Mid-Ohio DE

[1996 328ti]

Had a great weekend at Mid-Ohio. My instructor was fellow ti owner, Brook Harmon. I got more out of this weekend than years of instruction. Under hard braking the rear generally gets squirrelly. First thing Brook noticed was my air pressure. I was running 46# hot. Way too much. We lowered it to 40#. BTW-Tires are Toyo RA1. And I run Carbotech PantherPlus, front and rear. He suggested a less aggressive rear bad to change the brake bias. I stuck in there a set of Ultimate Axxis. A tremendous improvement on handling. And so simple to. No instructor ever took the time to go over air pressure when coming off the track or to discuss brake bias. The car was so much more managable. I had a blast on my final session.

[cali-ti]

cool. always good to get someone who is willing to take the time to go over the finer points. the fact that he also has a ti helps too i'm sure. interesting that it needed more front bias. i guess those who are/were worried about putting m3 front brakes on with stock rears then shouldn't have too much to worry about. glad you had a good time and learned more about the car!

[1996 328ti]

It wasn't that I need more in the front. I needed less in the rear.
I use 328 vented rotors and they stop just fine. I will get a mushy pedal after 3 weekends of driving schools. It is more than adequate. :)

[cali-ti]

was the back getting close to locking up or what was causing the squirreliness? i would think one could bias it back more to the front with a change in rear pads like you did or larger front brakes and less brake pressure, right?

[1996 328ti]

Yes. The rears needed to keep spinning slightly. Between the pads and R-Compound there was too much grip on the back. Another way would be to install a brake bias valve. I'm going to experiment with the Ultimates but will try Carbotech Bobcats since those are going to be my street pads. The nice thing about this it makes swapping pads at the track easier. Now I will just need to do the fronts.

[cali-ti]

sounds like you're getting your setup dialed in, that's great.

can you describe the "twitchiness" you feel in the backend since moving to all poly bushings back there? mine feels so much more solid and planted that i'm not sure what you're describing. what else do you have suspension-wise?

[1996 328ti]

When I go over a bump or crest a hill the rear steps out a bit. A little more now with the poly subfram bushings.
I have Koni Adjustables with close to 200K miles on them.
I have 323ti sport springs, 110K miles.
X-brace.

[cali-ti]

single or dual adjustable konis? perhaps the adjustment can be tweaked to get the tire back in contact (if it's losing contact) quicker? i guess that would be the rebound.

i'll have to explore how well mine handles similar situations. i haven't auto-x'd or road raced mine (even before, let alone after the new bushings) so you have way more experience with your car and the changes it's gone through.

what front LCABs and ball joints are you using? not that it has anything to do with the rear, just wondering. what about rear upper shock mounts?

[1996 328ti]

Single adjustables all around.
The front I have solid 95 M3 LCAB. I don't remember if they are centered or concentric.

[1996 328ti]

Think I need front sway bars.

[Sarafil]

Think I need front sway bars.

Looks like you're having some fun!

[1996 328ti]

The car has more fun than me. :)

[Sarafil]

The car has more fun than me. :)

I think you're right... the car is in charge in that picture, it's just taking you along for the ride!

[cali-ti]

hmmmm ... that and/or perhaps stiffer springs. you've certainly got some lean going on there. the question is, is it too much? which anti-sways do you have? poly or rubber bushings for those?

[1996 328ti]

I have the stock bar and bushings.
I have a set of springs in my basement that will go on the car once I get another car.
I won't be able to drive it in the winter with it lowered.

[Sarafil]

I have the stock bar and bushings.
I have a set of springs in my basement that will go on the car once I get another car.
I won't be able to drive it in the winter with it lowered.

How much lower will it be with the springs?

[cali-ti]

i drove mine during the winter with it lowered :) you certainly do need to be more careful, things like bigger chunks of snow that you would have cleared before you may way hit after lowering.

have you thought about what bars you're going to get? i'm planning to get the H&R bars (forget if bavauto or bmp design has them). believe they're a stronger metal and larger sizes (if memory serves, 28mm front and 18mm rear).

[Sarafil]

i drove mine during the winter with it lowered :) you certainly do need to be more careful, things like bigger chunks of snow that you would have cleared before you may way hit after lowering.

My car is riding at the stock height, and I've gotten caught up in some snow on more than one event. Luckily, I've got a decent set of snows and I'm ok at getting myself un-stuck.

The ride height during the winter is one of the biggest reasons that I've put off on lowering the car.

[1996 328ti]

have you thought about what bars you're going to get? i'm planning to get the H&R bars (forget if bavauto or bmp design has them). believe they're a stronger metal and larger sizes (if memory serves, 28mm front and 18mm rear).Not yet. If I do anything it will be over the winter. The springs are paid for and I've driven the car on the track with them. It was like the car was on rails. :)