» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | 02-01-2010, 02:46 PM | #1 | Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 9 | 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 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! | | | 02-01-2010, 04:43 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Columbia MD Posts: 215 | Quote: Originally Posted by hudwa I live in Japan and here the real thrills are to be had on the mountain passes. | Yes it is! 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.... __________________ *Except 318ti '97 318ti M-Sport '95 M3 BMWCCA | | | 02-02-2010, 07:06 PM | #3 | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 678 | 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!!!... __________________ 2LT Rodriguez CA ARNG TURBO 96' Sport, Alaska Blue, Auto Custom JohnBoy Turbo, Midnight-Tunning Software, HKS BOV, e-Pod Gauge Pod, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sport, e30 3.73 LSD, Depo P36, Apexcone 55w HID, OEM Spoiler, M3 Lip, M3 Mesh Grill, Crossdrilled Rear Rotors, M3 Front Brakes, Sparco 3 point Harness, Euro M3 Wheel, K&N cone, Clear Corner/Sides/Tails, M3 Center Console & Arm-rest, M3 Red Cluster Needles, M3 Mirrors & Side Skirts, RD Exhaust, DS-1 wheels!... | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |