I did a 25 mile drive today my yet-to-be restored E9 (3.0cs w a tired motor, 5spd OD).
As the first drive of the season, for a somewhat neglected coupe, it was not without trouble. First, I noticed the windows didn't work unless I had the drivers door open (p-door no effect). I haven't traced the fault yet, but clearly hat door switch is providing the ground for the window relay (I hear it click when the interior light goes on. For now I open the door to adjust the windows (easy to do secondary roads). Don't you love 1970's era electrical systems?
Next, I pull put of my driveway and notice the electronic low-amp flasher relay I put in 2 years ago is giving me three blinks for a momentary flick of the turn signal lever. Just like my modern BMW, but I'll bet it's a sign of something else getting ready to go bad.
TIRES: Finally, I got on the road and did about 14 miles on narrow twisty New England back roads. Half of the drive was on second and third gear roads (30-65mph). This car has older Yokohama 195/70-14 Avid tires (7-8 years old?). Despite the modest tire setup, I actually never found myself wanting more grip. The car handled every corner smoothly and with minimal under steer The tall sidewalls took the edge off all but the worst bumps and potholes. It was a lovely vintage GT motoring experience. Even the chassis flex didn't bother me as it is in line with pillarless coupes of the day and all part of the 'charm' of the E9.
To be honest, I think going significantly faster (or driving closer to the car's max potential) would be driving recklessly given that I was on public roads.
I have a set of BBS RS 16" rims that I intend to outfit with extreme performance tires. But today's drive reminded me to respect those that stay with 14" rims. The only place where I think I can legitimately criticize the 195/70-14's is in regard to braking grip. In fact, its tempting to stay with a smooth riding 14" setup for the street and save the polished 16's with gumballs just for track days and C&C events.
FWIW: I run 36psi up front and 34psi in the back (cold). I have Carl Nelson's lower springs, Bilstein sport shocks and the bigger ST sway bars. All the bushings are stock rubber except for the anti-sway bar mounts and end-links (poly). The rear sway bar is set to the middle hole to dial out some under steer. I can't say enough good things about this inexpensive yet effective setup. For those of you still on the stock USA setup, this suspension conversion should be high on your list to do.
John
As the first drive of the season, for a somewhat neglected coupe, it was not without trouble. First, I noticed the windows didn't work unless I had the drivers door open (p-door no effect). I haven't traced the fault yet, but clearly hat door switch is providing the ground for the window relay (I hear it click when the interior light goes on. For now I open the door to adjust the windows (easy to do secondary roads). Don't you love 1970's era electrical systems?
Next, I pull put of my driveway and notice the electronic low-amp flasher relay I put in 2 years ago is giving me three blinks for a momentary flick of the turn signal lever. Just like my modern BMW, but I'll bet it's a sign of something else getting ready to go bad.
TIRES: Finally, I got on the road and did about 14 miles on narrow twisty New England back roads. Half of the drive was on second and third gear roads (30-65mph). This car has older Yokohama 195/70-14 Avid tires (7-8 years old?). Despite the modest tire setup, I actually never found myself wanting more grip. The car handled every corner smoothly and with minimal under steer The tall sidewalls took the edge off all but the worst bumps and potholes. It was a lovely vintage GT motoring experience. Even the chassis flex didn't bother me as it is in line with pillarless coupes of the day and all part of the 'charm' of the E9.
To be honest, I think going significantly faster (or driving closer to the car's max potential) would be driving recklessly given that I was on public roads.
I have a set of BBS RS 16" rims that I intend to outfit with extreme performance tires. But today's drive reminded me to respect those that stay with 14" rims. The only place where I think I can legitimately criticize the 195/70-14's is in regard to braking grip. In fact, its tempting to stay with a smooth riding 14" setup for the street and save the polished 16's with gumballs just for track days and C&C events.
FWIW: I run 36psi up front and 34psi in the back (cold). I have Carl Nelson's lower springs, Bilstein sport shocks and the bigger ST sway bars. All the bushings are stock rubber except for the anti-sway bar mounts and end-links (poly). The rear sway bar is set to the middle hole to dial out some under steer. I can't say enough good things about this inexpensive yet effective setup. For those of you still on the stock USA setup, this suspension conversion should be high on your list to do.
John