Intrax 1K2 coilovers installed

[Kin Mak]

Had the car in to get my Intrax 1K2 coilovers fitted and a full check. Few things had to be replaced, here is some of the things done.

http://kinmak.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/img_1914.JPG

Intrax Coilovers + Camber plate
Rear Strut brace
CSL alcantara steering wheel
Exhaust hanger screw replaced(old ones rusted and snapped)
Exhaust hanger bushes
Powerflex Font Wishbone Bushes
Front Wishbone
Power Steering hoses
Transmission oil
Differential oil
Differential seals
Rear Control Arm bushes
Car corner weighted
Full suspension alignment

Things already on the car

Tuner RTAB limiting kit
13mm front spacers 3 mm rear
Performance Friction 01 pads
Stoptech SS lines
Motul RBF600 fluid

My first impression of the E46 M3 when I bought the car was mixed. Yes it did handle better than my previous E39 M5 but not much. the M5 had a bunch of modifications like coilovers, big brake kit and powerflex bushes, this made the M5 handle very well but due to the weight it was always pushing wide in corners.

After a day with the M3 and all the modifications above, it has reassured me that my move to the M3 the correct one. It feels more planted and rides over all road surfaces without unsettling the car, the lack of body roll even without uprated anti roll bars is evident. It is not all the suspension though, the new bushes and more importantly the right geometry setting contributes to the car’s impressive handling.

It will take more time with the car to fully understand what it can do, the upcoming trackday in a couple of weeks will be a good test. The M3 in it’s original form was only marginally faster than the M5 around Mondello Park, it will be interesting to see what it can do now.

http://kinmak.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/img_1917.JPG

http://kinmak.com/?p=89 :D

[uberbmw]

Nice job chap! Should handle like its on rails!

[mikem]

Nice job Mak, the demo car I went out in had the 1K2s along with solid racing bushes and no anti roll bars but it was way, way too hard for my `vert. On a smooth track it`ll be awesome. :cool:

Have you strengthened the mounting points (Turner do a kit) or are you getting a cage fitted ?

[ADAMOD]

I think kin's kit comes with strenghened plates its a proper coilover kit.

[peppernick]

Great set of performance mods there :cool:

I think you'll find a proper brake kit essential. The OEM discs are too soft.

Get cup tyres ;) ........ they make the biggest difference! :)

[FRANKYM3]

Nice job on the mods, only 1 mod you've done i'd change and thats to take the privacy glass off the windows, cause when you've got such a cool interior as cinnammon leather (and a CSL wheel!!) you should be showing it off!!!!:D

[XKaLiBaR]

nice one mate. how are you findin the intrax?

[Kin Mak]

The kit does come with top mounts alright, but if mikem is refering to the chassis reinforcement no it has not been done. The rear strut should help share the load and lessen the flex of the mounts in the rear.

FRANKYM3 the tints came with the car so no my doing, don't mind it too much so I will leave it on. I do like a nice looking car and to keep it clean but at the moment I am more focused on making it perform rather than look good.

XKaLiBaR I will let you guys know more about the suspension as I have more time with the car. At the moment the difference is night and day.

Nick the brakes are just fine, it does not fade on the track at all and the pedal feel is better than stock. When I start getting fade or I start to wear out my rotors or pads too quickly then I might get a front BBK.