Raised front suspension or heavier load

[Marquisz3]

Sorry for the spamming of these forums with random topics gents, as is with a big project like this I run into random questions and issues, context I put a 350sbc into my z3 and have slight front sag issues

first photo from a bit ago when on stock rears

Currently with the Hoosiers

they don’t necessarily need to be track oriented or even a whole set the primary goal weather through weight rating or height would be just to lower the front maybe an inch or so?

 

[IainP]

The front end is fully e36, so front coilovers from any model fit straight on a Z3 .
The springs should vary from 4/6 cyl, in reality only the expensive ones have different rates from model to model.
If fitting used ones, wind down the collar fully, remove the spring and make sure the strut still has damping in both directions. Wire brush the threads and use a silicone, or ptfe spray, they dry without being sticky, stops dust collecting and clogging the threads.
If you want to adjust the camber cheaply, add hard washers and use slightly longer bolts in the lower mount. Just don’t add that many you lose engagement of the locating nipple.
Probably a good idea to fit reinforcing plates, they’re easily available both new and s/h, they’ll gain you 3mm, 1/8” on their own.

 

[Marquisz3]

The front end is fully e36, so front coilovers from any model fit straight on a Z3 .
The springs should vary from 4/6 cyl, in reality only the expensive ones have different rates from model to model.
If fitting used ones, wind down the collar fully, remove the spring and make sure the strut still has damping in both directions. Wire brush the threads and use a silicone, or ptfe spray, they dry without being sticky, stops dust collecting and clogging the threads.
If you want to adjust the camber cheaply, add hard washers and use slightly longer bolts in the lower mount. Just don’t add that many you lose engagement of the locating nipple.
Probably a good idea to fit reinforcing plates, they’re easily available both new and s/h, they’ll gain you 3mm, 1/8” on their own.

Thank you for this I was under the impression they were from an e30 for some odd reason

 

[Marquisz3]

The front end is fully e36, so front coilovers from any model fit straight on a Z3 .
The springs should vary from 4/6 cyl, in reality only the expensive ones have different rates from model to model.
If fitting used ones, wind down the collar fully, remove the spring and make sure the strut still has damping in both directions. Wire brush the threads and use a silicone, or ptfe spray, they dry without being sticky, stops dust collecting and clogging the threads.
If you want to adjust the camber cheaply, add hard washers and use slightly longer bolts in the lower mount. Just don’t add that many you lose engagement of the locating nipple.
Probably a good idea to fit reinforcing plates, they’re easily available both new and s/h, they’ll gain you 3mm, 1/8” on their own.

Probably gonna order these now any thoughts on if I should change the springs and if so any reccomendations it’s from a 6 cyl model

 

[Stevo7682]

Thank you for this I was under the impression they were from an e30 for some odd reason

Bit of 2 Bmw
The rear end is E30 but the front is E36
The multi link E36 read end was too large to fit it the proposed z3 platform so the older E30 semi trailing arm set up was used as it was more compact.

Dont know if you got these in the US but in UK and some European countries we also had the bmw compact

Sane underneath as our Z3 hatchback 3 series styling and badging
Sold as a 316, 318 etc compact.

Stephen.

 

[ChrisD]

Bit of 2 Bmw
The rear end is E30 but the front is E36
The multi link E36 read end was too large to fit it the proposed z3 platform so the older E30 semi trailing arm set up was used as it was more compact.

Dont know if you got these in the US but in UK and some European countries we also had the bmw compact
View attachment 347109
Sane underneath as our Z3 hatchback 3 series styling and badging
Sold as a 316, 318 etc compact.

Stephen.

Both the front and rear of the Z3 are essentially E30. Amazing to think that the suspension design is well over 40 years old on our cars. Adds to the nostalgic feel, I think.