Devising a plan - doing things right the first time!
In a week I'm picking up my 6th BMW, and my first e30. On the 3 e36's I've owned, I've used an array of suspension setups. Based on research, here's what I've come up with so far for my complete suspension overhaul:
Shocks/Springs: H&R Sports and Konis $735
Sways: IE Sway Bar Kit $440
Strut bar: IE Front Strut Brace $120
Camber Plates, etc.: Vorshlag $235
Other: Treehouse Racing Eyeball bushings $190, IE Subframe Bushings $45, IE RTAB's $52, GC RSM's $100, IE Rear toe and camber kits $170
Total: $2087+install
Two questions - the biggest of the two is the shocks/springs.
I have ground control coilovers (375 front/450 rear) on my current 1997 328i, and I wouldn't want to go any stiffer. I would, however, like considerably less body roll, which is why the sways are in the above list. I don't want my car nearly as low as that one is, though. I do want it lowered, but I'm tired of scraping on every speed bump and driveway.
So I need a recommendation - coilovers with a lighter springrate? H&R/Koni Adjustables? If they're adjustable, whatever I get, I want them to be top-adjustable front and rear)
For what it's worth, I'm probably going to get 16" or 17" wheels for all but winter (for which I'll use my bottlecaps and blizzaks), and I'm thinking 225 width for whatever diameter I use, maintaining at least stock diameter, if not maybe venturing a tad bigger. Willing to use spacers or roll the fenders if necessary.
So priorities in order - Minimize body roll - ride height (lowered, but not slammed) - comfort for myself and passengers on trips and in town - adjustability - cost
The second question is about any more "other's" - the 332ti I had had the eyeball bushings, which I loved, so I'm getting those again. What else should I do? What other upgraded street bushings can I get? The car will be autox'd regularly, but it's my DD and I will have passengers frequently. Noise and comfort are considerations.
Thanks for any input you can offer!
-Evan
Shocks/Springs: H&R Sports and Konis $735
Sways: IE Sway Bar Kit $440
Strut bar: IE Front Strut Brace $120
Camber Plates, etc.: Vorshlag $235
Other: Treehouse Racing Eyeball bushings $190, IE Subframe Bushings $45, IE RTAB's $52, GC RSM's $100, IE Rear toe and camber kits $170
Total: $2087+install
Two questions - the biggest of the two is the shocks/springs.
I have ground control coilovers (375 front/450 rear) on my current 1997 328i, and I wouldn't want to go any stiffer. I would, however, like considerably less body roll, which is why the sways are in the above list. I don't want my car nearly as low as that one is, though. I do want it lowered, but I'm tired of scraping on every speed bump and driveway.
So I need a recommendation - coilovers with a lighter springrate? H&R/Koni Adjustables? If they're adjustable, whatever I get, I want them to be top-adjustable front and rear)
For what it's worth, I'm probably going to get 16" or 17" wheels for all but winter (for which I'll use my bottlecaps and blizzaks), and I'm thinking 225 width for whatever diameter I use, maintaining at least stock diameter, if not maybe venturing a tad bigger. Willing to use spacers or roll the fenders if necessary.
So priorities in order - Minimize body roll - ride height (lowered, but not slammed) - comfort for myself and passengers on trips and in town - adjustability - cost
The second question is about any more "other's" - the 332ti I had had the eyeball bushings, which I loved, so I'm getting those again. What else should I do? What other upgraded street bushings can I get? The car will be autox'd regularly, but it's my DD and I will have passengers frequently. Noise and comfort are considerations.
Thanks for any input you can offer!
-Evan
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