Track suspension options

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:06 pm

Evening!

My track project is moving on a pace now, shell is due back from cage guy next week and my girlfriend is starting to think I'm weird because I'm spending hours looking at suspension!

Essentially I'm looking for a really nice setup, so whats the consensus from those in the know?

Coilovers seem to be the way to go but which brand? KW, H&R, GAZ? Any others I should be looking at? I can't find a Tein for the E30, I'm presuming they aren't made?

Other than rim choice, any other reason for a 5 stud conversion?

I'm obviously going to be redoing all bushes, do I go for original BMW, powerflex, I've also seen some solid aluminium mounts, look very interesting.

http://www.treehouseracing.com/componen ... 029703.jpg

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/vi ... S12Llg.jpg

It would be really interesting to hear the views of people who are out there racing. The car is track only so performance is the aim, not comfort!

Thanks for your help!

Mat

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:24 pm

I do like my Gaz 'gold' coilovers, although I'd prefer them to be valved a bit stiffer - I find I crank them to the stiffest damping setting and still find them a touch soft. You will need to reroute the fuel breather system to clear the rear springs with the Gaz kit (same applies to any 'true coilover' on the rear).

I wouldn't bother with H&R coilovers, they offer no damping adjustment at all which is something of a compromise.

I also have the tree house racing wishbone bushes which I am also very happy with, although in reality my main motivation in buying these was the increased clearance to my custom exhaust downpipe. Elsewhere I've got polybushes throughout and can't say I have anything to complain about. I would recommend modifying the rear beam to allow camber and toe adjustment as this makes a big difference to the car, particularly in terms of high speed stability.

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:38 pm

Thanks for the input Theo

Yup, camber and toe adjustments are top of the list, I have the rear beam ready to weld them on.

The GAZ Golds seem a good price, I hear good things about the KW Variant 2's too.

I'm not running a standard tank so shouldn't have issues with the rear end, what bushes have you got? I see the black are advertised as track only, is it worth going for them?

Good to hear you are pleased with the tree house racing bushes, did you buy from the States or is there a dealer over here?

As a side, what engine are you running? I'm planning S50B32 at the moment.

Thanks again!

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:59 pm

My subframe bushes are the purple powerflex jobbies, trailing arm bushes are superflex and the differential mount is powerflex. Come to think of it, I've got poly engine mounts from Ireland Engineering as well.

I actually got my Treehouse Racing bushes from a friend who briefly had them on his car before breaking it. I did once see them advertised by a UK seller, but I have no idea where!

My engine is an sr20det (2litre 16v turbo) from a Nissan 200sx which has a big 3" downpipe, hence me seeking additional clearance to the wishbone bushe carrier.

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:13 pm

+1

I got the treehosue direct from the states, and the main advantage of the 5 stud is bigger brakes for about the same money as e30 brake upgrade more choice of alloys esp 17" if you want to play with used BTCC slicks at £150 a set.

I used the mz3 gaz gold setup with the z3 m running gear, and also got the gaz front and rear top mounts, the rears are offset to fit the shocks.

Also you can trim 12mm of the top of the rear subframe bush to riase it and help the geometry, plus a z3 1.8 or e46 clubsport rack for the track.

Post Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:40 pm

Thanks guys, good information.

I've not heard of the subframe bush mod before, that's the sort of thing I'm after!

Good call on the steering rack, I'm keeping an eye out for a Z3 but may have to price a new one.

Both of you are on GAZ Golds then, I will have another look at them, I've also written to Treehouse so may do a small order and get them sent over.

Cheers!

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 12:26 am

I've got a mate over here in Australia who uses Treehouse Racing gear. It looks good. I don't think you'd regret trying it.

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:10 am

Theo325 wrote:I do like my Gaz 'gold' coilovers, although I'd prefer them to be valved a bit stiffer - I find I crank them to the stiffest damping setting and still find them a touch soft. You will need to reroute the fuel breather system to clear the rear springs with the Gaz kit (same applies to any 'true coilover' on the rear).

We can get these serviced and revalved (stiffer if required) for you if you are interested?

I run mine at 8 and 6 from soft on the damping which matches my spring rates perfectly, and the car handles like a dream.

We have now completed development and are supplying offset rear topmounts, so the fuel breather system is no longer a clearance issue.

Matt- why not pop along to a race and have a poke around some of the cars we are supporting or have supplied? Email me if you fancy it and I'll organise a ticket for you. Calendar can be found here: http://www.pbmwc.co.uk/

If anyone is after any advice on either product or set up drop me an email:

jimmy@raceperformancemodified.com

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:12 am

e21Jason wrote:.
I used the mz3 gaz gold setup with the z3 m running gear, and also got the gaz front and rear top mounts, the rears are offset to fit the shocks.

How's it all going Jason? Is your friend happy with the road kit as well?

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:02 am

Maybe try AST? Heard very good things about them from the US.

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:33 am

We can get these serviced and revalved (stiffer if required) for you if you are interested?

Yes, I would be interested in this although perhaps I'll leave it until later in the year. What is the cost for the service?

Post Fri Jun 11, 2010 9:06 pm

Evening!

I've had a good look at your site jimmy, quite a few bits I'd be interested in so will drop you a line, also thanks very much for the offer of a ticket, I'm definitely interested, seeing cars that are actually racing is the way forward.

I've had a great afternoon checking out my new cage, looks fantastic, superb workmanship!

Should have it home next week and the good stuff can begin!

DJS, I looked at the AST site, holy crap that's expensive kit! I don't mind spending money on good kit, everything in this build is being done right but I think I've found my limit, $6k+ is a lot!

Thanks again to all for the information, much appreciated!

Have a good weekend.