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     Moving on to something truly optional, we replaced Dave's old steel lower control arms with the beautiful aluminum control arms that were optional on the E30 M3. For lower control arm bushings we had 3 choices: the stock bushing, the factory eccentric bushing that adds extra caster for high speed stability, and the aftermarket urethane eccentric bushing for even more firmness. The urethane bushings are not for everyone, since they definitely impart more road vibration to the car, but they'll be great for Dave's track car. We noticed that Dave's car had some wear in the tie rods, so we installed new ones and aligned the front wheels. The M3 steering rack is about 10% quicker than a non-M3 rack, and this one needed no attention.

How did it all work out? Dave tells all:

     I'm very happy with the upgrades. The handling, which at first felt unpredictable, is now quite stable and fun. I've been playing with the F&R swaybar settings and the front camber plates and I think its set up nicely now. With the massively stiff Ireland Engineering sways on it, the ride is HARSH -- which is absolutely perfect for me. But, I've never ridden in a car I thought had too stiff of a suspension, so take that into account. There is no bodyroll whatsoever. My favorite thing to show off is to jump up and down on the doorsills and watch people's jaws drop when the car does not move at all. 

[Note from Terry: I hope Dave is exaggerating here because that stiff is too stiff.]

    The steering is instant and provides great feel. With the stiff springs and sway bars, and -2.5 camber, it'll weight transfer in a split second and turn in is already quick on the E30 M3 rack. Go to tug the wheel and the car seems to turn before you start. I practice my slaloming on empty roads just for fun! Even in the wet it turns on a dime.

    Perhaps the best part is the engine tuning Ralph Garcia, at Terry's shop, did. The engine runs VERY well, and I run it hard. It seems to be loosening up a bit. I know the prior two owners never ran it above 5-6K rpms, so I'm making up for lost time. It's definitely the best running S14 I've driven. 
-And there you have it from the horses mouth.

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