I just purchased a 1999 M3 Convertible…

[m3f_loftygoals]

I just purchased a 1999 M3 Convertible…how did I ever live without an M3?



The day my wife picked it up, the clutch exploded. Well, not literally, but nearly. The shop that worked on it for me said they had never seen clutch damage that bad. The damage was so grotesque, that they put the parts on display in a glass case. They can’t understand how it was done with a stock M3. Since the stock flywheel was destroyed, I had them install an Active Autowerke’s Lightweight Flywheel and a B&M 45125 shifter.



When I picked it up the shop, I was delighted with the results. The next day I installed a Conforti CAI and Conforti’s Shark Injector software—now we’re talking. The car revs and shifts like a race car, sounds like it’s got a V12, and runs like a cheerleader with her hair on fire!



The question is: what’s next? I’m think I want to work on stiffening the body and improving handling before I do any further performance mods. Maybe I’ll add a front strut tower brace, new shocks, etc. Has any tried AA’s rear tower brace?



At some point I would like to add an M50 intake manifold and an AA cat-back setup. What am I missing? Is there much more to do without stepping up to turbo/supercharging?



Thanks for your input,

-bj

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

honestly i dont think the strut tower braces do much.. u would move right on to a set of springs and struts.. something like a sport or race (if they make it for the verts) setup.... then move onto the M50 manifold, 3.5 hfm.. but then u have to forget about the shark and move onto better sofware for the 3.5... the M50 would deifnitly make u happy though, u lose some torque but gain that hp up top... u could also do a diff if u wanted.. etc.. there are many options..

[m3f_99Blk&Tan_6738c76028]

runs like a cheerleader with her hair on fire!



Hahaha, that sounds fast!

[m3f_wsmc831_097c0cf94a]

Get some ideas of the ride quality on new suspension. I put new Bilstein sports on last summer, and wouldn't want the suspension any stiffer.



with stock springs.





drives like a go-cart :-)

[m3f_deilenberg_6310b1785a]

honestly i dont think the strut tower braces do much.. SNIP....



Actually on the convertible - there is a very noticeable difference with the strut-tower-brace. I'm using UUC's Strut-Barbarian - works very nicely to help tighten up the cowl shake the 'verts are prone to. I hghly recommend it, and especially if you're thinking of changing the suspension (which puts even more stress on the body.)

[m3f_loftygoals]

AI'm using UUC's Strut-Barbarian



Are you only using one on the front tower?



-bj

[m3f_m2pilot]

I just purchased a 1999 M3 Convertible…how did I ever live without an M3?



The day my wife picked it up, the clutch exploded. Well, not literally, but nearly. The shop that worked on it for me said they had never seen clutch damage that bad. The damage was so grotesque, that they put the parts on display in a glass case. They can’t understand how it was done with a stock M3. Since the stock flywheel was destroyed, I had them install an Active Autowerke’s Lightweight Flywheel and a B&M 45125 shifter.



When I picked it up the shop, I was delighted with the results. The next day I installed a Conforti CAI and Conforti’s Shark Injector software—now we’re talking. The car revs and shifts like a race car, sounds like it’s got a V12, and runs like a cheerleader with her hair on fire!



The question is: what’s next? I’m think I want to work on stiffening the body and improving handling before I do any further performance mods. Maybe I’ll add a front strut tower brace, new shocks, etc. Has any tried AA’s rear tower brace?



At some point I would like to add an M50 intake manifold and an AA cat-back setup. What am I missing? Is there much more to do without stepping up to turbo/supercharging?



Thanks for your input,

-bj



You definitely want one out back. "Box off" that E36 rear. And don't forget to upgrade shock mounts when you change out your suspension.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

i'd take it to driving school

[m3f_loftygoals]

I have a track day scheduled at TMS in October. I'm going to attempt to have most of my mods/upgrades completed by then. The real problem is that most tracks won't let you do much in a vert. For example, I can't enroll in a class beyond their beginners class without installing a roll bar.



-bj