Requesting suggestions for the ideal Japanese mountain pass race set up
 

Hi all. Long time no post, but I'd like some educated opinions on a good suspension setup for my 1999 318ti M Tech. I live in Japan and here the real thrills are to be had on the mountain passes. For a four cylinder car with limited power but good handling characteristics, the 318 is best suited for the downhill. Earlier I asked for suggestions on a good suspension upgrade, and while H&R sports springs and Bilstein sport shocks are a fine upgrade for spirited driving, I think something more is needed for barreling downhill on tight hairpin curves. For an idea of the kind of roads I'm talking about, take a look at this or this. My car is completely stock and I'm looking to swap out the AT for a 5MT once a used unit becomes available (they're not as common here as they are at home). Though upgrading the suspension could come before that depending on how bad I really really want to throw my 318 down a mountain and see my life flash before my eyes :D I'm telling you guys, autocross and track racing are nothing like looking down a gorge on an impossibly narrow two way road going double to triple the speed limit. Dangerous, but oh so much fun. Thanks in advance for the comments!

Yes it is! :rolleyes: I lived in Japan many years ago, and remember some of these mountain passes.

For running downhill on twisty roads in good condition, I don't know that you'll get real use out of a more exotic spring/shock setup than H&Rs and Bilsteins. They are a fantastic road package, and anything 'more' tends to be specific for track driving.

Personally for this kind of driving I would look into stiffer sway bars, and then upgrade the brakes.

Drive safely, and don't spill the tofu....

I wouls say...
Bilstein Sport shocks, H&R race springs, H&R/Eibach sway bars, X-brace, strut tower brace, E36 M3/Brembo brakes....
You might want to upgrade your bushings all around as well to urethane or solids... oh I forgot to mention an LSD as well since you're changing tranny anyway...
Forgot to mention R-compound tires HELP A LOT as well!!!...
:cool: