Tractive Update

[Jims M3]

I installed the tractive coilover system about a year ago now and have had the opportunity to drive in on street and track, and really have come to some conclusions on it.

On the street I run sport all the time and I am simply amazed with the difference between this set up and stock with the adjustable ride height springs I had from KW. Spring rates were not matched to the dampers at all, the car was crashy and the rear end was tail happy.

With the Tractive suspension the car is settled on the rear end and doesn't step out nearly as much, it does a great job of keeping the contact patch on the road.

Street of course is completely different than track, and my concern was how would it do on the track. I have been to two completely different tracks with them Road America and COTA. This last event I did at COTA this weekend I was just amazed how well this car did over the fairly aggressive rumble strips of COTA and how well it did on corner entry and exit. So confidence inspiring. There are many slow speed corners at COTA that lead to fairly important straight aways or high speed sections, The tendency of the F80 is to step out and not be able to put the power down. This car was not scary at all it allow you to use the full power of the F80 very quickly after apex and tip into to full throttle the car stays very composed.

I ran it on Sport at the track as well, largely because the Sport Plus didn't have any advantages for me. Sport seems like the sweet spot for Track and Street. I have Bilstiens Damptronic set up on my E92 M3 which is also very good but the tractive's responsiveness is simply at a different level.

I wanted to give this review because many people have other coilovers and not a lot of people have Tractive, I have had a lot of suspensions in M3's and these are clearly the best I have ever had. It solves so many of the M3's handling issues. Takes it to a whole new level. I run in advanced/Instructor and this car was keeping pace with GT4's, M2 CS's, and Corvette Z06's. It didn't get embarrassed by anything, in fact I think it surprised many people.

[Vertix]

Thanks for the info! Do you have the touring set or the Road & Track set?

[TR930]

Did you replace rear toe links? If not, wait until you do. I run the Tractive touring setup, mostly in comfort. Amazing piece of engineering.

[Jims M3]

Don't know anything about the rear toe links ?

[TR930]

I replaced mine with adjustable ones, made a huge difference in traction.

[Jims M3]

Originally Posted by Vertix

Thanks for the info! Do you have the touring set or the Road & Track set?

Road and Track, speaking with the dealer down here it was he recommended. I don't disagree. It is the most intuitive suspension I have ever used.

[Jims M3]

Originally Posted by TR930

I replaced mine with adjustable ones, made a huge difference in traction.

Did you go with the Fall line ones?

[TR930]

Yes. I also did Rogue engineering Trans mounts too. But those toe links made a huge difference, like the car squats under acceleration vs feeling like it squirms. If that makes sense.

[uncle ben]

SPL makes a great toe link that is slightly easier to adjust than the fall line ones, and at a better price.

[TR930]

I'm considering selling my tractive dampers, approx 500 miles on them. PM me if anyone is interested.

[njavier03]

Originally Posted by TR930

I'm considering selling my tractive dampers, approx 500 miles on them. PM me if anyone is interested.

What’s making you sell them after only 500 miles?