E36 325i track prep on a budget,where to start?
want to get my 325i ready for track days at phillip island. budget is about $3k total. the car is stock with 180k on it. what should i prioritise? thinking brakes first then suspension. the stock brakes fade after 3 laps. anyone running an e36 on track got a recommended build order?
Good budget. Priority order: 1. Brake pads (Hawk HPS for dual duty, about $300). 2. Brake fluid (Motul RBF 600, $50). 3. Stainless braided brake lines ($120). Those three things alone will transform the braking. Next priority is a good set of coilovers or at minimum Bilstein B8 shocks with Eibach springs. For $3k total you should be able to cover brakes, fluid, lines, and a decent shock/spring combo.
Brakes first, absolutely. I've seen so many people put coilovers on before sorting brakes and then they're going faster into corners but can't stop. That's a recipe for barrier contact. M3Mike's order is spot on. Also budget for a track day helmet if you don't have one, most events require SA2015 or newer.
Don't forget fresh engine oil and a coolant flush before the first track day. The stock cooling system is marginal under track conditions. A fresh thermostat and water pump are cheap insurance. The M50 engine will happily do track days all day long if the cooling is working properly.