BEATO
BEATO GRM+ Memberand New Reader
6/10/18 7:31 p.m.

I got a track day set up this Friday at NJMP lightning. I have never done lightning before and will run in intermediate group. This is the first track day for this car. Car has 100k miles and I believe original clutch. I am not the original owner but clutch if done for daily use but not enough for a drop clutch launch. Over the winter I reinforced the front subframe, new control arms and coil overs. I have not had a chance to start the rear subframe reinforcement, install rear coilovers, and LSD. Tires are not R compound 

Shall I run as is?
Shall I attempt any of the rear suspension?
Try to get the clutch changed?
Or just switch brake fluid and let her rip. 
Shall I tow her just in case? 

I used to track Miata so this will be my first experience tracking a bimmer. Thanks. 

LanEvo
LanEvo GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
6/10/18 8:08 p.m.

Don’t make any changes the week if the event. If something goes wrong, you’ll miss out. 

An E46 is a good chassis for track stuff. The growing popularity of SpecE46 is a good sign. 

The only thing that will kind of suck for you is lack of LSD. I’ve spent a lot of time at NJMP lately and Lightning really rewards a “fast and loose” setup (and driving style). There are 2-3 key corners where you’ll really want to slide the car around a bit to be fast. 

Then again, I’ve run Lightning in my daily driver, a stock 2010 335xi: AWD, automatic with open diffs and all-season run flat tires! 

Cactus
Cactus Reader
6/10/18 9:51 p.m.

Bleed the brakes, make sure the pads don't suck and go have fun. Don't overthink it. You shouldn't be doing anything to hurt the clutch at a track day anyway.

 

A tow vehicle is worth about two seconds a lap.

docwyte
docwyte SuperDork
6/10/18 10:02 p.m.

Don't over rev it.  Rev only to 6500rpm or so, the stock harmonic balancer can't take much more than that on the track...

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
6/11/18 8:47 a.m.

Coilovers on front and stock suspension in the rear? 

That sounds like a recipe for a very ill-handling vehicle.

Rick O'Shea
Rick O'Shea GRM+ Memberand New Reader
6/11/18 2:08 p.m.

I track my e46 330i pretty regularly. It is an amazingly capable car in stock form. It comes alive with some good tires and weight reduction.

I highly recommend good brake pads and fresh brake fluid with a high boiling point.

I also echo the remark about keeping RPM's in check. The oil pump sprocket likes to detach itself on the M54B30 with repeated use of high RPM. Keep it 6000 or less until oil pump mods. Thus, I also highly recommend an upgraded pump shaft kit from Achilles or VAC. You'll be fine for one or two events with reduced RPM but it is a ticking time bomb it seems.

The cooling system is another area to inspect and keep an eye on. The geniuses at BMW made everything possible in the cooling system out of plastic. It works fine when it works, then fails spectacularly and takes the whole engine with it. 100k replacement intervals are considered mandatory.

Also, take some time to check out Vorshlag's 330ci builds on their forum. Lots of good knowledge and information there. Have fun!

 

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