New Z3, where too start tuning? - BMW Forum

oitoyboy · 03-14-2012, 05:13 PM

Hi guys, I pick up my 98 2.8 roadster on sat. It's got 48k on the clock.

I want to start tuning it up pretty much straight away. New wheels first. What's the best size to go for? Obv I want wider at the rear but not really sure what size to start looking at. It's gotta 'look' good over performance!

And where is best to start with engine mods.

I'll post pictures as soon as I get home to laptop...

Cheers

TheSuspensionSource · 03-14-2012, 05:17 PM

What are your overall goals for the car?

Do you plan to track it? or Just trying to build a fun daily driver?

Give us a little insight about what you use it for and we can give you some better recommendations about where to start!

Congrats on the new purchase by the way and welcome to the site!

John@TheSuspensionSource

oitoyboy · 03-14-2012, 05:25 PM

Hi, it'll just be a weekend cruiser. I plan to fit subtle body mods, lower it slightly. Fit a fat set of shiny wheels and then get set on making it go faster. I won't be using it for track days... Ever! Haha. The wheels are my first change. How big can I 'sensibly' go? I want to be comfortable when I go out.

Thanks

TheSuspensionSource · 03-14-2012, 05:51 PM

I'd recommend 17" or 18" wheels anything more than that and your ride quality may start to suffer.

We also have tons of options to lower that car too so give us a call when you're ready to drop it right!

John@theSuspensionSource

Lord Vader · 03-14-2012, 10:16 PM

Welcome to Bimmerwerkz!

Before you start modding the car too excessively how is the maintenance on the car? All the fluid changes up to date? How are the bushings? Rear Shock Mounts? rear Trailing Arm bushings? Before you dump a bunch of money into flashy wheels make sure your not going to have something break and leave you stranded. With any "new" car you should give it a thorough look over.

As for wheels, the lighter the better. 17"s are better for performance, 18"s are just for looks. A 17" rim and low profile tires will retain the same tire profile as stock so you won't have to have your speedometer adjusted. 18"s are heavy and require a fair bit of energy to spin taking away from overall performance. And will also increase stopping distance slightly. More wheel to turn is also more wheel to stop.

oitoyboy · 03-15-2012, 02:41 AM

'18"s are just for looks.'

18"s it is then! Haha.

Thanks for that Vader. That is sound advice. I will drive it about for a month or two to she how she runs and get a feel for her before spending out like you say. I'll also be putting her in for a good service and thorough check over with my mate the BMW god.

I'll let you know how it all goes.

Marcus

Lord Vader · 03-15-2012, 09:23 AM

Be advised though, that of you get the 18"s you may have to roll your fenders. I have 18"s on my E36 and they rub the fenders when cornering. And I have 18"s cause the store I ordered them from screwed up and ordered me 18"s instead of 17"s. I didn't novice until after they were installed! I don't track the car so I jut kept them.

TheSuspensionSource · 03-15-2012, 11:13 AM

Great advice Vader, maintenance is always super crucial with BMW's, especially the cooling systems, keep an eye on that fan and thermostat housing. As long as your on top of proper maintenance the cars are always a joy to drive.

I have 18x8.5 on my e36 and mine wont rub under hard cornering or while autocrossing, but like Vader said i have rolled my fenders ever so slightly. Its not really difficult to do with the right equipment..

I actually really like the way 17's look on these cars too but it basically all comes down to how much you lower the car and the tire size you go with.

Lord Vader · 03-15-2012, 12:56 PM

I lowered my E36 with Koni springs and shocks. About a 1"~ drop. It rubs but not that bad. Enough to make me need to roll my fenders. No drop and they har no issues

oitoyboy · 03-15-2012, 03:00 PM

I should point out that I'm pretty cool with any work that needs carrying out. I've been an engineer for 15 years haha. Was more thinking about order of engine tunes. But knowing I'll have to roll the arches for 18"s is deffo worth knowing. No real biggy but might be worth just going 17". I'm also going to build a mould for in between seat sub mount as that'll be easy to do at work. Also been looking into the whole double din stereo issue. Should be a way around that I reckon...?

Lord Vader · 03-15-2012, 05:04 PM

Engine wise theirs a fair bit you can do. It shares the same 2.8L M52 engine that's in the E36. Examples are CAI, exhaust, under drive pullies, M50 manifold, fan delete, S52 cams, conforti shark injector/tuning.