98 M3 Square set up

[coolerthanafan]

I'm sure this has been asked before and I have searched other forums. However, I want to run 17x8.5 DSII's on all for corners with 245/40/17's and stoptechs. Does anyone else have this setup? Will I need spacers, rolled fenders? I am installing GC coilovers also. Thanks a lot guys!

[Level8drummer]

I don't know...Fans are pretty cool!

I run 255/40R17's on 40mm offset 17x8.5 TR motorsports C2 wheels. 12mm spacers up front, the rear's offset is perfect how the wheel is.

My suspension is H&R race springs and bilstein sport shocks. I swapped the front hats for negative camber. I rolled and pulled the rear fenders.

With this setup, I clear 255's at a pretty low ride height. Without the negative camber up front, it won't clear. At a higher ride height you will have FAR less trouble with clearance.

I run stock calipers and PFC06 race pads. I've never had any issues with the brakes. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.

Level8Drummer

[coolerthanafan]

Thanks man. I don't mind rolling and pulling the fenders. Id rather not do negative camber but if needed, I will. Was trying to see if I could find someone with the setup I want. I live the DSII's and want the oem look.

[Level8drummer]

You are planning on putting this car on the track, right?

Level8Drummer

[coolerthanafan]

No, this is my dd. I may go to the track but more than likely not.

[Level8drummer]

I gotcha. I assumed because you were buying coilovers and big brakes that you planned on doing some track events with the car. Neither of which are necessary for track time, but can be a nice bonus ;)

I wouldn't put your money into coilovers if you don't plan on getting the car corner balanced and taking it out on the track. That's really the whole point of coilovers. That's my opinion though, people who work for their money should spend it however they see fit. Just know that coilovers aren't necessary, nor are they "the only way" to properly setup a street car.

I'd spend the money on track events ;) Talk about as much fun as you can have with your pants on! :devillook

Level8Drummer

[coolerthanafan]

I gotcha. I assumed because you were buying coilovers and big brakes that you planned on doing some track events with the car. Neither of which are necessary for track time, but can be a nice bonus ;)

I wouldn't put your money into coilovers if you don't plan on getting the car corner balanced and taking it out on the track. That's really the whole point of coilovers. That's my opinion though, people who work for their money should spend it however they see fit. Just know that coilovers aren't necessary, nor are they "the only way" to properly setup a street car.

I'd spend the money on track events ;) Talk about as much fun as you can have with your pants on! :devillook

Level8Drummer

Its very possible that if I track it once, I will be hooked. But as for now, I am not planning on it. However, I enjoy my driving. From FL to The Gap, through GA and the Carolinas. Just want a good stance, good handling, without bouncing around like a civic with cut springs.

[MatthewH]

With less static negative camber in front, you will probably need more than a 12mm spacer in front. A generous amount of static negative camber in front is fine for daily driving as long as it combined with close to zero toe. I'd just swap your stock front strut mounts side-to-side and/or run a standard factory "camber" bolt which you can pickup at your local hardware store.

I have the standard off-the-shelf Koni Sports which the GC coilover kits are based on, and they are probably not the best ride quality option--especially not if you turn up the rebound adjustment. You might be better off with standard Bilsteins and your stock springs. Or coilovers with better dampers.

[coolerthanafan]

With less static negative camber in front, you will probably need more than a 12mm spacer in front. A generous amount of static negative camber in front is fine for daily driving as long as it combined with close to zero toe. I'd just swap your stock front strut mounts side-to-side and/or run a standard factory "camber" bolt which you can pickup at your local hardware store.

I have the standard off-the-shelf Koni Sports which the GC coilover kits are based on, and they are probably not the best ride quality option--especially not if you turn up the rebound adjustment. You might be better off with standard Bilsteins and your stock springs. Or coilovers with better dampers.

Thanks man! I am new to aftermarket suspension and wheels, always ran stock. Negative camber? Does that mean more wear on one side of the tire? Also, which coilovers and better dampers would you suggest.
As stated before, I'm not looking for much track time, if any. However, I like to drive and I like to drive long distance and my brother and I like driving The Gap but want better handling and stopping. Running a square setup will also allow for tire rotation and purchase of one size.

[MatthewH]

Camber is how much the tire leans in top to bottom.

Static negative camber looks like this from the front of back of the car:

// ----\\

It doesn't really wear tires much, in fact some static negative camber is always required to keep the outside edge of the tire from wearing first. Combined with a lot of toe, negative camber can wear the inside edges of the tires quickly.

I have no personal experience with coilover kits, but the AST 4100s are a highly regarded "budget" option for what you are looking for. They can even be used with your stock springs.