Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2
I posted the below in a different thread, but seems more appropriate here. Just wanted to share some notes after 40+ track days with my M2:
Looking back, it seems a person should either just leave the car stock + camber plates or be prepared to go whole hog. This is my only car and I plan on keeping it for a while, so I went the later.
I started with the Dinan sport tuner. The sport tuner just doesn't seem up to the task for the track. The last thing you want is to have just passed someone and the car goes limp mode at the top of 4th/into 5th and there's a sudden drop in speed! That's when I took it off and switched to Dinan stage 1 with the thought to eventually going stage 4.
Any added boost, even with Dinantronics Stage 1, seems to need a larger intercooler after 20min on the track. Mine would pull timing later into the sessions until I added the Dinan FMIC.
I had to add the Dinan LPFP mod so I could run below 1/3 tank on track without getting fuel pick up issues.
The Dinan suspension improved looks and handling, and is really enjoyable.
I tried the Fall Line solid rear toe links, but took them off. The added NVH is too much for me as a daily driver. Plus, the rear skirm on the M2 is so easy to manage, so no big deal.
Added 0.04” front toe-in, as the car was seeking a bit too much on the highways with zero toe. Currently at -3.0 front and -2.0 rear with 0.3” rear toe in for added stability.
I tried most all the track tires out there in 18s and 19s. The 19 staggered setup is faster than 18 square and I’ll be sticking to 4S’s for cold, wet, and snowy tracks (yes, I ran in snow at Watkins Glen early this year!), RE-71R for arrive and drive, and R7 for max grip.
As for wheels, my first set of Tirerack wheels warped after 10 track days and I had to trash them. Apex's held up well, and now on VMR's.
My biggest issue has been the brakes. I tried nursing the OEM brakes with various pads, fluid, and cooling approaches. The truth is the stock M2 brakes suck for serious tracking. I had to get a front AP BBK to make my brake issues go away.
This week I added the Dinan turbo and Stage 4 piggyback. Amazing how smooth and easy to drive all that extra power is. I feel like I want to keep this car forever now.
I also added the CSF radiator, oil cooler, and DCT cooler. I would see engine temps rising on hot track days before Stage 4, so the added cooling will help performance and protect the car. Going to try Stage 4 on track next weekend and will let you all know how it goes.
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I am at that cross road now, keep it all stock or go down the rabbit hole. Have you added a downpipe to your car? Also was wondering if Dinan still has warranty coverage for your engine when you have one of their Stages installed?