Stephen's DD & AutoX ZHP

[stephenkirsh]

Last update: 1/10/2015

Thought I’d start my own build thread since I plan to do a decent amount to the car long term. I guess we’ll start with the basics!

2005 ZHP Sedan
Auto :shifty
Imola Red
Beige interior
Premium Package
Nothing else (not even xenons!)

Purchased in October 2013 for $11,000 with 115,190 miles. Pretty good condition. No service records . Expected to put $2,000 into the car right away, would have found $3,000 acceptable.

Goal: Daily driver with once-a-month autocross or track day. Highway 1 coastal drives.

My experience: A couple autocross sessions under my belt. Zero mechanical experience besides changing oil. Lots of theoretical/forum knowledge.

Previous cars: 1998 Volvo S70; 2004 BMW 325 M56 SULEV

Maintenance:
10/4/13 – 115,190: Purchase
10/6/13 – 115,210: New battery + techron
10/14/13 – 115,235: Valve cover gasket, spark plugs, fuel filter, replaced missing wheel well cover on passenger side
10/30/13 - ?: New kidney grilles (Black on chrome, made for the 325; I hate solid chrome)
12/6/13 – 116,160: Differential fluid change
12/20/13 – 116,389: Transmission service. Cooling System Part 1 (expansion thank/cap, aux fan switch, lower and upper hoses, automatic transmission thermostat)
1/4/14 - 116,809: All 4 new tires due to a screw from construction at my stupid apartment.
1/11/14 - 116,997: CCV, lower control arm bushings (Z4M), Cooling System Part 2 (thermostat, Stewart Water pump), oil filter housing gasket, idler + tensioner pulleys, a few trim pieces inside and out
1/18/14 - 117,050: MediaBridge custom installed.
1/28/14 - 117,440: Smoke test & 4 wheel alignment from Z4M bushings
2/15/14 - 117,583: DISA valve replacement
3/1/14 - 117,750ish: power steering ATF top up, a bit too much
5/11/14 - 118,950: oil change + magnetic drain plug
5/21/14 - 119,100?: Headlight refresh
6/20/14 - 119,850?: Manual mirror retrofit/"upgrade"
6/22/14 - 119,950: brake fluid flush and StopTech SS lines installed
11/4/14 - 122,100: Apex ARC-8 & BF Goodrich Geforce Sport COMP2
11/5/14 - 122,198: Airbag and tail light recalls completed
1/3/15 - 124,797: DrVANOS installed, driver side window regulator replaced
4/4/15 - ~128,000: Power steering reservoir & 2 hoses replaced
5/16/15 - ~131,000: Mason Engineering strut bar installed
6/17/15 - 134,400: M3 engine & trans mounts
9/26/15 - ~137,000: E30 expansion tank cap + oil change + intake and cabin filters

Upgrades/Mods:
Z4M lower control arm bushings
Stewart water pump
DICE MediaBridge
Khoalty lenses/clear corners
Manual rear mirror retrofit/"upgrade"
StopTech SS brake lines
DrVANOS
RCR clear tails, OEM
Mason Engineering Front Strut Race Bar
E30 expansion tank cap


------------

When I brought 'er home and still had my 325.
11757


Had to work a Saturday at the office and decided to park where ever I pleased :)
11758

[derbo]

Nice ride Stephen!

I would advise either and intake or an exhaust. When you have your helmet on, you want to hear your engine. In an environment where other cars are significantly louder, you want something that will allow you to hear your RPMs.

Suspension is going to be a compromise from daily drive comfort and autox/track ability. You will need to decide where on the scale to be.

[QC_ZHP]

Looks really clean. Can't wait to see your progress.

[johnrando]

Good stuff. I'd also add intake... they don't do much, but they do help. Then, when you add an exhaust the sound can be good for DD and for hearing the engine tracking, even w/the STEP.

[Hermes]

Suspension is going to be a compromise from daily drive comfort and autox/track ability. You will need to decide where on the scale to be.

^this

I'm still debating on whether or not I want to spend the money on TCKR D/A suspension, but I probably will since I DD the 320i now.

Stephen, if you plan on pushing your car hard make sure to get a front strut brace and the xi rough roads reinforcement plates. The strut towers are known to mushroom and it's not a cheap fix.

[stephenkirsh]

Nice ride Stephen!

I would advise either and intake or an exhaust. When you have your helmet on, you want to hear your engine. In an environment where other cars are significantly louder, you want something that will allow you to hear your RPMs.


Good tip. Never would have thought of that.

[stephenkirsh]

^this

I'm still debating on whether or not I want to spend the money on TCKR D/A suspension, but I probably will since I DD the 320i now.

Stephen, if you plan on pushing your car hard make sure to get a front strut brace and the xi rough roads reinforcement plates. The strut towers are known to mushroom and it's not a cheap fix.


Yes I was planning a strut bar and these (or similar) reinforcements for the front.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Reinforcement/ES128656/

Yay? Nay?

--edit--
Oh are those from the ones you were referring to?

[Hermes]

Yes, those are the rough roads package plates

[derbo]

Those are the plates I have installed as well.

[az3579]

How do these plates get installed? Do they just sit on top of the strut tower and get bolted in with the brace?

[ELCID86]

Yes. May have to drill out the "alignment/guide nipple" on top for wheel alignment.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[danewilson77]

How do these plates get installed? Do they just sit on top of the strut tower and get bolted in with the brace?


Yes. May have to drill out the "alignment/guide nipple" on top for wheel alignment.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Like this:

Really has nothing to do regarding alignment though.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6541135335_9d72591260_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6541135335/)
BMW Reinforcement kit Installed (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6541135335/) by Dane Wilson77 (http://www.flickr.com/people/dw77zhpmafia/), on Flickr

[az3579]

Oh, on the under side... so the shock has to come out?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Oh, on the under side... so the shock has to come out?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

You got it. Or coilovers.

[QC_ZHP]

I might pick up a pair of these, very cheap price. These are OEM parts?

[az3579]

You got it. Or coilovers.

I guess it'll have to wait until next suspension refresh. :(

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Hermes]

I might pick up a pair of these, very cheap price. These are OEM parts?

OE on cars in countries with crappy roads



Oh, on the under side... so the shock has to come out?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk


I guess it'll have to wait until next suspension refresh. :(

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk


It took me 20 min to install these, you can do it...

Undo the nuts that hold the upper mount in, pull down on the spring and slide them in place, reverse steps, done.

[danewilson77]

I might pick up a pair of these, very cheap price. These are OEM parts?

Yes.

Says genuine BMW.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Reinforcement/ES128656/

[M0nk3y]

Nice project. Can't wait for it to evolve. The ZHPs can become very competitive in autox

[stephenkirsh]

I just do autox at a local car group, http://www.empiresportscar.org

It's nothing spec rated or that serious.

When I had my 325 (auto, m56 SULEV, non-sport suspension!) I was finishing about middle of the pack, beating out E36 and E46 M3s. There's a lot of newbies in the group :) I expect to do pretty will w/ the ZHP, especially when I get the suspension updated.

Also, one of the guys who is usually top 3 has a Z4MC, imola. So. Fast.

[stephenkirsh]

So last weekend I had a bunch of work done. Here's a few photos.

Work completed:
CCV (was still in working condition, but the lower hose that connects to the dip stick tube was very close to cracking)
Z4M control arm bushings
finished up my cooling system
Oil filter housing gasket
found my upper intake boot was new, but my lower intake boot was not
found two vacuum plugs were completely cracked. Had no idea these even existed.




11888
Filled up an entire garbage can with junk!


11887
Crotch shot of my mechanic friend who helped out/did most of the work :P
(suspicious patroleum jelly in the corner)


11885
lower intake boot cracked in the typical spot.


11886
comparison of cheap aftermarket bushings from the PO and the new Z4M solid rubber bushings. As you can see, both of them came off in pieces. I'll do a review on them once I get some "fun" miles on them instead of my normal commute.

[stephenkirsh]

Oh, and I got my DICE MediaBride installed yesterday. Again, a review will come when I've had a little more time on it. So far, it's a thumbs up.

[ELCID86]

Nice progress.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[derbo]

great progress. How much of a caster change does the Z4M bushings add?

[stephenkirsh]

great progress. How much of a caster change does the Z4M bushings add?

Enough that you can see it from standing beside the car. I'm getting an alignment next week. I'll do a write up on the Z4M bushings once I get some "fun" miles on them.

[derbo]

Sounds good Stephen!

[stephenkirsh]

So I've had my DICE MediaBridge installed for a week or so now. Here's how/where I installed, and what I think of it.


I bought it from ECS Tuning during their holiday sale for $170, normally $200. It took OVER THREE WEEKS TO DELIVER!!! First they split up my order without telling me. When I asked why they said it was direct ship from DICE's warehouse. Ok fine, what ever. Then the delivery time updated after it was supposed to be delivered. They never told me until I asked. Pretty bad customer service for this order.

---------
INSTALLATION
---------

So my goal was to put the MediaBridge in the little storage bin in the trunk where the CD changer would be. This would keep the MediaBridge out of the cabin and help me avoid having to run cables through the cabin.

Here's the installation area. I forgot to take a photo once I finished installing everything, and I didn't feel like pulling the carpet back out. So here's a photo off the internet that I modified.

The unit itself (not pictured) is in the storage slot. The cable it comes with is quite long, so I had to figure out where to store it all; it's coiled up and stored underneath.

11971



To get the cable to the unit I had to drill a hole through the storage piece. It's flimsy plastic; it wasn't too hard. I figure if I mess it up, it can't be too expensive to replace.

I drilled 1 small starter hole with the unit still mounted in the car so that I could make sure I put the hole in the right spot. After that, there's 4 small bolts holding it in. Take them out w/ a socket wrench and it's pretty easy to drill the hole from there.

11967



From there, it's pretty easy to just hook it all up. A 3-pin connector and a 6-pin connector connect it to where the CD changer would be plugged in.

When I first installed it, I had a USB drive as my source of music.

11970



To secure the unit so it didn't flop around in the storage bin, I used a small velcro strip.

Done!

11968


It took me two hours cuz I made some mistakes but if you avoid my bone-head mistakes, it could probably done in 30-45 min easy.


---------
REVIEW OF UNIT
---------

User Interface
Slow. Slow. Slow. Loading of songs after a song has finished is instant, but going through play lists or folders is slow.

There's also a stupid voice that announces things in what sounds like a British accent. I think there's a way to turn it off, but it's not easy. For example, it'll announce when it's in "USB Mode" or when it's in "Folder Mode."

USB Drive
So initially I used the USB drive as my source of music. I had music on the drive sorted in folders. This method didn't work too well. If you switched back to FM Radio, then back to the USB drive, it would start over as if turning the car on for the first time. "Random" would mix ALL the music from the entire drive, which was annoying. Ultimately I stopped using this method.

Bluetooth
Next I tried a Bluetooth connection with my iPhone. Music quality is just fine. You can control the music player through the car stereo which is great. The only bad thing is that you can't START the music through the car stereo. You have to pull out your phone (which I keep in my pocket) and hit play. You also CANNOT change playlists on the phone through the car stereo (or… I couldn't figure it out). It can only be done through the phone itself.

Once nice thing about bluetooth is if you have a passenger who wants to play their tunes, you can just pair up their phone and play through the car stereo.

iPod Input Through USB Connection
I almost never use my old 5th generation iPod, so I grabbed that and plugged it into the USB slot on the MediaBridge. This is my favorite method. It charges the iPod when driving. It starts playing music as soon as you switch to USB/iPod mode. You can move in and out of playlists through the car stereo.

Other
It also has Sirius and a direct 3.5mm jack connection which I have not used. I imagine they're the same as the other 3 methods I've used.

---------
OVERALL
---------

Installation ease: 4.5/5 (BMW is who made it difficult)
Price: 4/5 on sale or 3/5 off sale
Flexibility/options: 5/5
Sound quality: 4.5/5
User interface: 1.5/5

OVERALL: 19.5 / 25 or 78%
Would I recommend it?: Yes

[stephenkirsh]

12296


Got my DISA valve swapped out. Hopefully this is the end of lean codes.

[derbo]

Look at that brand new gasket! Hopefully it does solve it man.

[stephenkirsh]

I really hope so. My F connector is looking stressed. That'll be next probably.

[stephenkirsh]

Well it looks like I have a SECOND rain leak. The first one was a poorly sealed windshield. I'm guessing at this point that the next one is the vapor seal in the driver side front door.

Just like my intake leaks, it looks like I have multiple rain leaks :(

[ELCID86]

Well it looks like I have a SECOND rain leak. The first one was a poorly sealed windshield. I'm guessing at this point that the next one is the vapor seal in the driver side front door.

Just like my intake leaks, it looks like I have multiple rain leaks :(
Sorry to hear. Hope you can get it found/fixed. I have not had my car in the rain since the second windshield replacement. I'm hoping that did it. If not, I'm on to the door vapor seal also.

[stephenkirsh]

Still no luck on the rain leak. Sigh.

Did an oil change and added a magnetic drain plug this weekend.

I have some stoptech ss lines to install at some point. After that I dunno. Maybe a track day!

[danewilson77]

Still no luck on the rain leak. Sigh.

Did an oil change and added a magnetic drain plug this weekend.

I have some stoptech ss lines to install at some point. After that I dunno. Maybe a track day!

ECSTuning mag plug?

Samsung Galaxy S5...

[stephenkirsh]

Ya

[derbo]

Careful with those magnetic plugs. They tend to strip out very easily..

[danewilson77]

Careful with those magnetic plugs. They tend to strip out very easily..

...And break off in the oil pan....

Samsung Galaxy S5...

[stephenkirsh]

I read about that. Supposedly was an older design they've since fixed

[derbo]

As long as you are aware! :)

[stephenkirsh]

Headlight refresh!

New lenses, corners, corner bulbs, Hella H7 bulbs.

14079

[Johal E32]

Hey man, are you auto-crossing later this month at Sonoma?

[stephenkirsh]

Nope. Gotta save on tires. I have a trip to London coming in August that I need to save for. Hoping to make tires last until November-ish.

Autocross just eats through all season tires like a fat kid to cake :(. Won't make that mistake again!

[Johal E32]

Nope. Gotta save on tires. I have a trip to London coming in August that I need to save for. Hoping to make tires last until November-ish.

Autocross just eats through all season tires like a fat kid to cake :(. Won't make that mistake again!

Totally understand haha, that's why I picked up a cheap set of style 44's so I can save my 18 inch tires I always DD on.

[stephenkirsh]

I would do that in a heart beat but I've no where to store a second set of wheels :/

[stephenkirsh]

Replaced broken auto dim mirror with a used manual one. So far so good!

[Hornung418]

Glad it made it!

Sent from my GS3.

[stephenkirsh]

Brake fluid flush and stop tech SS lines installed this weekend.

[mbeckel]

Brake fluid flush and stop tech SS lines installed this weekend.
Nice work! did brake work myself over the weekend

Sent from in the bushes

[stephenkirsh]

I think I finally fixed my rain leak; just a bad seal of the driver side upper corner. Sealed up with some silicone sealant. It doesn't look all that great up close…but it's functional. I think that describes myself… lol

Got 2 APEX Arc-8 17x8.5" Hyper silver wheels with BF Goodrich G Force Sport 2 tires mounted, almost brand new. Now to source two more Arc-8s and I'll be set.

Also, my car turned 10 years old this month. Happy bday, car.

[derbo]

Awesome! I love the 17s. What tire sizes did you end up with?

[stephenkirsh]

It came with 245/45-17. Bigger than I wanted. Will put them on the back.

I'll go with 245/40-17 on the fronts.

[stephenkirsh]

15366

Basic damp towel cleaning of the alcantara steering wheel. It was a brand new micro fiber towel. Ew?

[Avetiso]

15366

Basic damp towel cleaning of the alcantara steering wheel. It was a brand new micro fiber towel. Ew?
Mine was nasty, too.

[stephenkirsh]

Replaced rear trim

15444

15445

[danewilson77]

Very nice...

The friendliest forum on the planet!

[johnrando]

Yes, much better.

[stephenkirsh]

Yesterday: got my 17x8.5" APEX Arc-8s + BfGoodrich GeForce Sport Comp2 installed. Pics coming later.
Today: tail light and air bag recalls completed.

[johnrando]

Nice.

[derbo]

Yesterday: got my 17x8.5" APEX Arc-8s + BfGoodrich GeForce Sport Comp2 installed. Pics coming later.
Today: tail light and air bag recalls completed.

:excited samesies

[stephenkirsh]

16376

16377

16378

[johnrando]

oooh, :like

[poke08]

So last weekend I had a bunch of work done. Here's a few photos.


11886
comparison of cheap aftermarket bushings from the PO and the new Z4M solid rubber bushings. As you can see, both of them came off in pieces. I'll do a review on them once I get some "fun" miles on them instead of my normal commute.

How do you like the Z4M bushings? I still haven't installed mine yet

[stephenkirsh]

Great. It does increase castor quite a bit, so if you have a lot of suspension work, not sure how it'll impact you.

16463

See how the front wheels are pushed forward? I didn't rub anywhere, even at full lock with 235/40/18 and 245/45/17.

[poke08]

Great. It does increase castor quite a bit, so if you have a lot of suspension work, not sure how it'll impact you.

16463

See how the front wheels are pushed forward? I didn't rub anywhere, even at full lock with 235/40/18 and 245/45/17.

Just got mine installed today. No rubbing here :thumbup

[stephenkirsh]

Nice.

I've been hearing a clunk when going over super bump areas while cornering at normal speeds. Only in corners. Wondering if it's the bushings. Let me know if you hear anything.

[stephenkirsh]

16799

Used some fuel line to zip tie the power steering feeder line to the bracket that broke. It's the bracket mounted on the rack itself that holds the u-bend of the hose in place. Ordered a new part from Turner.

[derbo]

Was this the sound that you were hearing?

[stephenkirsh]

Yes. It was clunking on either the sway bar or the steering rack itself. Or both!

[stephenkirsh]

Got my new feeder hose.

16902

Here's the area that broke on the old one. It's super soft; I'm really surprised. No wonder why it aged and cracked.

16903

[LivesNearCostco]

I just ordered one of those. I replaced it 4.5 years ago and for the last 6 or 9 months it appears to be seeping again. Granted it could be oil dripping down from the oil pan gasket onto the PS pressure hose, but my guess is it's the PS hose itself leaking. Was a bit confusing to figure out if I had a Luk-20 or Luk-30 PS pump (as I was too lazy to go out to the car with flashlight and mirror), but I looked up the part number I got back in 2010 and ordered the same one. Got the one for the Luk-20 PS pump--hopefully it's the right one!

[stephenkirsh]

Turns out the clunk wasn't power steering hose related...still working on figuring it out.

Here's a few shots my mechanic sent me from under the valve cover while doing DrVANOS.

17365


17366

[johnrando]

Nice of him/her to do that

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[stephenkirsh]

Yea he's pretty awesome.

[stephenkirsh]

17607


17608


Just adding some photos to the project thread to keep them around.

[stephenkirsh]

Just some quick snaps from the NASA tech inspection performed by TRG. Kinda fun.

17815

17816

[Johal E32]

track day coming up?

[stephenkirsh]

I'm planning my first one ever for NASA's March event at Sonoma Raceway

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from mobile

[Johal E32]

I'm planning my first one ever for NASA's March event at Sonoma Raceway

Nice, I am thinking about that event too

[LivesNearCostco]

Me three, though there is also the BMW CCA event down at Chuckwalla March 7-8. Never been to that track.
Nahhh.. what am I thinking? Sonoma is much closer and NASA is cheaper, plus I've only done one day ever at Sonoma.

BMW CCA event at Chuckwalla: $450 with normal registration (no dinner), $400 with early registration (if you skip the dinner). 8 hours away.
NASA at Sonoma, $349 for 2 days in HPDE3, or $390 for 2 days in HPDE1. 1.5 hours away.

[stephenkirsh]

Yea I was surprised the price. $199 HPDE1 seems reasonable.

[OtterEffect]

Yea I was surprised the price. $199 HPDE1 seems reasonable.

I'm suddenly tempted to join the fun.

[az3579]

Me three, though there is also the BMW CCA event down at Chuckwalla March 7-8. Never been to that track.
Nahhh.. what am I thinking? Sonoma is much closer and NASA is cheaper, plus I've only done one day ever at Sonoma.

BMW CCA event at Chuckwalla: $450 with normal registration (no dinner), $400 with early registration (if you skip the dinner). 8 hours away.
NASA at Sonoma, $349 for 2 days in HPDE3, or $390 for 2 days in HPDE1. 1.5 hours away.

Yes but you get to experience a track you've never been to.
This was my deal with Calabogie. It is 9+ hours away, in a different country, no less. It was also the most expensive registration I've ever paid for a two-day event, at $500. Was it worth it? TOTALLY, and then some.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[LivesNearCostco]

Very reasonable considering that NASA provides instructors for HPDE-1 drivers. The only catch is some NASA events are crowded especially in HPDE 1/2.

BP: Yes I like trying to new tracks and want to drive Chuckwalla, but I could also go there end of March with Speed Ventures or October with Porsche Owners Club (my membership with them expires in early November).


Yea I was surprised the price. $199 HPDE1 seems reasonable.

[stephenkirsh]

I'm suddenly tempted to join the fun.

Good thing you just did your cooling system!

You'll need a helmet. They start at around $150ish

[OtterEffect]

Good thing you just did your cooling system!

You'll need a helmet. They start at around $150ish

I'll start shopping :)


Ate the potato! Bought and iPhone 6 :)

[M0nk3y]

NASA is a good club. If you volunteer for events its a very easy way to get free track time!!

[stephenkirsh]

Oooo good to know!

[stephenkirsh]

I'm all signed up for the March event at Sonoma. Saturday the 14th. Hpde1

[Johal E32]

Hmmmm should i do it?! GAH. So tempted.

[M0nk3y]

Oooo good to know!

Yea do some research.

I have a free weekend to use next year. $400 Mid-Ohio trip fo free.

Also good to know the "important" people and get use to the environment


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stephenkirsh]

Hmmmm should i do it?! GAH. So tempted.

Would be awesome to have like 4 ZHPs out there all together. Although I know we wouldn't all be in the same HPDE group.

Does NASA allow passengers?

[Johal E32]

Probably no passengers for HPDE1. Which is what I would run in.

I have an E46 wagon, ZHP was sold ages ago. What a fun car, man do I miss that steering rack.

[M0nk3y]

No passengers in HPDE 1 or 2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stephenkirsh]

Bummer.

LivesNearCostco, join in on hpde3. Load us all in your sedan!

[LivesNearCostco]

Didn't know that. Actually I suspected that because the one time I did a Nor Cal NASA track day I ran into some former coworkers who volunteer and/or race with NASA. But I haven't been back to Nor Cal since, and most of my NASA events were with So. Cal. The two groups have different directors, slightly different pricing, and a somewhat different style.

NASA is a good club. If you volunteer for events its a very easy way to get free track time!!

If I go to NASA at Sonoma, tempted to do HPDE3 for a more open track and ability to give rides to passengers, but also tempted to pick HPDE1 to have an instructor, as I've only done one day there. Did HPDE3 once with NASA at Buttonwillow.

[M0nk3y]

Didn't know that. Actually I suspected that because the one time I did a Nor Cal NASA track day I ran into some former coworkers who volunteer and/or race with NASA. But I haven't been back to Nor Cal since, and most of my NASA events were with So. Cal. The two groups have different directors, slightly different pricing, and a somewhat different style.


If I go to NASA at Sonoma, tempted to do HPDE3 for a more open track and ability to give rides to passengers, but also tempted to pick HPDE1 to have an instructor, as I've only done one day there. Did HPDE3 once with NASA at Buttonwillow.

I'm fairly sure you can run HPDE3 then just grab an instructor to ride with you. They are still available...just talk to the group leader.

[LivesNearCostco]

Yes it's possible but I think hard to find instructors during HPDE 3 because most of them are driving or getting ready to drive in HPDE4/TT. Unless you grab a club racer instructor.

Saw PCA Golden Gate has a 2-day event at Thunderhill March 28-29 that costs $395 for normal drivers and $425 for students. That's like as expensive as BMW CCA if it's for the original Thunderhill East, but less expensive than BMW if it's for the combined East+West. But then it's Porsches... everything is more expensive (unless you're in a 944 like Hornung).

[Johal E32]

Did you ever figure out the clunking/rattling? I gave my FCA a good inspection and it is not them.. Within the next few weeks I am taking into the shop and just letting them deal with.

So far
Strut mounts
Removed spacers from the front
New end links
New Fcabs
New sway bar bushings
Everything it tight and torqued to spec.

[stephenkirsh]

Did you ever figure out the clunking/rattling? I gave my FCA a good inspection and it is not them.. Within the next few weeks I am taking into the shop and just letting them deal with.

So far
Strut mounts
Removed spacers from the front
New end links
New Fcabs
New sway bar bushings
Everything it tight and torqued to spec.

No I haven't. The only suspension parts that are new for me are the FCAB, Z4Ms.

[stephenkirsh]

Yes it's possible but I think hard to find instructors during HPDE 3 because most of them are driving or getting ready to drive in HPDE4/TT. Unless you grab a club racer instructor.

Saw PCA Golden Gate has a 2-day event at Thunderhill March 28-29 that costs $395 for normal drivers and $425 for students. That's like as expensive as BMW CCA if it's for the original Thunderhill East, but less expensive than BMW if it's for the combined East+West. But then it's Porsches... everything is more expensive (unless you're in a 944 like Hornung).

How do you usually do on track compared to a bunch of Porsches? Zhp is good, but not 911 good!

[LivesNearCostco]

I've been in two Porsche HPDE events and the basic answer is drivers with similar ability in a Boxsters and Caymans go a bit faster than I do, and those with similar ability in a 911 go much faster than I do (depending on which 911 model). I go faster than the Porsche drivers who have less confidence, and maybe faster than those with non-boosted 944s that aren't race-level drivers.

At least that's what my memory tells me! Reality might be a little different.

[Hornung418]

I've been in two Porsche HPDE events and the basic answer is drivers with similar ability in a Boxsters and Caymans go a bit faster than I do, and those with similar ability in a 911 go much faster than I do (depending on which 911 model). I go faster than the Porsche drivers who have less confidence, and maybe faster than those with non-boosted 944s that aren't race-level drivers.

At least that's what my memory tells me! Reality might be a little different.
I cannot wait to drive Summit and Watkins Glen this season. Just need to fix my CV Joints and rebuild the inner ball joints on the Control Arms.

As for which is faster, my 951 is definitely quicker and more nimble than the ZHP was. But if you get it wrong in the Porsche (suffers from lift-off oversteer), you're gonna have a bad time. If you screw up in the ZHP it's easier to recover as it understeers. So far I've only spun the 951 once. It was apparent that the power removal sent the front hard to the inside of the turn. Applying the power again allowed me to save the front but then it sent me outside and around I went. I didn't need coffee that morning to say the least.

[Johal E32]

No I haven't. The only suspension parts that are new for me are the FCAB, Z4Ms.

Same here, I have Z4M Fcab's. But I doubt they are the issue.

[stephenkirsh]

I cannot wait to drive Summit and Watkins Glen this season. Just need to fix my CV Joints and rebuild the inner ball joints on the Control Arms.

As for which is faster, my 951 is definitely quicker and more nimble than the ZHP was. But if you get it wrong in the Porsche (suffers from lift-off oversteer), you're gonna have a bad time. If you screw up in the ZHP it's easier to recover as it understeers. So far I've only spun the 951 once. It was apparent that the power removal sent the front hard to the inside of the turn. Applying the power again allowed me to save the front but then it sent me outside and around I went. I didn't need coffee that morning to say the least.

Porsches scare me lol

[stephenkirsh]

Same here, I have Z4M Fcab's. But I doubt they are the issue.

What if it is? There's so little rubber between that one edge of the lolly pop and the end of the control bushing arm. Would make some sense the noise is from that. I'm 95% sure it isn't that, though. The noise started long after installation of the bushings. But maybe they needed to break in...?

[Johal E32]

Mine have been in for 3500 miles or so. And the rattle for maybe 500 miles? 600 miles? They have broken in LONG before that. And I had the alignment done 20 miles after so I know its not my alignment.

I will have to get the car on a lift and see what's going on

[stephenkirsh]

Yea I did an alignment immediately after installation too. So it's probably not them.

[LivesNearCostco]

Just saw a local NASA Nor Cal email saying if you volunteer at events, you can get discounted or free track time. I am volunteering at a NASA NorCal Car Control Clinic on Monday. If any of you in Nor Cal are not working (or preparing to get married) on President's Day and want to join me, let me know as they are looking for more volunteers.


Didn't know that. Actually I suspected that because the one time I did a Nor Cal NASA track day I ran into some former coworkers who volunteer and/or race with NASA. But I haven't been back to Nor Cal since, and most of my NASA events were with So. Cal. The two groups have different directors, slightly different pricing, and a somewhat different style.

[stephenkirsh]

I got the same email. I emailed the link today to see what they have. No response yet.

[stephenkirsh]

Anybody else sign up for NASA Sonoma? We're a month away and I hear HPDE 1/2 fill up quickly!

[stephenkirsh]

18618

18619

[stephenkirsh]

Euro tails!


18729

[Vas]

Nice!!!

[Johal E32]

Dude, I found my rattle.

Well half of it.. It was the right side FCAB. I didn't have it seated right to the body of the car. I removed bolts and repositioned it and all is well. I hear a noise still but that is from my front struts (bilstein sport) they do not pair well with HR race springs, lol.. Time for coils.. or Koni yellow's.

[stephenkirsh]

Hm interesting. I'll keep that in mind.

[stephenkirsh]

18837

Leaky leaky :(

[stephenkirsh]

Leaky fixed!

[derbo]

That GSTuning license plate frame was on my car when I bought it from the PO. interesting. :)

[Hermes]

Interesting they used that name... I guess the original GS is not that famous anymore

http://www.lemans-models.nl/RIJDERTEAM/GS-Tuning.JPG

[stephenkirsh]

That GSTuning license plate frame was on my car when I bought it from the PO. interesting. :)

It is (or was) on LivesNearCostco's e36 M3, too!

They're a pretty good shop.

[stephenkirsh]

Interesting they used that name... I guess the original GS is not that famous anymore

http://www.lemans-models.nl/RIJDERTEAM/GS-Tuning.JPG

Yea I haven't heard of them.

GS Tuning used to be co-owned by two people who also owned the sales shop, Good Stuff auto. Management had problems and they went their separate ways about 10 years ago. So that's the origin of their name.

[Hermes]

Yeah, the original was Gerhard Schneider Tuning. They were on par with Alpina and Schnitzer back in the day

[stephenkirsh]

What happened to them?

[Hermes]

Not sure. Probably bought up and integrated into somebody else like how KKK is now owned by Bosch

[stephenkirsh]

My car is now visually complete!


18983

[cakM3]

Looks awesome! :drool

[johnrando]

Plus one

Sent from mobile

[danewilson77]

Looks awesome! :drool
Perfection

"No flamesuit required"

[derbo]

ABOUT TIME!! :P

[stephenkirsh]

19108

Still spotless after 500 miles. All fluids are perfect.

[stephenkirsh]

19783

Mason.

[stephenkirsh]

New M3 engine & transmission mounts.

Comparison image.
20382

[cakM3]

New M3 engine & transmission mounts.

Comparison image.
20382

Nice to see....now I will know what to look for :thumbsup

[stephenkirsh]

Swapped my expansion tank cap for a 1.4 bar one from the E30.

Thread here:
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?16795-E30-1-4-Bar-expansion-tank-cap-on-my-E46-ZHP&p=453093#post453093

[stephenkirsh]

Not much going on w/ the ZHP these days. I've a suspension refresh planned. Late this year, maybe early next year.

Did do a blackstone lab report, though.

26664

[stephenkirsh]

Long time no update. Can't believe there's 14 pages on this thread.

I literally did nothing to the car in 2016 except oil change. Which means I've already had 3 problems in 2017 haha.

Replaced AC belt.
Did an electric puller fan swap when I found my mechanical fan had two blades with big chunks missing from them.
Now I'm getting $E$ light with rich codes 0172 and 0175. Going to change pre-cat O2 sensors; they're original with 144k on them.

Getting serious about suspension rebuild. Collecting all the tools needed at the moment. It'll be my first big mechanical project.

[stephenkirsh]

Finished up the front pusher fan removal last week.

Painted the lower grill while the bumper was out.


29081

[johnrando]

Always good to get those painted. Looks so much better.

[stephenkirsh]

Precat O2 sensors done at 145k :thumbs

[Vas]

Precat O2 sensors done at 145k :thumbs

These are on my to-do list as well.

Where did you purchase them from?

[stephenkirsh]

ESC Tuning. Bosch brand.

I also got the schwaban wrench they sell, but I'm not so happy with it. I'd recommend a socket style, instead. That way you can get a big wrench on it to break it loose.

Also, buy some PB Blaster cuz you'll probably need to spray that on them.

[Vas]

ESC Tuning. Bosch brand.

I also got the schwaban wrench they sell, but I'm not so happy with it. I'd recommend a socket style, instead. That way you can get a big wrench on it to break it loose.

Also, buy some PB Blaster cuz you'll probably need to spray that on them.
Gotcha. Thanks

[stephenkirsh]

Two-tone interior mod thread here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?20268-E46-ZHP-sedan-beige-and-black-interior-swap-combo-upgrade

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30160&d=1496531826

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30164&d=1496531910

[stephenkirsh]

After nearly 3 years of planning, finally got my suspension upgrade done.

PSS10, Turner F/R 27/21 sway bars, Rogue Engineering RMS, OEM RTAN + ECST limiters, and a few other goodies. Will post pics once I get the ride height dialed in.

[johnrando]

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[derbo]

After nearly 3 years of planning, finally got my suspension upgrade done.

PSS10, Turner F/R 27/21 sway bars, Rogue Engineering RMS, OEM RTAN + ECST limiters, and a few other goodies. Will post pics once I get the ride height dialed in.

Its going to be SOOO FUNNNN :D

[stephenkirsh]

31178

M3 seats in.

Cross threaded a bolt on passenger side. So I learned how to use a tap and die kit. Didn't know those things existed.

So far, I'm not as impressed with m3 seats. I remember sitting in them before and thinking they fit me perfectly.

One unexpected bonus is they go down lower, so I have at least 1/2" extra room for my helmet.

[stephenkirsh]

From a few weeks ago.

31179

[BMWCurves]

31178

M3 seats in.

Cross threaded a bolt on passenger side. So I learned how to use a tap and die kit. Didn't know those things existed.

So far, I'm not as impressed with m3 seats. I remember sitting in them before and thinking they fit me perfectly.

One unexpected bonus is they go down lower, so I have at least 1/2" extra room for my helmet.

What part are you less impressed about them? Every time I hop in my M3 seats after driving my father's car with factory sport seats I am very thankful I have my M3 seats.

[slater]

What part are you less impressed about them? Every time I hop in my M3 seats after driving my father's car with factory sport seats I am very thankful I have my M3 seats.

agreed...

stephen, do yours have the bolster adjustment? i feel like that's a key element (well, and lumbar, too, for me).

[stephenkirsh]

No bolster adjustment.

I've only driven around the block a few times. I'll be driving it to work later this week (1 hour each way). I'll update then.

My problem is that on the race track, I find myself holding myself in place via the steering wheel because my back slides between the two side bolsters.

Testing out these m3 seats, I feel like the additional support is not as much as I remember when I rode in an m3 on track 2 years ago. I felt like those seats supported me much more.

I'll update again later in the week when I get some seat time... in my seats.

[slater]

No bolster adjustment.

I've only driven around the block a few times. I'll be driving it to work later this week (1 hour each way). I'll update then.

My problem is that on the race track, I find myself holding myself in place via the steering wheel because my back slides between the two side bolsters.

Testing out these m3 seats, I feel like the additional support is not as much as I remember when I rode in an m3 on track 2 years ago. I felt like those seats supported me much more.

maybe those seats you rode in had adjustable bolsters? really, you need those.

[ZHPizza]

Might also want to try pushing on the steering wheel instead of pulling, if you aren't already doing it. It made a huge difference for me with staying planted in the seat and smoothing out my steering transitions. I got that grippy alcantara seat doe.

[stephenkirsh]

maybe those seats you rode in had adjustable bolsters? really, you need those.

Wasn't aware those existed :(.

I've heard people buying m6 seats for the adjustable bolsters, and hadn't heard anything about that for m3.

[Sockethead]

Us skinny dudes definitley need the adjustable bolsters. The Kristen's 135 has them.... makes a huge difference

[BMWCurves]

Us skinny dudes definitley need the adjustable bolsters. The Kristen's 135 has them.... makes a huge difference

Yup. I have mine adjusted pretty snugly because I'm a generally skinny dude.

[704sw]

I have my bolsters set to nearly full bear hug. Even in the sport seats I slid around like a kid on a wooden church pew (5'9"/140).

[slater]

i'm 6'/190lbs and i squeeze 'em in about halfway for normal driving. i'm actually thinking of putting my other set into the X3. :) (mostly for the lumbar, actually. ;))

[stephenkirsh]

Got in a solid 2 hours of commuting + 1 hour of back roads yesterday.

They are indeed noticeable better than standard zhp seats, just not nearly as good as they could be with adjustable bolsters. Wish I had known those were a thing. Oh well.

[704sw]

There are so many M3 part outs in Cali I bet you can find a pair with bolsters, and sell yours with pretty minimal effort.

[ZHPizza]

There are so many M3 part outs in Cali I bet you can find a pair with bolsters, and sell yours with pretty minimal effort.

This is the truth. I can give you the # for a guy that parts out M3's who I've gotten some great deals from.

[stephenkirsh]

31345

Rear seats done.

[BMWCurves]

Looking good.

I have a feeling I would love it if the middle seat in the back could be tan.

[stephenkirsh]

Yes! I tried to think of a way to get two colors on the seats, but best I could come up with is to swap arm rests.

Maybe that's worth a try?

[stephenkirsh]

Tried the arm rest color change for rear seats. It uh... it was not well received. Remaining full black.