Well the time has finally come for me. I have had the desire to boost my car since 2002 when Jon Sibal referred me to Ben Liaw's used AA kit that I let slip through my fingers. Since then I strayed from the FI forum to alleviate any temptation.

Beggining two months ago I began reading extensively on different applications and what they had to offer. Recently CosmoE36 went through a series of unfortunate events and consequently put his partial system up for sale. It was the right time for me and here I sit with a new build.

A little background on my Motor...

20K Miles on the following:

- S52 Block Fresh from Bullet Motorsport
- S50 Head Rebuilt and Polished w/Titanium Retainers by Axiom Tuning
- All OBD 1 (Manifold, 413 DME, etc.)

The Turbo System...

Software:

- Techno550 Tuning

Hardware:

X SPA Stage II Turbo w/Hi-Fi wheel .63 Turbine Housing
X SPA Manifold
X Spearco Intercooler 24x10x3
- Intercooler Piping and Couplings
X Polished Hard Pipe w/HKS SSQV BOV (I will be removing the fin to avoid any whistling :evil2 )
X Tial 38mm Wastegate
X Custom 3" Down Pipe w/02 Bungs
- Custom Exhaust utilizing existing Euro Tubi Cat-Back
- TRM Oil Feed/Drain Kit
X UUC Cerametallic Clutch
- TRM Motor Mount
- TRM Oil Distribution Block

Air and Fuel System:

- 3.5 Euro HFM or 993 3.5 HFM
- 4" or 3.5" Intake System
- 42lbs Injectors (Perhaps Bigger)
- NGK Spark Plugs Heat Range 7 (PN?)
X Walbro 255hp Fuel Pump

Electronics:

- Innovate LC-1 Wideband
- Split Second ARM1 Air/Fuel Monitor (Integrated into OEM cluster in MPG location)
X DEFI BF D-Link Guages and Controller (Boost, Oil Press, EGT)
X Apex'i Turbo Timer
X HKS EVC EZ Boost Controller

With all this I hope to achieve my power goal of 350-400rwhp on 91 Octane daily. I aim for a fun reliable car, but was warned about getting sucked into the High Hp Trap.

Quick photo of the parts that have arrived:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1601/1927178/4901867/242825416.jpg

I have been preparing for some time now and have a tentative completion date of XXX. We all know how that goes though :) I would like to thank those that have helped me get the ball rolling, if it weren't for these guys (directly or indirectly) I'd be completely lost; Jon Sibal, Ryan Castro, D. Ho, Shawn, Jack, Cameron, IdingSIII, Goofynick6, E36'n, MRMARSH, and Michael (Techno550).

There it is, I will be updating this thread regularly as parts arrive and as the build begins (DIY).
I'll leave you with a little teaser to a video feature I've been working on...

MONO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d21zgLTXrPg)

Let the goodtimes (and headaches) begin...

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet, let me know if you need an extra hand dude, or if u need to use my dads machine shop for anything. get the camera ready when my car is done tho muahaha

Nice, I love boosted Bimmers in SoCal. Might want to go with 48 lb injectors though. And I really like the Blitz EBC's, either the SBC ID or the SPEC R, I'm running the SPEC R.

about time a car as hot as yours goes as fast as it looks:stickoutt

Take that as a compliment, as your car is still quick... it just looks that mean!

Is that a BOV I see? What type of tuning are you going with? Is this going to be a drawthru or a blowthru setup?

ah dammit.. i left my 90 degree AN fitting in the turbo.. i meant to put the 90 degree brass fiting in. that sucks..

oh well enjoy it. lol

im glad everything made it safely

very cool... plus your username is perfect for this new mod haha.

oh I'll try to check out C&C tomorrow. Stop by dude.:)

ahh so it begins... goodtimes is all it will be when its done!

i see my m3 in there! groovy music!

Sweet! Boosted dakars ftw!

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet, let me know if you need an extra hand dude, or if u need to use my dads machine shop for anything. get the camera ready when my car is done tho muahaha

I'll definately take you up on that :) Always nice to have a helping hand or two. I can't wait to see your car done man, let me know I'll cruise up to help out if you need it.

Nice, I love boosted Bimmers in SoCal. Might want to go with 48 lb injectors though. And I really like the Blitz EBC's, either the SBC ID or the SPEC R, I'm running the SPEC R.

I love boosted Bimmers in SoCal as well :evil2 I'll look into 48lbs injectors though I'll check on it with my tuner. I also like the Blitz EBC's but also wanted to know how the other EBC's measured up. I was set on the Greddy Profec B until Rafa/Techno had issues with it holding boost on the Stage 1 set-up. With that said I have a friend with an HKS EVC EZ at a great price point (pretty much just a knob inside the car).

I got a lot of input from this review:

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0207scc_hks_evc_ez_boost_controller/Boost Controller Review

about time a car as hot as yours goes as fast as it looks:stickoutt

Take that as a compliment, as your car is still quick... it just looks that mean!

Thanks man, I appreciate it. Always nice to have a little power to back the stance and aero parts :evil2

ah dammit.. i left my 90 degree AN fitting in the turbo.. i meant to put the 90 degree brass fiting in. that sucks..

oh well enjoy it. lol

im glad everything made it safely

Thanks Shawn, I loved the packaging job :) Took me like 45 minutes to get everything unpacked. Nice to see everything live and direct instead of photos.

very cool... plus your username is perfect for this new mod haha.

oh I'll try to check out C&C tomorrow. Stop by dude.:)

Thanks Jon, I've had the handle since 02 and I'm finally making it official.

ahh so it begins... goodtimes is all it will be when its done!

i see my m3 in there! groovy music!

Yes, I am dying to hear the turbo spool but I am just expecting the worst and hoping for the best with this build.

Haha yeah you'll see more of your M in the full feature.

The track is Daft Punk - Something About Us, that's my jam.

looks good, buy your turbo stuff from me ;)

looks good, buy your turbo stuff from me ;)

Hahah, actually I just sent you a PM :)

Good luck man and let the fun begin!

Hahah, actually I just sent you a PM :)

i replied i also forgot to mention i have a uuc ultrasmooth for 650.00 plus shipping.

i replied i also forgot to mention i have a uuc ultrasmooth for 650.00 plus shipping.

Thanks man, I will let you know. I already have a UUC Ultrasmooth on order, but thanks.

Thanks man, I will let you know. I already have a UUC Ultrasmooth on order, but thanks.



me too..:devillook :evil2 :buttrock :buttrock Congrats on the new kit :buttrock

Thanks man, I will let you know. I already have a UUC Ultrasmooth on order, but thanks.

:thumbsup:

I'll leave you with a little teaser to a video feature I've been working on...

M'Aidez (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97EI5SQAQUQ)

Let the goodtimes (and headaches) begin...

w00t!!! I see my car in there too!
I can't wait to see it!!!
tell us when you start...I want to help out haha...

GoodTimes
-Randy

Sounds great, Paul. I'm not sure if I missed it, but when you planning to start the build?

car will be insane, very cool

Props and I'll let you have some Advil for the headaches. :buttrock

looking good, i will be posting pictures of my new setup too. looks good though man. hit me up, well hang out soon. later

w00t!!! I see my car in there too!
I can't wait to see it!!!
tell us when you start...I want to help out haha...

GoodTimes
-Randy

Cool Randy, I'll let you know for sure, just bring your DSLR

Sounds great, Paul. I'm not sure if I missed it, but when you planning to start the build?

I am hoping to start the first week of April.

car will be insane, very cool

Props and I'll let you have some Advil for the headaches. :buttrock

Haha thanks guys.

looking good, i will be posting pictures of my new setup too. looks good though man. hit me up, well hang out soon. later

What up Serge, can't wait to see pics of the car. I remember you telling me last year at Bimmerfest about the Turbo. You should definately cruise down to the UCI meet when you get the chance.

Cool Randy, I'll let you know for sure, just bring your DSLR



Definately man!
Not too sure about when you start though...i might be out of town for a few days lol... (SPRING BREAK!!!!!)

-Randy

Bang bao. :)

Hey Paul, hit me up whenever you start. I will definitely have more time next quarter and can lend you a hand as well as let you borrow some tools such as a cutting wheel.

Hey Paul, hit me up whenever you start. I will definitely have more time next quarter and can lend you a hand as well as let you borrow some tools such as a cutting wheel.

Thanks Jack, I will definately hit you up I appreciate it.

I'm excited. You know who to call for some help :)

I am trying to find the best deal for the Cometic .140 Head Gasket and ARP Studs. Let me know if you have any input on this. I was told I could get the bolts for 150 but haven't been able to locate the source.

I am trying to find the best deal for the Cometic .140 Head Gasket and ARP Studs. Let me know if you have any input on this. I was told I could get the bolts for 150 but haven't been able to locate the source.

did you check on vacmotorsports?

More boosted SoCal M3s!

What is everyone using in terms of EBC's? Any input is much appreciated.

did you check on vacmotorsports?

Yes, I spoke with a representative there and he was very helpful. I am going to do a little more research and then make the purchase.

More boosted SoCal M3s!

:evil2 Goodtimes, your situation is unfortunate but I am sure you will be back on the road shortly, better then ever.

Tony at VAC should be able to hook it up.

I wish my Dakar was boosted....Lucky you! Congrats!

Nice set-up there Paul. Best of luck!

Just ordered an HKS EBC... back to the garage for prep work.

I wish my Dakar was boosted....Lucky you! Congrats!

Thanks man, stop wishing though, just start gathering resources and when your ready; do work.

Nice set-up there Paul. Best of luck!

Thanks Dave, hopefully it will come out as clean and mean as your car.

I am trying to find the best deal for the Cometic .140 Head Gasket and ARP Studs. Let me know if you have any input on this. I was told I could get the bolts for 150 but haven't been able to locate the source.
For the HG, go through www.titanmotorsports.com Yes, they are a supra performance shop, but they told me they could order any Cometic HG (including the S50/S52 87mm bore) and it would take roughly 2 weeks for it to be delivered. Their price (as quoted by another member) was $175 shipped, which is $66 less than I paid through VAC for mine shipped.

Also, there are a number of sources for ARP hardware, one price I found was $165 from www.racetep.com (though they have their Cometic HG mispriced on their website, so the ARP price may be off as well)

I actually think the best source for the studs would be either:

1) Ebydrc (Now a supporting Vendor but his site is down)
2) Concentric190 (he quoted me a GREAT price after I had already purchased the parts elsewhere as I waited till the last minute)

You might even look to see if either of the above 2 guys can cut you a package deal on both the HG and the Studs..

Also, in case you are still trying to source your injectors:

A) I have (6) Brand-New 42# injectors for sale here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=696777 (Shameless plug :stickoutt )

B) www.RaceTronix.com has quality injectors with REALLY good pricing. If I upgrade to larger injectors again, Ill be going through them.

Richard, those links and referrals are extremely helpful I appreciate it.

I will definately contact Titan in regards to the gasket, $66 is quite a savings even with turbo project proportions. There is a difference between doing it right while saving money and doing it straight up barnyard style.

In regards to the Injectors, I did see the thread and was quite tempted but I am getting a deal I could not refuse through a friend. Touche on the plug though :) And RaceTronix has been added to my Boost Bookmarks, great.

Also, there are a number of sources for ARP hardware, one price I found was $165 from www.racetep.com (though they have their Cometic HG mispriced on their website, so the ARP price may be off as well)



importperformanceparts.net has arp studs for 159.00

plz share what you end up getting the cometic for.. I'm ordering one within the week.

My build is alot like yours...what are the specs on your turbo?? How many lbs of boost do you and mike think you will have run to achieve 420whp on 91?

importperformanceparts.net has arp studs for 159.00

plz share what you end up getting the cometic for.. I'm ordering one within the week.

Thanks for the referral, I will definately post up what Titan quotes me, I just sent them an Email.

My build is alot like yours...what are the specs on your turbo?? How many lbs of boost do you and mike think you will have run to achieve 420whp on 91?

Sounds good, the turbo is a Stage II SPA unit with a .63 Turbine Housing and Stage 5 Wheel. I am honestly not sure about how many lbs of boost I will have to run to achieve my goal as I have been out of town lately and unable to speak with Mike in depth about this. Hopefully he will chime in here or I will get back to you after I contact him.

Thanks for the referral, I will definately post up what Titan quotes me, I just sent them an Email.



Sounds good, the turbo is a Stage II SPA unit with a .63 Turbine Housing and Stage 5 Wheel. I am honestly not sure about how many lbs of boost I will have to run to achieve my goal as I have been out of town lately and unable to speak with Mike in depth about this. Hopefully he will chime in here or I will get back to you after I contact him.

thanks...

is it a 61mm?

firstly cometic makes customs but they can only get them in .120 so titan will tell you they can only make a .120. and ipp is out of stock on arp head studs ;) thanks for the complements :) :) :)

Picking up Defi Guages tonight :)

firstly cometic makes customs but they can only get them in .120 so titan will tell you they can only make a .120. and ipp is out of stock on arp head studs ;) thanks for the complements :) :) :)

Thanks for the heads up.

If you could work out a combo deal for me then my decision would be quite easy :)

Defi Link BF's came in:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1601/1927178/4901867/236088508.jpg

Boost, EGT and Oil Press.

I would love to hear some insight on the install process. I have some ideas on practical mounting locations. Thanks.

UUC Cerametallic also came in, finally getting some more momentum going.

Hey man, good luck with your build. I had fun hanging out last night meeting "the crew" lol

Nice, those gauges are sweet looking.

I had Defi BF Ambers in my STi and kept them for my M3. They are incredibly easy to install, at least they were on the STi. Just need to tap in for power, lighting, and ground and you are pretty much set as far as the guages go. Then mount your Control Unit somewhere easy to get to, and run the rest of the wiring out into the bay and you are set. By far the best guages on the market.

Also, i have experience with the new Blitz i-DIII boost controller, i love that thing and also opted to keep it for the M3. Didn't have a problem holding boost all the way up to 30psi with my Turbosmart 38mm gate and a GT35R turbo.


Joey

I had Defi BF Ambers in my STi and kept them for my M3. They are incredibly easy to install, at least they were on the STi. Just need to tap in for power, lighting, and ground and you are pretty much set as far as the guages go. Then mount your Control Unit somewhere easy to get to, and run the rest of the wiring out into the bay and you are set. By far the best guages on the market.

Also, i have experience with the new Blitz i-DIII boost controller, i love that thing and also opted to keep it for the M3. Didn't have a problem holding boost all the way up to 30psi with my Turbosmart 38mm gate and a GT35R turbo.


Joey

Thanks Joey, I really do love the gauges, pretty much ever since I saw them back in the day on the white SPEngineering Supra. Thanks for the input on the install, I will probably be putting these in soon to chalk off another item from the to-do list.

I've also heard great things about the Blitz unit, great thing you were able to keep some goodies from the STi. I wen't ahead and purchased the HKS EVC just to keep things simple. When do you plan on boosting the M?

Also fill me in when you get those wheels wrapped up, I'll be seeing you soon.

Paul,
If you are looking for a nice stock location for mounting your gauges, mount them at the sunglass holder area with a gauge holder from Leatherz or Edge. Though that placement will probably look the best, I admit it is not the most practical place to put your gauges. It is hard to look down at the gauges while you're driving, especially when you are trying to see what boost level you are hitting.

Paul,
If you are looking for a nice stock location for mounting your gauges, mount them at the sunglass holder area with a gauge holder from Leatherz or Edge. Though that placement will probably look the best, I admit it is not the most practical place to put your gauges. It is hard to look down at the gauges while you're driving, especially when you are trying to see what boost level you are hitting.

Yeah I like how clean your set-up is but I do agree that it is difficult to read at times. I plan on mounting my Boost gauge on the steering column dead center or a little offset to the left so I will be able to see my AFR monitor. As for the Oil Press and EGT I will have to find somewhere practical and sterile to mount those. I am not a big fan of A-Pillar mounts. Anyway I'll post up pics when I get to that.

as soon as I get my eboost gauge and my alky control unit I'm guna start fabbing up a template for some gauge holder...pretty muach guna relocate my radio and obc lower....if u draw me something up ill cut it out for out the machine shop....

Yeah I like how clean your set-up is but I do agree that it is difficult to read at times. I plan on mounting my Boost gauge on the steering column dead center or a little offset to the left so I will be able to see my AFR monitor. As for the Oil Press and EGT I will have to find somewhere practical and sterile to mount those. I am not a big fan of A-Pillar mounts. Anyway I'll post up pics when I get to that.

I wouldn't worry about the Oil Pressure and EGT being down at the sunglass holder area. They aren't gauges that you need to look at all the time. I would also throw in a Oil Temp Gauge in the sunglass holder. It lets you know when it's go time. :devillook

If I were to do it all again, I would also mount my boost gauge on the steering wheel column just like how you plan to do it. If you find some place that sells single steering wheel column mounts let me know. Thanks Paul.

Yeah I like how clean your set-up is but I do agree that it is difficult to read at times. I plan on mounting my Boost gauge on the steering column dead center or a little offset to the left so I will be able to see my AFR monitor. As for the Oil Press and EGT I will have to find somewhere practical and sterile to mount those. I am not a big fan of A-Pillar mounts. Anyway I'll post up pics when I get to that.

yeah thats the best place. I remounted boost gauge to the steering column and it sits right in the middle just enough to block the low revs, which you know your out of when boost hits, and the bottom right of the speedomoter, where you dont need to look if your going that fast anyways :devillook

ill post a pic tommrow

yeah thats the best place. I remounted boost gauge to the steering column and it sits right in the middle just enough to block the low revs, which you know your out of when boost hits, and the bottom right of the speedomoter, where you dont need to look if your going that fast anyways :devillook

ill post a pic tommrow

Ryan, I am so eager to see your car in person and feel what a real turbo BMW should feel like. :stickoutt

Paul, did you buy the Defi's brand new or did you buy them used? Reason i ask is because when new, they come with very good and solid cup and mount so you can pretty much mount them anywhere you want to. I understand if you want to go clean and have them flush somewhere, but i've tried placement with these as well and there isnt too much room to work with, especially with 3 60mm guages.

What i am going to do with mine is mount all three next to each other on the dash in the cup and mount supplied with the guages. The best part about doing this is that it is attached with double-stick tape, so if you dont like it, you can always move them around to wherever you want to. Also, if you want flush, you can mod your air vent just to the left of the steering wheel to fit a guage. But what i've learned with previous cars, is to have all guages in view at all time, just in case something bad happens, you know RIGHT away.


Joey

as soon as I get my eboost gauge and my alky control unit I'm guna start fabbing up a template for some gauge holder...pretty muach guna relocate my radio and obc lower....if u draw me something up ill cut it out for out the machine shop....

Are you sure the radio will fit lower? IIRC most radios I've seen are bit deeper than the OBC and there doesn't seem to be a lot of room behind the OBC barring more extensive modification. I looked because I was thinking about the same thing.

as soon as I get my eboost gauge and my alky control unit I'm guna start fabbing up a template for some gauge holder...pretty muach guna relocate my radio and obc lower....if u draw me something up ill cut it out for out the machine shop....

That sounds like an awesome little project. Definately post up pics when you are done. I appreciate the offer, I am going to try to work something out but I'll let you know if I need help :)

Also, Defi makes a fresh Din Gauge set-up that I would love to run but I'm not sure where I would relocate my radio to.

http://www.nippon-seiki.co.jp/defishop/product/din/images/naname-amber.jpg

http://www.nippon-seiki.co.jp/defishop/product/din/images/rei2.jpg

I wouldn't worry about the Oil Pressure and EGT being down at the sunglass holder area. They aren't gauges that you need to look at all the time. I would also throw in a Oil Temp Gauge in the sunglass holder. It lets you know when it's go time. :devillook

If I were to do it all again, I would also mount my boost gauge on the steering wheel column just like how you plan to do it. If you find some place that sells single steering wheel column mounts let me know. Thanks Paul.

I might end up running the other gauges in the sunglass holder, if not then I might just mount then up against the windshield centered on the dash with these visors:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/import-store_1939_1895834978

I would love to pick up an Oil Temp but at around $250-300 per gauge I may have to wait out on it until some other things are on order.

I'll definately let you know if I find something for your gauges. I know that Defi has a special mount for the column but not sure if it fits other gauges (shown here mounted on the A-pillar):

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/import-store_1939_1879493013

yeah thats the best place. I remounted boost gauge to the steering column and it sits right in the middle just enough to block the low revs, which you know your out of when boost hits, and the bottom right of the speedomoter, where you dont need to look if your going that fast anyways :devillook

ill post a pic tommrow

Sweet, looking forward to the pic, and yeah I don't mind so much about what I will be blocking. I just plan on mounting my AFR meter in the MPG location in the cluster so I'll just offset it if anything to clear that.

Paul, did you buy the Defi's brand new or did you buy them used? Reason i ask is because when new, they come with very good and solid cup and mount so you can pretty much mount them anywhere you want to. I understand if you want to go clean and have them flush somewhere, but i've tried placement with these as well and there isnt too much room to work with, especially with 3 60mm guages.

What i am going to do with mine is mount all three next to each other on the dash in the cup and mount supplied with the guages. The best part about doing this is that it is attached with double-stick tape, so if you dont like it, you can always move them around to wherever you want to. Also, if you want flush, you can mod your air vent just to the left of the steering wheel to fit a guage. But what i've learned with previous cars, is to have all guages in view at all time, just in case something bad happens, you know RIGHT away.


Joey

Joey, I picked up the gauges used from a good buddy with a WRX, he used the Defi Center mount so I am really not sure what he did with the supplied mounts. Hopefully he'll be able to locate them for me.

I totally agree with the limited mounting locations with the 60mm gauges. I was messing around with placements last night and there really isn't anywhere flush I could mount them like in some Surpa dashes I've seen. I thought about mounting one gauge in the driver side air vent but it doesn't seem like a 60mm would fit. I've only seen 52's in there. Either way post up pics when you have yours all mounted, I would love to see them.

maybe move the radio down where the sunglass holder is??? me duno if i get bored today ill try it

I found this Perrin steering column mount for Defi 60mm gauges. I don't know how well it would work with our cars especially with stock steering wheels as the gauges would be sitting fairly close to the wheel/fingers.

http://www.oakos.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/PSP-INR-300.jpg

maybe move the radio down where the sunglass holder is??? me duno if i get bored today ill try it

Yeah get awesome on that radio.

We should work together to design/produce a mount like the Perrin above for E36's. Cash money for us to further fund this Boost addiction :evil2

We should work together to design/produce a mount like the Perrin above for E36's. Cash money for us to further fund this Boost addiction :evil2

dont know if you saw the Gauge location thread, but there is alot of interest in someone making a mount like your discussing.

...over the driver side vent ftw... a 60mm should fit.

edit; link to gauge location thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=637164

edit #2: I dont think that thread is the one that discusses the steering wheel mount locations, but everyone wants one like on the HPF turbo E46.

here are some pics of my gauges

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/889495/10383363/236545122.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/889495/10383363/236545111.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/889495/10383363/236545100.jpg

Thanks Ryan, that looks functional and clean, I dig it.

The Blitz gauges seem super easy to deal because of their slim design and suction cup mount option.

im down, just draw somethin up and send it my way...a couple packs of beer and the guys at the shop will call it even haha...if people like it they can mass produce em no prob

That Perrin unit wouldn't work on the car. The Subaru steering columns are way different than what we have in the E36. Plus, i would never buy any Perrin product after dealing with the products for over a year at my old job. I'll actually take out my Defi's tonight and see if i can find a place to fit them, see what i can come up with.


Joey

Joey, you really wouldn't buy a Perrin product? I have seen quite a few great ones at the shop Perrin tunes his cars at. My understanding from the guys who use Perrin parts alll day long is that they are great parts...

This is the image that I have in my head when the build is complete:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1601/1927178/4901867/236796490.jpg

Hopefully in a few months time the real photo's will be able to speak to me in the same way.

Mmm. Molded in fog deletes and a new radiator. :stickoutt

P.s. Where will the bumper grill go ? :devillook Haha.

Do you have an estimate date on when you're gonna start putting it all together ?

UUC Cerametallic Clutch:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1601/1927178/4901867/238975431.jpg

While I am waiting for the rest of the little parts to arrive I am beggining to install some of the smaller electronics to get them out of the way.

Picked up and installed the Apex'i Turbo Timer yesterday:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1601/1927178/4901867/238975292.jpg

It's clean, slim for easy mounting and Black with Amber illumination.

Features Manual and Full Auto Timing, Battery Volt Meter, and A/F Ratio (I suppose you could use it for a narrowband).

Notes for Installation:

Tap wires to their corresponding colors from the back of the Key Cylinder to the Harness on the Turbo Timer (may vary for other Brands).

Rear of Key Cylinder Red = Red on Turbo Timer
Rear of Key Cylinder Purple = Blue on Turbo Timer
Rear of Key Cylinder Green = Green on Turbo Timer

Then theres the Ground Wire (Black) and E-Brake Wire (Gray). You can ground the Timer on one of the 2 bolts to the Left underneath the Steering Column behind the Aluminum Knee Bolster Panel (needs to be removed).

It is all quite easy and the timer works like a charm. The only thing that may complicate things is your alarm system. My car will lock and stay locked with the Timer running but my friend installed his on his 99 M3 and the car will lock and then unlock when the Timer finally shuts off the Motor.

Next is the Defi Controller and Gauges, then HKS EVC EZ Electronic Boost Controller.

Great, turned the car on today and got a Check Engine Light. Did the pedal trick and got 1221, guess my primary 02 Sensor is dead. Oh well I will be replacing it with the Wideband anyway.

Where should I purchase my Intercooler Piping? I've heard the Ebay Kits are pretty much useless (crappy couplers, etc.). I plan on running the charge pipe above the Subframe and below the Manifold, possibly using heat wrap.

heat wrap might not be good on a daily driver, i thiiink tho...there was a thread about coating that mentioed pros and cons to both methods

Anyone else have input on where to purchase my piping?

heat wrap might not be good on a daily driver, i thiiink tho...there was a thread about coating that mentioed pros and cons to both methods

Yeah, I heard heat wrapping tubular manifolds can shorten their lifespan. I was planning to just wrap the pipe section that runs right below the Manifold to minimize the heat.

Why not go to a fab shop and have some piping custom fabricated? That way its specific to your setup, and will be better than any 'kit' on the market. And you can have them run the piping any way you want it, that is what i would do.


Joey

PS- Get me that mod list ;)

Why not go to a fab shop and have some piping custom fabricated? That way its specific to your setup, and will be better than any 'kit' on the market. And you can have them run the piping any way you want it, that is what i would do.


Joey

PS- Get me that mod list ;)

True, but I do plan on just getting the pipes and bends then mocking and cutting them in my garage. I was just planning on bringing the pipes to the shop after to get them beaded or welded. I just need a source for the raw pipes and bends.

Ohh yes, and I am working on that list for you. I'll have it over to you today, thank you sir :)

-Paul