E30-323ti

The Big case diffs were only in the Euro 3.2's and have a different subframe to accomodate it. The US M3's all had medium case diff's but with larger axles/CV's/output flanges (same as the Euro 3.0's). A 3.73 would be a fun diff with the 1:1 5th Might get a bit buzzy down the motorway/open road, rev-ing ~3100@100kph and maxing out ~220kph, but hell it would get there fast

I'm sure some would have been fitted with AST, and as a result of the application of only one or both rear brakes by the AST would have caused more heat in the rear discs thus nessesitating vented discs. I'll refer you to a top gear episode when JC has thrashing the new AMG CLS55, if you recall it came up with a warning that the rear brakes had over heated, now I'm sure Merc (as with BMW no doubt) would think using vented discs with traction control would have a lot to do with each other. I was merely highlighting why vented discs "may" have been used and that the the use of vented discs should not be perceived as and "upgrade" especially when they are the same (or smaller) dia. as solid discs when considered in the case of a rear scenario with stock bias. I also doubt there is much weight difference or change in distribution with the use of the alloy block, most of the gains are from better thermal efficiency and beign able to recycle materials for it's construction. An SR20 is a prime example of this where the engine weighs very similar to a cast iron blocked engine, however in a race car scenario they didn't last as the blocks would distort and need replacing each season (if they lasted) when used in the NZ touring cars. One would assume for this reason (or similar) BMW chose to keep the CI block for the S50 and S54 engines. It will be interesting to see how the newer Al/Mg 6cyl blocks last when used for racing. Sorry for getting rather "Off Topic"

The 318i & ti def. have solid fronts, but the iS should have vented fronts. The 328i has slightly smaller dia. rears but yes, are vented. (May have been to do with traction control via the rear brakes and generating more heat??) Changing to these would be easy enough if it was warrented. But given BMW's heavy front bias (and ABS programming) I doubt you'd see any problem with the rear brakes before you manage to destroy the fronts!! As 3pedals said, you'd def. want to look at getting some shocks & springs to suit the 6cyl application. Make sure you get some progress pics up for us!!

Have you got some thoughts you may like to share with him?? As your 2.8 beast will be putting out nearly as much power with the same sized brakes!! Due to the cost and lack of supply I doubt E36 M3 brakes are a viable option, and the need to replace knuckles, trailing arms and axles to accomodate them front and rear. As a rule of thumb the certification process does not require brakes to be upgraded if the vehicle has not significantly increased in weight. Then there is common sence, for example I was not about to drive a E30 around with over twice the factory power on stock sized brakes. I'd say some pretty good pads would be the minimum you should do!! Good score BTW, I think the E36 it is in was at the trackday I went to at Manfield in November, sounded nice!!

I spoke to him some time ago and he was ditching the IRS & VR diff and putting a 4 link live axle it it. Poor thing!!!

Looking good Martyyn!!! Keep it up!!

Agreed, buying a quality wheel like the BBS's is a lot better than the cheap asian junk wheels NZ is littered with, but again they come at a much higher cost. You forgot to add the "bend over and grab your ankles" part (for the most of us that is). FYI +96 M3's had 17x8.5" rears with a 40 offset, no reason why a 18x8.5" with the same offset wouldn't fit fine with the CORRECT size tyres on the rear, the front would be getting tight for space to the strut. As always when changing wheels the careful selection of the correct size tyre is one of the most important things as evidenced in another thread recently where the wrong size tyres were fitted.

Thanks for the compliments guys. Sparkle: Don't be to harsh on the advanti's, they are reasonably light and clear the brakes (big issue), and (I feel) the best of the very limited selection in NZ, but yes the LM's are so much nicer. 17x8" all-round. Spargo: Yeah, was a bit of a shot from the hip, not knowing if they would come to clearing the brakes, upside was a good set of tyres for xthe wifes car, which needs some soon, and hell they're LM's I couldn't say no!!! Not as good a bargin as the 2 17x9" M5 wheels I scored off TM but pretty good. Martyyn: I hear what you're saying, it's the Old Vs New look etc... But wait till you see it in person, the pic's don't really do them (or the E30) justice. The gold is a really deep metallic, the lips are beautifully machined and the centre caps are a pretty kewl hologram type thing. And the zinnoberrot looks a bit henna in the pics, esp. on PC's the colours are true-er on my Mac.

Well, the E30 was telling me how she was getting a bit bored with the old shoes she'd been wearing and thought a new set would make her look and feel a bit better. So one day when she was surfing Trade-Me in the garage (as all good E30's do when they're not busy), she found a stunning set of BBS LM's and thought the gold would really complement her aging Zinnebarrot and the machined lips her tarnished chrome trim. So I couldn't really say NO could I!?!?! She also got a new battery for X-mas, so no more complaining when I try to start her. And some new mirrors a few weeks ago, just the $130 cheapies from Trade-Me (not the best quality, but lighter and more aero dynamic than the originals, and a change in look). The tyres are stretched/weedy little 215's (the smallest she's had for a looong time), but they will go on the wifes Altezza and she will have her 245's back soon enough. Anyways, here are a few pics from our little trip today.

so much fun, esp. when the server is down and I can't actually work!!! 305 so far, getting the hang of it!!! 405 and calling it quits

my sisters coupe did. Look under the parcel tray in the boot you will see them, drill through the holes to create a hole on the parcel tray to bolt through.

Hmmm, interesting!!! Mine are fine after a day of abuse on the track. Will double check though!!

Tell me about it!!! Heaps better!!!

235/40 R18 is quite a tall tyre for the E36. M3's had 235/40 &/or 245/40 R17's on the rear 225/45 &/or 235/40's up front depending on wheels & what year etc... So you're running a tyre that is ~1" or 25mm taller than what you should have (621mm Vs 645mm). Something like a 225/35 is a closer fit at 615mm or 629mm for a 245/35. What is the wheel offset also??

The word "Ghetto" comes to mind. It's an E30 not a cortina. Beside you'd need some over width eagars to run on them too. My 2c

[spamming your thread] Me too, would only check mail to delete all the spam!!! Whats the deal Andrew???? [/spamming your thread]

Ditto. I'm not running one.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I suspect mine was only lifting a rear under brakes into the hairpin every now and again. Surprised you had traction issues out of the hairpin, mine had the most grip out of that corner, the long sweeping right out of coca-cola however made for an interesting 3rd gear "fill your pants" episode, and that bloody square of new AC on the exit to Higgns. Oh, and running through Dunlop using a single apex meant turning in to line up for braking at 200-ish, took a bit of getting use to and happens to be the bumpiest part of the track to try and stop on. Looking forward to getting out again, should be a bit quicker/consistant next time

I was the weekend before Few issues needing attention following that outing meant I could not attend the intermarque

LOL Kinda like a "barge" ??? *ducks for cover*

Current size is good, don't replace with "bike" sized ones (offer them separately). I was wanting black to go in a similar place on the side, but on the bottom of the red door. Could always put white on the dimply black bit under the door but thats just ghey!!

Any black stickers gusto?? Would be keen for 2. Got any sketches of the Tee's, whats on the front / back logo, where, etc...

wtf??? The E30 & E30 M3 have similar front end geometry, the control arms are geometrically the same just alloy Vs steel, the lollipops bolt onto the same part of the chassis and in the same location on the front subframe. The only possible difference in the front subframes would be the engine mount bolt holes at a long shot. If you are using E30 M3 front hubs there is no need to do anything to the E30, just bolt them in!!! Oh, and are you still doing this on your "realistic" budget?? Just curious as I'd bet your purchases to date would exceed my total build costs. But should be one hell of a looker & go'er whe your done.

Also 944 turbo LSD plates are the same. Don't forget you also need to machine the side plates and the centre housing to accomodated the extra plates, you can also change the ramp angle to increase/decrease the dynamic lock-up, good if you want is loose on decel/turn-in and tight for power out.

LOL 255/35's are tiny on a 7'er Try 255/45 or 275/40 on 18's or 235/50's if you have skinny rims (8") http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html