Date: 8-2-06 12:16 From: car21milton in Cambridge Subject: 2002 Race Car Project - Information required.
I have just purchased a 1973 2002 ti which I intend to turn into a group 1 or group 2 race car. This will be campaigned in Europe.
Unfortunately my knowledge of BMW's is limited as I currently race an Alfa Romeo.
I'm gradually gathering information from as many sites / people as possible as to the best shocks, spring rates, engine mods etc. etc. that can / should done to make the car as competitive as possible.
Any information or links to sites would be much appreciated.
Thankyou in advance.
Bob.
Date: 8-2-06 01:20 From: Mark Subject: Make sure you understand the rules ....
for whatever club or sancitoning body you plan to compete with. Here in the US as far as the "vintage" clubs the rules range from very strict to not so strict, some examples are on the web pages for HMSAUSA, VARA and General Racing Ltd.,
The bottom line is that you can make improvements to your car and then not be allowed to race the car. Be knowledgable before you spend $$$
Date: 8-2-06 01:54 From: Sam Subject: more info is needed type of tracks, duration
The bigest question is what type of racing is this (sprint, enduro)? what kind of track is it, altitude etc, what rules do you have to run with? Shocks, springs, bars are all dependent upon the tracks you will drive, how you drive, etc.
Sam
LaValle's Import Restorations
merlin_m3_racing (at) yahoo.com NOTE THE UNDERSCORES!!!
Date: 8-2-06 02:23 From: car21milton in Cambridge Subject: Re: more info is needed type of tracks, duration
Thanks for the replies so far.
I'm afraid the car will be campaigning in Europe and this forum is mainly visited by people from 'across the pond' so I'm trying to get knowledge of what you guys use. We may be missing a trick across here and if I can get some valuable information that could give the car a vital edge, so much the better.
Anyway..........
The car will compete in a series called "Young Timers" in Europe. These races are held at circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, Nurburgring-Norschliefe, Silverstone etc. These races vary from 30 races to 2 driver 500 KM races.
I appreciate that there are a wide range of improvements / modifications that can be done.
As a rule of thumb in Europe:-
Group 1 is pretty much a production class. Shocks and spring rates are free. You must use original suspension mounting points and spring diameters. Brake calipers must be standard and apart from porting the head, thats pretty much it.
Group 2 cars allow for LSD's, dog boxes, and some engine modifications. The suspension can be changed to coil overs but original mounting points must be used.
Group 4 is pretty much free. Steel cranks, forged pistons, management systems etc.
This is a very rough description of mods allowed and I still have more research to do, but I am trying to get a feel for the spring rates people use and also what manufacture and valving of shocks (if known) that people do tend to go for.
As you can appreciate the suspension is a crucial part of the car. With the best engine in the world, if the car doesn't go round corners you will struggle to be competitive.
Thanks once again.
Date: 8-2-06 05:44 From: TJW in Hong Kong Subject: Re: more info is needed type of tracks, duration
Have a look at this website, we run tii struts modified by leda and their coils but they were done many years ago with only rebound adjustment now they can fit bump as well.
http://www.leda.com/
If you tell them what you are doing they will give you pretty good advice and they do know what they are talking about.
They will also follow up service your stuff at a very good price.
Date: 8-2-06 10:26 From: jireland Subject: Re: 2002 Race Car Project - Information required.
Some Suggestions but would need specifics of rules to make more specific recomendations
spring rate 400 lb/in front, 350 lb/in rear is a good place to start.
big sway bars
probably Bilstein shocks - maybe revalved and maybe shorten the rear shock
urethane bushings maybe some solid or rod ends
It is Critical to increase front camber. 3 to 3.5 degrees would be nice.
There are lots of other tricks depending on the rules.
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