Re: Prep for driver's school

[Jim Ochi <jochi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From: "M3 Buzz" <M3Buzz@domain.elided>
>
>hello all - new to the list, had a question very likely asked before, sorry
>about that, but here goes:  I'm a couple of months away from my first driver's
>school - Pocono on 10/6-7 with the Delaware Valley BMWCCA chapter - and wanted
>a quick hit list on things to consider and/or definitely do before the school.
>I have a stock '99 M3, and am considering a K&N filtercharger with an OBD II
>re-program (Turner offers a package, any feedback on that appreciated too).
>Will also need to be talked/walked through first brake fluid change and
>probably other prep stuff I don't know about.  Any thoughts on best
>bang-for-the-buck mods (and not too many bucks either) are welcomed.

Here's my suggestion - don't do anything except for maintenance 
stuff.  Change all the fluids (brake, oil, tranny, and diff), and get 
another set of brake pads.  Another set of rotors if you have extra 
cash.  Get a good tire pressure gauge, and either a small cigarette lighter 
compressor, or an airtank.  Make sure you have enough tread on your 
tires.  Get a good tech inspection, and fix whatever the inspector 
finds.  And that's it.

A stock M3 has more than enough power, handling, brakes, etc. for your 
first school.  Sure, a chip and intake will give you a little more power, 
but since this is not a race, you don't need it.  Spend the time working on 
your driving.  Besides, if you are the fastest one out there, you can rib 
all your buddies, because your car is stock.  If you aren't the fastest one 
out there, you have an excuse because your car is stock!  :-)

If you really have the need to spend money on mods, get a small cooler that 
you can load up with drinks, a sack full of snacks, and a folding chair to 
sit in when you aren't on the track.  These will keep you comfortable and 
allow you to concentrate on the track and your driving.  That will probably 
give you the most bang for your buck...

Jim Ochi
jochi@domain.elided

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