Next Track Upgrade Opinion?

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 09:18 AM

Guys,

I hope you are all having a great week. I've saved up some money that I would like to consider putting towards my next track upgrade.

My Car Currently:
2008 E92 M3 6MT EDC
Eibach Springs
Remus Exhaust (No track value)
Stock 19" Wheels with PS2s
Stoptech 355 MM Kit (All around with street pads)

Some Considerations:
Budget: approximately $6K
Currently running in intermediate run groups
Have already allocated funds for every HPDE that I can possibly attend
Have allocated funds for track insurance
Don't want a dedicted 18" track tire setup as yet as I am not quite ready for R compounds
Budget: $5K
Not really interested in any power mods at this point. (Still learning the car)

Some Options:
Seats (stock driver's seat is wearing and I slide around a fair amount)
Harness/Roll over bar. (Regardless of my level, I think safety is critical)
Racing Harnesses

I appreciate your time and help

THE TECH · 08-07-2012, 09:21 AM

Coilovers.

LiM3y · 08-07-2012, 09:24 AM

18" Track wheels and 100 wear tires such as Nitto NT-01 (or 200 wear like NT-05s)
Camber plates
Coilover suspension
Proper track pads

Running street pads in StopTech calipers sounds like a waste of money.

Porschefile · 08-07-2012, 09:40 AM

Coilovers, or at the very least, camber plates.

Seats and harnesses if you're willing to plunk down some bucks, but realize that it will make the car a pain in the ass on the street. There is a tradeoff. I put 997 GT3 fixed back seats in my Cayman S and fixed back seats are not too comfy for long drives. Not to mention they typically have deep seating positions, so the seatbelt will be a few inches in front of you (unless you wear the harness on the street as well).

von_zoom · 08-07-2012, 11:32 AM

Well, I am a big proponent for brakes, so PF01 pads would be a nice addition. Next, tires and wheels is what your car rides on, and a square set up with 18" tires would also be cost justified. I recommend R compound - tire brand you pick em. Seats and restraint system always a good add on depending upon how deep you care to get into the sport. Now, doubt you can do all of this on your budget, note tires and rims will be costly, as will seats and belts.
vz

ps - Just thought - given all the discussion on a recent subject this forum, a large roll of painters blue tape is a must to cover you license plate..

vz

LiM3y · 08-07-2012, 11:44 AM

Inflatable instructor...this was inspired by Von Zoom's post for some reason

von_zoom · 08-07-2012, 01:07 PM

R - that looks very simular to a first officer that used to fly with me.
vz

CBS · 08-07-2012, 01:24 PM

OP: Is your M3 a DD? What Safety Mods are you running?

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBS

OP: Is your M3 a DD? What Safety Mods are you running?

CBS my M3 is a DD and safety is very important to me which is why I am considering seats, harnesses, and a roll cage. I hardly ever use the back seats so I am not too concerned about losing them, but at the same time, I want to be able to use my stock seat belts for daily driving.

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 01:27 PM

I am very grateful for the number of responses.

My concern about camber plates is that I have to change the settings between track and road use, and get the car re-aligned (if my understanding is correct) I think this is a bit of an inconvenience.

signes · 08-07-2012, 01:45 PM

You don't have to get it realigned, just choose camber settings that balance road and track use. Will significantly improve wear on the track with negligible increased wear on the street. If you are in a cold weather climate and put on softer snows, that might require going back closer to OEM settings for winter.

swartzentruber · 08-07-2012, 01:46 PM

Lightweight 18" rims with an "extreme performance summer" (that you can put an rcomp on when you are ready), a good racing pad, and brake fluid flush/replacement with a good racing fluid

You won't get seats/rollcage/harnesses for $5K I don't think (ask me how I know), also I agree that they are not the best choice for a daily driver. I personally don't see the need for coilovers for an intermediate level driver, that to me seems like money in search of a problem. I do agree that running Stoptechs with street pads on the track is a little pointless, and if you are going to run a BBK, it makes a lot more sense if you are also running rcomps.

Porschefile · 08-07-2012, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajvee

I am very grateful for the number of responses.

My concern about camber plates is that I have to change the settings between track and road use, and get the car re-aligned (if my understanding is correct) I think this is a bit of an inconvenience.

Nah, just get it aligned once to a setting that will work for street and track. Around -2.0 to -2.5 camber. It's money well spent. I don't recommend 6 pt harnesses and race seats in a car that is street driven much. I have never seen a race seat that is comfy enough to drive much on the street (not that you couldn't, it would just suck). My vote is camber plates or coilovers.

sawzall · 08-07-2012, 02:24 PM

I noticed a lot of talk around safety, but I didn't see a helmet mentioned anywhere. I'm assuming you've already got a good SA2010 helmet, but if you don't that should be the very next item on your list.

1backdoc · 08-07-2012, 03:30 PM

breaks, r-compond, harnesses made the most difference for me...

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shizzle

I noticed a lot of talk around safety, but I didn't see a helmet mentioned anywhere. I'm assuming you've already got a good SA2010 helmet, but if you don't that should be the very next item on your list.

Check! Have a great one!

bigjae1976 · 08-07-2012, 04:42 PM

I'd go seats, harness, bar first. If you're sliding around now, its only get worse as you add suspension, tires, etc. And as you get better at driving you really need to be planted into the seat.

CBS · 08-07-2012, 05:40 PM

^ Agreed and add a Head and Neck restraint device.

If any $ left, Tires, Pads, Dampers and Camber Plates.

I'm assuming you have already upgraded your brake fluid.

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBS

^ Agreed and add a Head and Neck restraint device.

If any $ left, Tires, Pads, Dampers and Camber Plates.

I'm assuming you have already upgraded your brake fluid.

Great. Any advice on a good track/street seat? Also just harness bar or half cage

ajvee · 08-07-2012, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajvee

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBS

^ Agreed and add a Head and Neck restraint device.

If any $ left, Tires, Pads, Dampers and Camber Plates.

I'm assuming you have already upgraded your brake fluid.

Great. Any advice on a good track/street seat? Also just harness bar or half cage

Love my OMP seats...

Thanks man. Have you retained your airbags and stuff?

CBS · 08-07-2012, 09:18 PM

^ Good question.

Hey Philip, Hope you are well! Why do you like your OMP's?

bigjae1976 · 08-07-2012, 10:09 PM

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.

08-07-2012, 09:18 AM	#1
ajvee Major 118 Rep 1,451 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None iTrader: (13)	Next Track Upgrade Opinion? Guys, I hope you are all having a great week. I've saved up some money that I would like to consider putting towards my next track upgrade. My Car Currently: 2008 E92 M3 6MT EDC Eibach Springs Remus Exhaust (No track value) Stock 19" Wheels with PS2s Stoptech 355 MM Kit (All around with street pads) Some Considerations: Budget: approximately $6K Currently running in intermediate run groups Have already allocated funds for every HPDE that I can possibly attend Have allocated funds for track insurance Don't want a dedicted 18" track tire setup as yet as I am not quite ready for R compounds Budget: $5K Not really interested in any power mods at this point. (Still learning the car) Some Options: Seats (stock driver's seat is wearing and I slide around a fair amount) Harness/Roll over bar. (Regardless of my level, I think safety is critical) Racing Harnesses I appreciate your time and help
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-07-2012, 09:21 AM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Coilovers.
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08-07-2012, 09:24 AM	#3
LiM3y Major 70 Rep 1,339 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (5)	18" Track wheels and 100 wear tires such as Nitto NT-01 (or 200 wear like NT-05s) Camber plates Coilover suspension Proper track pads Running street pads in StopTech calipers sounds like a waste of money. __________________
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08-07-2012, 09:40 AM	#4
Porschefile Major 59 Rep 1,250 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tennessee iTrader: (7)	Coilovers, or at the very least, camber plates. Seats and harnesses if you're willing to plunk down some bucks, but realize that it will make the car a pain in the ass on the street. There is a tradeoff. I put 997 GT3 fixed back seats in my Cayman S and fixed back seats are not too comfy for long drives. Not to mention they typically have deep seating positions, so the seatbelt will be a few inches in front of you (unless you wear the harness on the street as well).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2012, 11:32 AM	#5
von_zoom Captain 30 Rep 915 Posts Drives: 2010 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Well, I am a big proponent for brakes, so PF01 pads would be a nice addition. Next, tires and wheels is what your car rides on, and a square set up with 18" tires would also be cost justified. I recommend R compound - tire brand you pick em. Seats and restraint system always a good add on depending upon how deep you care to get into the sport. Now, doubt you can do all of this on your budget, note tires and rims will be costly, as will seats and belts. vz ps - Just thought - given all the discussion on a recent subject this forum, a large roll of painters blue tape is a must to cover you license plate.. vz __________________ Previous Track Toy
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08-07-2012, 11:44 AM	#6
LiM3y Major 70 Rep 1,339 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (5)	Inflatable instructor Inflatable instructor...this was inspired by Von Zoom's post for some reason __________________
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08-07-2012, 01:07 PM	#7
von_zoom Captain 30 Rep 915 Posts Drives: 2010 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	R - that looks very simular to a first officer that used to fly with me. vz __________________ Previous Track Toy
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08-07-2012, 01:24 PM	#8
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	OP: Is your M3 a DD? What Safety Mods are you running? __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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08-07-2012, 01:27 PM	#10
ajvee Major 118 Rep 1,451 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None iTrader: (13)	I am very grateful for the number of responses. My concern about camber plates is that I have to change the settings between track and road use, and get the car re-aligned (if my understanding is correct) I think this is a bit of an inconvenience.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2012, 01:45 PM	#11
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	You don't have to get it realigned, just choose camber settings that balance road and track use. Will significantly improve wear on the track with negligible increased wear on the street. If you are in a cold weather climate and put on softer snows, that might require going back closer to OEM settings for winter. __________________ GT3 RS \| Desperately seeking the next great M car...
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08-07-2012, 01:46 PM	#12
swartzentruber Captain 30 Rep 742 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago NW suburbs, IL iTrader: (0)	Lightweight 18" rims with an "extreme performance summer" (that you can put an rcomp on when you are ready), a good racing pad, and brake fluid flush/replacement with a good racing fluid You won't get seats/rollcage/harnesses for $5K I don't think (ask me how I know), also I agree that they are not the best choice for a daily driver. I personally don't see the need for coilovers for an intermediate level driver, that to me seems like money in search of a problem. I do agree that running Stoptechs with street pads on the track is a little pointless, and if you are going to run a BBK, it makes a lot more sense if you are also running rcomps. __________________ 2011 Jerez Black/Fox Red E90 M3 DCT, ZCP, ZCV, ZCW, ZP2, BMW Apps 2015 Golf R
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08-07-2012, 02:24 PM	#14
sawzall Major 50 Rep 1,285 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 911S [10.00] 2011 911 GT3 RS [0.00]	I noticed a lot of talk around safety, but I didn't see a helmet mentioned anywhere. I'm assuming you've already got a good SA2010 helmet, but if you don't that should be the very next item on your list.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2012, 03:30 PM	#15
1backdoc Private First Class 5 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 09' 135 BoostLogic tuned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: ATX iTrader: (0)	breaks, r-compond, harnesses made the most difference for me... __________________ BACK DOC 09' 135i BoostLogic tuned, 15' 2500 HD, 15 Audi RS5, 07' 550 Dinan(totalled), 04' Titan(sold), 12' Escalade(sold), 2010 M3 DCT(sold), 2002 M3 6MT (sold-totalled).
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08-07-2012, 04:42 PM	#17
bigjae1976 Major General 1570 Rep 8,075 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	I'd go seats, harness, bar first. If you're sliding around now, its only get worse as you add suspension, tires, etc. And as you get better at driving you really need to be planted into the seat. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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08-07-2012, 05:40 PM	#18
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	^ Agreed and add a Head and Neck restraint device. If any $ left, Tires, Pads, Dampers and Camber Plates. I'm assuming you have already upgraded your brake fluid. __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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08-07-2012, 09:18 PM	#21
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	^ Good question. Hey Philip, Hope you are well! Why do you like your OMP's? __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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08-07-2012, 10:09 PM	#22
bigjae1976 Major General 1570 Rep 8,075 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	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. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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