Don't touch that M3 just yet

[Duane Collie <drcollie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From: Peter Mueller <pmueller@domain.elided>
>Subject: Ok, I caved in, I bought it
>
>Yes, that's right, I decided I wasn't gonna wait 12+ months for the new
>M3, so I'm picking it up Monday 
>WOOO HOOOO.  So now I have a new question.  Does anyone have
>recommendations for "toys" to add to the car?  
>
>I've followed the thread on the stereo, and will have ot listen to it
>closer, but since I like lots of bass, it'll prob. be replaced.  I was
>interested in knowing if anyone has had exhaust systems, supercharges,
>chip replacements, etc. done to their car, and would recommend them.  

Peter,

You're gonna hear this from a lot of Digesters - Don't touch the car!. You
really need an "Adaptive Period" with the car to learn to use it as far as
performance mods go.  In stock form - bone stock - an E36 M3 takes at least
a year to learn how to drive. And that assumes you do half a dozen
autocrosses and 3 or 4 track days in that year.

If you absolutely have to modify it, yous houl do relatively non-invasive
mods first.  By that we're talking custom wheels, shift knobs,
chip/software downloads, carbon fiber trim and that sort of thing.  Once
you start putting on serious mods like suspensions, cams, ltw flywheels,
superchargers and the like you are installing compromises in the car and
narrowing the effective usage and/or life of the car.  For example, I'll
bet you for every 5 people that modify their suspension towards a 'sport'
mode, 2 of them regret it afterwards when they find out how rough the car
rides once the 'newness' of the mod. wears off.

You mention stereo upgrades and exahust system changes.  The two are not
compatible! Once you install a pipe like a B&B Triflo, the stereo sounds
like an AM radio so why spend the money? 

If you're going to do some competitive events like autocross, the # 1
upgrade is, without a doubt, to have a spare set of wheels with "R"
compound tires.  After that, a Schroth Ralleye 4 harness to keep you in the
seat.

Go slow when you modify...saves you lots of $$$$$ in the long run.

Duane Collie

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