Search found 841 matches

by markrnorton
Wed 11 Feb, 2015 15:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...
Replies: 82
Views: 29641

Re: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...

Rafolian wrote:WTF has a Boxster got to do with a debate om z3's and mx5's?
Apart from anything else the Boxster cost half as much again as most Z3's when new and twice the MX5!
I think if you read the whole thread you'll find out
by markrnorton
Tue 10 Feb, 2015 22:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...
Replies: 82
Views: 29641

Re: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...

I have had several Z3's and boxster's , and now on another 911
The boxster is a far better car than the z3 (sorry to say), it's balance , power delivery and poise blows a z3 away and makes it feel antiquated
by markrnorton
Tue 10 Feb, 2015 21:38
Forum: Performance
Topic: supercharger
Replies: 7
Views: 6396

Re: supercharger

Back ! I got greedy and needed more power! That's the only reason why I sold the charger from the 1.9 It charges well, the engine is behind the front axle on the 1.9 so you get good balance with a good power increase If I was to do it again I would turbo and run an inter cooler as engine and charge ...
by markrnorton
Tue 10 Feb, 2015 21:31
Forum: Performance
Topic: Z3 Supercharged
Replies: 107
Views: 36658

Re: Z3 Supercharged

Hi all, sort of back
Just toying with buying a z4m
Any questions please email, happy to help
by markrnorton
Wed 30 Apr, 2014 13:27
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Alpine White III 2.8 Eaton M62 build
Replies: 227
Views: 90988

Re: Alpine White III 2.8 Eaton M62 build

Another thought..
maybe i missed it in the thread

I see you have locked up the electro clutch on the S/C, good idea as they are clunky.
Now this is fixed on the pulley what off boost by-pass are you running ?
by markrnorton
Wed 30 Apr, 2014 13:20
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Alpine White III 2.8 Eaton M62 build
Replies: 227
Views: 90988

Re: Alpine White III 2.8 Eaton M62 build

Been away a while, but just read this thread great amount of work here I have a concern over your drive to the S/C coming off the power steering pump. The drive should be direct off the crank, you may find you get :- A- belt slippage, these blowers can drain circa 30hp from the engine B- premature w...
by markrnorton
Fri 03 Jan, 2014 11:41
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Is there life after a Z3?
Replies: 63
Views: 9568

Re: Is there life after a Z3?

There is definately life after a Z3, i have had my boxster for about 8 months now. Its a great car, although i have never seen the engine ( i can't be bothered lifting the engine cover) !!
Strange as when i had the Z3 the bonnet was always up :D
by markrnorton
Fri 03 Jan, 2014 11:37
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Hi Fi and record deck set up.
Replies: 15
Views: 3044

Re: Hi Fi and record deck set up.

I havent used vinyl for years, but over xmas i did play my hi fi, mainly mission and teac, you definatley notice the difference between a good CD and an Ipod, the ipod sounds so compressed.
by markrnorton
Wed 12 Jun, 2013 16:01
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Project Z. BDC Drift car build.
Replies: 36
Views: 9125

Re: Project Z. BDC Drift car build.

The cage is a work of art, congrats
by markrnorton
Wed 05 Jun, 2013 11:58
Forum: Performance
Topic: Fitting Coilovers - Will I be needing wheels spacers?
Replies: 3
Views: 1582

Re: Fitting Coilovers - Will I be needing wheels spacers?

As Si says, you need to get them on the car as there is variance between coilovers and wheel combinations.

I think I used a 4mm spacer on mine

where abouts are you ? as I think I have a spare set floating about
by markrnorton
Wed 22 May, 2013 10:11
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new
Replies: 3
Views: 794

Re: F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new

I am in Thurrock, Essex. Close to the Dartford crossing
by markrnorton
Wed 22 May, 2013 07:49
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new
Replies: 3
Views: 794

Re: F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new

Bump !

otherwise i'll have to bin a perfectly good tyre. what a waste :(
by markrnorton
Fri 17 May, 2013 16:27
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Sorry, I have defected !!
Replies: 11
Views: 3311

Re: Sorry, I have defected !!

stu wrote:Welcome to the world of the 'front bottom' Mark.
Front and rear bottom Stu !
by markrnorton
Thu 16 May, 2013 20:27
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Sorry, I have defected !!
Replies: 11
Views: 3311

Re: Sorry, I have defected !!

Brian
I got a fantastic offer from somebody to sell the part built kit, so I took it

At least now I have a car for the summer, when it comes !
by markrnorton
Thu 16 May, 2013 19:37
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Sorry, I have defected !!
Replies: 11
Views: 3311

Re: Sorry, I have defected !!

Handling is definitely more neutral, its very well balanced with masses of grip. grip round corners and grip from a standing start.
Steering is very accurate.

However, there is more scuttle shake, so it will be getting a front and rear strut brace. this may help reduce it a bit
by markrnorton
Thu 16 May, 2013 18:37
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Sorry, I have defected !!
Replies: 11
Views: 3311

Sorry, I have defected !!

Guys after a bit of deliberation, and a few test drives (Z3 2.8 and 3.0 included) , I ended up buying this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/boxster.jpg Its mint, one owner and has lots of factory extra's, plus masses of paperwork Its quiet interesting when driving this compared wit...
by markrnorton
Thu 16 May, 2013 18:29
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new
Replies: 3
Views: 794

F/S 225 40 18 tyre - nearly new

having a garage clearout just want to clear this tyre its got about 7-8mm of tread, very good condition 225 40 18 nankang not a household name ! but still a decent tyre even if it gets you through an MOT £10 to clear, personal collection only, i'm not posting or couriering. collection weekends and e...
by markrnorton
Tue 14 May, 2013 12:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M44 exhausts manifolds
Replies: 12
Views: 1562

Re: M44 exhausts manifolds

US spec LHD manifold will not fit a RHD Z3, clashes with steering column
I have had first hand experience of this. thats why i made my own downpipe
by markrnorton
Mon 29 Apr, 2013 09:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 1.9 performance tips
Replies: 27
Views: 4360

Re: 1.9 performance tips

ITG air filter
cold air feed
Viscous fan removal (replace with electric)
100 cell hi-flow cat
Big bore throttle body
Spare wheel removal (replace with BMW mobility kit)
Stainless exhaust (saves more weight)
Lightened flywheel
re-map to smooth out and increase torque curve
by markrnorton
Sat 02 Mar, 2013 16:32
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

sorted the new hub plate today http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0208.jpg got the tabs and joints place, then spaced with washers and welded them into place http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0210.jpg got it bolted ...
by markrnorton
Fri 01 Mar, 2013 13:17
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Well I have taken a few days off work to get started on the rear suspension bought a bagfull of rosejoints, had the metal laser cut and bout some tubing ! first off cut and positioned two uprights to support the wishbones sorry about the crappy pictures http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrno...
by markrnorton
Sat 16 Feb, 2013 18:09
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

now painted http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0133.jpg diff positioned with nylon bushings I made up http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0138.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20bui...
by markrnorton
Sat 16 Feb, 2013 18:07
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Update on where are have got to now. received all the laser cutting back, this is most of it as i have used the diff parts. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0115.jpg Stainless exhaust flanges came out nice, not sure what pattern i will use yet, but both ty...
by markrnorton
Sat 16 Feb, 2013 18:04
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

this was a positioning mock up of the diff, perfect fit, made for the job ! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/IMAG0063.jpg took a few dimensions and came up with a bracket for the rear of the diff, will get it laser cut now. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...
by markrnorton
Sat 16 Feb, 2013 18:02
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Been doing a bit of groundwork at the back of the car. Cleaned up the new diff, now I need to locate and fit it to the chassis. Being originally designed for a live rear axle the chassis has no fixing points for this independent set-up. Not sure how the half shafts will sit either, they may need cut...
by markrnorton
Sat 16 Feb, 2013 17:54
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Andy

yes, not the final mount to the top of the dampers, they are located correctly though. a shot from the underside may be in order I guess
by markrnorton
Thu 14 Feb, 2013 15:21
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build
Replies: 17
Views: 5736

Re: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build

as-racing wrote:
markrnorton wrote:Can you use Perspex/acrylic windows for the side and rear ?
these make a massive weight saving o have found previously
Sure can and have already made the templates. Go on then, what's the Ginetta Plan??
Please feel free to read my thread in the performance section
by markrnorton
Wed 13 Feb, 2013 13:22
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

kpi angle and consequent projection is within 5mm of wheel centre. so i beleive its in the ballpark, i cant remember the angle i measured it at, will check again and get back. I dont really have any hard and fast guidelines with the front geometry, apart from original pick up points. All points of c...
by markrnorton
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 19:28
Forum: Performance
Topic: Brakes upgrade
Replies: 15
Views: 2582

Re: Brakes upgrade

The Brembo max discs are fine with something like EBC greenstuff pads, if you're not going mental
by markrnorton
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 19:25
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

This is the diff I ended up getting, a bargain £100, nice and tight and an LSD with the correct ratio of 3.916:1 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/51.jpg you can see it has a take off for a diff cooler, not sure I will need this just yet. anyway, another clean ...
by markrnorton
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 19:22
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

You may have guessed, that most of this work was done at the latter end of last year, trying to catch this thread up so its 'now' anyhow, next issue , now the front was sorted, was the rear end originally the ginetta was a 'live axle' car with the crude escort/capri rear end on a 5 link set up. I re...
by markrnorton
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 19:11
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

The steering rack is one of the only bits of 'original' i will use, its again Triumph Spitfire. A compact rack and 'un-assisted'. Not many modern alternatives and to be honest there is nothing wrong with it. A quick clean up, re-grease, new gaiters and solid aluminium mounts and http://img.photobuck...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 21:24
Forum: Performance
Topic: Brakes upgrade
Replies: 15
Views: 2582

Re: Brakes upgrade

Tried brembo max, good discs with the right pads
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 20:25
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

The front shocks that came with the kit were shot, big time. Heavy AVO in need of a re-build and rubber bushed. Apart from that they would not fit my new custom front end. So after a bit of measuring and head scratching I decided to have a pair of shocks made. After a bit of interweb searching, a fe...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 20:23
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Final assembly going onto chassis http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/markrnorton/Ginetta%20G27%20build/12.jpg Offside and nearside upper and lower wishbones. You can see the mechanical upper joint, this is a biggy at ¾”, and the fabrication to attach it to the hub upper. Lower ball joint is stan...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 19:37
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Wishbones are made of CDS seamless steel for strength and rose joints used are the ultra high performance versions with nylon inserts. bolts all 8.8's

pic of spaces I made and joints
Image
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 19:35
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

First real action (apart from selling the Toyota engine and capri rear axle) was to look at the front suspension. The car came with the ‘weedy’ but perfectly adequate (?) Triumph front end, it just looks wrong to me, so I decided to re-engineer the front using Omega parts from the estate donor. Here...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 19:28
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Re: Ginetta G27 build thread

Stripped out the suspension, front brakes and V6 motor and manual gearbox from the Omega estate. Engine and box took about 3-4 hours with a mate to remove. I was originally going to use the ECU and loom, but have no changed my mind. So I ‘hacked most of the connections out ! I will keep the non stan...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 19:27
Forum: Performance
Topic: Ginetta G27 build thread
Replies: 21
Views: 6289

Ginetta G27 build thread

I thought I’d start this thread as a few people have asked and secondly I have put it in the performance section as some of the modifications and engineering could be applied to the Z3 Alot of the donor parts for the car are Omega, some are Nissan Skyline, standard and modified, V6 based. I have alw...
by markrnorton
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 18:25
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build
Replies: 17
Views: 5736

Re: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build

Can you use Perspex/acrylic windows for the side and rear ?
these make a massive weight saving o have found previously
by markrnorton
Sat 09 Feb, 2013 16:16
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build
Replies: 17
Views: 5736

Re: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build

Not yet, but I was going to gauge opinion !

big plans ! I have loads to tell already if peeps are interested.

m
by markrnorton
Sat 09 Feb, 2013 10:57
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build
Replies: 17
Views: 5736

Re: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build

Other ideas Try a complete flush and fresh oil in the gearbox and rear diff, plus a friction reducer, like Activ8 internals are good for 300-350hp (turbo's or supercharged) exhaust manifold and pipe etc I made from scratch, had parts laser cut and tried different exhaust boxes and a race cat. not su...
by markrnorton
Fri 08 Feb, 2013 14:12
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build
Replies: 17
Views: 5736

Re: as.racing Britcar Production Cup - BMW Z3 1.9L Build

I changed the flywheel when i ran my 1.9. i used a lightened chromolly flywheel from a 3.0 M3 and clutch (fits fine with 1.9 gearbox and actuator arm), plus also fitted the M3 clutch slave cylinder with braided hose. engine pick up was certainly better, so a reduction in parasitic loss there. also r...
by markrnorton
Thu 31 Jan, 2013 08:51
Forum: Performance
Topic: Underdrive crank pulley
Replies: 15
Views: 2324

Re: Underdrive crank pulley

The way I understand it, if you replace the OEM pulley with a slightly smaller diameter, the result will be that all the other pulleys on that drivebelt will turn slower. If it were a larger pulley, it would increase the speed of the other pulleys. Consider the gears on a bicycle, the faster you wi...
by markrnorton
Fri 25 Jan, 2013 08:22
Forum: Performance
Topic: Underdrive crank pulley
Replies: 15
Views: 2324

Re: Underdrive crank pulley

From what I read on the web, it seems one can achieve as much as 15HP at the wheels - with a "kit". I would assume from that they mean all the pulleys require changing. I dont believe you'd get anywhere near that figure. Anyhow, if you change all the pulleys you're not underdriving, your ...
by markrnorton
Thu 24 Jan, 2013 16:53
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Project progress
Replies: 125
Views: 19952

Re: Project progress

What are you doing with the soft-top ? any colour change ?
by markrnorton
Thu 24 Jan, 2013 16:44
Forum: Performance
Topic: Underdrive crank pulley
Replies: 15
Views: 2324

Re: Underdrive crank pulley

I dont think you'll see much of a gain, maybe 1-2hp. you would notice improved pick-up off the throttle.
Main reason for using underdrive is in a race/high rpm situation so you dont cook the alternator.

not sure where the 30% figure come from in this thread.
by markrnorton
Mon 21 Jan, 2013 12:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Modding from scratch
Replies: 19
Views: 1360

Re: Modding from scratch

I'd start with a nice clean car every time , you know exactly where you are then. you can spend more time 're doing' some mods !
by markrnorton
Mon 21 Jan, 2013 12:09
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M V8 Conversion
Replies: 420
Views: 173104

Re: Z3M V8 Conversion

Mark

Nice work, does the exhaust compromise ground clearance at all ?
and do you still require the cross over pipe considering the single cat (ie exhaust pulse with cross there ?)

Mark
by markrnorton
Mon 14 Jan, 2013 14:30
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Tyreweld v Mobility kit
Replies: 21
Views: 5557

Re: Tyreweld v Mobility kit

I have used the bmw/mini mobility kit on several occasions. Its very good, the tyre 'weld' is like copydex glue, but seals up nicely.The electric compressor works, all be it slow. I have these kits in all my cars now as they are so good.

M