How I got here....

[studio2]

Based on memories of my love affair with a Malaga ’73 2002 “before kids”, I naturally sought a similar toy as the kids began going off to college. After finding my ’76 ’02 with “all the right mods”, I began attending the Tar Heel Chapter’s driving schools at VIR last year. While a perfect Bimmer to begin the learning process with, I quickly became more and more concerned about preservation of my 34 year old! Not being able to justify a second “toy” just for the track, I began my search for a practical daily driver that could eventually transition into a street-able track “tool”.

Being a furniture designer, I need to haul prototypes around so a wagon or hatchback was a prerequisite. Since I wanted a power to weight ratio that would result in giving fewer point-bys on track, my options seemed limited to FWD “hot hatches” …… unless I could find a Compact with a couple of extra cylinders! The information found within this forum helped me greatly in my research and subsequent search for the right Ti (+2)…. which I recently acquired.
Many thanks to all who contribute!

As my first school in her approaches, I’m trying to sort out the remaining “rough edges” I’ve discovered about the conversion. The PO didn’t do the work, so with little documentation, I’m in the process of verifying the exact specifications of the components used in the build outlined below:
Chassis:
'97 M-Sport / Artiksilber
Drivetrain:
’97 S52, harness, & cluster / 5 speed / 3.23 LSD
Suspension:
Front = ’95 M3 components with FK Coilovers
Rear = FK Springs & Bilsteins with adjustable camber and toe mounts
Brakes:
Front = ’01 M3 rotors with Boxster calipers
Rear = ’98 MCoupe
Rollers:
225/40-18 Eagle GTs on ’01 M3 18” X 8” Double Spokes
Other:
Battery trunk relocation (PO "Xfuzion" posted pics here last summer)
M3 exhaust to the axel, then a way too loud aftermarket “muffler”

I’m looking forward to refining my new toy and participating on the forum ..... I’ve seen mention of a Compact6 area, but don’t have access at this point, so I’d appreciate guidance as how best to get started.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[1996 328ti]

You going to be at VIR next week?

The compact6 area didn't work out as planned.

[acevedo12]

Wooo another Greensboro guy! welcome to the forum

[tiFreak]

welcome, that's a pretty nicely set up car from what I've seen of it

[wolferj-RIP]

Welcome to the .org!

The swap specs look like the right things were done (but I personally don't like the e46 rims...), what about the swap is "rough"? (besides the exhaust?)

[studio2]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

So far, the rough edges I’ve found have been typical for an E36 with 160k on the clock…. the only issue I’ve had that is directly related to the conversion is the rear of the car breaking loose and wanting to coming around under hard braking.

Steven,
I noticed in one of your posts you had a similar problem that you solved by using different pads front and rear. I plan on identifying the existing pads this week, and go from there.
I’m not doing the BMW school @ VIR next weekend as I’ve only had the Ti for a few weeks and want to get better acclimated to the car before getting on track. My first school is the THSCC event early in April…..but I’m only an hour away from the track and would love to drop by sometime next weekend for a quick peek at your set up and to show you my work in progress. (assuming you'll be there)

Ace,
Do you have a conversion as well?

[studio2]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

You going to be at VIR next week?

The compact6 area didn't work out as planned.

I'm not participating, but may stop by to observe... Assuming you'll be there?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by studio2

I'm not participating, but may stop by to observe... Assuming you'll be there?

I will.
Hard to miss the only ti.

[StealthBimmer]

Welcome to the ti family! You got a good set up so far! I will have to ask to see some pics since nobody mentioned it yet... we love pics on this forum!