[kevkaz]

I am a pretty new autocrosser with one season under my belt. I have 4 points of mods to spare before jumping up a class, which I do not want to do. I already have r-comp tires, toyo proxes r888. What do you guys think is best to improve my handling - i'm particularly concerned about the amount of body roll on the e92... here is what the cost of each mod is:

Race/Adjustable shocks = 1 pt per pair (I think Koni FSD's don't qualify, I'm checking)

Springs = 4 pts

Sway bars = 1 pt each

Other mods like race alignments and bushings are 0 points.

Thoughts?

[Chowbow]

Shocks for sure. I'm not sure how the autoX series you're in works, but I'm guessing it's not following SCCA rules if it has a points to mod system?

Shocks will make the biggest difference after tires. If you're going to go competitive, then get a set of high quality double adjustables. The only company I know of that makes DA shocks compatible with stock springs (with SCCA Stock class legal perches) is Vorshlag's AST shocks. Pretty penny but should be a good setup.

[mike-y]

Koni should be able to get you a nice shock setup too. Yellows are single adjustable, but they can be converted to double adjustable by the factory. They also have some higher end race shocks, but they will require a hefty budget.

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by Chowbow

Shocks for sure. I'm not sure how the autoX series you're in works, but I'm guessing it's not following SCCA rules if it has a points to mod system?

Shocks will make the biggest difference after tires. If you're going to go competitive, then get a set of high quality double adjustables. The only company I know of that makes DA shocks compatible with stock springs (with SCCA Stock class legal perches) is Vorshlag's AST shocks. Pretty penny but should be a good setup.

Yeah, I run my car in local BMWCCA events. Might try some SCCA later on, but I'll probably just stick with what I'm doing for now.

This car is almost a daily driver for me in the warmer months (pretty much a no-driver for me Dec-Feb) so I don't want to get too silly with the suspension. It sounds like the FSD + Eibach would be a good fit, keeps my car driveable on the street, should improve handling a bit, and keeps me right at the point limit for my class. I wasn't sure if sways would help more instead, but from what I've seen and heard, it sounds like the springs and shocks will provide the most benefit. Unfortunately I cannot do both without jumping up a class, something I don't want to do now.

[Gen_E92]

keep the stock springs if you're not looking for a drop...eibach springs won't improve your performance if you want FSD

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by Gen_E92

keep the stock springs if you're not looking for a drop...eibach springs won't improve your performance if you want FSD

I actually don't mind a slight drop... nothing too crazy tho. But you don't think the Eibach prokit will do much for handling?

Are there alternatives to the FSD that are not adjustable or a pure race shock?

[Chowbow]

I don't think the Eibach springs will do all that much for your handling. I have them right now, but I think most of the handling improvement I felt came from the new shocks. But i wanted the car just a bit lower so I got springs as well.

[Gen_E92]

Originally Posted by kevkaz

I actually don't mind a slight drop... nothing too crazy tho. But you don't think the Eibach prokit will do much for handling?

Are there alternatives to the FSD that are not adjustable or a pure race shock?

not a bit since the spring rate is almost the same as stock (w/in a few lb/in)...plus the eibach is progressive so it'll be abit less controlled and have abit more body roll I'm guessing.

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by kevkaz

I actually don't mind a slight drop... nothing too crazy tho. But you don't think the Eibach prokit will do much for handling?

Are there alternatives to the FSD that are not adjustable or a pure race shock?

You could consider the BMW performance suspension mods. Also, the Windy City Chapter hasn't historically really looked at the cars too closely for the points count so you may have a bit of wiggle room.

[rsjames]

With four points, shocks and swaybars will make a huge difference. A bigger front bar and stiffer shocks will help the turn-in; a bigger rear bar will reduce the steady-state understeer.

How many points are camber plates?

[Ron@Modbargains]

Get some Motul RBF 600 - great for your autocross
Sways will help a ton - I like the Hotchkis

Why is no one saying Koni yellows for the autocross? Koni FSD are great but I think a Yellows would be far more compliant for the autocross. If you are willing to go coilovers - check out the KW's really depends on budget.

[kevkaz]

Unforunately coilovers won't work for me as they will certainly bump me up a class. I'm not willing to do that now.

Here are all the suspension mods that affect how the car is classed. I have 4 points to spend. I do already have R-comp tires (Toyo Proxes R888). Unfortunately they're on my stock 189 wheels and I know that switching to something lighter will help too.

Race/Adjustable shocks 1 per pair
Stabilizer bar (non-stock) 2 each
Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) 4
Camber plates 2
Active/Quick ratio steering 2
Cut or special springs 4
Stress bar 1 each
Adjustable coil-overs 10

I was thinking of going with some of the M3 suspension parts, since those items are not listed I'm guessing they do not cost me any mod points, just $. I'm a little confused by that stuff as the threads about it are kinda long and didn't seem to have a good summary (or maybe I didn't look hard enough )

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by mdemange

You could consider the BMW performance suspension mods. Also, the Windy City Chapter hasn't historically really looked at the cars too closely for the points count so you may have a bit of wiggle room.

I don't think they have much for the e92 yet, just the e90?

And you're right, it seems that nobody pays much attention to points over there, but I'm gonna keep things legit...

[stressdoc]

Get an E90 -- put BmW perf suspension on and Hotchkis front sway. M3 suspension bits, more camber. Light battery etc.

[nicknaz]

Personally with 1 season I'd go back to street tires and keep the car stock. There's something to be said (IMHO) from learning how the car responds to your inputs at the traction limit while at lower speeds

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Get an E90 -- put BmW perf suspension on and Hotchkis front sway. M3 suspension bits, more camber. Light battery etc.

of the 7 or 8 cars i have purchased in my life, only one had four doors and I kept that one for less than 18 months.

i'm sticking with the e92!

[kevkaz]

Originally Posted by Nick Nazareno

Personally with 1 season I'd go back to street tires and keep the car stock. There's something to be said (IMHO) from learning how the car responds to your inputs at the traction limit while at lower speeds

Well, I'm starting to lean towards just leaving things where they are for right now, maybe just a more agressive alignment and that's it. I don't have a clear answer right now.

[blipblip]

With 1 season, I assume you are not driving at the car's full potential. I am with Nick here about race tires...it masks bad driving habits.

I will spend the money on a set of light weight 17" wheels with good street tires. Then spend the rest on autocross school (SCCA's Evolution school). Only after you think you maxed out the car's current capabilities, then upgrade some other stuff. Upgrading now might again, just masking bad driving habits.

[BMWAutoXer]

SCCA's evolution school is the best investment any autocrosser can make. bonus, NO POINTS! not to mention whether you're hardcore or just goofing around, it's a TON of fun.