Weighed in at 1290Kg; roughly what I expected. The standard car curb weight is 1430Kg but that includes a 75Kg driver and a full tank of fuel (45Kg) so only 20Kg was actually shaved off. Remember that we’ve added strengthening to the rear chassis, added a heavy roll cage and updated the suspension. Now for two separate dyno runs to certify bhp/ton for the different racing classes.
Wilvern Floor
When you remove the carpet in an e46 you save around 20Kg. However there’s a little dip just short of the accelerator pedal. I’m assuming that it’s designed that way to add add extra cushioning at the heel contact point there. However with the carpet removed the contact point on the pedal now is lower down, the heel is lower than the pivot point, and your foot slides on the pedal when it’s depressed. This all feels slightly weird. Continue reading “Wilvern Floor”
So you want to go club racing?
Desire, money & commitment (not necessarily in that order)
Desire and it’s arch nemesis, fear of the unknown, go hand in hand. I’ve personally had a desire to go racing since my teens. Now almost 50, I delayed for far too long. By dispelling the myth that all racers are somehow ‘super human’, joining the ranks is easier than you might think. Everyone started in the same place! So what do you need to do to get started? Continue reading “So you want to go club racing?”
e46 Racer YouTube Channel
Click here or on the logo above to be directed to our YouTube channel where you’ll find build & race videos.
ARDS Course is booked! (COVID permitting)
Well I’ve gone a done it! Before you race you need a race license. ARDS course is booked at Silverstone. Wish me luck. It’s all becoming a bit real now.
https://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/driving-tuition/ards-courses/
YOUR ARDS DAY WILL INCLUDE
- Learn both: Skid + Control (Auto-test & Skid Car)
- Coached on track techniques within our on-site Classroom facilities
- In-depth practical one-to-one coaching session in a BMW M1, enabling you to learn racing lines & circuit driving techniques
- End of day: Written & Driving assessments (pass or fail course)
Fire Extinguishers
Again I’ve come up against a wall with my plumbed-in fire extinguisher system!! It’s an RRS Ecofire 4.25 litre system with only 4 nozzles (2 cockpit, 2 engine). Installed in 2015 it was never serviced every two years as recommended. It has missed 2 services so would not be generally considered suitable for servicing. A service would have cost £110. Continue reading “Fire Extinguishers”
Easily the best suspension setup guide
This is easily the best suspension setup guide I’ve seen so far. Not just the calculators but the explanations why. Many thanks to Denis Grant at far north racing for sharing it with the world.
Roadsports Lap Records
Blue book rule 4.5.3 states that a driver may be disqualified at the discretion of the Clerk of the course if a driver’s lap time exceeds 10% of the 3rd fastest car. Now I know that it’s not rigidly enforced, in fact some racers have never heard of the rule, but I’d like to know what the general pace is for each circuit. Although trying to reach within 10% of the lap records might be asking too much at this stage! Continue reading “Roadsports Lap Records”
Rusty rear end, suspension update.
No one likes a rusty rear end. It’s just surface rust that can easily be treated but so much extra work than planned. Some would have just walked in and bolted in the new coilover shocks. Not me! Continue reading “Rusty rear end, suspension update.”
Final Drives Matter
Probably one of the most noticeable performance upgrades is changing the final drive ratio. Combined with a limited slip differential is the perfect combination. Standard final drive for the manual e46 330Ci is 2.93 which is WAY to tall. Raising this to 3.73 or 3.91 would be more competitive Continue reading “Final Drives Matter”