E36 M3 Mods

Subject: E36 M3 Mods
From: Tom Brown <browns@domain.elided>
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 18:31:52 -0700
Paul:

I have an Autothority chip and Flowtech on my M3.  I have friends with 
the same setup who have added the exhaust.  It is a nice unit and moves 
the torque down the rev band a few hundred RPMs, but makes a bit more 
noise, nice noise, but more noise and doesn't really add to maximum power 
at all.  I personally don't think it's worth the money.

The best thing I have done for my car is buy a set of cheap 17" wheels 
and a set of Comp TA R1 235/45/17 for the car.  Buy both from Tire Rack 
and have them mounted and balanced for free.  Have them heat cycled on a 
special machine they have for an extra $20 or so per tire.  These tires 
are not for the street as they have very little tread and a very 
agressive compound.  They also have an asymetric radial carcass that is 
really stiff on the outside treadwall.  If you have the tires shaved, 
they will stick like glue the first time you drive them.  If you don't, 
they will stick like glue the second or third time.  Inflate to 34 psi in 
front cold and 30 psi rear cold.  -Omigod!

I know others who have invested in Dinan suspensions for their E36 M3s 
and they are another world faster.  It seems that nothing can pull them 
off the track.  The price is about $3000 and the car is a lot stiffer for 
street driving. Again, I have too much fun with my car as it is.

I have not heard much about the throttle bodies yet.  A few people are 
planning to get them for next summer, but no feedback so far.

- -TB