E46 M3 with E60 M5 V10 Engine

The article is excellent. Well done Stav!

 

I've done another update over on | Track CultureTrack Culture - If you're into grip as much as drift then make sure you join the forum

I've been a little mentally busy recently with all sorts like our competition season, and having taken on the unit next door as well, giving us 11,000sq/ft of space now, and even more space to try and fill with things that actually their way as opposed to filling it with my own stupid cars
However I've still found time to do some work with the M3, just not update the forum.

Since doing the engine conversion I've tried 3 different fuel pumps and pick up solutions, and although each had their merits, none could get rid of the fuel starvation on sweeping right hand corners. This is actually a problem on most E46's used on track with good tyres and suspension, but the only difference is when my car see's fuel pressure drop to 4.5bar the Cosworth Dash flashes red, and you immediately lift off. In a normal M3 or CSL you would probably keep your boot in and only notice it as slightly less power up until the point your engine goes pop.
Anyway, after all the faffing about, I decided I'd fit a swirl pot using a brand new standard M3 pump to lift to the pot, then the old classic Mr reliable pump one of our Bosche 044's. Piping was an absolute NIGHTMARE! Again it's a relatively simple job in a race car, but I had to route multiple hoses under the car clearing suspension, fuel tanks, diffs etc, all with really non compliant fuel hose..
I got there in the end though, and I can now give the car everything it has around left AND RIGHT corners without a worry in the world



While in the boot area, I fitted one of our Braille lightweight batterys. I saved 11kg's doing this swap from my Bosche battery, but Al (Ringer) fitted the same Braille to his M3 and saved 16kg!!! I think his had a bigger battery as it had the Harmon Kardon sound system.
Anyway, it's got to be the easiest 'modification' you can do to an M3, all you have to do is replace the clamp bolt with longer one and it bolts straight in. It is also a very high quality battery, so those of you who have heard the nightmares about using a small race battery, don't need to worry. Myself and Al daily drive our cars, and sometimes leave them for long periods, and it's fine. Further info on the Braille battery here: Search results for: 'braille' Driftworks Shop





I've had some slightly vague steering under braking for a while, and on investigation the Powerflex front lower bushes had melted thanks to the proximity to the manifold/downpipes. So after a chat with BMW suspension setup GOD Tom Schirmer, he sent me a pair of his eccentric solid bushes. A very clever and simple solution that gives you extra castor adjustability, and as a nice bonus, is mostly made of aluminium, so along with some additional heat insulation it should be a lot more durable too. I thought I'd taken fitting pictures, but I can't find them at the moment, so for now here's a picture of them when they arrived. All I had to do was remove the old bush from the housing and drill and tap them for the grub screws. Hey presto, the car handles much better already. They do transmit some more noise, but it's an acceptable compromise for awesome handling.



Also a few months ago I fitted what is now one of my favourite parts of the car, a Carbonetics Carbon Limited Slip Differential the same as in the Driftworks S15. It's an expensive choice for the M3 application, but has completely transformed the way the car puts down power. It's still quiet, and doesn't clunk like other aggressive LSD's thanks to the use of carbon plates. I have to try to make it break traction, and on the limit it's so much more predictable than the 'wet' standard M3 diffential.. I fitted this into a new housing with a 3.6 ring and pinion, which should mean that I now have the gearing for 212mph if I ever get the chance.





And now for what's litterally just arrived and therefore reminded me to do an update Nitron NTR 3 way full coilovers!. What an absolute work of art these coilovers are! I was going to wait to do a fitting video with Al, but as he's away at the Ring, I'm not sure I can be that patient! Watch this space
I'm currently waiting for a reply from Nitron on the spring rates they've supplied, as they have calculated the optimal rates using the corner weights and tyre choice I supplied them, and they've turned up with what appear to be 22kg front springs I'm trying to recall if I mentioned that this car is also my daily driver . (For reference we supply our HSD E46 M3 coilovers with a 6.5kg front haha)

 

Thanks guys. I forgot to put this video in here. It's rediculous, and NOT how I drive the car daily as it draws a bit too much attention , but it now has an electronic exhaust bypass valve fitted, so I have the ability to make my car sound like a 90's F1 car when I want

 

It's only off my Iphone, but you get the idea: