The GT4 Build…M3 Edition…

[Mizzlam]

This has been an amazing thread to read through cant wait to see interior!!

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by Mizzlam

This has been an amazing thread to read through cant wait to see interior!!

Thanks, appreciate the feedback. Hope the content/story will be useful to many.

Car officially staged for cage work on Monday...should be back on in a few days.

More pics/updates to come...

Going to do a final setup from there and try to make a late Nov, definitely Dec track day...

[TouringM3]

As someone who loves going real deep into a build, this is a very excellent build, can't wait to see how you enjoy ripping this thing on the track!

[ninekrpm]

Have not posed an update for a while…things slowed down a bit, the cage work took twice as long due to a few unplanned issues and decided to add a major upgrade to the mix. A GT4 drexler diff setup from diffsonline…

…and did I mention, the entire fam got covid during the holidays. What a crappy two weeks…all is good, healthy at the end.

Anyhow, running a Drexler setup requires the use of two left axles, my left axle was already leaking and needed to be replaced. So, I decided to go with KMP axles (lighter, stronger, etc.). I have received everything at this point, just awaiting the diff…hopefully in the next week.

I have removed everything from the car, replaced the wheel bearings while at it…here are a few pics while we wait for the diff. Going to mount everything on the subframe, then install it back to the car.

And for the interior, the cage came out great; working through installing a few interior items (seats, steering wheel, etc.). More on the interior soon…

I am working towards having the car ready for February shakedown. Loads still to do…but must say, have enjoyed this build thus far. Stay tuned…

for pics, videos (coming soon)...please visit the IG link. https://www.instagram.com/ninekrpm1/

[JustAnothaM4]

This build is amazing! I've been low key following everything on IG for a minute. LOL

[spxxx]

Epic build... thread is going to cost me so much money!! I'm just migrating from an E82 track build. Hope to see you at Buttonwillow sometime, I plan to shakedown my new car this month at Thunderhill before BWRP next month.

Excited to hear your thoughts on the Drexler unit and Fall-Line rear lower arms. Do you have any pre/post experience with the front/rear lower control arms (wishbone)?

I have all SPL arms on order (minus the front lower wishbone) but I'm having trouble finding the Fall-Line rear lower suspension/control arms and wanted to get opinions on how noticeable the improvement is... The lower arm bushings are insanely soft

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by spxxx

Epic build... thread is going to cost me so much money!! I'm just migrating from an E82 track build. Hope to see you at Buttonwillow sometime, I plan to shakedown my new car this month at Thunderhill before BWRP next month.

Excited to hear your thoughts on the Drexler unit and Fall-Line rear lower arms. Do you have any pre/post experience with the front/rear lower control arms (wishbone)?

I have all SPL arms on order (minus the front lower wishbone) but I'm having trouble finding the Fall-Line rear lower suspension/control arms and wanted to get opinions on how noticeable the improvement is... The lower arm bushings are insanely soft

IND sells the FLMS rear control arm. In terms of performance, not much to add other then it allows for additional camber adjustments with the lock pins.

Given that I replaced all the arms/links....the oem piece stuck out like a sore thumb . The FLMS pieces compliments all of the upgrades nicely...

More on the drexler unit soon...

[wareagle1995]

Great thread! Liking the pics of the lift as well. Looks like the bridge jacks work well.

[e36clubracer]

What hub stands are you using to do your alignments? I'd like a kit like CSM's to do home alignments but I cannot stomach the cost. Yours don't look like CSM's.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by wareagle1995

Great thread! Liking the pics of the lift as well. Looks like the bridge jacks work well.

The bridge jacks really make the 4-post lift quite versatile...

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by e36clubracer

What hub stands are you using to do your alignments? I'd like a kit like CSM's to do home alignments but I cannot stomach the cost. Yours don't look like CSM's.

The hub stands are made by Mittler Bros - see here https://www.mittlerbros.com/accu-lign.html


The alignment setup is by AndyTec - see here http://www.andytec.de/as_10.html


The setup is quite functional, the CSM stuff is no doubt baller; but effectively works the same way and all for roughly $2K

I have had the hub stands for over 10 years...had them extend the height by 6" to help raise the car a bit and make it easier to do setup.

[ninekrpm]

pics updated on my insta page below...happy to answer any questions.

well, the project finally picked up...received the long awaited drexler diff this past week and spent the better part of the weekend reassembling the entire chassis. did also add a CAE shifter, the install was fairly easy as I had the driveshaft off the car.

everything is now back together, finally the setup work will start this weekend. with so many adjustments, will be some trial and error fun to get all the arms/links calibrated.

need to also install the OMP race seats - did decide to go full halo for the seat setup - and install the KMP steering wheel.

the non-halo carbon OMP seats are up for sale - see below post if interested.

So probably two weekends of work - maybe 3, due to those kids - and then time to hit the local tracks...cant wait to try on a completely tricked out setup...

[biofluke]

Amazing. Thanks again for sharing.

Can you explain the reason why you, or anyone with a serious track addiction, would want to transition to the Drexler diff? What were you unhappy about with the stock e-lsd? I'm very curious to hear your impressions once you get some track time with it.

I do sometimes miss a standard limited-slip as the ediff and its software in these cars can sometimes behave slightly unpredictably, like when I feel the power moving to the other side abruptly on the corner exit. Back in the day, all you needed was a quaife LSD; now everything seems overly complicated.

Maybe I answered my own question.

Originally Posted by ninekrpm

pics updated on my insta page below...happy to answer any questions.

well, the project finally picked up...received the long awaited drexler diff this past week and spent the better part of the weekend reassembling the entire chassis. did also add a CAE shifter, the install was fairly easy as I had the driveshaft off the car.

everything is now back together, finally the setup work will start this weekend. with so many adjustments, will be some trial and error fun to get all the arms/links calibrated.

need to also install the OMP race seats - did decide to go full halo for the seat setup - and install the KMP steering wheel.

the non-halo carbon OMP seats are up for sale - see below post if interested.

So probably two weekends of work - maybe 3, due to those kids - and then time to hit the local tracks...cant wait to try on a completely tricked out setup...

[Stronie]

What an amazing build! Expensive toy / hobby.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by biofluke

Amazing. Thanks again for sharing.

Can you explain the reason why you, or anyone with a serious track addiction, would want to transition to the Drexler diff? What were you unhappy about with the stock e-lsd? I'm very curious to hear your impressions once you get some track time with it.

I do sometimes miss a standard limited-slip as the ediff and its software in these cars can sometimes behave slightly unpredictably, like when I feel the power moving to the other side abruptly on the corner exit. Back in the day, all you needed was a quaife LSD; now everything seems overly complicated.

Maybe I answered my own question.

not really a good way to tune the ediff, where as a plated/clutch diff will be more predictable both at braking and powering out of corners.

In my e46M3 race car, I had upgraded to ramping clutch setup, it was worth 1-2 seconds depending on the track...

looking forward to trying out the drexler...more to come from the track.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by Stronie

What an amazing build! Expensive toy / hobby.

it's been a slow 4+ year journey upgrading this car...initially it was therapy working (DIY) on my street car (more like vicariously living through it) as I had sold my 10+ year old E46 M3 race car...

definitely regret selling the E46, as it was meticulous build, fast, etc...should have just kept it and put a V8 in eventually.

this time around, just want a fast car...but likely, not going to race...

[ninekrpm]

Been a while since the last update…I finally finished the car (for now, till the next phase starts) and made it to the track to dust off the 7-years of rust, so new car, new build, new track…and did I say, 7 years older ��

The last time I tracked was 2015 and then came the kids, and you know the story from there…

Anyhow, this past weekend I made it to my first event in a long time at Autoclub Speedway and ran the roval. Having never driven a roval, frankly, had low expectations…I must say, I had a blast!

Saturday had some jitters, wanted to shake down both the driver and car; so lots going on to make sure that I make it through the day…

However, by end day, I was feeling good and defiantly shook of the jitters and felt good about the cars build and stability.

After a good nights sleep, I was ready for Sunday…and focused on my driving and getting smoother / faster. I ended up running a high 153…but I will say, the car has plenty more and with some seat time will be well into the high, maybe mid 140’s. Plus ran on Nankang 200 treadwear tyres; cant wait to get the Hoosiers on...

All weekend, I only made two suspension changes (knobs); the setup was awesome and the drexler diff, amazing power down out of turns and great stability during acceleration and braking…

So in summary:
- Driver: Rusty…needs seat time and looking forward to the next event; may consider a coaching day for a day or so, will only help get faster, faster...
- Car: Amazing, gave me confidence, I am sure some minor tweak are in order
- Track: Really enjoyed the roval, look forward to being back

More to come…but happy / blessed / excited with the build, and will drive this way for the balance of the year before considering the next phase…however, will be adding an aim dash / smartycam for data and video.

Car definitely needs a wrap, any ideas...

[Jbrown7403]

Awesome story, looks great and congrats!! What was the weight loss vs. pre-build? About 300 lbs? Love to see the interior setup when you have time.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by Jbrown7403

Awesome story, looks great and congrats!! What was the weight loss vs. pre-build? About 300 lbs? Love to see the interior setup when you have time.

its give or take ~200#. the rear of the car is gutted, I have half cage built in...

have been fairly weight conscious with the build...

will post interior pics shortly...

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by ninekrpm

Been a while since the last update…I finally finished the car (for now, till the next phase starts) and made it to the track to dust off the 7-years of rust, so new car, new build, new track…and did I say, 7 years older ��

The last time I tracked was 2015 and then came the kids, and you know the story from there…

Anyhow, this past weekend I made it to my first event in a long time at Autoclub Speedway and ran the roval. Having never driven a roval, frankly, had low expectations…I must say, I had a blast!

Saturday had some jitters, wanted to shake down both the driver and car; so lots going on to make sure that I make it through the day…

However, by end day, I was feeling good and defiantly shook of the jitters and felt good about the cars build and stability.

After a good nights sleep, I was ready for Sunday…and focused on my driving and getting smoother / faster. I ended up running a high 153…but I will say, the car has plenty more and with some seat time will be well into the high, maybe mid 140’s. Plus ran on Nankang 200 treadwear tyres; cant wait to get the Hoosiers on...

All weekend, I only made two suspension changes (knobs); the setup was awesome and the drexler diff, amazing power down out of turns and great stability during acceleration and braking…

So in summary:
- Driver: Rusty…needs seat time and looking forward to the next event; may consider a coaching day for a day or so, will only help get faster, faster...
- Car: Amazing, gave me confidence, I am sure some minor tweak are in order
- Track: Really enjoyed the roval, look forward to being back

More to come…but happy / blessed / excited with the build, and will drive this way for the balance of the year before considering the next phase…however, will be adding an aim dash / smartycam for data and video.

Car definitely needs a wrap, any ideas...

Amazing build! It's great to see it all come together. This thread has been an incredible resource for me.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by x.shell

Amazing build! It's great to see it all come together. This thread has been an incredible resource for me.

that's why we share our stories

[MGM_M4]

What an amazing build from beginning to end.

Any videos from the track days?