J!m
08-14-2003, 01:05 AM
The easy way! And inprove weight distribution!
I am running a hodge-podge front suspension, and I'm quite happy with the performance.
*Euro M3 front springs (new)
*Bilstein Struts (new)
*Late E36 M3 control arms (used)
*Early E36 M3 offset bushings (new)
*Late M3 caster tops (used)
*Other M3 bits insignificant to this story (new and used)
As some of you know, I have replaced the original four with a late '98 build M3 3.2l six. Doing this requires up-rated struts and springs to carry the weight, obviously. I elected to go with a complete M3 front suspension. I used a lot of Junkyard parts. So, as I learned the hard way, the reason the later M3s do not use the offset lower control arm bushing is due to a slight change in the lower control arm geometry. This eliminates the need for the special bushing (and making sure it's in correctly). But this is a good thing for me!
What I have done (by accident I admit) is used 1998/99 M3 lower control arms with 1995 M3 offset bushings. This was a bit difficult to allign when complete, however I estimate I have pushed the front wheels forward about an inch. This does not sound like much, but with such a nose-heavy car (after the swap) this could account for such neutral handling. The 245-40/17's in the front JUST miss the inner fender in the front, and there is a substantial gap behind. It does not look odd unless you REALLY look at the car. 99.9% of people will never notice.
I have not had the oppurtunity to corner-weigh the car. I was hoping to do this at RogueFest, but the rain did not allow the scales to be removed from their nice warm cases...
I'm not sure how using these parts on the VERY neutral 4 cylinder ti would perform...
I am running a hodge-podge front suspension, and I'm quite happy with the performance.
*Euro M3 front springs (new)
*Bilstein Struts (new)
*Late E36 M3 control arms (used)
*Early E36 M3 offset bushings (new)
*Late M3 caster tops (used)
*Other M3 bits insignificant to this story (new and used)
As some of you know, I have replaced the original four with a late '98 build M3 3.2l six. Doing this requires up-rated struts and springs to carry the weight, obviously. I elected to go with a complete M3 front suspension. I used a lot of Junkyard parts. So, as I learned the hard way, the reason the later M3s do not use the offset lower control arm bushing is due to a slight change in the lower control arm geometry. This eliminates the need for the special bushing (and making sure it's in correctly). But this is a good thing for me!
What I have done (by accident I admit) is used 1998/99 M3 lower control arms with 1995 M3 offset bushings. This was a bit difficult to allign when complete, however I estimate I have pushed the front wheels forward about an inch. This does not sound like much, but with such a nose-heavy car (after the swap) this could account for such neutral handling. The 245-40/17's in the front JUST miss the inner fender in the front, and there is a substantial gap behind. It does not look odd unless you REALLY look at the car. 99.9% of people will never notice.
I have not had the oppurtunity to corner-weigh the car. I was hoping to do this at RogueFest, but the rain did not allow the scales to be removed from their nice warm cases...
I'm not sure how using these parts on the VERY neutral 4 cylinder ti would perform...