I will start with the car as it was recently purchased, basically a strong running M3 with some solid upgrades by a U.S. factory approved tuner, DINAN CARS Inc., and document the evolution of the car as it is taken to different area track events and driven on the streets of the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area of NC.

11/20/06 - I have now had 14 Time Trial/HPDE events with this car, and although I can't say I've mastered the car, I am definately getting used to the extra weight that my prior cars lacked, and used to the added power. I have found the "throttle-steer button", and am starting to get predictable rotation, something I found elusive until recently. These cars really are wonderful. So far, I have had very little to complain about, except for the lack of quality in some of the interior pieces (door panels, headliner, etc.). Mechanically, the only service item I had to deal with (other than brake pads and tires) is the main engine computer got water in it and fried ($1,000). Other than that, I am quite pleased with how this car is fairing, especially given the fact that it is driven on track (but carefully). Everything is checked and adjusted regularly, and the fluids changed quite frequently, so I guess that helps.

Prior to Purchase

Dinan Equipment (15 point)

  • Performance Chip
  • High-Flow Cold Air Intake System
  • Stainless Steel Free-Flow Exhaust
  • High Flow Throttle Body
  • Front Strut Tower Brace
  • Stage 2 Suspension System

Other Modifications

  • Rogue Engineering Short Shifter
  • Khumo Ecsta street tires

 


After Purchase

Custom Competition Cages 4 point roll bar -SOLO 1 spec
UUC Transmission Enforcer mounts
Simpson 6 point safety harness
fire bottle
Brembo Rotors
Carbotech Panther XP8 front brake pads (very nice feel, but a little noisey and they DUST LIKE CRAZY! I will replace these and use them on the track only)
I/O Port Roll Bar Camera Mount (see latest video)
Khumo ECSTA 712 Street Tires
Toyo RA 1's track tires
Alutec 17x7.5 wheels for track tires...waiting for tire funds ;)

to be continued....

12/11/04 - DYNO DAY!!! Trip to Carolina Auto Masters in Durham, NC for a pull on the dynamometer to see what we actually have at the rear wheels. No big suprises, 216.1 hp at 5900 rpm, and torque of 208.3 @ 4500 rpm (see report)

 

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