Being that guy...

[kyrix1st]

Been too busy lately to slack off posting pictures. Now that I have some, I thought I would do exactly that.

My 4 banger zed went through some extensive suspension work during this summer, and is almost ready to compete in challenge race series in euro cup held in Hyogo. Got 318is front brakes, IDI 750 brake pads, Quantum racing coilovers, etc..Engine, drivetrain and interior(!) isn't to be meddled with per regulations so they are stock. Next up is OS giken Superlock LSD, seriously need that straight line pick up at the last corner of Central Circuit...

Looks proper sleeper now..

Zeds don't strike as an ultimate driving machine on its first sight, but with a bit of love and "respekt", truly lives up to its slogan with subtlety.

Same spot, different day..

First testing on a slightly wet track. Started raining when the session started, but went away mid session. Took it easy as it was my first time on Suzuka South course (completely different from main circuit, mostly used for go kart races/gymkhana). In the end, I felt like I got to know about 50% of the car's potential. Felt great through corners, caught up with ND Miata in about 4 laps including out lap.

 

[kyrix1st]

Below is the clip found from Youtube on how the race progresses for anyone who is interested.
There are 5 point races per season, so if you happen to visit Japan and happen to be on the race day, you can see it for free!

 

[Dino D]

This looks like great fun.

Must get a lot of looks taking a Z3 out, import cars there are normally pampered and gareged and sold back here as minters!

Any more info on that LSD?
Clutch type or torsen?

 

[Ianmc]

I enjoyed watching that more than the whole season of F1 racing so far - am an E36/Z3 enthusiast so likely biased. Hope the "coming together" at the end wasn't too damaging?

 

[kyrix1st]

This looks like great fun.

Must get a lot of looks taking a Z3 out, import cars there are normally pampered and gareged and sold back here as minters!

Any more info on that LSD?
Clutch type or torsen?

Hi. The one I have is stock torsen, but I am looking to install OS Giken superlock which is multi clutch LSD.
Most seem to use initial as 15kg since it produces the best feel out of the corner on top of reliability.
One downside of OS giken is their oil grade which is 80w-250, and OS giken explicitly emphasizes the use of their own oil
Very quiet in general though. Only lets you know it's got that lock when you push the car.

 

[kyrix1st]

I enjoyed watching that more than the whole season of F1 racing so far - am an E36/Z3 enthusiast so likely biased. Hope the "coming together" at the end wasn't too damaging?

Glad you enjoyed it It is very interesting, but the course is a nightmare when wet (which is usually the case in August). The most I've seen about 3 red flags in one session.

 

[motco]

I'm surprised to see it is a left hand drive since Japan is a keep left country. Great footage, though, and nice to see a Z being used properly.

 

[kyrix1st]

I'm surprised to see it is a left hand drive since Japan is a keep left country. Great footage, though, and nice to see a Z being used properly.

Ah, unlike(?) G.B. it is legal to drive LHD cars in Japan. There weren't many BMWs to start with in the 90s, so most import cars were LHD. Some (like me) prefer LHD because the car was designed around the left cockpit: turn signals, balance, steering rack -goes through exhaust manifold in RHDs, which slightly reduced bhp in some models (E46 M3 for example)-, etc. Also feels "exotic" to drive lefties..

On the other hand, LHD actually helps visibility in Kyoto though, because there are lots of cyclists on the edges of the road. Downsides are 1.you will find yourself going to malls and parking lots where they support LHD, so life becomes a little mundane. 2. you will always wait for the turn right signal because you can't see the opposite lane.

 

[motco]

Ah, unlike(?) G.B. it is legal to drive LHD cars in Japan. There weren't many BMWs to start with in the 90s, so most import cars were LHD. Some (like me) prefer LHD because the car was designed around the left cockpit: turn signals, balance, steering rack -goes through exhaust manifold in RHDs, which slightly reduced bhp in some models (E46 M3 for example)-, etc. Also feels "exotic" to drive lefties..

On the other hand, LHD actually helps visibility in Kyoto though, because there are lots of cyclists on the edges of the road. Downsides are 1.you will find yourself going to malls and parking lots where they support LHD, so life becomes a little mundane. 2. you will always wait for the turn right signal because you can't see the opposite lane.

It's not illegal to drive LHD here, but it might have insurance cost implications, I suppose. In the busier parts of Britain where most main roads are dual carriageway the LHD limitations are few because overtaking is less dependent on seeing ahead. In more rural parts where some major roads are single carriageway, though, it does have disadvantages.

My recollections of Japanese driving conditions are forty years old - I last visited in 1977, unfortunately. I'd love to return for a holiday rather than the frequent trips I made on business, but family medical constraints make that difficult.