Track forum general chit chat.

[fsmtnbiker]

Originally Posted by kpewpew

I don't know how I'm going to pass sound at Laguna with this setup... I can try and close the valves but I bet it'll still be wild. Do people pass with stock muffler + Evolve x-pipe?

I had no issues passing with a challenge sport x-pipe and stock muffler at 90db at Laguna.

And if you need a stock muffler, mine is collecting dust since I pass with the Akra.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by admranger

In Nevada, you technically need a special license to tow a trailer with a gross over 10k lbs. You have to get a class B for anything with air brakes or over 26k lbs and this includes motor homes. It’s never enforced out west, but if you get into an accident and you don’t have the right license, you are toast. Not gonna take too much of an injury lawyer to clean up.

Also, never, ever pull into a weigh station unless required by law. I accidentally did pull in once and it was a complete hassle. Technically, you’re towing “in commerce” if you’re towing with a vehicle rated at 10k lbs for gross weight rating. That means any 1-ton truck and maybe now the 3/4 ton trucks. Put “not for hire” on trucks that can be considered “in commerce”. If asked what you’re towing, say “one of my cars”. Don’t say “race car” as they’ll try to say you are a commercial hauler (damn decals) and it gets messy.

Yeah, see shit like this is why I am still very hesitant to buy a truck and tow my car to the track.

[gmx]

Something has always bothered me about this platform, and I'm thinking/typing out loud here...
This is the only car, (double A-Arm/strut regardless) where aftermarket offerings for the front spring rate is NUTS and "imbalanced" vs factory. We're talking a wheel rate that is WTAC levels of aero and soft slicks.

And now, it dawned on me it's probably because of our diff that loves to initially spin the inside unloaded wheel. A stiff opposite corner to this offender resists dynamic load transfer (this is the purpose of a spring), effectively keeping more weight on the inside wheel during yaw.

So I wonder when designed/spec'ing stuff as a package instead of throwing individual components and Picasso'ing it up, we can finally go softer with a proper rear LSD?

Gonna add, F8x finally get closer to OEM ratio spring rates and the front knuckle on those things isn't that different to affect motion ratio (Kingpin angle is slightly higher as an advantage). Maybe, just maybe because they have a much better electronic active diff. Hence, no need for such band-aids.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by dparm

Yeah, see shit like this is why I am still very hesitant to buy a truck and tow my car to the track.

I don't think this is a real issue. Go to a NASA event and you'll see some pretty large rigs and most drivers are pulling with a regular license. Either way for guys like us bumper pulling a single car you're not gonna be anywhere near CDL territory. The advantages of truck and trailer are tremendous. I have hauled my car from Texas to WGI twice and ever been all over the east coast. I've also hauled my car back from WGI to Louisiana after it spun two bearings. There are drawbacks too like storage.

[OG Shark]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

I don't think this is a real issue. Go to a NASA event and you'll see some pretty large rigs and most drivers are pulling with a regular license. Either way for guys like us bumper pulling a single car you're not gonna be anywhere near CDL territory. The advantages of truck and trailer are tremendous. I have hauled my car from Texas to WGI twice and ever been all over the east coast. I've also hauled my car back from WGI to Louisiana after it spun two bearings. There are drawbacks too like storage.

Like what ThunderMoose is saying - unless you go with a pretty serious setup you are not getting near CDL territory in Texas. The magic number for combined rating is 26,001 lbs - be under that and you are good without a CDL. Half ton truck with a 24' enclosed trailer should be well below that combined rating. Even my F450 and 28' enclosed trailer combined comes in just a hair below that threshold. Even for rigs above 26k it becomes kind of vague on when a CDL is required. For instance I have a 44' travel trailer that combined with my F450 is rated way over 26k - but that is ok in Texas without a CDL. But like thundermoose said you better be on the right side of the interpretation if in an accident or the lawyers will have a field day. Also if traveling interstate check the laws for your route.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by kpewpew

I don't know how I'm going to pass sound at Laguna with this setup... I can try and close the valves but I bet it'll still be wild. Do people pass with stock muffler + Evolve x-pipe?

Get those valves closed!

[roastbeef]

-5.8lbs today.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by gmx

Something has always bothered me about this platform, and I'm thinking/typing out loud here...
This is the only car, (double A-Arm/strut regardless) where aftermarket offerings for the front spring rate is NUTS and "imbalanced" vs factory. We're talking a wheel rate that is WTAC levels of aero and soft slicks.

And now, it dawned on me it's probably because of our diff that loves to initially spin the inside unloaded wheel. A stiff opposite corner to this offender resists dynamic load transfer (this is the purpose of a spring), effectively keeping more weight on the inside wheel during yaw.

So I wonder when designed/spec'ing stuff as a package instead of throwing individual components and Picasso'ing it up, we can finally go softer with a proper rear LSD?

Gonna add, F8x finally get closer to OEM ratio spring rates and the front knuckle on those things isn't that different to affect motion ratio (Kingpin angle is slightly higher as an advantage). Maybe, just maybe because they have a much better electronic active diff. Hence, no need for such band-aids.

I don't know... I have an E90 and an F80 and both have the same recommended spring rates from both MCS and Bimmerworld.

[gmx]

The spring rates from KW/Ohlins are far different. Imo BW and MCS just rely on their prior experience. I would not be surprised if they "copy" rates from the others first to market either. Anyway, I shot this question off to the famous diff builder.

Edit: I don't like the idea of taking "Away" grip to balance things but I might stiffen the rear instead depending on how easy it is to get some springs that fit. My only reasoning is everything is solid/spherical in the rear except the upper shock mount (PowerFlex black) and inboard lower camber control arm. I might just get away with it.

[StripclubDJ]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

-5.8lbs today.

Welp

It's downhill from here

[roastbeef]

I already have to listen to diff whine and a little drone, so fuck it- throw some rattles into the mix.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by gmx

The spring rates from KW/Ohlins are far different. Imo BW and MCS just rely on their prior experience. I would not be surprised if they "copy" rates from the others first to market either. Anyway, I shot this question off to the famous diff builder.

Edit: I don't like the idea of taking "Away" grip to balance things but I might stiffen the rear instead depending on how easy it is to get some springs that fit. My only reasoning is everything is solid/spherical in the rear except the upper shock mount (PowerFlex black) and inboard lower camber control arm. I might just get away with it.

I think it's the opposite. KW suspensions are generally very stiff compared to other offerings from US based companies. BW raced an E9X M3. So I'll put that knowledge up against KW who churns our suspensions for just about every marque.

I drive behind my friend with a KW comp suspension in an E46 M3...his car is very nervous looking. My TCKline suspension is much softer and more settled. I'll put it up against any KW setup with its "crappy" Koni shocks.

I've never been impressed with KW.

[gmx]

What?

I'm talking about the front/rear spring rate ratios varied by generation.
Does BW race a F80 or not?
What diff did their E9x have? Did they change suspension to suit the package or through OTS parts at it?

[admranger]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

Like what ThunderMoose is saying - unless you go with a pretty serious setup you are not getting near CDL territory in Texas. The magic number for combined rating is 26,001 lbs - be under that and you are good without a CDL. Half ton truck with a 24' enclosed trailer should be well below that combined rating. Even my F450 and 28' enclosed trailer combined comes in just a hair below that threshold. Even for rigs above 26k it becomes kind of vague on when a CDL is required. For instance I have a 44' travel trailer that combined with my F450 is rated way over 26k - but that is ok in Texas without a CDL. But like thundermoose said you better be on the right side of the interpretation if in an accident or the lawyers will have a field day. Also if traveling interstate check the laws for your route.

I’m not talking about a CDL. Spend some time in section 49 of the code of federal regulations 49CFR. If your vehicle is capable of grossing, by itself, 10k lbs, you’re technically “in commerce”.

Stick with a 1/2 ton and 24’ trailer and you’ll be ok. Just know that there are federal laws that make no sense for us when it comes to towing.

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by admranger

I’m not talking about a CDL. Spend some time in section 49 of the code of federal regulations 49CFR. If your vehicle is capable of grossing, by itself, 10k lbs, you’re technically “in commerce”.

Stick with a 1/2 ton and 24’ trailer and you’ll be ok. Just know that there are federal laws that make no sense for us when it comes to towing.

Before cars I was into horses. Same rules apply. We at one time had a 12-ft RV/4-horse trailer (30ft+ long total) that we towed with a Ford F-450... definitely well beyond all the limits you noted here. Honestly, unless you're really going far-and-wide across the country often with a tow rig, its not really a big deal and not really heavily enforced even though yes, technically it is law. (California disclaimer, laws out there seem crazy to me and probably more enforced)
The only time I crossed paths with law enforcement in our rig was crossing into Florida and the officer only cared about seeing our animal's vet papers. He sent us back to Alabama over it too cause we had the wrong papers for one horse and had to get them faxed in...

All that said, after towing horses for a number of years in several different rigs of varying sizes with many different trucks, I would probably not use any 1/2 ton truck to tow my car unless it was just on a smaller flat bed. I've actually been shopping for a larger SUV or truck to daily drive and maybe occasionally tow the car to tracks outside a 5-6 hour driving radius. But any trailer larger, heavier, and/or enclosed would need a 3/4 ton with 4WD at a minimum in my book.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by admranger

I’m not talking about a CDL. Spend some time in section 49 of the code of federal regulations 49CFR. If your vehicle is capable of grossing, by itself, 10k lbs, you’re technically “in commerce”.

Stick with a 1/2 ton and 24’ trailer and you’ll be ok. Just know that there are federal laws that make no sense for us when it comes to towing.

This is true. Let's not even get into hazmat if you're carrying fuel in a bulk container...like a barrel of race fuel. I'd imagine if you have more than 5 gal of fuel, it would be hard to be covered under the materials of trade exemption.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by gmx

What?

I'm talking about the front/rear spring rate ratios varied by generation.
Does BW race a F80 or not?
What diff did their E9x have? Did they change suspension to suit the package or through OTS parts at it?

BW raced an E9X and current races the F8X. In between they raced the F30.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by admranger

I’m not talking about a CDL. Spend some time in section 49 of the code of federal regulations 49CFR. If your vehicle is capable of grossing, by itself, 10k lbs, you’re technically “in commerce”.

Stick with a 1/2 ton and 24’ trailer and you’ll be ok. Just know that there are federal laws that make no sense for us when it comes to towing.

I think I'm going to continue to roll the dice with my 3/4 ton.

[gmx]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

BW raced an E9X and current races the F8X. In between they raced the F30.

I haven't looked hard but there is nothing about them on http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/cars.html nor
https://www.bimmerworld.com/About-Us/BMW-Project-Cars/

The level of detail is good for the layman/avg Joe looking to buy readily available stuff for a drop or get on BMW Motorsport program.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by gmx

I haven't looked hard but there is nothing about them on http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/cars.html nor
https://www.bimmerworld.com/About-Us/BMW-Project-Cars/

The level of detail is good for the layman/avg Joe looking to buy readily available stuff for a drop or get on BMW Motorsport program.

James Clay, owner of BimmerWorld, is pretty accessible for questions and information.

James at BimmerWorld dot com

You could shoot him an email to get his direct feedback. He's helped me a lot with my build.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

James Clay, owner of BimmerWorld, is pretty accessible for questions and information.

James at BimmerWorld dot com

You could shoot him an email to get his direct feedback. He's helped me a lot with my build.

+1

They are an awesome group of people

[b4hand]

Anyone try one of these yet? Would love some more pictures of it too. https://mfrengineering.com/collectio...front-splitter