Hey Guys & Gals,
I'm looking to upgrade the suspension on my Z3M and because we share the same front suspension, I'm planning to purchase a set of coil-overs made for an e36. As many of you know, the rear suspension on the e36/7 and 36/8 is shortened similar to the E30 setup. From what I gather, they e36 rear assemblies will bolt up, but the shock and travel length is too far. My plan is to order a set up extended top hat's from Ground Control and utilize the e36 rear coilover setup. I'm not 100% sure on which setup I plan to purchase yet, but that's okay. What I need to know is what the shaft diameters are for a few different coil-over options in order to purchase the right top hat's to test.
Think any of you could help a brother out? If so, many thanks in advance!
Last edited by Meeners; 12-22-2018 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Shocks not struts
A ‘hat’ or ‘top hat’ generally refers to the circular shaped disk that rests against the spring on the front strut assembly.
Rear Shock Mounts (RSM) and Strut Mounts (Guide Support in BMW speak) are what the shocks/struts attach to, and what attaches them to the car.
Ground Control offers a Z3 specific set of Coil Overs with the correct rear shocks and springs/spring rates for a Z3.
Internally adjustable Koni rear shocks have 10mm shafts and the externally adjustable Turner/TCK/GC Koni shock shafts are 12mm.
http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details150.cfm
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-Z3/c-431-
https://groundcontrolstore.com/produ...l-coilover-kit
https://www.achillesmotorsports.com/...p/10220017.htm
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...k-30mm-single/
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Last edited by bluptgm3; 12-22-2018 at 07:03 PM.
You are correct. I appreciate the clarifications. Excuse the terminology confusion. Albeit being used incorrectly, I've always refered to the extended shock mounts as extended top hats as it's traditionally accepted in the Mazda, Nissan, and Honda grassroots and aftermarket industry. I have a feeling you know what I mean.
I'll take a look at what ground control has to offer. I've used ground control + koni combos on previous cars successfully so their z3m specific stuff is definitely an option. Thank you for the insight!
I understand there currently are z3 specific options however, at this time I'm looking to experiment with e36 rear components and shocks. I would like to breadcrumb this route because e36 aftermarket is a lot more abundant and eaiser to access. I understand rates may be off but it's okay right now.
Does anyone have any additional info on other shock shaft dimension information?
Last edited by Meeners; 12-22-2018 at 05:10 PM.
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