Preparing An E36 M3 for Stock Category Autocross Competition

There are seven things I'd do to a stock 1995 M3 to prep it for competition in SCCA BS class. And I've listed them pretty much in the order I'd do them.

1. Tires... R-compound tires are a must.

2. Shocks... Koni single-adjustables will get you most of the way there. Get Koni doubles if your budget will allow.

3. Sway bar... H&R 28mm front sway bar set to full soft.

4. Exhaust... a light weight cat-back exhaust system can drop more than 30 pounds.

5. Wheels... light weight wheels can save 16 or more pounds of *rotating* mass, which some people estimate is worth 10:1 over static mass.

6. Bushings... make sure all the suspension bushings are in good condition.

7. Alignment... a good competition alignment can make a world of difference.... maximize negative camber front and rear, set front toe to zero and rear toe to about 1/4" toe-in (less for tight courses).

After that I'd replace the air filter, spark plugs, and synthetic lubricants.

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