[orionredwing]

The forum is inundated with countless threads and videos about ¼ mile runs and street kills, so much that if we were to measure by post count, it seems 99% of the enthusiast world cares only about straight line performance. But I know that’s not true. So let me post my review here (sticks tongue out at Craig / Mr 5 who also did the same).

This was my 5th time to Laguna. I was in a pretty fast paced group (my best lap 1:54 on a pass), and I had great expectations for V4, as the selling features applied directly to the track.

For those new to the track, the fastest time is really about how smooth you are (which encompasses knowing your lines, etc). So for me, V4’s power delivery was greatly anticipated and did not disappoint. The gentle throttle coming out of the apex was very predictable. No longer did I have to hunt for that elusive throttle position for the power I wanted. Completing the turn, and going from partial to full throttle was so linear!

In the past, going from partial throttle to full throttle had a definite lag. Sometimes, my instructors would ask me to give more throttle, but in reality…I was; unfortunately there was a slight delay before it kicked in. Other times, the car would surge ahead, and my instructors would ask me to be smoother on the acceleration, ‘it doesn’t need to be punched’. But in reality, I was trying to be smooth. It’s just the darned power delivery was unpredictable.

Those running v4 can imagine my joy. Coming out of the turn and coming back to full power felt so smooth, like a naturally aspirated engine! My turns never felt better.

Ah, forget the words. Just check out the video (available in HD)

My Setup:

PROcede v4 - Stage 1 (ign 120%, default is 100%)

I started off at Stage 2+ defaults, and I gotta tell you; it’s a beast! But I couldn’t use the power. I found myself messing up my lines way too much because I surged ahead too fast. I couldn’t adjust quickly enough to compensate for the new braking points on stock brakes, and couldn’t be smooth coming out of the turns. My lap times improved after I dialed it down (Stg 2+ 1:56 lap, Stg 1 1:54).

AMS Intercooler

No power fade over the day; so noticeable with the stock intercooler. This would be my 1st track upgrade in the future, even before a tune.

AR Catless Downpipes

All the street reviews apply here. Quicker throttle experience that when matched w/ v4, made it a really winning combination.

Wavetrac LSD & KW V3 w/ Swift Springs

Man, I can write a whole review just about this. My friend in a stock M3 kept saying he couldn’t take the turns like I did. This was a huge comment, because on previous track days, the turns was his equalizer for my torque! I would always pull away big time uphill (SO fun watching him fade), but he would catch up so quickly on the turns with my stock sport suspension. Now he’s lost that advantage. He still pulls away on the straights with Stg 1, but not on Stg 2+. Not enough to compensate for the rest of the lap. The higher spring rates (Swift Springs) seem to equalize against his M3 bits.

So we decided to play a game of tag on the last session of the day. I was able to keep pace with him in front, but when we switched, I pulled away within half a lap, and he couldn’t catch up. Before this mod, I was the one who couldn’t catch him.

It was a lot of fun. Sometimes, a great track day is about the experience you share with your friends

P.S. This is not a 335i vs M3 discussion. I’m just saying with my mods vs a STOCK M3, it allowed us to have a very fun and competitive experience relying on driver skills, whereas before, the major factor was in the car’s performance. I have a video of 2 laps of our fun. Will post later.

This video can be viewed in HD.

[u2b]bO0mLhCDodY&hl[/u2b]

[blisstik]

Do you have to be a member of some sort to race in Laguna Seca? I'm about 3 hours away. How do I and my E46 SC buddy get in there?

Also, was it the E92 or E46 M3?

[orionredwing]

My friend's was an E92 M3.

As for getting onto the track, if it's your first time, definitely do a BMWCCA HPDE. They are a bit more expensive, but it includes instruction, a MUST have your first time there. If you factor in instruction, it isn't more expensive, and the instructors are so top notched. I won't even list the other alternatives, so highly do I recommend the HPDEs.

Next Laguna event on 5/12:

http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/?page=calendar&id=477

Basically, I attend the BMWCCA HPDEs to learn, then go with other clubs to practice, then come back to the HPDEs to learn (or unlearn any bad habits).

Originally Posted by darklocust

Do you have to be a member of some sort to race in Laguna Seca? I'm about 3 hours away. How do I and my E46 SC buddy get in there?

Also, was it the E92 or E46 M3?

[jpsimon]

great review, I'm jealous of your test track! I've only been able to do laps at laguna in Gran Turismo

[forza1976]

Awesome! Man I want to go back to that place and get back on the track...

[Ilma]

Originally Posted by orionredwing

So for me, V4’s power delivery was greatly anticipated and did not disappoint. The gentle throttle coming out of the apex was very predictable. No longer did I have to hunt for that elusive throttle position for the power I wanted. Completing the turn, and going from partial to full throttle was so linear!

In the past, going from partial throttle to full throttle had a definite lag. Sometimes, my instructors would ask me to give more throttle, but in reality…I was; unfortunately there was a slight delay before it kicked in. Other times, the car would surge ahead, and my instructors would ask me to be smoother on the acceleration, ‘it doesn’t need to be punched’. But in reality, I was trying to be smooth. It’s just the darned power delivery was unpredictable.

Hey...that kind of reminds me of an empty milk carton analogy I read somewhere

[jpsimon]

Originally Posted by Ilma

Hey...that kind of reminds me of an empty milk carton analogy I read somewhere

see it makes sense!

[Ilma]

Lol......gotcha.

Here is the link for those who are wondering WTF?


http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347424

[Sniz]

damn that looks like fun!

[bmwzimmer]

You and Mr. 5 should meet up at Laguna Seca next time. Your times are very close....

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=Laguna+Seca

[zsapphire7]

interesting camera mount. Which one are you using btw?

[Mr. 5]

Nice review man.
I wish I would have been there.
I know you were having issues with limp modes the last time you were there.
Did you get any limps this time?

[orionredwing]

yes I was at that event too. Was great meeting mr 5 and everyone.

Originally Posted by bmwzimmer

You and Mr. 5 should meet up at Laguna Seca next time. Your times are very close....

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=Laguna+Seca

I bought the GoPro HD Motorsports camera that just came out fall last year. It is fantastic. I mounted it on the top of my sunroof using the included suction cup. Next time I'll place it lower on the front windshield. Amazing how the suction holds at 120mph. Everyone else was mounting it outside so I thought I'd give it a try.

Originally Posted by zsapphire7

interesting camera mount. Which one are you using btw?

[orionredwing]

yes I got it fixed! Turns out it was some bad o2 sensors. After I replaced the 2 front ones the car runs great. What a relief.

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Nice review man.
I wish I would have been there.
I know you were having issues with limp modes the last time you were there.
Did you get any limps this time?

[blisstik]

Finally got to see the video. That thing hauls in the straights! Any plans of upgrading the front sways + strut bar?

[XPO186]

Originally Posted by zsapphire7

interesting camera mount. Which one are you using btw?

I noticed that too... the location is kinda cool IMO

[dlbrooks18]

very nice review!

[TakeOne]

MAN that looks fun!
Oh man is it bad that i knew every turn up ahead due to playing too much NFS shift? lol

[R1000K3]

Very good and inspiring video orionredwing. Good to see you overtake other cars by good driving and a strong 335

[OpenFlash]

I love Laguna. In a powerful car, it's so much fun. It's got such a nice flow to it once your car moving. Great driving OP!

[aitsu]

i really wish BMW would offer limited slip as an option on these cars or not make it so retarded difficult to swap in an aftermarket diff. either way, really nice driving.. damn youtube is slow when it comes to HD.. they really need to up their bandwidth.

[scalbert]

Looks great.

But thanks, now that pretty much destined me to revisiting Road Atlanta and trying out Barber Motorsports Park.