheels. I love the Apex wheels for the weight savings and price. Go with the square setup. You need better street tires like NT05 or RS3. I run PF01s on my Stoptechs and they have a great bite.

I plan to do camber plates and seats next. I am considering Recaro Sportster CS since they will fit my big frame better.

I would spend some money on data acquisition so you can track your progress.
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      08-07-2012, 11:09 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kartracer12 View Post
You need to do the tires and wheels before you mess up one of those expensive 19"wheels. I love the Apex wheels for the weight savings and price. Go with the square setup. You need better street tires like NT05 or RS3. I run PF01s on my Stoptechs and they have a great bite.

I plan to do camber plates and seats next. I am considering Recaro Sportster CS since they will fit my big frame better.

I would spend some money on data acquisition so you can track your progress.
Hey Kartracer, I've already messed up the 19" wheels . Doesn't bother me too much. I used to have a track set, but sold the set as I had to move and had limited storage space. Will definitely get a setup or move to 18s as soon as I settle down for a bit.
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      08-07-2012, 11:10 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976 View Post
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=674335

I would look at going this route. Works fine for me. Not as good as a fixed seat, roll cage, and 6 pt but you can live with this setup everyday.
Bigjae that is a great writeup. I think I could live with a harness bar and the harnesses. Seems like an easier install with fair amount of access to the rear seats.
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      08-08-2012, 08:33 AM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LiM3y View Post
Inflatable instructor...this was inspired by Von Zoom's post for some reason

You are not well, LiM3y.

I didn't think you Brits particularly enjoyed "lowbrow" American humor...

This is potentially a workable solution, as long as the OP doesn't have to "reinflate" the instructor prior to the next run...
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      08-08-2012, 09:31 AM   #27
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Where do I get one of those!

Quote:
Originally Posted by SehrSchnell View Post
The OMP's are a VERY snug fit, which I really like, and they are very comfy even for long periods of time. I drove back 12 hours non-stop from Chicago with them - no issue. The material is also amazing, you won't sweat in these things. So yeah, I'm very happy with them.
IMO, I think the biggest issue with DDing a car with fixed back seats is getting in and out of them all of the time. It will be fun at first but I imagine it would get old after a couple of hundred times. Especially if your car is low.
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      08-08-2012, 10:21 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paradocs98 View Post
You are not well, LiM3y.

I didn't think you Brits particularly enjoyed "lowbrow" American humor...

This is potentially a workable solution, as long as the OP doesn't have to "reinflate" the instructor prior to the next run...
It could have been worse. Google "inflatable man" for an idea...probably best if you do it out of work too.
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      08-08-2012, 10:26 AM   #29
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OP: my apologies for Thread Jacking but since we are discussing seats, does anyone have any experience with the BMW Performance Seats? Other than the price ($$$), I believe I read they recline and retain air bag. Comments welcome.
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      08-08-2012, 10:40 AM   #30
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Philip, where can one sit in them and try them out?
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      08-08-2012, 11:18 AM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CBS View Post
Philip, where can one sit in them and try them out?
CBS I actually looked into this. I will post soon about what I found in terms of what it takes to actually install them in terms of cost and effort.
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      08-08-2012, 12:42 PM   #32
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Ajvee,

Your mods should really be 'need' based. For instance if you start cooking the brakes (fade, fluid boil, pads turning to dust etc.) then you have created a 'need' to install track pads. Looks like for now, you dont feel the need.

Similarly, you seem to be not ready for R Comps so you are all set with current tire setup. If they are wearing on the outside or, like me, you have to adjust for mid corner since the car washes off due to lack of camber, get camber plates. In my case, I end up turning pads to dust each weekend so am looking at BBK as a cost/benefit equation.

Other than that, the car is really a champ and does not require much (marginal utility for the money spent).

I run in the instructors group (or will take students out in A or B to show them around) and 75% of the time, I end up hitting traffic or a slower car anyways and have to wait for point bys. Being faster at least in my case wont serve the purpose. For now, no need to do anything in my case.

Save the $5K

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      08-08-2012, 05:06 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SehrSchnell View Post
Yeah, it takes a bit of skill, and people at gas stations are quite curious when they see you. I have no issues with it, but it is definitely not for everybody (code for bigger dudes should skip it ).
How much lower is your seating position in the car with the OMPs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CBS View Post
OP: my apologies for Thread Jacking but since we are discussing seats, does anyone have any experience with the BMW Performance Seats? Other than the price ($$$), I believe I read they recline and retain air bag. Comments welcome.
They are supposed to be recaro sportster CS' with an airbag and some different stitching. I don't see the point in getting a reclinable track seat because they all compromise the ability to hold you in for the ability to recline.
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      08-08-2012, 06:50 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CBS
OP: my apologies for Thread Jacking but since we are discussing seats, does anyone have any experience with the BMW Performance Seats? Other than the price ($$$), I believe I read they recline and retain air bag. Comments welcome.
I run driver only BMW Perf seat, holds you in better than stock but obviously not as good as a full bucket. Reasonable half way house I find whilst retaining side airbag. As mentioned its a recaro sportster CS.
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      08-08-2012, 08:08 PM   #35
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Camber plates and race pads. Trip to Ibiza, lose mind
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      08-09-2012, 02:16 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CBS View Post
OP: my apologies for Thread Jacking but since we are discussing seats, does anyone have any experience with the BMW Performance Seats? Other than the price ($$$), I believe I read they recline and retain air bag. Comments welcome.
I have them in my E92 and they're awesome. Finish is top notch. They might not have the snug fit of real race seats and are a bit heavy (only 3kgs lighter than a stock seat) but they're a huge improvement over stock! And they retain the airbags, are very comfortable even on long rides and simply look awesome
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      08-09-2012, 02:47 AM   #37
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as tires are the only parts which do have contact to the track - I'd recommend - don't try to do rocket science.
Get some track tires in 18" on some wide and light wheels and you'll see that this will make you several seconds per lap faster.
the other parts will never improve your laptimes as much as a good pair of shoes.
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      08-09-2012, 09:42 AM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukester View Post
as tires are the only parts which do have contact to the track - I'd recommend - don't try to do rocket science.
Get some track tires in 18" on some wide and light wheels and you'll see that this will make you several seconds per lap faster.
the other parts will never improve your laptimes as much as a good pair of shoes.
I 50% disagree. At the end of a typical north american 20 minute HPDE session...you are pretty tired from hanging on for dear life. So harnesses made a HUGE difference.

Not to mention how you feel at the end of the day. OEM Belts - sore knees, sides bruised, and tired shoulder muscles. Harnesses - great...laughing at the guy with OEM belts. I have a lot more confidence in my E90 with harnesses and drive a lot better. As you add more grip, the beat up sensation will only get worse.

I also 50% agree because tires do make a very noticable and significant difference.
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      08-09-2012, 09:54 AM   #39
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Again, really appreciate all the inputs, especially the inflatable pilot

So is the consensus, camber plates, harness bar, and harnesses?
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      08-09-2012, 10:43 AM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajvee View Post
Again, really appreciate all the inputs, especially the inflatable pilot

So is the consensus, camber plates, harness bar, and harnesses?
Wheels and tires...then the rest
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      08-09-2012, 11:26 AM   #41
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camber plates, agressive alignment, race pads, seats, 18" track wheels and tires that you can drive on the street to and from the track. Change the pads before and after when you switch the wheels.

and most importantly, INSTRUCTION
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      08-09-2012, 11:37 AM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
Coilovers.
Yep, the proper suspension will make you significantly faster around a track. Without a doubt the next thing I'll do if I end up keeping my M3 for more then a year.
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      08-09-2012, 11:46 AM   #43
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I think you should get as much seat time as you can and then you will easily see what you need to upgrade. If you are not cooking the stoptech performance pad and experiencing fade or extreme wear stay with them until you do. As far as tires, if you are consistent on the street tires and feel that they are holding you back from better lap times then it is time to move to R compound. Issue is then you have to find the delicate balance of rubber and pads. So I have to agree with camber plates and an aggressive alignment. Have fun!!!.... OH yea, one of my favorite upgrades for feel was better peddles.
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      08-09-2012, 11:58 AM   #44
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You need to have really good car control skills to run R-Comps. Because they do not give a lot of warning, you have to be confident in sliding the car and driving with slip angle.

I would recommend that a beginner and even an intermediate driver need not mod the car. The more changes you make, the more you slow your progress of improving your skills. Unless you just care about lap times which to me is pointless because you'll get your ass kicked by someone who has better developed skills and spent more money on their car.

I've went the mod first approach and it doesn't work. Yeah, I blew everyone away early on but not so much now that I'm running in the higher run groups. I guess I could spend more money but what am I going to win?
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