After a long road of Modding

[3002 tii]

I think I'm finally done. Ironically I think I've made a thread like this before but I think I've officially reached the point where there's just no other possible mod left!

Looking back, I should've probably gone with the bigger mods first and deal with the cosmetics later but I went in the order that I did because I was saving up for these latter mods. I think the total cost of the mods could've put me in /m territory but it's all good. The car is unique, great for daily driving and I'm happy overall.

I just ordered my Alcon BBK (UUC was having 20% off sale, so that put it cheaper than Stoptech) and my Quaife LSD (HPA had them on sale as well, $2-400 cheaper than what I've seen posted in the last 2 years). I decided to keep stock gearing b/c I didn't think it was worth paying $5-600 for a 5~8% change. Anything more would be noticeable but wanted to keep my car streetable. I know others have gone higher but non-M's have lower redlines and I was content with the stock 3.46.

After doing my first HPDE not too long ago at Laguna Seca, I'm determined to do more in the near future. I've just registered with the NJ BMW CCA so I'll try to get in on their events (they usually run at Monticello or NJMP). Hopefully I'll see the car really shine with the addition of these last 2 mods. Also have 2 auto-x sessions coming up in Sept.

I'll post pictures this weekend of the final product.

[ZStig]

this thread is worthless without pics

[sbtwister]

Dubbedown, How are you liking the Hankook V12 Evos?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by sbtwister

Dubbedown, How are you liking the Hankook V12 Evos?

They are a huge improvement on the stock RFT and Yokohama's I had before. They ride much softer than the RFT and they perform far better in the wet compared to the Yokos. The car just feels more confident and I see less DSC flashing as compared to before (hopefully the Quaife will remove that totally).

I would've gone with the Direzza's but these were closer to my budget and I think it's the best bang for the buck.

[JCz04Bimmer]

Great selection of modifications and I'll almost certainly see you on track if you run with NJ! Are you going any time soon? I'm on track this coming weekend at NJMP-Lightning. I'll probably also do one or two events up at Watkins Glen before the season ends and one more at NHMS...

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by JCz04Bimmer

Great selection of modifications and I'll almost certainly see you on track if you run with NJ! Are you going any time soon? I'm on track this coming weekend at NJMP-Lightning. I'll probably also do one or two events up at Watkins Glen before the season ends and one more at NHMS...

Thanks man!

I have to check the schedules between NJ, NY and Patroon but my preference is Monticello only b/c it's closer. NJMP would require me to find lodging which is just add'l cost but I'm definitely going to hit up the next auto-x at PNC in mid-Sept...

[3002 tii]

long saturday spent on mods! teaser pics below... taken w/ iphone

[Diokaef]

Let me know how you like the Alcon brakes, I'm thinking on getting it for my car.

Thank's

[Starscream]

Booooo stock gearing

[vachss]

Did you install the diff yourself and, if so, what was your total price? Springs/shocks and maybe a Quaife are all I'm still considering on my 07si (which looks like an abused twin of yours - 53K miles in under 2.5 years). I went in a slightly different direction than you, with swaybars and a Gintani/OE ECU reprogram but no exhaust, brake or cosmetic changes, but I'm still very interested in how you end up liking the overall effect of your mods.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Starscream

Booooo stock gearing

I know, I know. But like you said, go big or go home. And I didn't think it was worth $600 more for a 5-8% increase, and anything more would've been too much imo for highway driving. If I had your higher redline, I probably would've justified the upgrade.

Originally Posted by vachss

Did you install the diff yourself and, if so, what was your total price? Springs/shocks and maybe a Quaife are all I'm still considering on my 07si (which looks like an abused twin of yours - 53K miles in under 2.5 years). I went in a slightly different direction than you, with swaybars and a Gintani/OE ECU reprogram but no exhaust, brake or cosmetic changes, but I'm still very interested in how you end up liking the overall effect of your mods.

Did not do the install myself. Unfortunately I don't have tools nor expertise to take on such a task. I purchased the Quaife from Harold @ HPA. They're currently on sale for $1273 shipped - that's the lowest I've seen them advertised in a long time. I remember they were being sold between $1450-1650 in the last year or two. I then paid another shop to rebuild the diff so that I could swap with mine. That cost $950 - cheapest quote I got (Diffs Online & VAC - the other shops who also specialize in rebuilding diffs wanted $1250+).

So far I love the diff. I took it easy today for the first 50 miles or so but I decided to take one of my favorite roads which has a nice hairpin turn. It's hard to describe in words but it was the easiest I've ever taken that turn. Car pushed forward effortlessly throughout the whole turn and never had any traction issues. It felt like the car was on rails! I'll really get to test it out in 2 weeks at my next auto-x session.

Too early to report on brakes, but fitment was great. That my friend and I were able to tackle, did both sides in 1.5hrs. I just got done bedding them in not too long ago but I doubt I'll feel any difference on the open road. Stock brakes were fine for that but I'm hoping to do run a HPDE in mid-Sept so will let you know then.

I'm actually content with the stock sports suspension (at least for now). I don't think I'd want to go any lower. I could see the benefits of different spring rates but I don't think I'm quite there yet. If anything, the swap from RFT to Hankook V12s was a huge upgrade in the handling dept.

First thing tomorrow, hand wash the car and shoot some pics!

[Starscream]

I know what you mean about the LSD feeling,
Before my M I had another Z4 and it had the same diff as you,
I remember taking the same road in my M the night I bought it and the feeling was totally different,

Shame about the gear ratios, but yeah if your going to go with a different ratio you might as well go all out to feel the benefit,
I'm now so used to my 4.10's I wouldn't mind an even higher gear

We have to setup a North NJ Z meet and greet before the summers over,
I live like 2 streets away from Sals shop in Hillsdale, I'm sure we could all do a Z4 get together,
There is quite a few NJ posters,

[vachss]

Originally Posted by Starscream

I live like 2 streets away from Sals shop in Hillsdale

Hillsdale, eh? Small world - I was born there and lived on Paul Ct. just off the west end of Hillsdale Ave. until my 18th birthday.

[3002 tii]

Down for northern NJ meet, cruise, photoshoot

[3002 tii]

Final list of Mods:

Bastuck exhaust
Quaife ATB
Alcon 13" big brake kit
BMW Performance Strut Brace
UUC transmission mounts
CDV removal

OEM carbon fiber diffuser
OEM carbon fiber spoiler
OEM M-sport steering wheel
OEM ZHP shift knob
OEM Perforated brake handle
OEM clear sidemarkers

50f/35r 3M tint
stubby antenna
Rho-plate

Passport 9500ix
Veil G4

Haven't had a chance to wash the car all week, still filthy but wanted to snap these in the meantime.

[jumpthewire]

Sharp!

[Incompatible]

Looking good/

[jra]

youve done a fantastic job