E36 M3 Evo

[Tommy]

Since I've sold out my half of the E36 328i track car it's about time I started a thread for my road car of the last year or so, an estoril blue 1998 E36 M3 Evo, which will start its track career at Cadwell on March 11th.

I bought the car always with the intention of making it a track car so I wanted something with a full history and low mileage. I ended up buying this:









Only 63,000 miles and in great condition. It was an SMG car - that's a robotised automatic for those non-BMW boffins. I knew that SMG would not suit track work but, at the time, SMGs were very cheap and I got the feeling that they would have had a more cared for life than manual versions. SMGs are well known for failing so the idea was to convert the car to manual either when it failed, or beforehand if the track work required it.

I added Performance Friction two piece discs and Z rated pads:

img]http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/ ... CN3064.jpg[/img]




Then sorted out a leak from the constant pressure valve and the vanos unit.

[Tommy]

In July 2009 I took the car for an Inspection 1 service and when I went to pick it up it wouldn't engage gears! After a couple of days investigation the garage reported the SMG pump had failed. Well, there was the cue to convert to manual. I opted for the lighter 5 speed since a 6 speed has no place on track.

Fixing that lot cost a small fortune but when I'd recovered I bought Bilstein PSS9 Clubsport coilovers and a pair of these:



They weren't a straight fit so I worked with Nitron to convert them for use with the Billys. Unfortunately, after a few CAD drawings they decided it wasn't worth their while in developing them.

[Tommy]

Just before Christmas I went along to a rolling road day and was very happy with the result:



I then gave my wallet a couple of months break but just recently I've been buying up parts so the coilovers can be fitted:

Rogue rear top mounts
OEM M3 Evo front top mounts
All new nuts, bolts and other hardware for the suspension
Right and left track rod assemblies
Cross brace
Powerflex FCA and RTA bushes
Eibach 15mm spacers
Goodridge brake hoses
ATE Super Blue

Everything is here except for the hoses and bushes.





Tomorrow I'm off to see Stuart to pick up another 5 speed box because the one I got when the conversion was done is a bit rough. Whilst there we're going to try and fit the coilovers. Then next week it's into my indy to fit everything else.

Finally, the following weekend I'm booked into Wheels in Motion in Chesham for a geo and then MARCH 11TH - CADWELL PARK. Happy happy days!

[mikeb]

Looking great tommy looking forward to cadwell as well so i can try to get to grips

with 360 bhp and just rear wheel drive should be a good but steep learning curve

all the best mike

[Tommy]

Looking great tommy looking forward to cadwell as well so i can try to get to grips

with 360 bhp and just rear wheel drive should be a good but steep learning curve

all the best mike

Cheers Mike. Stepping up from 220 bhp of the 328i track car to the 316 bhp of this car is also going to be a learning curve for me

[Gerry H]

Would you two mind putting on 'L' plates at Cadwell just so the rest of us know to keep out of your way

[Mr Fletcher]

Then sorted out a leak from the constant pressure valve and the vanos unit.

Tommy do you have any details on this as i moved mine yesterday and i seem to have a small oil leak from the front drivers side of the engine. looking forward to hearing how you get on compared to the 328

[stockcar]

both sets of Goodridge hoses have left so be with you any time, alyn

looks very nice

[Stuart]

Fun was had today

I have to say that Tommy's M3 is an exceptional example. Very, very original condition with no rust, no corrosion of any kind and some serious money spent by the previous owners....bloody mint.

The downside of having such a nice example was that it made me even more cautious about getting stuck in in my traditional manner. I can see why Tommy and many others raved about the Bilstein stuff. The Clubsport kit that he's bought is wonderful in terms of quality and they have thought of and supplied everything. The comparison between this and the laughable OE stuff was miles apart.

I'll let Tommy fill in the gaps later

Nice to see you today mate. Blinding car. I look forward to kicking your arse at Cadwell

[Tommy]

Just got back and I need some sleep! Thanks for all the help today Stuart. I really appreciate it. I'll update the thread later, and I'll include an ominous video of Stuart working his big arms out on a Bullworker!