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alexk
04-10-2010, 07:57 AM
Hi guys,

Wanted to share with you my new toy.
I wanted something that is bmw, it's lightweight and cheap to run.
I was considering E36's but finally got a Z3 coupe.
It's the 2.8 one, but you cannot say it's slow.
It has a limited slip diff as well as all of the comforts.

I am very happy with it. It's nice to drive and drifts everywhere !
Already I changed the brakes to EBC USR discs and EBC red pads.
This week I am changing the bushes to powerflex ones.
Suspension will follow and later on a roll cage and racing seats.

Furkapass this Saturday :

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1073/02102010547.jpg



http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3011/img00558201009221735.jpg

cslgirl
04-10-2010, 08:32 AM
Nice one! I do like the Z3's:thumbs:
and wow you have some lovely roads/scenery :smt055

Dan
04-10-2010, 09:28 AM
Looks great, a nice cheap little alternative to a CSL, lots of fun I would think Alex!

mattCSLnut
04-10-2010, 12:40 PM
Loving the "Brot Wagen" mate :thumbs:
Good to see you've got it registered and on the road so quickly :beer:
Furka Pass :drool: Hmmmmmmm :smt055 seems so long ago

alexk
17-10-2010, 10:25 PM
So the Z3 is race ready now.

I have changed oil, oil filter, K&N air filter, fuel filter, wipers.
Also, powerflex front/rear anti-roll bar bushes.
M Coupe front control arm bushes.
EBC USR discs (front) and front/rear EBC redstuff brake pads.
Castrol brake fluid.
I also removed about 25 kilos of unnecessary weight.

I tested the car last monday in Anneau Du Rhin (a track close to Basel, in France).
It's quite capable and definitely fun to drive.
I embarrassed much 'faster' cars in the track, even though I am still running some rubbish 'Gremax' tyres.
I am really happy with the budget brake solution. The brakes performed very well (I was doing non-stop 30 minute sessions) without any brake fade.
The suspension is pretty standard (only lower springs) but I don't have a complaint at the moment.

I clocked a 997 GT3 doing 1.31 (dry).
With the CSL on slicks but wet (so I was backing off in 2 fast corners) I had done 1.32.
M Z3 Coupe with slicks, race suspension, roll cage, exhausts was doing 1.35.
I did with my Z3C 1.37. Not bad at all :-) Also the laptime of the CSL in the wet is fecking amazing (it's the driver after all ... who has skills :thumbs:)

A pic from the track
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8300/z3001.jpg

2 pics from a practise session today.
Note : I drift everywhere with the Z3C, it's mental !!!

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2348/z3004.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8448/z3003.jpg

As you can see, it's very practical having plenty of space in the trunk :whistle:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/148/z3002b.jpg

I have also bought an AC Schnitzer gear knob and waiting for it to arrive :drool:

Next in the list is a strut brace.
Maybe spring just before the Ring, I will put on a supercharger :whistle:

Bounce
17-10-2010, 10:57 PM
Nice one mate,:thumbs:

mattCSLnut
17-10-2010, 11:16 PM
Great pic Alex :thumbs: By your own admission, I didn't think U had it in you ;) :hahaha:
Photo Solutions :thumbs:

daniel
17-10-2010, 11:18 PM
Looks like a cool project, but a supercharger? Sounds expensive!

If you are planning on a track toy I think you can find a cheaper ring toy for the price of a supercharger + mfk.

alexk
19-10-2010, 10:04 PM
Great pic Alex :thumbs: By your own admission, I didn't think U had it in you ;) :hahaha:
Photo Solutions :thumbs:

I have a great teacher that's why mate
:thumbs:

I simply love the little car, I want to drive it all the time.

shimmy
19-10-2010, 10:24 PM
Alex

Did i miss something!?

Have you sold the CSL?

alexk
19-10-2010, 10:50 PM
Alex

Did i miss something!?

Have you sold the CSL?

Of course not !!!

Let's be serious mate, the CSL will stay with me forever.

cantfind1
20-10-2010, 05:28 PM
I love these cars, very nice!

DazBlackCSL
20-10-2010, 05:56 PM
Very nice Alex, I miss my little Z3 M coupe had an Imola Red one prior to the M3 early one so no DSC and raw, was a hoon, also did my very first ring visit in that bugger so holds even more memories :smt055

Making me think as there so cheap now too ... awesome pics tho ;)

shane@mbtech
20-10-2010, 09:49 PM
Very nice Alex, I miss my little Z3 M coupe had an Imola Red one prior to the M3 early one so no DSC and raw, was a hoon, also did my very first ring visit in that bugger so holds even more memories :smt055

Making me think as there so cheap now too ... awesome pics tho ;)


I remember spotting that on the vid, think I asked if it was you.

Daz you are fucking famous mate:hahaha::smokin:

glendog74
20-10-2010, 09:53 PM
Very nice Alex, I miss my little Z3 M coupe had an Imola Red one

Z3 you say?

It quite clearly states Nurburgring (bread) Van on the telly screen shot :hahaha:

alexk
20-10-2010, 11:44 PM
Very nice Alex, I miss my little Z3 M coupe had an Imola Red one prior to the M3 early one so no DSC and raw, was a hoon, also did my very first ring visit in that bugger so holds even more memories :smt055

Making me think as there so cheap now too ... awesome pics tho ;)

Thanks mate, I love the little car !

I can understand how you feel, especially when having owned a Z3 M coupe :thumbs:
I would love a Z3 M coupe but I wanted a budget car (also Z3 M here are expensive, as all M cars actually...).
Next year I will definitely take it to the Ring many times so if you want to live again some memories, you can drive it for some laps :beer:

DazBlackCSL
21-10-2010, 12:38 AM
Z3 you say?

It quite clearly states Nurburgring (bread) Van on the telly screen shot :hahaha:

Twat !

AlexGTT
21-10-2010, 11:28 AM
Z3 you say?

It quite clearly states Nurburgring (bread) Van on the telly screen shot :hahaha:

Sponsored by Kingsmill.:smokin:

The Gorilla
23-10-2010, 12:07 PM
Hi,

Alexk- Is this with the M52 Alloy block dual vanos engine ?

If yes, get your self some North American E36 M3 Cams,
same engine, they drop straight in, very cheap to source,
larger MAF, which is plug and play, I think you can source one from a
something like a E38, combine both give gains of
about 20 / 25 BHP but gives much
better mid range power, and make the engine much
crisper.

Cams, MAF, some fitting if you do not like
dirty hands etc, and around 400/500.00 tops

If you do not mind loosing some top end speed, then
a 3.9 Diff with the above mods puts you at around
5.7 secs 0-60, but tops out at around 130 ish.

Do you have the E36 M3 3.0 Getrag dogleg box, some did
some did not, worthwhile swap as you can pick them
up for around 100-150.00, and its much better ratios,
and much better suited to the engine revs.

The front is very like the CSL the more overall Track width
you can gain the sharper the turn in. 10mm spacers or wider
front wheels / tyres ?

Also check that you have the quick ratio 2.7 lock to lock rack,
its same ratio 14.9 as a CSL, it was not fitted on all 2.8's but was fitted to
all the other Z3's except the Z3M Coupe which got the
slower E36 M3 Evo rack.

Quick look at the Rack and if the casing is alloy at one
end and plated [gold colour] steel the other, it is, if
the rack casing is all alloy from tie rod to tie rod, its not.

Regards,

The Gorilla.

alexk
07-02-2011, 10:08 PM
Hi,

Alexk- Is this with the M52 Alloy block dual vanos engine ?

If yes, get your self some North American E36 M3 Cams,
same engine, they drop straight in, very cheap to source,
larger MAF, which is plug and play, I think you can source one from a
something like a E38, combine both give gains of
about 20 / 25 BHP but gives much
better mid range power, and make the engine much
crisper.

Cams, MAF, some fitting if you do not like
dirty hands etc, and around 400/500.00 tops

If you do not mind loosing some top end speed, then
a 3.9 Diff with the above mods puts you at around
5.7 secs 0-60, but tops out at around 130 ish.

Do you have the E36 M3 3.0 Getrag dogleg box, some did
some did not, worthwhile swap as you can pick them
up for around 100-150.00, and its much better ratios,
and much better suited to the engine revs.

The front is very like the CSL the more overall Track width
you can gain the sharper the turn in. 10mm spacers or wider
front wheels / tyres ?

Also check that you have the quick ratio 2.7 lock to lock rack,
its same ratio 14.9 as a CSL, it was not fitted on all 2.8's but was fitted to
all the other Z3's except the Z3M Coupe which got the
slower E36 M3 Evo rack.

Quick look at the Rack and if the casing is alloy at one
end and plated [gold colour] steel the other, it is, if
the rack casing is all alloy from tie rod to tie rod, its not.

Regards,

The Gorilla.

Gorilla, my friend you are the bmwpedia !
Yes it's the M52B28TU, aluminium block, detuned 2.8 with double vanos and the new intake (variable length which is also found in the M54B30 of the 330i E46).
20 HP sounds good, especially for this money.
I will install the cams and everything on my own. I have the skills and love to work on my cars/bikes. Check my next post and you will understand.

I have tried the 12mm spacers in the front on the 17x7J wheels but I had wheel-arch rubbing. It is lowered with standard shocks but it would rub very easily. I cannot say it has a lot of roll (for OEM shocks) but even 2cm of roll would rub everything.
The gearbox is the normal one and not the dogleg one.
My differential will blow up in a while so I might put the one you suggested.
The steering rack is fast. I don't remember right now if it is the one you say, but I will check next time I am underneath the car, which means very soon :whistle:

Many thanks for your help Gorilla !

alexk
07-02-2011, 10:25 PM
An update from the mighty Z3 coupe.
Christmas time and I run into a small problem when the crankshaft sensor stopped to work and also the idle control valve complained.
The engine would not idle and it was working very bad.
I decided to take out the intake and check the bits underneath and replace the crankshaft sensor.
8 hours later... I managed to remove the fecking intake (I also checked sparkplugs etc). The limited space of the Z3 engine bay made everything so difficult and was swearing for about 5 hours.
There are so many cables, plugs, pipes etc underneath this intake.

Then I discovered more issues as the throttle butterfly hose had a crack/hole, some other ventilation pipes (there are many) were broken, a pressure regulator was broken etc.
I ordered the parts and in about a week they were delivered.
I put everything back together (took my another 3 hours) and turned on the engine.
Problem's solved !
The holes/cracks in the pipes and butterfly hose had affected the amound of air flowing in the intake / which was not the same tha the MAF was measuring.
Instant results : 1lt/100km less consumption and much better performance throughout the band

At the same time, I removed additional unnecessary weight from the boot and shaved of another 15 kilos.
I also weighted the car with full tank -> 1230 kilos.

I have spent about 15-18 hours drifting in the snow with 3rd-4th gear in some interesting places close to where I live.
I have to say it's more difficult to drift compared with the CSL as it's much shorter, but I have mastered it :smt023

Next test will be 14-03-2011 in a racetrack in France. I will go with the same shitty tyres but want to see the difference the spacers will make.
If it's raining, I will get some cheeky videos from the drift action :drool:

alexk
27-03-2011, 10:56 AM
A small update from the Z3C.

I installed the turner camber bolt kit.
Cheap mod and with good results, I reckon the front camber is -2 to -2.5 now.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-424-e36-z3-front-camber-bolt-kit.aspx

Look at the size of these rear wheel arches

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/2347/img00640201011141453.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2894/img00641201011141453.jpg

A picture from the winter action

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3016/img00697201012170839.jpg

In the meantime, I sourced a set of my favorite Yokohama ADVAN A048 for it

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/687/img00769201102222030.jpg

Back to the summer tyres but not yet the Yokos
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/7569/img00804201103141835.jpg

Bounce
27-03-2011, 06:01 PM
Looking good Alex.:thumbs:

alexk
03-10-2011, 10:27 PM
An update about the Z3.

Rear 20mm spacers and front 12mm.
A set of toyo R888s and the handling is transformed !

I also got an intake manifold of the M54B25 engine.
It is fully compliant apart from an adapter for the throttle butterfly and should boost the performance to 210hp (stock 193hp).

alexk
27-10-2011, 08:28 AM
I sourced a bilstein PSS for the mighty Z3C and installed last Sunday.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4217/img01234201110231733.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3342/img01235201110231959.jpg


The car is really transformed and the trackday this tuesday in Anneau Du Rhin proved what I felt.
The combination of the suspension with the toyos, resulted in very very good traction.
The laptime proved the above @ 1.32.2

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5650/img01238201110251729.jpg


More pics to follow.

What's next ?
Installing the intake, front strut bar, seats and eventually a kompressor kit :whistle:

glendog74
27-10-2011, 12:12 PM
Nice work Alex :beer:

alexk
03-12-2011, 06:23 PM
And a picture from the last trackday @ AdR

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/Z3C-AdR-10-2011.jpg

alexk
03-12-2011, 06:33 PM
A small update.

I did some performance tests and I can see a consistent 50-130km/h in 8.9secs (3rd gear and full tank).

I got the adapter from Turner motorsport that is needed for installing the throttle butterfly on the M54 intake.
Soon I will install the M54 intake and then I will re-run the test.

In the meantime I came up with a plan for the supercharger project :thumbs:

AlexGTT
03-12-2011, 11:08 PM
Nice Alex.:thumbs:

alexk
04-06-2012, 11:49 PM
Today I finished with the intake manifold installation.

I installed the M54B25 intake.

A few pics from the process

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/DSC05081-1400.JPG

Notice the difference in the intake.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/DSC05075-1400.JPG

I had to swap all the parts from the M52B28TU intake to the M54B25 intake.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/DSC05076-1400.JPG

Intake finished

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/DSC05083-1400.JPG

Ready for testdrive

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/DSC05084-1400.JPG

The difference is significant.
I will test and give you some acceleration numbers.

alexk
17-06-2012, 11:31 PM
And the acceleration numbers.

50-130km/h in 3rd from 8.9secs dropped to 8.2secs
:thumbs:

alexk
17-06-2012, 11:33 PM
Today I finally got a set of wheels for the summertime (the other 17" are now dedicated track wheels).

I sourced a set of M5 E34 (3.8) wheels.
It must be the only Z3 with these wheels in the world.

I love the way it looks. The offset is massive and I don't need to run spacers anymore.

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00117.jpg

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00120.jpg

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00119.jpg

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00121.jpg

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00122.jpg

http://clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120617-00123.jpg

shimmy
17-06-2012, 11:39 PM
those honestly do look great Alex.

alexk
03-07-2012, 09:44 PM
A stabilizer question.

The normal Z3 has on the front stabilizers the small stabilizer link that attaches to the front swingarms.
Here (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/Z3/Coupe/Europe/Z3_2.8-M52/LHD/N/1999/february/browse/front_axle/front_axle_support_wishbone_stabilizer/)you can see part number 16.

The Z3 M has a longer stabilizer link that attaches to the shock absorber.
Here (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/Z3/Coupe/Europe/Z3_M3.2-S50/browse/front_axle/front_axle_support_wishbone_stabilizer/)you can see part number 17.

I can only think that one advantage is that the longer stabilizer link has 2 uniballs while the short one has a uniball and a bushing.
Do you think there is any other advantage ?
I have the suspension of a Z3 M and I could easily do this "upgrade".

Also, have a look at the diameter of the stabilizer link.
My Z3 2.8 has 26mm while the Z3 M has 23mm.
That's a bit odd.

Let me know what you think guys.

alexk
25-09-2012, 11:59 PM
An update
I installed a front strut brace

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120702-00170-1400.jpg

And installed the 2nd CSL battery on the Z3.

19 kg the 70Ah
16 kg the 50Ah
So minus 3kg

alexk
26-09-2012, 12:03 AM
Started changing the brakes with Brembo discs + pads.

I bought a caliper carrier from the E46 and now the discs are 300x22 instead of the original 276x22.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120729-00267-1280.jpg

It was a good opportunity to take out the rust and repaint my calipers.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120730-00270-1400.jpg
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120730-00271-1400.jpg
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120730-00274-1400.jpg

Of course, I put new brake fluid in the brake system.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120731-00286-1400.jpg
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120731-00283-1400.jpg

And a pic with the wheel.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120731-00297-1400.jpg
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120731-00298-1400.jpg

Here are the old brake pads, EBC Redstuff.
I cannot say I was happy with them.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120731-00285-1400.jpg

alexk
26-09-2012, 12:06 AM
And here is my new roof rack.

It's very practical when wanting to transport the trackday tyreset.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120821-00423.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120821-00427.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20120821-00425.jpg

alexk
03-02-2013, 02:48 PM
An update about the Z3C as I have done a lot of work.

1. I got a set of GC rear top mounts. The ones I had were shot.
The quality is very good and for 99$ you could say they are a bargain.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121220-00204.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121220-00205.jpg

The result is very good. The rear end is much more firm.
The previous top mounts had a play of 1-2 cm up and down.

2. I did a rear axle rebuild as I did to my CSL some months ago.
I wanted to replace the rear bushes (from the beam) and also install a LSD with clutch plates. It's from an M3 E30 and I got it from Mr Gorilla, which I thank for all the help.
The ratio is shorter, 3.15 was the original LSD and this one is 3.46.

Here is the famous torsen OEM LSD that all non-M Z3s with an LSD have.
You can see the special cogs.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00233.jpg

Here is the M3 E30 LSD.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00234.jpg

I had to swap the drive flanges as the shafts are very different.
On the left the M3 E30 and on the right the Z3 one.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00229.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00230.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00236.jpg

Here a photo when taking out the rear beam and arms
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20121230-00237.jpg

Then, I decided to take the rust out from the beam.
Pain sweat and tears...

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130102-00249.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130102-00250.jpg

Some anti-rust paint.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00271.jpg

Next thing was to remove the beam bushes.
They were completely shot. No surprise as they were the original fitment and the car has 193k km.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130102-00251.jpg

I used my MIG welder to create my own bush removal tool :)
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130107-00258.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130107-00259.jpg

Here is the beam painted and with powerflex bushes.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130115-00299.jpg

Then I replaced the bushing on the diff cover and I cut down 2 fins and made hole and threads to install the temperature sensor.
http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00272.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00273.jpg

The axle joint was also worn out. Again no surprise as it hasn't been changed since the car left the factory.
I installed the spare axle joint I have from my CSL. It is reinforced.
Here is important to say that you need to replace the bolts with longer ones, same with the ones the CSL has.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00264.jpg

On the left the Z3 one and or the right the CSL one.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00265.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00266.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00267.jpg

Here are the bolts.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130109-00268.jpg

Then I put cables for the oil pump and the gauge.
You can also see a switch to turn on/off the oil pump.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130115-00298.jpg

Here is the oil pump. I made a mount for it and installed the pipes.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130116-00303.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130116-00304.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130116-00305.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130116-00306.jpg

Last but not least I fabricated a piece of aluminium/carbon to mount the gauge and switch.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130124-00329.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130124-00328.jpg

The gauge

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130125-00332.jpg

The switch

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130125-00333.jpg

alexk
03-02-2013, 02:52 PM
And here are the differences in acceleration.
The tests are with 3rd gear, 50-120. Same tyres, fuel tank is full and same road/spot.

Ζ3 stock
time started : 11:43:16.40
speed : 050.26 km/h
height : +0431.70 m

time stopped : 11:43:24.00
speed : 120.14 km/h
height : +0429.19 m

height difference = -2.50 m
elapsed time = 7.6 s

Ζ3 with M54 intake manifold
time started : 17:30:22.60
speed : 050.30 km/h
height : +0431.40 m

time stopped : 17:30:29.90
speed : 120.14 km/h
height : +0431.10 m

height difference = -0.29 m
elapsed time = 7.3 s

Ζ3 with 3.46 differential (instead of 3.15) and M54 intake manifold
time started : 13:21:03.40
speed : 051.60 km/h
height : +0419.91 m

time stopped : 13:21:09.60
speed : 120.81 km/h
height : +0426.19 m

height difference = 6.27 m
elapsed time = 6.2 s

Note in the last test I am going uphill (altitude is increased by 6.27m).

The Gorilla
04-02-2013, 12:54 PM
Hi Alex,

All looking good.

At this rate the CSL will be redundant
soon.

Squeeze another 25/30 BHP out that
Alloy lump and it will be a good
match on any short tight circuit for its
Stable mate.

Regards,

The Gorilla.

Jon8710
05-02-2013, 04:17 PM
looks like a cracking motor !!

thats my car on your CSL register calendar on your wall, that photo was taken on the gottard pass not far from you !

alexk
05-02-2013, 09:42 PM
Hi Alex,

All looking good.

At this rate the CSL will be redundant
soon.

Squeeze another 25/30 BHP out that
Alloy lump and it will be a good
match on any short tight circuit for its
Stable mate.

Regards,

The Gorilla.

Hi Danny,

Yes the small Z3 is getting there.
I found out a budget solution for an extra 15-20 HP.
I will keep you posted.
Once more thanks for your help.


looks like a cracking motor !!

thats my car on your CSL register calendar on your wall, that photo was taken on the gottard pass not far from you !

Very nice photo :thumbs:
The calendar this year is amazing.
Next time you are in CH, let me know and we can do an Alpine CSL meeting.

alexk
12-03-2013, 09:43 AM
A small update.

After a failed water pump that ripped of a few things in the engine bay, I repaired the Z3.
In the meantime, I installed the small radiator for the LSD cooling, change the gearbox oil and also install a gauge for the engine oil temp.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130309-00452.jpg

I also got a set of BBS RK wheels, which are very light.
They are 17 x 8J ET35. I no longer need to run spacers at the front and at the back I have 12mm spacers.
I fitted Federal RSR-595 tyres (225/45/17). These tyres are cheap, I read mixed reviews and I was curious to try them.

Yesterday I did a half day trackday at Anneau Du Rhin.
Unfortunately it was cold and the track was wet.
The car worked very good. The tyres performed very good and I didn't see a lack of performance compared to R888s.
The LSD cooling works very good. As soon as the LSD temp would hit 100+ C, I would start the pump and in 1-2 mins the temp would drop and remain at 70-75C.
The engine oil didn't reach more than 110C.
The short ratio LSD did give more speed in the straights.
Having said that, my top speed is only 210 (tacho). I need to increase the limiter :119:

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130311-00460.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130311-00461.jpg

What failed completely was my Brembo brake pads.
The rear ones got completely fecked.
Very strange ! I have done only 6k road kilometers with them.

I was the fastest car yesterday.
There were 3 x 944 Turbo S or how they are called, very tuned.
Still the mighty Z3 was 2+ secs faster :beer:

Mike R
13-03-2013, 01:01 PM
If you want some good track tyres that are better than the R888s, get the Khumo V70As in hard compound :).

alexk
31-03-2013, 12:30 PM
So, I now have a new set of wheels for the Z3.
These will be my new winter tyre set, as I got fed up with the tiny 16" Styling 32.

They are BMW Styling 19 wheels 17 x 8J ET20. They were made by BBS, 2-piece with forged rim. They are light and look very nice :)
Currently on 235/45/17 which look a bit fat, but I will fit 225/45/17 next winter.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130330-00523.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130330-00527.jpg

alexk
01-04-2013, 10:56 PM
A couple more pics with these wheels.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130401-00557.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130401-00555.jpg

alexk
04-07-2013, 07:11 PM
Not a lot to update really...

I bought new front/rear/side lights/indicators and now I have white.
Inside the favorite diadem OSRAM bulbs that give this blue color in the white indicators.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130415-00587.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130627-00795.jpg

I also drilled some holes to have a 'bit' of extra air.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130415-00586.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130415-00588.jpg

The project is ongoing and I have a few things lined up. :whistle:

alexk
01-09-2013, 09:18 PM
A few small changes on the mighty Z3.
I did an ECU remap, the rev limiter is now at 7000rpm.
The engine pulls much stronger above 4500.

Also, installed today Mintex M1144 front+rear pads as well as one coil pack that was not functioning very good.

More changes soon :)

alexk
09-09-2013, 11:00 PM
A new update about the Z3.

As it is a budget track car (unlike the CSL :smt055) I am using things that make sense and sometimes have zero cost.
Here are the anti-roll bar drop links of the CSL being fitted to my Z3.
All E36s and Z3s apart from the M versions connect the anti-roll bar to the front wishbone.
The M versions have them attached to the shock absorber, which is a more effective way to use the anti-roll bar.
Now, the Bilstein PSS suspension that I have is from the Z3 M coupe and it has the ARB drop links ears.
So I got the standard CSL front ARB drop links and fitted them.

Two interesting things.
- The CSL drop links are much longer than the Z3 M / E36 M3 ones, but my Z3 is much lower than stock which makes the CSL ones perfect size as now the ARB sits in the ideal position, parallel to the ground.
- The E36 M3 and Z3 M have a 23mm front ARB, as the drop link setup is more efficient.
My Z3 coupe has a 26mm ARB due to the inefficiency of the wishbone attachment. Which means now it's stiffer than the one on the M version.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130907-01215.jpg

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130907-01216.jpg

Today I had a trackday with the Z3 and it was finally dry at Anneau Du Rhin.
I used the Federal RS-R tyres which gave me a good impression last time I used them, but it was raining.
All the upgrades paid off and my previous best laptime (with toyo R888s) of 1:32.19 dropped to 1:31.38 with ideal 1:29.68. :119:
Also VMAX increased from 175.960 to 178.480.
I had a few consistent laps today ... (1:31.38, 1:31.95, 1:31.98, 1:32.24, 1:32.24, 1:32.36, 1:32.39, 1:32.47, 1:32.80, 1:32.88, 1:32.94, 1:32.98, 1:32.98 etc).

I can honestly say that I am driving the car very close to the limit that it has and just to put things into perspective, a stock CSL in this track does ~1:30. A CSL with schnitzer suspension had done 1:29.50.

What is cool is that I now lift the front inside wheel in the air. :blalalala:
Obviously it has to do with the stiffness of the front ARB and the driver giving it some love :P

A photo from today.

http://www.clubcsl.com/Z3C/IMG-20130909-01221.jpg

alexk
12-11-2013, 07:10 AM
3 years and 2 months later, the Z3C has a new owner.
I hope he enjoys it as much as I did.
A very good car.