Re: E30 Mods and Susp.(LONG) - Suggestions

["ra rabmw" <rabmw@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

   TODD......
          On the Jim C. chip,what you saw was for the newer BMWs that really 
need software adjustments.Minor engine mods will not affect the E30 chip,and 
it's one of the best improvements for the money,for both driveability and 
performance.I'd get that first thing.
          On suspension,you want to "balance" your suspension changes to get 
the most from the car and your money.Adding springs,shocks,and larger tires 
and wheels without also adding better adjustable swaybars will unbalance the 
car's ability.It's original bar's setting won't begin to cope with the added 
wheel/tire combination and other additions.
          Also,if your control arm and frame bushings haven't been changed 
in recent years,they will degrade the new components significantly.When your 
pocketbook allows,add them to the up-grade list.Balance again.Using 15" 
wheels MAY not require bushing upgrades,and the swaybars are still a good 
idea,but not as necessary.
          On springs,you are right on with the Eibach's.They give the best 
combination of performance with an excellent road ride(you did say a street 
car),and the H&R's are a close second.I use Eibachs on both my street/track 
cars,and out corner "M" cars.
           On shocks,the Bilstein"sports" have a shorter than normal 
piston,and will pull the springs down,leaving a VERY stiff ride for a street 
car.I advise using the Bilstein HD's,as they will add drastic comfort,ride, 
AND cornering ability to the E30's.
           On swaybars,any of the good aftermarket systems will 
do;Sus.Tecq.,Racing Dyn.,etc.,as their adjustable quality will allow for 
dialing in the proper settings to match your tire/wheel set-up.
           If you wish to use 16" rims,consider a better size tire.The 
225/45/16 is a good tire for the E36/E46 cars,but they have far more 
clearance,and most importantly weigh as much as '87 5 series cars,not your 
'87 E30.They also have far more usable power.Your car may not properly clear 
a 225/45 under load,especially in the front.
            Your car's weight and power can't really use the 225/45's to 
their limit,and you will have a noticably harsher ride,with a car that 
follows every little groove in the road.It can drive you batty.Try looking 
at 205/50/16,215/50/16,or 215/45's.If you really like the 225/45/16 
idea,then try 205/50/16 fronts,which will give a far better ride.Same 
diameter.
            For far more usable power without expensive engine mods,look 
into a lower differential ratio; a 3.91 or 4.10 instead of your current 3.73 
will add as much as 15/25% more acceleration,at the cost of 2/3mpg on the 
highway.It's an option I've used to catch "M" cars ontrack in my E28 
535i.After 29 years driving BMWs and decades as a specialist, setting up 
street/track cars,the above seems best for what you say you want.

                                o/______\o "RA"/Bob G.
                                (Oo=00=oO)  BMWCCA# 5217
                                []=****=[]









>From: "Todd Gak" <thedude98@domain.elided>
>To: bmw@domain.elided
>Subject: E30 Mods and Suspension - Suggestions
>Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 03:57:07 GMT
>
>I have an 87 325i 4-door that I'd like to upgrade suspension, tires, and
>some engine mods.  This isn't a track car.  My initial thoughts are 
>Bilstein
>Sports with Eibach Pro-Kit Springs and 16" 225r45 tires.  I contemplated 
>Jim
>C. chip, but I saw a post recently about accounting for custom mods before
>chipping.  Thanks in advance, Todd.
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