Re: Don't touch that M3 just yet <long>

[Ned Coonen <ncoonen@xxxxxxxxx>]

>>Last week, in response to Bubba Duane's advice , David went on a rant
>>about modifying an M3:
>>
>>    <big snip of Scott's excellent advice>
>>

Scott & everyone,

Well said. Having fought the urge to overmodify my used-to-be-new M3,
I think I've learned a lot. I'll go at least more season on the stock
suspension. I thought I "needed" an upgrade until I rode in a stock
E36 M3 with an experienced driver. Whoa! There's lots of performance
left to be discovered in the factory setup.

New guys - particularly E36 M3 pilots, here's a tip from a almost new
guy. at your next school, ask experienced instructor drive your car
during one of the instructor sessions. Ask her/him to demonstrate the
car's abilities at about 8/10ths. You'll be surprised at the
difference. You'll be going faster but feel mcuh less like you're at
the ragged edge. It's humbling but worthwhile.

Last Junne at Gingerman Raceway, I asked my instructor Mark Miller to
drive my car during an instructor session. He has an almost identical
but older E36 M3 but only had street tires, I had Yoko A032Rs. The
difference with him driving was amazing and I was sorta bummed after
the ride. We talked a while afterward since he knew what was going on. 

The lesson is simple, the hot licks suspension setup will not:
a. improve your turn-in consistency
b. improve you braking technique
c. teach you heel-n-toe downshifting
d. show you how to find the line

It really will distract you from all these essential points. I haven't
learned them all yet so I'll go with what I've got. But, of course,
your mileage may vary...

Ned Coonen
BMW CCA 127659
'98 M3 [BLACK M3]
Sharked, K&N cone, x-brace, BL/SS (straight)w/ERK, A032Rs
LTW oil pan (so the car is still around when I learn how to drive it)

(Chip - does this count as my gift?)
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