Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

The pMak26 ApexObsessed Driveway Track Car Build

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    The pMak26 ApexObsessed Driveway Track Car Build

    I enjoy the build as much as I enjoy the drive. If I don't have a project, my wife begins to hate me. I've always wanted to build a full blown racecar in my driveway. I'm a track day coach as well, so the car can be an excellent teaching/training tool. So, enter the cheapest POS running e46M3 I could find. A 2002 M3 SMG with a slightly sketchy history and one serious wreck.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20181215_132812.jpg
Views:	2187
Size:	228.6 KB
ID:	13468

    Quickly started ripping it apart.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190330_092438.jpg
Views:	1975
Size:	193.6 KB
ID:	13469

    I knew it was hit on the passenger side and the frame/floor was pulled straight, so before I got too deep I wanted to find the damage/fixes and see if the car was actually straight. So, off to the frame shop it went.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190401_105701.jpg
Views:	1979
Size:	265.4 KB
ID:	13470

    Frame shop confirmed the car is good! So now the real work began. I bought myself a welder, wired in a 220v outlet in the garage and got my buddy to give me tons of lessons as we did the CMP subframe kit.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190728_190905.jpg
Views:	1933
Size:	218.3 KB
ID:	13471
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190728_172226.jpg
Views:	1955
Size:	156.4 KB
ID:	13472
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190731_071000.jpg
Views:	1923
Size:	124.3 KB
ID:	13473

    Also did the trailing arm pockets.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190801_174146.jpg
Views:	1948
Size:	97.5 KB
ID:	13474
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190801_183941.jpg
Views:	1924
Size:	155.3 KB
ID:	13475

    Did solid subframe bushings, poly diff bushings, adjustable LCAs, new passenger side axle, trailing arm OEM bushings +limiters, new driveshaft CBS, and a hint of the next project is shown at the brakes.
    Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190801_184403.jpg
Views:	1906
Size:	95.0 KB
ID:	13476
    '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
    many others

    #2
    I picked up a Brembo GT kit, but not for an m3. I figured I could buy brackets no problem since they use these same calipers on m3 kits. So I called Brembo with all my part numbers and found out they wanted $350 for EACH FREAKING BRACKET. Not willing to fork over $1400 in highway robbery, I decided to design and make my own.

    Lots of measuring, using some brackets I had around to help mock up.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190226_213905.jpg Views:	0 Size:	89.1 KB ID:	13481
    CAD the design and print the prototypes at home.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190301_065241.jpg Views:	0 Size:	115.2 KB ID:	13482

    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190301_183932.jpg Views:	0 Size:	96.0 KB ID:	13483
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190302_111830.jpg Views:	0 Size:	91.8 KB ID:	13484

    Send files to CNC guy, boom, bracket.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190707_130655.jpg Views:	0 Size:	144.2 KB ID:	13485

    Big Ass Brake Kit.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190803_124146 sizeM.jpg Views:	0 Size:	202.3 KB ID:	13486
    Attached Files
    Last edited by pMak26; 04-18-2020, 08:35 AM.
    '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
    many others

    Comment


      #3
      With brakes and subframe done I buttoned up underneath the car for now with a Bimmerworld Race Exhaust. Good god it sounds amazeballs. My neighbors actually stopped by to tell me its loud, but sounds great after a quick test drive.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190804_140843.jpg Views:	0 Size:	166.1 KB ID:	13534

      Now it's time for some under the hood attention. I installed the biggest, highest CFM Spal fan I could as I didn't want to shroud it. The Spal 2082. It just fits when offset to avoid the crank hub. I'm controlling it with the stock fan controller. Makes life easy.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190810_092822.jpg Views:	0 Size:	83.6 KB ID:	13536

      I then gutted the HVAC and AC components.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191227_135440.jpg Views:	0 Size:	182.9 KB ID:	13537
      HVAC hole covered with the Hard Motorsports panel.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200116_181343.jpg Views:	0 Size:	116.3 KB ID:	13538

      While I was plugging heater core lines, I figured its a good time to clean the intake and ITBs. They were dirty af. Soaking in solvent.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191231_131944.jpg Views:	0 Size:	172.7 KB ID:	13539
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191231_131954.jpg Views:	0 Size:	155.8 KB ID:	13540
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191231_140156.jpg Views:	0 Size:	123.5 KB ID:	13541
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191231_140205.jpg Views:	0 Size:	141.8 KB ID:	13542
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191231_142439.jpg Views:	0 Size:	181.2 KB ID:	13543

      Next up was to do the Beisan refresh of the vanos unit, chain guide, valve adjustment, plugs, all the good while-you-are-in-there stuff.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200223_111744.jpg Views:	0 Size:	210.1 KB ID:	13547
      Finding the 'sweet spot'
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200223_111100.jpg Views:	0 Size:	154.7 KB ID:	13548
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200223_111124.jpg Views:	0 Size:	122.0 KB ID:	13549

      Helper, checking my work.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200216_201219.jpg Views:	0 Size:	100.3 KB ID:	13550

      The whole valvetrain looked great. clearly the engine has been properly taken care of. I barely had to adjust any, and those that I did were only one shim size away.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200223_164418.jpg Views:	0 Size:	145.3 KB ID:	13551

      I was able to pick up some MSCs, so I put them on and sent the car off to HRD Motorsports for a full alignment.
      Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190822_184008.jpg
Views:	1876
Size:	92.4 KB
ID:	13563
      Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20190926_163024.jpg
Views:	1879
Size:	110.1 KB
ID:	13564
      The car corner balanced fine and got about 3* of front camber and 2.1* in the rear. Very happy so far

      Just needed a new front bumper before taking it for a shakedown run at the last AutoX of 2019.
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190920_162644.jpg Views:	0 Size:	187.7 KB ID:	13557
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191008_213552.jpg Views:	0 Size:	90.0 KB ID:	13558
      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191103_114720.jpg Views:	0 Size:	200.9 KB ID:	13559
      I'm not an AutoXer, at all. I don't even remember the last time I did AutoX before this event. It was freezing cold and I was not on any sticky tire (Indy 500s). Don't care, had an absolute blast! After I yanked the DSC fuse the car was a hoot. I'm told I set a "very competitive" time, although I have no idea what it was as I didn't pay attention to any of it.

      And the build continues...

      Oh, at this point I should mention I have loads and loads of hours into removing something north of 30# of wiring out of the car as well. I lost track of how many hours pulling wires, but its a lot.
      Attached Files
      Last edited by pMak26; 04-18-2020, 09:58 AM.
      '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
      many others

      Comment


        #4
        I got some Hard Motorsports backing plates, but I wanted to shield the tie rod ball joint too.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191013_134352.jpg Views:	0 Size:	118.9 KB ID:	13570
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191013_153018.jpg Views:	0 Size:	129.7 KB ID:	13571

        I wrapped the BimmerWorld Race Exhaust by the diff and axle.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191011_170502.jpg Views:	0 Size:	150.8 KB ID:	13572

        For seats I went with Sparco Ergo on the driver side as that fit me really well, and a very lightweight GRID-Q for the passenger side. Ignore those stock seatbelts, they're long gone now hah. 2 seats as the intention of this car is to be used as a training tool at the track as well as fun racecar.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191102_151609.jpg Views:	0 Size:	182.2 KB ID:	13573

        I got some Condor plexi rear windows. I'm not going to say I regret putting plexi rear windows in, but it was a much bigger pain in the ass than I was hoping it would be.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200109_170456.jpg Views:	0 Size:	84.5 KB ID:	13574
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200109_200812.jpg Views:	0 Size:	134.5 KB ID:	13575
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200116_171831.jpg Views:	0 Size:	115.6 KB ID:	13576

        Next up was to go back in and remove the sound deadening. I kept some along the trans tunnel to keep some of the heat at bay.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200113_193512.jpg Views:	0 Size:	111.6 KB ID:	13577
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200113_200425.jpg Views:	0 Size:	150.8 KB ID:	13578
        Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200113_212258.jpg
Views:	1860
Size:	88.3 KB
ID:	13579
        Last edited by pMak26; 04-18-2020, 10:25 AM.
        '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
        many others

        Comment


          #5
          What kind of 3D printer do you have? That's very cool you were able to mock it up at home then just get it CNC'd.
          '03.5 M3 SMG Coupe - Jet Black / Black

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by r4dr View Post
            What kind of 3D printer do you have? That's very cool you were able to mock it up at home then just get it CNC'd.
            I have an older printer by Da Vinci. Its over 4 years old and the tech on these has far surpassed mine.
            '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
            many others

            Comment


              #7
              Now for some really fun bits.

              I got the Hard Motorsports front splitter.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200121_125257.jpg Views:	0 Size:	127.0 KB ID:	13656
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200121_162552.jpg Views:	0 Size:	159.0 KB ID:	13657
              I'll likely add some support rods to front corners-ish.

              Once the splitter was on, remember those brake backing plates? Well, ran my 3" brake cooling hoses to them.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200125_124014.jpg Views:	0 Size:	144.6 KB ID:	13658
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200125_124001.jpg Views:	0 Size:	159.7 KB ID:	13659
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200125_124023.jpg Views:	0 Size:	118.1 KB ID:	13660
              Those fog lights are gutted, it's just the cover.

              A while ago I was able to trade for a fiberglass hood with some vents already in it. It looked good, and I don't like carbon hoods for the whole can-decapitate-you factor. So I got to work painting it like crap and putting it on the car.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190519_130831.jpg Views:	0 Size:	117.3 KB ID:	13661
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190807_173325.jpg Views:	0 Size:	111.9 KB ID:	13662
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200417_153133.jpg Views:	0 Size:	158.3 KB ID:	13663
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200417_174148.jpg Views:	0 Size:	74.8 KB ID:	13664
              Keen eyes will notice a few things. I added some left over aluminum angle to the leading edge of the vent openings. It's essentially a gurney flap and should promote airflow to exit the vent with minimal drag penalty. Also, why the fux my trunk blue now?

              The hood pins I used are awesome and from Bruce's Speed Shop. There are some other copies out there, but these are made of surgical steal. I want safe.
              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20191222_131632.jpg
Views:	921
Size:	114.5 KB
ID:	13666
              Last edited by pMak26; 04-18-2020, 11:23 AM.
              '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
              many others

              Comment


                #8
                Nice! I did the same thing with the BW exhaust.

                You painted the bumper and hood at home? Where did you get the paint from? It looks like a match. I was using a rustoleum red which was a match but I can't find the right shade any more.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Awesome thread, more updates!

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by bigjae46 View Post
                    Nice! I did the same thing with the BW exhaust.

                    You painted the bumper and hood at home? Where did you get the paint from? It looks like a match. I was using a rustoleum red which was a match but I can't find the right shade any more.
                    Yeah I just painted them outside. The front bumper actually came out awesome, until the wind blew it over when it was almost done curing. Had to wet sand and do some of over. All well, racecar.

                    I ordered from: https://www.automotivetouchup.com/touch-up-paint/bmw/
                    The color match is excellent but some cans spray better than others. I've had a can from them that kept splattering big drops. That one pissed me off. They sent me a replacement when I showed them how shit that one was.

                    The close rustoleum is their Satin Heritage Red #7760830. It's great for the interior actually. All my interior is done with that. It doesn't quiet match in the sunlight though so I wouldn't use it on the exterior.

                    Originally posted by Ob917 View Post
                    Awesome thread, more updates!
                    Thanks, I have more to post, just need to sort out all the photos first.
                    Last edited by pMak26; 05-08-2020, 05:55 AM. Reason: edit spray paint color to correct color
                    '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
                    many others

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Link to the hood pins you used?

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by eacmen View Post
                        Link to the hood pins you used?
                        Bruce's Speed Shop is old school. I don't even know if he has a website. But he's been around for some 40+ years and is pretty well known in the car community. In the 90s he build all of the cages in the Dodge Viper Challenge cars. He's an old school machinist and makes all these hood pins, then has them anodized. If you want a set I think they're $90-ish and come in silver or black. You'll have to call to order: (973) 664-0192
                        '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
                        many others

                        Comment


                          #13
                          I have to share this because I thought it was kind of funny. To make it to that AutoX in 2019, I mounted my Sparco Ergo to the stock power sliders. So, I'm highly confident I had the only power, memory fixed back racing seat at the event lol.
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20190819_190854.jpg Views:	0 Size:	166.6 KB ID:	14603
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	69439237_343965013225076_913670699275517952_n.jpg Views:	0 Size:	39.7 KB ID:	14604
                          That's all been scrapped for proper fixed mounts.

                          The VRM wheels and Indy 500 tires I have on the car are intended for street use and rain track days. For dry track days, I'm super, super excited to try the new Nankang AR-1s in 275 width. They're basically DOT slicks and the reviews on them are better than R888r and NT01s.
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20191224_093232.jpg Views:	0 Size:	85.1 KB ID:	14605

                          I mounted them on a set of Alzors, I have two sets of these, I don't know why, so one (brand new still in the boxes) set is actually up for sale right now. I have too many wheels. These are definitely strong enough wheels to handle some curb hopping with slick tires though, so they're safe.
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200214_144529.jpg Views:	0 Size:	147.9 KB ID:	14606
                          And yes I store car parts in my living room.

                          Okay, here is a big one. THE CAGE! Now, I potentially would have some regret over the way I went about this, but the end result is so good, all is well. That said, if I had to do it all over again, I would have done it just dropped the car off with the professional and left it at that. At first I looked around my area and called a number of shops that had the capability of building a cage from scratch, but hadn't found one that inspired enough confidence for me pull the trigger. Wanting to build the car "in my driveway" from start to finish, I thought I might be able to weld a pre-bent cage in myself. So I started down that route. After many phone calls with the owner/builder, I ordered a customized 'kit' from the highly regarded rollcagecomponents. He does a lot of spec e46 cages and has created some good jigs for accurate repeatably. However, I got some cold feet about welding it in myself, as I'm not really qualified. So, even though I had ordered my kit already, I spent a few months still talking to shops that would be able to weld the cage in. Enter the best decision I've done on this build yet: http://www.mt-fabrication.com/
                          Miro, the owner of the shop, is freaking awesome. Dude is the nicest, honest, and highly skilled fabricator I have met. He's one-of-us as he is also a professional Formula D drifter. Here he is drifting with/against Fosberg:


                          The kit from rollcagecomponents was pretty damn good. It wasn't perfect, but that is to be expected. Overall the fit is impressive for something bent up without having the car on-site, and Miro added/tweeked a few things to make one hell of a nice cage.
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200214_124908.jpg Views:	0 Size:	68.3 KB ID:	14607
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_6292.jpg Views:	0 Size:	143.7 KB ID:	14608
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200409_163742.jpg Views:	0 Size:	125.1 KB ID:	14609
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200415_135806.jpg Views:	0 Size:	92.2 KB ID:	14610
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200416_144509.jpg Views:	0 Size:	163.5 KB ID:	14611
                          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20200416_190439.jpg Views:	0 Size:	148.5 KB ID:	14612
                          Last edited by pMak26; 04-20-2020, 08:39 AM.
                          '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
                          many others

                          Comment


                            #14
                            I want to try a set of those tires. The cage looks killer, really nice work.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Couple smaller updates.

                              Got the dash back in. Bit of measuring, bit of trial and error to make it fit.

                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200419_191150.jpg
Views:	861
Size:	115.6 KB
ID:	19951
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200419_192420.jpg
Views:	838
Size:	174.0 KB
ID:	19952

                              Flipped the steering lock key so the steering cannot accidentally lock while on track. A rule in most series that the lock must be removed.
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200420_144441.jpg
Views:	843
Size:	71.7 KB
ID:	19953

                              I installed some spring latches for the trunk. Weight on the trunk to simulate where the trunk will be with a bit of DF. Wanted to make sure the latches wouldn't become loose with compression from the wing. Eventually I'll paint it. It's ugly AF right now.
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200421_163147.jpg
Views:	839
Size:	171.9 KB
ID:	19954

                              Wang installed. LOT of measuring to make sure it is dead center and square on the car.
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200424_113244.jpg
Views:	840
Size:	153.0 KB
ID:	19955
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200422_151705.jpg
Views:	825
Size:	104.6 KB
ID:	19956

                              Installed a new windshield as the one in there was cracked - not legal.
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200429_142940.jpg
Views:	842
Size:	128.3 KB
ID:	19957
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200429_150614.jpg
Views:	834
Size:	128.3 KB
ID:	19958

                              I bungee corded my lap belts as its a pain digging them out of your butthole everytime you get in the car.
                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200501_201217.jpg
Views:	841
Size:	159.5 KB
ID:	19959
                              '02 e46m3 - fully caged track car
                              many others

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X