3.64 gear ratio

[GaZ8fan]

In my continuing effort to update and upgrade my higher mileage driver’s Z8 I was curious if anyone on the board has long term feedback on the 3.64 gear ratio switch (with the Quaife LSD). Most of the related posts are from 10-15 years ago and while generally positive there were a few negative comments - 1st gear too short, the need to be smooth with throttle application. Curious what the feedback is among those who have had the mod for many years and hopefully many miles.

[macfly]

Personally, I didn't care for it on the road as I'm more of a flow driver than a gunning up and down at full throttle, so to me it made the car more frantic and less of a GT. I did try it on the track at Thunderhill, and felt that it worked best on the track, so I think it depends on your driving style and desire.

[GaZ8fan]

Thanks Andrew that’s exactly the feedback I was looking for. I love to drive my car on the twisties but don’t plan to ever track it. For my use case I think I will skip it. Still debating the Quaife though.

[macfly]

I honestly never found much of a benefit to it, but as I said I'm a flow or momentum style of driver, if you're into a more frantic drive style you might get a benefit gunning out of the tightest twisties, but if you drive it the way the car feels best being driven it really doesn't do much.

[GaZ8fan]

Hear you, that all makes sense. I do drive aggressively in the mountains and might benefit from time to time but definitely not a top priority. Still trying to figure out a better brake solution for our stock 18” wheels.

[macfly]

I believe that AP Racing might have something, also worth checking the E39M5 forum as they may have found something.

[GaZ8fan]

I’ve checked on both with no luck. Still think the F30 M3 performance brake kit might work. I don’t want to spend the money to buy the kit unless I am more comfortable it will fit with minor modifications. Not surprising but so few Z8 owners drive / modify their cars now that most aftermarket options like Dinan have disappeared.

[Musta10000]

Mark - Check out Zeckhousen. I believe some of the people on the board may have used them in the past and they seem to have some options:

https://www.zeckhausen.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=3_79_95_2502

[GaZ8fan]

Thanks Skip. The Stoptech options they offer do not include rear calipers. Ideally I want a solution that includes upgraded front and rear calipers. I contacted Stoptech directly awhile back asking about rear caliper options and didn’t get anywhere. They stopped making them a long time ago. I guess I could keep my stock rear calipers and swap out the rotors so the rotors match front and rear. If I can make the F30 M Performance brake kit work I’ll have a matching front and rear solution for ~$2500 vs $4500 for the Stoptech front calipers alone.