Anyone running an E36 328is coupe with COM?...

[TroyV]

I just bought one of these and I have some questions for you..

Thanks,

[Mark Swinehart]

I just searched the event results and found at least two members. I think one had a 1992 328is and the other had a 1996 328is.

[TroyV]

Looks like this would be an SSB car in stock form.

I am just looking for impressions on the maintenance issues to be aware of specific to tracking this car.

[khissong]

They're bullet proof. Are you bringing it to Mosport? You'll have a blast. I don't think the maintenance issues are any more significant than other makes. Aftermarket parts are plentiful as well as support. The cars are well balanced, predictable, and tons of fun to drive. I would be happy to help with the who and the where for maintenance and aftermaket.

[TroyV]

I honestly wish I was going to mosport, but I just paid a significant repair bill for lifting a head at Tremblant with the Cobra.

So....with a simple Turner H&R springs and shock package, some pads, lines and rubber and I can go to town with it? I would assume the car would fit into ST3 in that form.

http://s423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/tv2vgt/

Not bad for 2k I think..

[khissong]

I think you're on the right track with Turner. They have been great to me. I look forward to seeing you at NHMS.

[Mark Swinehart]

Leather seats are going to slippery.

[TroyV]

We'll see what happens.. I still want to drive the Cobra if it is ready for NHMS..

It is VERY hard not to be seduced by the throttle of that car.

[TroyV]

Leather seats are going to slippery.

I can always go with the ghetto recaro thing and put shelf liner on the seat. LOL

[khissong]

The car looks great and a good buy. I little momentum goes along way. You might find you're able to use the throttle more of the time. Then again, my father always said "there's no substitute for cubic inches".

[TroyV]

Thanks,

How close to M3 performance can I expect from a 328 with a light suspension massage, pads and rubber?

[khissong]

I would say you could get quite close. I think the main differences are in the suspension and the displacement. Yours is a 2.8L? M3 e36 is 3.2L. I know you know this but a tire and suspension mod on that car are going to make a huge difference.

[WillM]

Nice buy Troy!

I'm not sure how close you'll get to M3 performance with those upgrades, but I'm betting you'll have fun.

[TroyV]

Thanks Will. I'm not looking to set the world on fire, but I would like to have a better balanced machine than the one I am running...while being less costly overall. The cobra is great, but I feel as though I have to drive it wrong to go fast....One look at my line through 14 at Tremblant, and I think you'd catch my meaning.

I am thinking with light mods mentioned, and assuming the car is solid otherwise that sub 2:00 laps at Tremblant, and sub 1:26 laps at NHMS may be attainable.

[jrottn]

Troy
I believe there is something that needs to be reinforced at the rear shock tower area
I cant recall specifics but Im sure Turner would know whether it applies to this car
You cant go wrong tracking these cars- great handling and braking the motor is bulletproof and the only problem Ive heard of with the 2.8 alum. block motors is when people really overheat them ( I have the same engine in my 528it 5-speed kid/dog hauler )
If you are going for a pure momentum car you will have to "upgrade" to the 4-cyl 318 motor ( I used to pick up 5+ mph drafting big HP miatas up the back straight at mosport )