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#1. RE: OT: Stereo overhaul...need comments/advice/recommendations - from Mike Frank
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Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 19:18:42 -0500 From: Mike Frank <mfrank28@comcast.net> Subject: RE: OT: Stereo overhaul...need comments/advice/recommendations Chester, Nice equipment list. I too like the 7897, but I'll have to check out that phantom face in person. > - Nak MB-75 6-disc changer > - a/d/s/ P840.2 8-channel amp > - a/d/s/ 335is.2 fronts > - JL Audio Stealthboxes > > The original writeup that I did is: > http://www.geocities.com/chester_p_wong/car_audio/stereo_upgrade.html Thanks for the writeup. > So, here are a few regrets from the first time around: > - I should have run power *and* ground from the head unit to > the trunk. I ran power only and got alternator whine. I > then ran a ground, but only to a ground point somewhere > behind the dash. As usual, good grounds are key. > I will be running power and ground...any > recommendations on wires? Last but not least, I'll probably > make the amp and/or sub box removable...for track days, etc. > So...I appeal to you experts for advice and recommendations. > The amp has crossovers built in, but so does the head unit. > Which should I use? How would you configure the a/d/s/ > separates? Bi-amped or regular? Should I ditch the > stealthboxes for rear channels and go with a single or double > 10" sub arrangement? Recommendations for patch cables? Does > brand really make a big difference? Save the el cheapo freebies, I'm sure any quality cable (patch/speaker/power) such as monster is fine. I've used other brands too but I can't remember which ones. Think there's good margin on cables? :) Good luck on the removable idea. I built a custom sub with 2 a/d/s RS10s powered by an a/d/s M860 (bi-apmed, 4 channels to spare) that sounds great and has spent the last 2 years in storage. It's HEAVY and a bit of a PITA to remove/install. First, I got sick of taking it out for track days. Then I just left it out from April to November (track season). Since I don't drive the car much in winter, it has never made it back in. Oh well. The 7897 has a selectable crossover - 20-200Hz (1/3 octave steps), 1st-4th order rolloff, 0 to -12dB gain/ch. Being able to tune this at the head unit is nice, so unless you need an exact crossover frequency (say 70Hz - I doubt it) or your amp has higher order crossovers (>4th order, 24dB/oct.) I'd probably try the headunit first. If you've got channels to spare on your amp and the 335 crossovers allow it, go ahead and bi-amp 'em. You probably won't be able to tell much of a difference at reasonable levels in a moving car though. Personally, I'd keep the Stealthboxes (see above), unless you need more bass. Honestly, I hate adding weight to the car so I can't even do stealthboxes. FWIW, Mike Frank 97 M3 - w/ flaky radio display, no rears, and at least one blown front... impressive
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#2. GSP9700 - from russell
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 17:24:20 -0700 (PDT) From: russell <driver8m3@yahoo.com> Subject: GSP9700 i think part of pauls success was that he found someone that knew what he was doing with the machine. as great as the gsp9700 is, if the user isnt properly trained, or doesnt really care what he is doing, you will NOT get perfectly balanced wheels (i speak from the experience of 3 improperly balanced wheels, plus an unnoticed bent wheel, from the super duper gsp9700 with an apparently untrained or inattentive user). russell ************************************************************************** Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 13:30:36 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Why does my car's front end have the heebie jeebies Jason, >>The moral of the story is do not trust the equipment, even if it is the newfangled Hunter GSP9700 machines that TireRack uses. Check every variable.<< Im sorry you went through that hassle with your wheels. But, I can tell you from personal experience that this machine really IS super duper. I had my wheels balanced and checked 4 times by the dealer, and another two by independants. Each time, they said they were balanced, and each time I would have a 70mph shimmy. Finally I located a local shop with the wonderful GSP9700. It reported all 4 were out of balance to varying degrees. After it placed the weights according to the machine, Bingo, for the first time after a year of use, the car finally was completely shimmy free. Our M3s are extremely sensitive to the slightest balance issues, because of the tightness of its front end and steering components, and imbalances so small they would never be noticed on another car, will drive us crazy in ours! I stand by this machine. Thats not to say that occasional issues like the one you picked up wont happen. Nothing is perfect. But, all else being equal, this machine will solve most balance related issues that other machines will not detect. Paul Elliott ===== "the state is the great fiction by which everyone seeks to live at the expense of everyone else" --frederic bastiat __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com
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#3. Re: Front Spring Perches/Strut Tower? - from Mike Frank
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Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 19:29:56 -0500 From: Mike Frank <mfrank28@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Front Spring Perches/Strut Tower? FYI - The last time I changed my springs both of the thrust washers were cracked into 3 pieces. Probably already cracked again. My good judgment sometimes comes from Neil's bad judgment. Thanks Neil :) Mike Frank 97 M3 > -------------------- 9 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 12:56:37 -0500 > From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> > Subject: Re: Front Spring Perches/Strut Tower? > 3) Above the upper spring plate is a large thrust washer > that's slightly conical on the upper side, and flat on the lower one. > Support P/N 31 33 2 227 342 > This must be installed in the correct orientation: flat side down. > I may be wrong, but experience (see below) suggests that > omission or incorrect assembly of one of these parts is the > most likely cause of your problem. I will add that it's not > completely unknown for the thrust washer to crack for no > apparent reason. > > "Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from > bad judgment." > > Neil > 96 M3 - Koni/H&R, other stuff
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#4. Re: Climate Control Issue - from Mike Frank
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Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 19:34:34 -0500 From: Mike Frank <mfrank28@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Climate Control Issue Stan, BTDT. It's a very common issue. Most likely a crack somewhere on the PCB. Local dealer was backordered. Solution is a new climate control, just over $200. Easy to replace. Just did mine today. Good Luck, Mike Frank 97 M3 > -------------------- 8 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 08:03:44 -0400 > From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> > Subject: Climate Control Issue > > I have been working to identify a problem with my climate > control for a while in my '96 M3 Lux, it intermittently turns > off and on. I recently removed my computer, so I can reach > behind and manipulate the wires in the back of the climate > control. I have found by applying pressure to the primary > connector of the climate control, I can usually get it to > stay on. The connector itself is firmly connected with no > obvious issues, so I wonder if it is a cracked board or > connection inside the climate control. > > Has anyone else had this problem and identified how to > determine the cause? > > Thanks, > Stan > Regards, > Stan Shaw Excell.Net > Phone: (413) 599-0399 Fax: (413) 599-0421 > Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net http://www.excell.net/
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#5. Re: Climate Control Issue - from Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 20:42:59 -0400 From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> Subject: Re: Climate Control Issue I thought I reported back, that I did find the climate control was the problem. I have replaced it, and other than it reading in C' instead of F', everything is fine! Regards, Stan Shaw Excell.Net Phone: (413) 599-0399 Fax: (413) 599-0421 Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net http://www.excell.net/ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
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#6. Alan's headlights. - from kitwetzler@mindspring.com
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 20:44:56 -0400 From: "kitwetzler@mindspring.com" <kitwetzler@mindspring.com> Subject: Alan's headlights. > (though S2000s have a wicked setup that have the > unfortunate ability to blind most oncoming drivers > whenever they hit a bump). Much of that is due to too little rebound damping in the factory shocks. This is one of the reasons they are so spin happy also. If y'all are interested in alan's lights, here is a comparo: http://www.geocities.com/kitwetzler next time, we'll take the cars out to a dirt road with a 6' ladder. -kit -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Rear Trailing Arm Bushing? - from Chris Teague
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 18:48:07 -0700 From: "Chris Teague" <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Rear Trailing Arm Bushing? Mark, The ground-control shims just go in the empty space between the stock rubber rear control arm bushing and the steel bracket. It limits deflection of the stock bushing, and makes the rear end feel less "rubbery". There is a picture on the ground-control web site. They had no increase in ride harshness for me, that's what makes them slick. For a track car, you can just go to a metal bearing kit. Chris 97 M3/4 ----- Original Message ----- > Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 14:50:25 -0700 > From: "Dames, Mark" <Mark.Dames@PDO.Co.Santa-Clara.CA.US> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] Rear Trailing Arm Bushing? > > Rich > What is a GC shim/what does it do? > Explain "better feel" > > Mark
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#8. WTB: Stock parts listed below - from Michael Turgeon
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 19:02:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Michael Turgeon <turgeon1@yahoo.com> Subject: WTB: Stock parts listed below Gruppe and racers in particular: I am looking for the following stock items from a e36M3 or other 3 series as indicated: 1. steering wheel with airbag (for a 95M3) 2. under carpet vents (from hvac unit to under seat floor vents; any e36) 3. floor mats (grey, any e36) 4. carpet (grey or black; any e36 coupe) 5. slightly used set of 235 or 245/40/17 performance tires (pick-up preferred or will split shipping) Please advise of availability via private response as soon as possible. I will pay shipping or pick up in the chicagoland area. I prefer paypal if possible. Thanks Mike Turgeon 95 M3 Avus __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Re: Climate Control Issue - from Mdriver13@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:12:36 EDT From: Mdriver13@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Climate Control Issue Guys, Yesterday and today when I start the car after work, I only get a low volume of A/C out of the vents...and it was 88 degrees outside! I decreased the set temp down to 60 degrees...no change. Turned fan off, then back on to full...still no change. About 5 minutes down the road...fan kicks in at full force and then normal after I reset temp to 72 degrees. One note: microfilter needs replacing, I'm close to inspection II. Does this mean I'm next for a new CC unit :-( Bob Gill 97 ///M3 coupe Philly Region SCCA AS Champion 1997 & 2000 BSP Champion 2001
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#10. Re: Dead Battery - from Tad Bacon
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 20:47:34 -0400 From: "Tad Bacon" <tadbacon@qis.net> Subject: Re: Dead Battery Russel, I bought a '98 two years ago. The car would only start if it sat no more than a day or two. After that, dead battery. I thought 2 years was a bit of a short life for a battery. Turned out the "maintenance free" battery needed about 3 quarts of water. Have not had any problems since. May be worth a shot before you lay out for a new battery. Tad