First Impressions on Track: My 2005 ZHP takes its maiden voyage around Texas World Speedway

Great points. I look forward to getting my car on the track at some point.

I actually have read a few places by contemporary car reviewers about how sophisticated and awesome the E46 stability system was. It gave me the impression that it was a "ahead of its time/competition" system that the engineers really nailed.

I agree the seats are not grippy enough even in my day to day freeway ramp corner attacks. I didnt know the M3 seats were so much better (they looked like big lounger type chairs, haha). Might have to look into that. But first I MUST replace my steering wheel. So over alcantara.

Derek, thanks for the link on the Schroth belt. I didn't know such a product existed. I've seen plenty of bolt in harness bars in 3-series cars, but never this. It's not that pricey when you consider that it's all I'd have to buy! I assume you can really get it tight (I'm used to a 6-point - never tried a 4-point).

And to all of you, thanks for the wheel recommendations. I think I'm sold on the square 17" x 8.5" Apex when they come out for group buy... unless I can find good quality used ones first. Anyone with Arc-8's looking for stock ZHP's with good tread MPSS to trade ;)

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and helpful feedback. Love this forum!! Now to earn some extra money. Must. Buy. Many. Parts.

@AggieBlake

You might also consider these wheels/tires from another member: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...-(Northern-IN)

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Originally Posted by NorCalZman

Great points. I look forward to getting my car on the track at some point.

I actually have read a few places by contemporary car reviewers about how sophisticated and awesome the E46 stability system was. It gave me the impression that it was a "ahead of its time/competition" system that the engineers really nailed.

I agree the seats are not grippy enough even in my day to day freeway ramp corner attacks. I didnt know the M3 seats were so much better (they looked like big lounger type chairs, haha). Might have to look into that. But first I MUST replace my steering wheel. So over alcantara.

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Consider the one Johnrando and I have! Check it out:
http://i.imgur.com/Kj1ppgb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lJo5jlo.jpg

that is from Colby wheel, right?

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Originally Posted by NorCalZman

that is from Colby wheel, right?

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Negative. It's from a company in California called DCT Motorsports (or something similar). It cost me $349 + shipping (plus an additional $199 core fee if you prefer to go that route. I did, and it was a painless process, received my refund about 4-5 days after I shipped it back to them). I am very pleased with it. It is a little thicker than our wheels, but I now prefer it. More info can be found in my project thread here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...923#post431923

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Originally Posted by slater

great new sig pic, derek! :cheers

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Hahah thanks. I love it too. It actually looks better cropped as a sig than it does in its full glory.

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Originally Posted by AggieBlake

Derek, thanks for the link on the Schroth belt. I didn't know such a product existed. I've seen plenty of bolt in harness bars in 3-series cars, but never this. It's not that pricey when you consider that it's all I'd have to buy! I assume you can really get it tight (I'm used to a 6-point - never tried a 4-point).

And to all of you, thanks for the wheel recommendations. I think I'm sold on the square 17" x 8.5" Apex when they come out for group buy... unless I can find good quality used ones first. Anyone with Arc-8's looking for stock ZHP's with good tread MPSS to trade ;)

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and helpful feedback. Love this forum!! Now to earn some extra money. Must. Buy. Many. Parts.

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If you don't want HANS capability, you can get the quick-fit regular instead of the pro. It's about $100 cheaper but is more like a buckle. The harness provides adequate upper body restraint but it doesn't give too much lower body restraint as that is usually done by seat bolsters. It is still way better than stock seatbelts and I like it alot. It can clip your belly fat if you aren't too careful. ;)

Here is the link the non-pro.
http://store.bimmerworld.com/schroth...ess-p1126.aspx

I think 17x8.5 is a good choice for clearance and ability to get 255 under those arches. I want 17x9 now..but thats I think clearance becomes slightly an issue for some cars.

Wow, Derek, I just read your build thread (about 20 pages of it). You are WAY out my league, man. Great stuff! Love the videos from Leguna Seca. That's my dream. Wish it weren't so far from Texas.

If you ever decide to upgrade to 17x9 apex and want to sell those 17x8.5, just let me know. My goals for this car are not likely to require fatter tires than that.

Here I am in turn 10, the carousel. It's a slow, tight 180 - almost like a penalty box for anything other than the Radicals and Wolfs that blow us all away. This is early in the turn, heading towards a very late apex. The ZHP did reasonably well in this turn, but the Miata definitely had it beat here. This is where light, short wheel base cars thrive.
Attachment 23646

Just go for style and throw the tail out in it. It'll make for great on track entertainment for Miatas trying to get passed you. LOL

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

@AggieBlake

You might also consider these wheels/tires from another member: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...-(Northern-IN)



Consider the one Johnrando and I have! Check it out:
http://i.imgur.com/Kj1ppgb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lJo5jlo.jpg

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Wow that is an awesome looking and I bet great feeling wheel. Too bad I just did new alcantara w/Coby. Oh well.