Finally, I have a few free minutes to update the progress on this car. This is a car being built for the Grassroots Motorsports UTCC event:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/012007/grm-ultimate-track-car-challenge.php

Now, due to the fact that my normal daily driver received an 18 wheeler enema last week, we are going to speed up the timeline a little! I wanted something completely different from any car at the track and this one should do it. It is a big turbo car with big usable power out of a Sunbelt 3.2L with the first true 6-1 tubular manifold I have seen pushing a GT-40R. The engine is backed by a Clutchmasters Street Ultralight clutch/flywheel package with a new material that is supposed to be very streetable for a daily driver, and runs through a Diffsonline 2.93 race built LS Differential. It also has all the goodies to make it a track killer - Moton/Ground Control suspension, big brakes, BBS wheels, Hankook street and track rubber (getting to play with a new street tire - should be pretty sweet).

More to follow as we get closer on the build. Here are a few of the manifold we just wrapped up and one of the car (a little messy because it has been stuck in the corner for a while).

The Sunbelt engine - never made it into our E46 Turbo racecar, so it is recycled...

Shell pic as it arrived.

An E36 wagon? Cool!

That should be easy enough to get functional rear aero on :stickoutt...

Full car, with the beautiful roller snow tire package...

And with a little bit better wheel...

Early manifold

subscribed. Already looking good.

Hold it up to your ear and you can hear the power!

Turbo placement required some creativity - and cutting, grinding, plenty of fabrication, welding, etc...

Manifold in progress.

And almost done on the manifold - a little more welding and then to the coater.

Cool! Watching intently.

I want a ride (or drive :)).

Thats it for now. This week we should finalize the fuel system, finish the exhaust, intercooler piping, then next week it runs if everything comes in for management!

I love it!! :thumbup:

That should be easy enough to get functional rear aero on :stickoutt...

Almost as easy as a ZCoupe? :)

Almost as easy as a ZCoupe? :)

That's what I was thinking -- just one of the big arse wings sticking straight up from the rear roof/hatch junction.

Like so:

http://www.dinancars.com/data/z3-racer.jpg

exciting. the wagon's going to look goooooood.

Looks great, James! I assume those roller wheels will be showing up on the BW website under a "used parts for sale" category? Those things are HOT! :D

Looks great, James! I assume those roller wheels will be showing up on the BW website under a "used parts for sale" category? Those things are HOT! :D

No unfortunately :( someone broke into the shop and took them. Apparently that is all they wanted.

No unfortunately :( someone broke into the shop and took them. Apparently that is all they wanted.

Damn, that's a shame. Too bad they didn't make off with the brand new set of CH's that were probably sitting right next to them instead.....

No unfortunately :( someone broke into the shop and took them. Apparently that is all they wanted.

You sure Rob didn't just stick them on Rusty to "class it up"? :lol

I soo wish i could have all the tools you have access to! ::drool:

that Wagon will be a bEAST! I WILL DEF BUY GROCERIES IN THAT

REs man, REs!

No, Rob is still 2 cylinders and 1 bolt hole short...

And almost done on the manifold - a little more welding and then to the coater. I have some real problems with that pic. It is not properly gusseted and will not withstand proper protection in the event of a rollover.

Woops! I was getting ready to turn this topic into a roll cage discussion.

Wagons are great cars to race. Back in "the day" people used to run anything in Showroom Stock. We all remember the Volvo 760 turbos that ran in ST back in the Firehawk days. Just last year, Dave Rosenblum ran that 4wd Subaru Wagon in ST at Lime Rock and Mid Ohio. Two great thing about a Wagon; 1, it is really easy to clean the back half of the car, 2.you can haul a bunch of spares in the car.

If there was a way to make my Eurovan into a track vehicle, it would be just that much better than a wagon.

As in the first post you eluded to this in.

Huge fan of modified wagons having owned a few in my day.

That thing will be very impressive.

I unlike others say... use under chassis aero for grip... got to keep the sleeper wagon look. No big spoiler please.

And almost done on the manifold - a little more welding and then to the coater.How long before we can buy the Chinese versions on eBay? ;)

Nice manifold work, I hope it yields noticeable gains. I'd like to see a track duel between the uberwagen and Ralph Warren's E46 S54 Rogue wagon. Turbo should win, but it would be fun to watch.

James -

Can Woody and I borrow it for this year's One Lap?

You can hold onto MDORPHN as collateral!

Neil

One of today's projects

I unlike others say... use under chassis aero for grip... got to keep the sleeper wagon look. No big spoiler please.

No way in the world! Maybe one of the MaxVelocity splitters. Things get pretty dicey over 150 and I am thinking 175 is doable on the track - may revisit that if I have to clean too many suits...

looks like you can really haul the mail in that thing!
at least your ice cream wont melt!

Can Woody and I borrow it for this year's One Lap?

Neil

Not sure it will be ready. But you might get to see it next year :)

And one shot that I just think is cool...

cool! Love it, keep the pics comming!

Cool project! Can't wait to see the final product!!

No, Rob is still 2 cylinders and 1 bolt hole short...

Sick Burn.

Tomorrow the manifold gets bolted onto the engine, then it all goes into the car for final downpipe fitment and if the mufflers arrive, a full exhaust. Also intercooler piping and blow off valve will be installed.

Can't imagine how this thing is going to pull when it spools up :devillook

Nick

Wagons 'r hawt.

More info on the rims in posts #3 and #5 please, I might be interested in a set or 8.

Looks perfect with the REs on it. Keep the info flowing...

I saw a car in the backround with a sticker on the side that said GoldFarb. Is that the same goldfarb as the one in rockville,MD?

The wagon is surely going to be a beast. Where did you source the car from?

More info on the rims in posts #3 and #5 please, I might be interested in a set or 8.


15x7, non-DOT Euro wheels, new rustic finish. I have some black here that I can have custom finished for $75/wheel, but not sure when we will get more of those in.

No - that is one of the NC Goldfarbs - CM racecar. The wagon donor came from Sweden.

Is that the same goldfarb as the one in rockville,MD?

Nope. Different Goldfarb.

Nope. Different Goldfarb.

What do they do? Are they a turbo wholesale company aswell?

What do they do? Are they a turbo wholesale company aswell?

Not even close:
http://www.williamgoldfarblaw.com/

Killer wagon! (subscribed)

The wagon donor came from Sweden.
So how do you get it accepted by DOT for registration? What do you need to prove it's US legal? Or is this not a concern?

So how do you get it accepted by DOT for registration? What do you need to prove it's US legal? Or is this not a concern?

The canned answer is you have to federalize it. There are places that specialize in this, just search the web. It is a bit of a tricky process and not super cheap.

Great project you got going there.

Please keep the pics coming.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

I love you!!

:shifty

-Serge

damn what a project!!!

Wow! Can't wait to see it finished!

Wow. Please sir I want some more....

Moar!!!!!

I am loving this project!!!! Please do keep us updated!!!

subscribed

subscribed

Sorry! Camera battery was totally dead today and charger at home. I have a new battery charging now, so tomorrow afternoon you should have some very nice pics :)

This is definitely a sick, sick project; going to be crazy when finished.

subscribed...

i love waaaaaaaagons.

subscribed
and did you weld in a piece of curved metal in the shocktower?
how's strength for the welds? enough for tracking the car?
waiting for dyno numbers
what rear end are you planning on using, and what tranny?
I vote for SMG, just because there's no SMGII on E36 yet.
or, if at all possible, get the DCT system from the new audi/vw and retrofit. that would be the ultimate.

got my attention

I like how you'll get it running in a week and Cameron (highboostingm3)'s car has taken two years :/

Sick project, I'd love to own something similar just to see the look on some Pcar driver's face as I pull away :lol3

I like how you'll get it running in a week and Cameron (highboostingm3)'s car has taken two years :/

Sick project, I'd love to own something similar just to see the look on some Pcar driver's face as I pull away :lol3

Haha..don't mention it to Cam! This would have been done a month ago if we had been less busy with customer cars and world challenge cars, but alas, it's getting done now :)

did you weld in a piece of curved metal in the shocktower?
how's strength for the welds? enough for tracking the car?
waiting for dyno numbers
what rear end are you planning on using, and what tranny?
I vote for SMG, just because there's no SMGII on E36 yet.
or, if at all possible, get the DCT system from the new audi/vw and retrofit. that would be the ultimate.

Yes - there is a piece of tubing fitted in to the tower, then some structural reinforcement is welded into the back of the tower. We use a 2.25" spring in the front on the Motons and with full camber dialed in, we have just enough clearance on the added structure. We have seen enough shock tower issues with tracked cars to make sure a mod like this is going to be stout enough.

Diff is a Diffsonline 3 disc 2.93 188 unit with modified ramp angles. Transmission is the normal E36 M3 5 speed. We are planning to max out at about 600 wheel, but will turn the boost down for daily drivability. The 5 speed should hold up to this. No real interest in adding something gadgety like an SMG. Besides a lot of expense and hassle, the SMG systems are not really good performance systems even in the newer cars in my opinion. I like having full control over my shifting and clutch movement when driving.

:drool:

Subscribed

Very cool project. Good luck with it.

the first true 6-1 tubular manifold I have seen pushing a GT-40R.


Already been done.

Very cool project. Good luck with it.
Already been done.

Thanks. I have seen some that are kind of 6-1, but most are tri-Y, or a semi 6-1 instead of using a true 6-1 collector. It should spool the turbo nicely the way we have it configured. Of course since so many of these projects are done by ambitious individuals, I have no way to know what kind of hardware is out there - I just haven't seen it. :dunno

Here is one of the engine ready to drop in with a good shot of the manifold.

Engine in the car with some of the oil lines in place. Housing off for intercooler pipe work.

Clocked properly.

Intake side intercooler piping.

Here is a picture of a Boost Logic kit (that we are selling) that we were going to use initially before we decided to do our own instead. This is what I mean by a semi 6-1 type.

James,

there are some others out there, including us (we have done a couple). But who cares? Keep on keepin on!

Thanks
Brad

James - I've been looking for a wagon. Want to build me one just like it (for $15K :D)?

Looks awesome...can't wait to hop in the passenger (or rear) seat for a ride around VIR.

Looks awesome...can't wait to hop in the passenger (or rear) seat for a ride around VIR.

Ooooh! Maybe James should put some bench seats way in the back?

http://www.edrysdale.com/dougs.jpg

:lol

Ooooh! Maybe James should put some bench seats way in the back?

http://www.edrysdale.com/dougs.jpg

Good god..I remember that ad. Im getting old.

Nice work making everything fit.

Can we fit 2 Race Seats rearward facing so we can wave goodbye? from the way back?

Can we fit 2 Race Seats rearward facing so we can wave goodbye? from the way back?

You might as well just install a vomit evacuation unit out the rear side windows for those two seats. Backwards NACA ducts and some 3-inch hosing should do the job. :rofl:

You might as well just install a vomit evacuation unit out the rear side windows for those two seats. Backwards NACA ducts and some 3-inch hosing should do the job. :rofl:

And a high CFM fan. Might as well chum the track while you're at it.

damn you guys work fast/have money. when I get a career I am not going to live in a house I am going to live in a shop like that, I will not have a family I will blow all my money on projects.

Wow e36 wagon... YESSSSSS

Subscribed.

Hey guys after seeing this car day after day in the shop, this is one sick Wagen. Watts come check this thing out and drop off your e30 for some Spec-e30 work while your at it.. anyways James is doing this thing very tastefull and not hacked together as you can see in the pictures, so im hoping this is going to be our shop-parts go getter vehicle. We could fit some e90 World challenge parts in the back!!

Ryan
BimmerWorld Racing
World Challenge Car Chief #36

so im hoping this is going to be our shop-parts go getter vehicle.

Or perhaps James needs a family vehicle? ;)

What are the odds on James getting a ticket in the wagon on his first trip down to VIR in it?

What are the odds on James getting a ticket in the wagon on his first trip down to VIR in it?

Well since I have gotten 5 in the last year, I would think pretty good. Goldfarb got me down to 4 pending last week, went back to 5 Thursday. In a pokey 5 SERIES!!! And I honestly don't haul on public roads, but my 14 over rule is obviously out the window now.

Well since I have gotten 5 in the last year, I would think pretty good. Goldfarb got me down to 4 pending last week, went back to 5 Thursday. In a pokey 5 SERIES!!! And I honestly don't haul on public roads, but my 14 over rule is obviously out the window now.

I abide by a 9 over rule unless I have a rabbit to run cop interference up ahead or I'm in a large group of traffic going faster. Haven't had a speeding ticket since 1997...KNOCK ON WOOD.

Well since I have gotten 5 in the last year, I would think pretty good. Goldfarb got me down to 4 pending last week, went back to 5 Thursday. In a pokey 5 SERIES!!! And I honestly don't haul on public roads, but my 14 over rule is obviously out the window now.

You got another one :eek:

Dibs on the wagon when you’re stuck riding a bike to work.

I abide by a 9 over rule unless I have a rabbit to run cop interference up ahead or I'm in a large group of traffic going faster. Haven't had a speeding ticket since 1997...KNOCK ON WOOD.

My last rabbit blew by the cop(s) leaving the THREE of them to pull and surround me. But that was 19 over in Jawja and I am not Southern enough to have any pull. Must have smelled the stench of ticket on me from the on I got in NC 3 hours prior.

Dibs on the wagon when you’re stuck riding a bike to work.

Radford would be a tough place to ride a bike...but you can always ride a small CC scooter without a license. :D

Radford would be a tough place to ride a bike...but you can always ride a small CC scooter without a license. :D

LOL - the habitual offender mobile!

My last rabbit blew by the cop(s) leaving the THREE of them to pull and surround me. But that was 19 over in Jawja and I am not Southern enough to have any pull. Must have smelled the stench of ticket on me from the on I got in NC 3 hours prior.

The Man was lookin' out for me at 2am in Bloomin'Dale Jawja when we went down to the SCCA awards thing in Jan. 106mph in the 'sclade. He lost control of the cruiser when he came flying out of the median onto the pavement and spun around back into the median. When I saw that in the rearview, I told The Boss that there was NO WAY we weren't getting the book thrown at us after that spin into the mud! Was doing pretty good until they asked me to get out of the car. Barney's eyes got really big then! He and Andge went to car (left me standing in the cold) and did not come out again until backup arrived. Thought I was goin' to jail to see Otis and Ernest T, but just a big ole High Speed Driving Award instead....thank goodness! Then I found a fellow that got it reduced to only the fine...NO POINTS! Made me a super happy camper! :):):)

Around the shop we call James "Speedy Gonzales" lately :)

James should drive the Volvo big rig - how fast will it go James?

-Tom

LOL - the habitual offender mobile!

I found one for sale today ... I'm going to need one after my 33 over ticket :eek:

James should drive the Volvo big rig - how fast will it go James?

Ya know the big bump near the entrance at Summit Point? I've ridden in a Volvo rig with full Renegade camper that managed to catch air with the front tires over that bump. :eek:

Ya know the big bump near the entrance at Summit Point? I've ridden in a Volvo rig with full Renegade camper that managed to catch air with the front tires over that bump. :eek:

Knowing Renegade, that must have cost about $12,000.



In repairs.

I abide by a 9 over rule unless I have a rabbit to run cop interference up ahead or I'm in a large group of traffic going faster. Haven't had a speeding ticket since 1997...KNOCK ON WOOD.
Bry, you really better find some wood to beat on! Your dad was just telling he haden't got a speeding ticket since the early 80's. The next day he got one on the way back from the coast.Better check your mirrors and watch your speed. Steve

Hey, James
Great project you have going on there, I am impressed by it being so original. I am excited to see how it turns out. I stopped by the BW truck at VIR a couple of weeks ago on sunday during the rain, not sure if you were there or not. I will be helping out Sunir Ghosal this season (#22 IP) so I will stop by and say hello sometime. Im at Summit Point right now for the weekend for a DE helping a friend but I dont think you guys will be bothered with coming here. Have a good weekend
Josh

Bry, you really better find some wood to beat on! Your dad was just telling he haden't got a speeding ticket since the early 80's. The next day he got one on the way back from the coast.Better check your mirrors and watch your speed. Steve

There's a difference in not getting one and not being convicted of one. I believe he falls in the first category, while I fall in the 2nd. Besides, he was doing well over my 9 mph limit when alone on the road. :D

LOL - the habitual offender mobile!

liquor cycle is my fav term.

My last rabbit blew by the cop(s) leaving the THREE of them to pull and surround me. But that was 19 over in Jawja and I am not Southern enough to have any pull. Must have smelled the stench of ticket on me from the on I got in NC 3 hours prior.

My last one was RACING and I was the only car!!! He walks up and says "Been getin' on it pretty good ain't ya? I wouldn't buy a car that smelled like that". I was actually only doing 75 over.

That was a car he could not afford....

Got it reduced to too fast for conditons, 0 points. Racing invloves 2 cars or a timed course neither of which applied. No Goldfarb required, but if you need a guy in Oakwood, his name is Lee.

Oakwood GA look out RA boys...

Chris

Sammy Hagar is my hero

My last one was RACING and I was the only car!!! He walks up and says "Been getin' on it pretty good ain't ya? I wouldn't buy a car that smelled like that". I was actually only doing 75 over.

That was a car he could not afford....

Got it reduced to too fast for conditons, 0 points. Racing invloves 2 cars or a timed course neither of which applied. No Goldfarb required, but if you need a guy in Oakwood, his name is Lee.

Oakwood GA look out RA boys...

Chris

Sammy Hagar is my hero

Only doing 75 over?! Impressive...

Great thread: makes me want to sneak a turbo into my E36 M3 with all the zillion other Bimmerworld parts. I used to track a modified Volvo 745 Turbo 4+OD manual tranny wagon: big Turbonetics turbo, modded head and bottom end engine, suspension and aerodynamic improvements by Craig Hansen Racing, and a Flowmaster muffler just for grins. Passing Mustangs and Camaros on track was a hoot: they'd come over and demand to see the engine (2.3 liters of Swedish fury), sure I'd slipped an LS1 in it. :rolleyes Wagons are the greatest sleepers. Great project James:buttrock .

LOL - the habitual offender mobile!

I got one for sale soon ;)

The suspension is coming together now, then the brakes (still waiting on our goodies there). Everything in the rear is reinforced and full solid mounted - subframe, differential, trailing arm bearings. We used the Ground Control rear LCAs due to strength and left the inner bushing non-solid. This should keep everything from moving around, even laying down some big power. That is the 2.93 3-disc Diffsonline diff, waiting for some axles to push!

The suspension is coming together now, then the brakes (still waiting on our goodies there). Everything in the rear is reinforced and full solid mounted - subframe, differential, trailing arm bearings. We used the Ground Control rear LCAs due to strength and left the inner bushing non-solid. This should keep everything from moving around, even laying down some big power. That is the 2.93 3-disc Diffsonline diff, waiting for some axles to push!

Those GC LCAs are hawt ;)

And the rear dampers. Coilovers have some advantages with controling the rear and since we don't have any problems with using a solid upper clevis mount, we went that direction.

Nice inner panel on the Touring pops out with a button. What a nice place to install a canister...

Whats up with the polished diff cover?

Because it is easy enough while it is off to hit it with the blaster.

Is it just for aesthetics?

Do you feel it wont affect it cooling performance?

Is this beast getting PF calipers?

Is it just for aesthetics?

Do you feel it wont affect it cooling performance?

Is this beast getting PF calipers?

I just hit it really well with the wirebrush; the pic makes it look shinier than it is from the flash. It was a used diff cover that we had lying around. Before installing the aluminum diff bushings I decided to clean up the grease/dirt so that it would look cleaner and also help the cooling efficiency of the aluminum cover.

The front will have a full PF setup I believe, the rear will be rebuilt M3 calipers, new rotors and some PF pads.


Nick

...I'm only here for the pictures. So, .... where are they?

I just hit it really well with the wirebrush; the pic makes it look shinier than it is from the flash. It was a used diff cover that we had lying around. Before installing the aluminum diff bushings I decided to clean up the grease/dirt so that it would look cleaner and also help the cooling efficiency of the aluminum cover.

The front will have a full PF setup I believe, the rear will be rebuilt M3 calipers, new rotors and some PF pads.


Nick

Gotcha, going to need some good brakes to stop that thing :) Time to get a kart to put in the back. Thats the first reason I got my wrx wagon, was to haul a kart, worked great. Oddly enough, I even fit a kart in my 96 gti vr6!

Just curious, how is the cooling efficiency increased by polishing it? Seems removing material will only detract from its heat dissipation capacity.

...I'm only here for the pictures. So, .... where are they?

All throughout the thread?

...I know, .. but I think I've been spoiled by the turbo thread :D

Just curious, how is the cooling efficiency increased by polishing it? Seems removing material will only detract from its heat dissipation capacity.

Old grease and dirt - nature's heatsink.

Just curious, how is the cooling efficiency increased by polishing it? Seems removing material will only detract from its heat dissipation capacity.

Wouldnt that make the heat disapation better with less material holding in heat?

If i throw a bunch of crud on my radiator it aint gunna cool better :D

Wouldnt that make the heat disapation better with less material holding in heat?

If i throw a bunch of crud on my radiator it aint gunna cool better :D

Cast aluminum many times will disspipate heat better when left with the "grainy" finish, as it leaves more surface area for air to contact the material and cool it. Less material, less place for the heat to go.

Pretty much the same reason why the Diff covers have all those fins, to get more surface area to make contact with flowing air to cool it.

Its actually the opposite of what you stated. Heat has to go somewhere, it won't just dissappear if there is no material for it to go into, especially when its in an enclosed case.

Lookin good, I was wondering what the wagon looked like currently.

I am no engineer but I believe the diff will be just fine. ;)

Lookin good, I was wondering what the wagon looked like currently.

No big visible changes. Lots of detail work going on right now. By tomorrow it should have all the brakes on - waiting for those is like a kid waiting for Christmas!

Cast aluminum many times will disspipate heat better when left with the "grainy" finish, as it leaves more surface area for air to contact the material and cool it. Less material, less place for the heat to go.


i'd have a hard time believing a few microscopic scratches in the surface will dissipate heat any better than a non-grainy finish. and even so, what is the end result? does the diff last longer? after all, heat dissipation is simply a surrogate marker for the real endpoint.....making the mechanical components more efficient/reliable/durable.

Here is the not so quick and pretty dirty but works if you live in the right state way to get a wagon into the US and register it. But you better not want to ever sell it.

1: Find your prize wagon in europe somewhere.
2: Load it into a container and make sure it is secure. You do know how to do that right? Remember ships roll a lot while at sea. If your container is at the top of the stack it could be moving 30-40 yards side to side for every wave.
3: Get container delivered. You do have someplace that you can roll a car off the back of an 18 wheeler right?
4: Hide the contraband.
5: Head to the junkyard. Find a sedan that is similar in age and color to the contraband.
6: Borrow all the vin tags you can get your hands on. Especially that nice one on the dash. Make sure junkyard owner either does not care or does not know. Also make sure that your state does not list vehicles as destroyed.
7: Swap those acquired vins to the contraband.
8: Contraband is now legal seeming.
9: Register and insure in a state that does not pay much attention to that box that is marked "sedan"

A friend did it this way with an E30 iX touring from Germany. Though he had it delivered to Canada via a normal auto transport company and he drove it accross the border. He still has it. Nice car.

i'd have a hard time believing a few microscopic scratches in the surface will dissipate heat any better than a non-grainy finish. and even so, what is the end result? does the diff last longer? after all, heat dissipation is simply a surrogate marker for the real endpoint.....making the mechanical components more efficient/reliable/durable.

Don't look into it too much guys. I had a diff cover that was filthy. I cleaned it up with some brake cleaner and a wirebrush so it didn't look nasty and maybe would help with its air-cooling properties as a side-effect ;)

Gauges are in...SPA gauges are pretty hot:redspot

Don't look into it too much guys. I had a diff cover that was filthy. I cleaned it up with some brake cleaner and a wirebrush so it didn't look nasty and maybe would help with its air-cooling properties as a side-effect ;)
Nick, it is the internet, "looking too much into it" is what people do! :stickoutt

Gauges are now in and most of the wiring is run. We used the SPA duals for the temps and pressures because they save space and have an alarm light to get your attention on the track if something goes out of the preset range. Instead of a mechanical boost gauge, we are using the SPA analog with a stepper motor - super accurate.

Now we wait on the rest of the big stuff. Brakes should be in tomorrow, then the management system sometime soon. The car was an individual with tan leather seats - I am switching to black for a little bit cleaner look. We located the rears used in Europe (touring specific) and I think my front seats are waiting for One Lap of America to be finished...

James,

Why didn't you just put an AIM in the cluster and be done with it? Cost would have been about the same as the three SPA's.

http://www.evosport.com/public/customer_cars/bmw/e46/M3_jp/IMG_5708.JPG

Also would communicate with the Stand-Alone (assuming you are using one based on your post) or via Can-Bus with the OE DME.

As for gauges - you picked the nicest. The SPA are super clean, and the install does look great.

Thanks
Brad

I don't like dashes like that in a street car - just not my preference. I like needles for RPM and boost. The Motec in the racecars is good because when I am racing, I rely on lights. But I don't think a sleeper street car should light up like that. I definitely don't need the extra attention...

You need the fake cluster decal , and then with the flip of a switch it reveals the MXL :) Knightrider style!

I wonder how many joe schmo's on the street would even realize the car was not sold to this country? I bet not even 1 out of 10 would have a clue. I think thats the best part of this kind of "unique" project, that only the real enthusiasts know why its so special.

Who wants to import an E60 M5 wagon ;)

I don't like dashes like that in a street car - just not my preference. I like needles for RPM and boost. The Motec in the racecars is good because when I am racing, I rely on lights. But I don't think a sleeper street car should light up like that. I definitely don't need the extra attention...
Got it. So what are you doing for engine management? One of Nick's super OE Box tunes or a stand-alone?

Thanks
Brad

this project just keeps getting better and better ;)
glad to see you plan on having some tunes to help you stay focused through the Hog Pin
so what did the wagon start its life out as? - Nevermind i found it '96 320iT :)

Nice looking project James. I would love to have a e36 wagon.

Nice looking project James. I would love to have a e36 wagon.

Well Wade, its kind of like its both of ours...

Tunes - that is a piece direct from Europe but I am putting in my old stuff - maybe the Euro version has a lot of value used - anyone? I had the Pioneer flip monitor/NAV in the convertible when they came out because it seemed like a really cool idea. Then I realized how totally worthless they are in a car, or anything but an SUV. Still gives you nice control over EQ settings and crossovers.

Tuning - standalone. Really the only way to get proper control of it I think. I have a friend with a 1200Hp supra - gets 25 MPG on the highway with some good tuning on the box.

Cool, so c'mon tell us what stand-alone!

It's all in the reveal Brad! It is almost wrapped up - waiting on a couple of harness changes. Patience!

I will be @ VIR on July 27th for a karting enduro event as well as to watch this grassroots challenge mayhem.....

i'll definitely stop by the paddock and see the action. can you guys give rides? ;)


best of luck, Bimmerworld!

Well Wade, its kind of like its both of ours...

Tunes - that is a piece direct from Europe but I am putting in my old stuff - maybe the Euro version has a lot of value used - anyone? I had the Pioneer flip monitor/NAV in the convertible when they came out because it seemed like a really cool idea. Then I realized how totally worthless they are in a car, or anything but an SUV. Still gives you nice control over EQ settings and crossovers.

Tuning - standalone. Really the only way to get proper control of it I think. I have a friend with a 1200Hp supra - gets 25 MPG on the highway with some good tuning on the box.

James this is his brother Shannon. I just have his race car in my sig since i have allot of time into it. Just as much as him but he pays for everything on it :)

I have always like these wagons and wanted to see one layed out and with some power :) Ultimate sleeper

James this is his brother Shannon. I just have his race car in my sig since i have allot of time into it. Just as much as him but he pays for everything on it :)

Sweet deal! I thought the IA location didn't look right...

Christ, that will be one of the most thoroughly put together track/street car of all time :D

Brake time. Test fitment of the rotor on the spindle. We opted for a Enduro type setup, using a wider than normal rotor. The rotor design is a PFC Direct Drive (same as the racecars) but with the dimpled surface to lessen the noise you normall get from slotted. New hubs and then we are set to go with final install.

Brake pads for the front - just one set...

Like a good bottle of Canadian whiskey!

Like a good bottle of Canadian whiskey!

I got 2 of them. Let's start the bidding at $1200 (each). Don't hold back boys they are worth it!!

Chris

And the contents... Super, super light, one piece design for extremely low amounts of caliper flex. 323mm front rotor and stock rear brakes keeps the sizing appropriate for our use (no 3 hour races or similar!), excess weight minimized, and the performance is better than a most 4 wheel kits.

I got 2 of them. Let's start the bidding at $1200 (each). Don't hold back boys they are worth it!!

Chris

Speak for yourself! I will be losing money big time at that...

The PF calipers are awesome, but very pricey(for my car at least). $3400 per front caliper for my car IIRC. :eek: :help

pf=:drool:

Where can I get some PFB's?

The PF calipers are awesome, but very pricey(for my car at least). $3400 per front caliper for my car IIRC. :eek: :help

Nah - you could use a ZR-33 2 piece kit that is not much more than that for the full thing. About the right price for a higher-end piece for most racing and track days.

Where can I get some PFB's?

Well, we are using the parts we sell on this build, so...

I'm combining the PF Direct drive rotors and Rotora Calipers. Evosport has had some great success, and I think the PFC rotors add that extra touch to the package...the DD rotor is a great design, but it costs you.

Just depends on your budget and application....everything has its purpose.

James, do those monoblocks have a single retaining clip for the pads, or are there two clips?

Retaining clips?

those brakes are just amazing. It will go very nicely with the car once it is all said and done. I might be out at VIR late this year helping out at the Grand-AM race out there and maybe if i have time i can swing by.

Retaining clips?

I thought they were quick change pads?

those brakes are just amazing. It will go very nicely with the car once it is all said and done. I might be out at VIR late this year helping out at the Grand-AM race out there and maybe if i have time i can swing by.

Please do - we are about 2 hours from VIR, right off of I81.

I thought they were quick change pads?

No, fixed bridge.

No, fixed bridge.

Is that the ZR28 monoblock caliper? Do you have to remove the caliper from the studs to change all 4 pads?

Is that the ZR28 monoblock caliper? Do you have to remove the caliper from the studs to change all 4 pads?

Correct.

Ah ok, i thought maybe the pads were designed to be changed quickly.

Not a big deal for a street car though.

Ah ok, i thought maye the pads were designed to be quick change.

Not a big deal for a street car though.

Or apparently racecars from World Challenge to CART.

Obviously for endurance races...if you don't have to change them its not a big deal.

For Street/track applications the clip or bolted retaining bar is a nice feature to have when you have to change pads at the track.

Whats the weight on those calipers? Under 7lbs?

I think the Zr27 is the only monoblock they have with a removable bridge, you know better though, do they have any other monoblocks with a removable bridge? This one weighs 8.45lbs, but thats expected since it uses some thick ass pads. Sick caliper, so strong.

http://www.hrpworld.com/client_images/ecommerce/client_39/products/2768_hdr.jpg


For comparison here is an Alcon 4 piston monoblock with no bridge, its under 7lbs i believe (6 piston is 7.32#), but under the extreme high and application, I'd guess it has less rigidity than the solid bridge PFC.

http://www.hrpworld.com/client_images/ecommerce/client_39/products/1013_hdr_2_l.jpg

Speak for yourself! I will be losing money big time at that...

Ha Ha. I was talking about selling the BAGS for $1200 each, trying to re-coup some of my "investment" (that's what we call jewerly and BBKs here in the mountains!!). You'll find out one day about that!! :D

Chris

Hows the car coming James. Any new teaser pics :)

I'm going to guess he's busy getting ready for Miller...but we know he's just going to be thinking about the wagon throughout the whole event :)

jesus i need updates

Like a good bottle of Canadian whiskey!

That can be arranged...

hows it coming along James.

Well Miller and I just got back in town from Lime Rock. And two weeks to Watkins Glen. Hard to keep up with everything!

We are tuning this weekend, so we will be super busy this week getting everything running and in a format that can go on the dyno. I doubt it will be in its finished form, but we will wrap up the exhaust system and electronics this week. Will probably try to put the car in final mock-up after the Watkins race.

Pictures to follow shortly.

OK, more from tonight as we have all of 5 days in the shop between races - a real luxury these days... Doing the initial tuning on Friday, so we hope to get it running tonight. This is not the final fit and finish on a lot of these parts - just what it takes to make it run. First the ECU modules:

Temp mount for the boost controller.

Glovebox in progress. We will have the serial cable hard mounted and another goody or two to be added after initial tuning.

And the rat's nest that is currently the engine compartment. Nothing like dealing with electronics...

Nice, looks fun. Are you concerned at all about the OEM wiring and the heat from the top mount configuration?

Goodluck at the next race, definitely looks like the cars laptimes are closing in on the podium!

Nice, looks fun. Are you concerned at all about the OEM wiring and the heat from the top mount configuration?

Not so worried about the wiring, but I am definitely worried about some other parts. We are using a new Jet-Hot Extreme Sterling coating which is supposed to insulate very well, in addition to header wrap, a blanket, and gold film. Still crossing fingers.

Goodluck at the next race, definitely looks like the cars laptimes are closing in on the podium!

Thanks - Hoping to have some new hardware after the Glen to install in the lobby.

James, excuse me if this was already answered, are you going to attempt to make this car road legal? I'm rather excited to see an e36 wagon in the USA and wouldn't mind seeing more of them.

best of luck with this awesome project! :buttrock

-Ron

You bet! It will be my nice weather driver - I have enough track stuff. I haven't fully worked out the logistics, but it will have a tag. I also have to figure out how to insure it for stated value or similar. After getting plowed by a semi in my convertible and going through the insurance process that I am still in the middle of, I am not looking to repeat.

You bet! It will be my nice weather driver - I have enough track stuff. I haven't fully worked out the logistics, but it will have a tag. I also have to figure out how to insure it for stated value or similar. After getting plowed by a semi in my convertible and going through the insurance process that I am still in the middle of, I am not looking to repeat.

As well known as you are at the Commonwealth DMV, you shouldn't have a problem....:D

As well known as you are at the Commonwealth DMV, you shouldn't have a problem....:D

They have taken such an interest in me that they have offered an advanced driver training course for me to attend this summer. I am not sure if I am the guest speaker or what my duties will be this time around, but I was told that I will be paying for the privelage - wierd...

They have taken such an interest in me that they have offered an advanced driver training course for me to attend this summer. I am not sure if I am the guest speaker or what my duties will be this time around, but I was told that I will be paying for the privelage - wierd...
you should show up in your racing suit & helmet. :rofl

They have taken such an interest in me that they have offered an advanced driver training course for me to attend this summer. I am not sure if I am the guest speaker or what my duties will be this time around, but I was told that I will be paying for the privelage - wierd...

Wow, the advanced program. I've heard great things about it. I assume we'll be seeing In-car on the website? You just have to make sure to thank them when you make it to the podium.

You bet! It will be my nice weather driver - I have enough track stuff. I haven't fully worked out the logistics, but it will have a tag. I also have to figure out how to insure it for stated value or similar. After getting plowed by a semi in my convertible and going through the insurance process that I am still in the middle of, I am not looking to repeat.
best of luck with the project, I would love to see this car in person in all it's glory.

best of luck with the project, I would love to see this car in person in all it's glory.

Thanks. Once it is finished, my intention is to not make it too hard to find. I will travel to East Coast races with us as well as some other shows and special events.

you should show up in your racing suit & helmet. :rofl

James, I 2nd this suggestion.

James, I 2nd this suggestion.

OK, I am tempted to do it. Maybe I will bring a helmet and wheel in a gear bag. The problem is that while we would all find it quite comical, none of you are there. We have had corporate training there before - 3 employees at a time. Maybe it would have been best done then?

Up on the lift, wrapping up the bottom side. Here are the stacks of coolers - the oil cooler sits on top of the intercooler. That's an expensive front-end collision!

Headers and downpipe from the underside - it looked cooler before my photography skills interfered.

First part of the exhaust

OK - I am getting a "forum quota limit" now when I post more pictures. Anyone familiar?

You'll have to delete some of your old attached images or store the new ones on photobucket or another image host and link them...

James, you should make a public folder on bimmerworldracing.com to post pictures or something, because there is a limit to how many pictures you can attach per page. Its easier to manage to, just drag&drop.

OK - back up! Marks banging out the custom exhaust. We went 3.5" which I am now thinking is undersized. We may go back with an electronic dump depending on the dyno outcome.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/exhaust2.jpg

Got fuel? With a 4 pump system and 60# injectors, we should. 2 in-tank pumps handle the tank scavenging for proper road-course work. We are using them as lift pumps only due to the volume required to run the engine under full boost. The two big boys are further downstream. One is full-time, the other is triggered under higher fuel load requirements - helps the engine idle properly without throwing fuel it can't return properly. Not sure if we will need to run dual lines from the tank yet or not - I prefer not to.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/fuel.jpg

Why do you think 3.5" is undersized? You think you're going to be making 700hp+? 3.5" can support quite a bit of horsepower.

Best thing about the electric cutout is if someone is revving next to you at a stop light you flip the switch and shoot flames out the side at them :)

I could not see in the pictures, is the wastegate dumping into the exhaust?

Why do you think 3.5" is undersized? You think you're going to be making 700hp+?

:devillook Not full-time, but yes.

I could not see in the pictures, is the wastegate dumping into the exhaust?

Yes. Dual resonator exhaust also. The plan is to be relatively stealthy.

Gotcha. Yea, definitely need a decent muffler for the wastegate if you want stealthyness...would be a dead give away its not your ordinary rare imported E36 wagon :)

The weird thing is only the real Bimmer enthusiasts would even notice its anything special being a wagon.

Not full time ehy, haha. Seems there are a couple stock engine guys making that much power in the FI forum, but they only last so long before the inevitable. Pretty impressive for stock motors though.

Not full time ehy, haha. Seems there are a couple stock engine guys making that much power in the FI forum, but they only last so long before the inevitable. Pretty impressive for stock motors though.

Well, calculations put it at 600 RWHP on pump gas and shifting at 6200 to stay in the power. We will see where this meets reality soon enough... I should be able to run it daily in that configuration, but it isn't as much fun honestly. Maybe after some time to get it all dialed in we will enable the traction control and then it will have better manners in the higher boost?

OK - back up! Marks banging out the custom exhaust. We went 3.5" which I am now thinking is undersized. We may go back with an electronic dump depending on the dyno outcome.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/exhaust2.jpg
3.5 inch undersized? doubtful. Your first choke point will be the turbulence into the snail from the split T4 flange and the odd order of collection (and mid intersecting pipes to the flange). Then the tight bends in the downpipe.


Got fuel? With a 4 pump system and 60# injectors, we should. 2 in-tank pumps handle the tank scavenging for proper road-course work. We are using them as lift pumps only due to the volume required to run the engine under full boost. The two big boys are further downstream. One is full-time, the other is triggered under higher fuel load requirements - helps the engine idle properly without throwing fuel it can't return properly. Not sure if we will need to run dual lines from the tank yet or not - I prefer not to.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/fuel.jpg
lift pumps lift to a swirl pot usually. I see just one feed line that looks "stock", and a stock fuel filter. kinda defeats the purpose of lift pumps with no accumulator.
proper fuel return with a high pressure primary pump is no problem with a proper fuel pressure regulator. sizing a pump setup for 600-800hp is very easy these days.
feeding two high pressure pumps off of one line is also a bad thing.

Man - problem with a wiring harness/relay. No starting tonight...

If we were trying to make an all-out racecar, we could certainly put a better fueling system on the car and pick up every 10 Hp we are leaving on the table. Obviously, I meant 4" from the turbo - not just the rear exhaust. That is the big restriction, but certainly not the only. Honestly, this thing will have plenty of power and is quite efficient versus a lot of cars out there. And while not the engineer's dream, the fuel system we are using is proven to work and keeps me from plunking down another $500 with Aeromotive. Something has to be kept for the race budget...

Well, I was wrong. A lot of motivation from Dave at the shop and we have it running! A few minor issues to sort out, but everything is seemingly working correctly. New brake hats and rotors arrive in an hour or two, then we can bleed brakes and clutch and get it down on the ground and to the dyno!


http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/mov00514.mpg

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/itruns.jpg

Sorry, but man that fuel system looks like a cluster F** !

Why did you over complicate things? Dual intake walbros with a -6 feed to a simple SX or Aeromotive regulator would have been more than plenty to make 800+whp.... No need for 4 friggen fuel pumps...:confused:confused:confused:confused

Sorry, but man that fuel system looks like a cluster F** !

Why did you over complicate things? Dual intake walbros with a -6 feed to a simple SX or Aeromotive regulator would have been more than plenty to make 800+whp.... No need for 4 friggen fuel pumps...:confused:confused:confused:confused

Right, no need for them to make the power. The trick is flowing that much fuel, having the fuel in the tank where it needs to be, and not choking it with the poor resolution of the huge injectors. If it was a drag car it would be simple, but it also has to be a daily driver and a track car.

Right, no need for them to make the power. The trick is flowing that much fuel, having the fuel in the tank where it needs to be, and not choking it with the poor resolution of the huge injectors. If it was a drag car it would be simple, but it also has to be a daily driver and a track car.

He's right the dual in tanks and -6 through a billet fuel filter with a regulator will support 800hp. I have -6 line from the tank to the fuel rail and from return on rail to tank. I even have mine in the stock location held on with the stock clips. Looks much cleaner. I also plan to add a fuel cooler later on to cool the fuel.

I had a three pump set up on my 535is, Supra turbo feed pump, two stock pumps two fuel filters, and two return lines....I pulled it all off to clean up the instal. And make it less complicated...

Other than the pumps looks good ;)

Hey don't skimp on it your race cars always look super good!

If we were trying to make an all-out racecar, we could certainly put a better fueling system on the car and pick up every 10 Hp we are leaving on the table. Obviously, I meant 4" from the turbo - not just the rear exhaust. That is the big restriction, but certainly not the only. Honestly, this thing will have plenty of power and is quite efficient versus a lot of cars out there. And while not the engineer's dream, the fuel system we are using is proven to work and keeps me from plunking down another $500 with Aeromotive. Something has to be kept for the race budget...

a fuel system isn't about making HP, its about delivering fuel.
If you have dual in tank low pressure pumps, you anticipate having a pickup problem. If you know that you'll have a pickup problem, and use two in-tank pumps on opposite sides, you guarantee that at least one pump will suck air at some point. Now if you feed those pumps to a tee, and then to high pressure pumps, where does that air go? TO THE FUEL RAIL. This should be what you were trying to avoid in the first place. Hence, you feed a pot with the two lift pumps, return the excess from the top of said pot to the tank, and feed your high pressure pump(s) off of the bottom of said pot.

its not a cost thing, as you're about $25 away from doing it not wrong. You can also go back to just one high pressure pump and you're ahead cost wise.

If you wanted simple, you should have gone with one pump in the tank, not two, and no external pumps. 1 pump is a lot lower cost and les complicated than 4 pumps.

It isn't about delivering fuel, it is about managing where the fuel is to be delivered, especially under higher G situations with lower fuel levels. 4 pumps is slightly complicated, but there is a specific reason for them and each is being managed as part of the fuel system.

To supply the volume without further custom work, we are feeding both ends of the fuel rail and running it deadhead essentially. Our design allows us to run the injectors we are by triggering the second pump only when required, thus allowing the return to not be overloaded, meaning I can return the fuel in one place.

The lift pumps are not running in parallel - we have never done it this way - it is using a standard E36 fuel starvation fix to keep the fuel loaded up on the right hand side where it can be delivered. One in-tank pump is a problem in a track car - that is not a solution.

It isn't about delivering fuel, it is about managing where the fuel is to be delivered, especially under higher G situations with lower fuel levels. 4 pumps is slightly complicated, but there is a specific reason for them and each is being managed as part of the fuel system.
the goal is to get the fuel to the rail, no?

To supply the volume without further custom work, we are feeding both ends of the fuel rail and running it deadhead essentially. Our design allows us to run the injectors we are by triggering the second pump only when required, thus allowing the return to not be overloaded, meaning I can return the fuel in one place.
:confused
how can you feed both ends of the fuel rail AND return to the tank? It *sounds* like you've turned it into a returnless system. pictures?

The lift pumps are not running in parallel - we have never done it this way - it is using a standard E36 fuel starvation fix to keep the fuel loaded up on the right hand side where it can be delivered. One in-tank pump is a problem in a track car - that is not a solution.
One in-tank pump is fine on a track E36. Just need to use the early pump/siphon tube and whatnot.

Just need to use the early pump/siphon tube and whatnot.

Details of the early pump/siphon tube?

Details of the early pump/siphon tube?
the 95-99 E36's got a pump setup that wasn't as good at grabbing that last bit of fuel. Drivers side siphon tube was changed for some reason. They had starvation issues under heavy cornering. The early cars (pre 01/95) didn't have this problem. Some companies sell twin pump kits to fix the problem, others sell the pump and such that came in the 92-95 cars.

on my 92 chassis, I played around with big figure 8's at various fuel levels. 1.6G in either direction all the way down to with the gas light on and no problems. full tank minus 15 gallons is where the problems finally started.

the 95-99 E36's got a pump setup that wasn't as good at grabbing that last bit of fuel. Drivers side siphon tube was changed for some reason. They had starvation issues under heavy cornering. The early cars (pre 01/95) didn't have this problem. Some companies sell twin pump kits to fix the problem, others sell the pump and such that came in the 92-95 cars.

on my 92 chassis, I played around with big figure 8's at various fuel levels. 1.6G in either direction all the way down to with the gas light on and no problems. full tank minus 15 gallons is where the problems finally started.

Great info, thanks. I was thinking about replacing my pump with one from a 97 328 to have a higher flow rate. You'd recommend not to for tracking purposes than or is there a quick fix for this?

Great info, thanks. I was thinking about replacing my pump with one from a 97 328 to have a higher flow rate. You'd recommend not to for tracking purposes than or is there a quick fix for this?
The stock pumps seem to be fine in the mid 300 rwhp levels. I don't know how much room there is left though.
if you are worried about fuel delivery capacity, I'd suggest a walbro 255 lph in place of the stock pump. Keep your sipon tube and whatnot though from the early car.

The stock pumps seem to be fine in the mid 300 rwhp levels. I don't know how much room there is left though.
if you are worried about fuel delivery capacity, I'd suggest a walbro 255 lph in place of the stock pump. Keep your sipon tube and whatnot though from the early car.

My car is a '94 325i that had a US 3.2L engine swap done and would fuel starve at about 1/2 tank under heavy G-loading with the stock '94 pump (I don't think the builder installed the M3 pump, but I could be wrong). I installed the Bimmerworld kit and now I can run on fumes. Have had some vent tube issues but JMT Track Cars finally got that licked and now the fuel system seems to be 100% reliable (knocks on wood).

the goal is to get the fuel to the rail, no?
Yes, but to get fuel to the rail, one must first have fuel. Fuel sitting where it is not supplying the pump properly doesn't count.

:confused
how can you feed both ends of the fuel rail AND return to the tank? It *sounds* like you've turned it into a returnless system. pictures?
Ah, yes. It is actually pretty trick. Pictures don't help. Think about areas of pressure, not flow directions. Flow directions can change with different folume requirements.

One in-tank pump is fine on a track E36. Just need to use the early pump/siphon tube and whatnot.
Not really, or not always. We used to sell that kit style as a Stage 1 fuel starvation kit, but there were people that it didn't work for. There are some tank differences, but we couldn't pin it down to one tank and even cars that we ran seemed to be sporadic. A siphon tube is a passive solutio - a transfer pump is an active solution and solves the problem without question. The use of a transfer pump is pretty common and what we have always done in the pro cars when limited to a stock fuel tank.

I love it when you guys talk about things I know very little about (but find very interesting). I hope you don't mind I plan on claiming to be an expert on this stuff by the weekend when out drinkin with other drivers. Lets see, siphon tube to collector is passive, transfer pump is active, deadhead fuel rail is based on fuel pressure not flow directions. Dam its gonna sound good after several cold ones ;-)

Good job on getting it running.

James, good luck arguing a point to Mike (techno550)..lol. It will take 10 pages just to get through the fuel setup :)

I can't believe I never stumbled across this thread. It's so amazing I can't really put it into words. From the gauge setup to the top mount gt4094r(?) to the exhaust manifold to the fact it is a fricking wagon.

Simply awesome!:buttrock

I can't believe I never stumbled across this thread. It's so amazing I can't really put it into words. From the gauge setup to the top mount gt4094r(?) to the exhaust manifold to the fact it is a fricking wagon.

Simply awesome!:buttrock

Close, it's a 4088R. My buddy Nick Stevens from Omegamotive.com made the exhaust manifold.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/itruns.jpg

James

Noticed you've installed the euro M3 expansion tank, goofynick6 suggested in
another thread you have may have pics and/or details of the install to the US
motor. Specifically the oem brackets and plumbing.

Thanks - John

Yes.

You might want to go with a drip can carburetor. The guy on our team (who is our fueler) learned about this in the Service. He keeps telling us that his services will be necessary as that fuel injection will fail one day. So, you might want to take a paint can, punch a small hole in the bottom and mount the thing over the intake of the turbo. I'd then run a fuel line to the paint can. That fuel line would be connected to an old Bendix fuel pump. When the engine starts leaning out, just turn on the pump and listen for the chuga chuga of the pump. Problem solved.

Looking good James. Enjoyed reading everything so far and looking forward to the new posts.

its not fair, its just not fair!:bluecry1 James you are just hanging jewlery all over that damn car!


that exhaust looks nice and huge, if you havent done the hangers yet try this:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/promp3/DSC01877.JPG
I used 3/8 stanless round bar bent in a vice with a jack handle it fits in the stock clamps perfectly, and it is adjustable and pretty, Its worked very well for me. for the center I just ran a straight piece of round bar under the pipe with a few inches on eather side and sliped the hangers on it, but the way my exhasut is balanced those hangers really don't do anything. I'm not saying you guys don't know what you are doing( I think you made it obvious that you do) but just throwing that idea out there to try and help if you like it...or havent figured any thing out already.

btw hells yea on the $5 t-shirts! I'll be ordering one, I am poor and I need a new shirt.

Subscribed :)

James,

The build looks awesome:D How about a busmans holiday next year around the 2nd week of May. That car is made for the OLOA:redspot. I would love to see it go against the Viper's, STI's Neon's,Zo6's and of course Davia's 996TT. Of course your real competition would probably come from a BimmerWorld prepped Red E46 M3. :stickoutt

Peter

How about a busmans holiday next year around the 2nd week of May. That car is made for the OLOA:redspot.

That is certainly a thought with the whole thing... Assuming our race schedule works out, we may actually have time!

that exhaust looks nice and huge, if you havent done the hangers yet try this:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/promp3/DSC01877.JPG


Thanks for the pic. I have seen that style on some aftermarket exhausts, but I have also seen it rip the can sometimes. We are using a stainless strap under the pipe, suspended by Powerflex urethane hangers at either side. Kind of like a driveshaft retaining loop - even if part of it fails, it still holds the exhaust up. I will put pics up later - right now we only have one muffler and a turndown for tuning.

you are right I have seen borla's rip, I am pretty sure thy use very thin gauge for the muffler bodys you need to weld them on the seam where the end plates are welded on, but so far so good for my magnaflow. hangers take a beating it must be alot worse on a stiff suspention race car slaming rumble strips and what not, I bet its no fun to have your exhaust fall off and start dragging half way through a race.

We used to sell that kit style as a Stage 1 fuel starvation kit, but there were people that it didn't work for. There are some tank differences, but we couldn't pin it down to one tank and even cars that we ran seemed to be sporadic. A siphon tube is a passive solution - a transfer pump is an active solution and solves the problem without question. The use of a transfer pump is pretty common and what we have always done in the pro cars when limited to a stock fuel tank.

I've been using the BW dual (main+transfer) fuel pump setup since the 2003 season. To the point made earlier, as long as there's any fuel at all to be picked up the main pump isn't going to suck in air.

I've never had the guts/bad judgment to see just how low I can run the tank on the track—who wants to run out of fuel out on the far side of Road America, say?—but it's certainly OK well into the reserve light zone.

Neil
96 M3

Again, almost done... Stupid race season keeps getting in the way! This time we are "more done" done than last time. It will actually be ready to hit the dyno, then the track I think, assuming all goes well. We fixed the engine gasket problem (don't ask...) and spent today wrapping up the rear exhuast, close to completion. Still needs some welding to wrap it up. Double resonated to quiet it down to sleeper levels.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/exhaust_rear.jpg

Installing the front brakes finally (ended up going with the slotted rotors instead of the dimpled - we actually borrowed these right out of the World Challenge E90 spares package).

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/brakesinstalled.jpg

And the oil cooler (we ran a bypass line before for the dyno). Sucks to have 20# of coolers in the front nose. Intercooler is missing while we weld on final mounting brackets.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/oilcooler.jpg

Should have it running tomorrow again, wrap up some of the electronics calibrations, then head to the dyno for a 10psi pull. Hoping to have it at VIR for Sunday, fingers crossed...

James -

Any chance I'll see it at VIR with Tarheel on July 8-9?

Neil

Those brakes look cool. What diameter are they?

Any chance I'll see it at VIR with Tarheel on July 8-9?

No - we will be in Toronto.

Those brakes look cool. What diameter are they?

323mm I think, possibly 328. I don't know exactly what spec they sent us.

Do they make 355's?

Do they make 355's?

They do. The ALMS and Rolex cars use the 355 rotor typically. You need power, downforce, and slicks in an endurance environment typically to really make it pay off unless you just want something big.

Final preparations tonight for real-world testing. The car now runs, but there are a couple of wiring issues to work out to call it done for a street car. The idle AFR is rock solid, but it is raining outside, so a quick run up the road is not advisable. Tomorrow morning we clean everything up, run it up and down the road, and then throw it on the chassis dyno for a low boost (10 psi) run to test under full load.

Like going to sleep on Christmas Eve!

Like going to sleep on Christmas Eve!

:)

OK - I opened just one present tonight... Rationalization is a wonderful thing. Steam coming off the road can mean that it has to be dry enough to test drive. Second gear - as soon as it hit the boost it was immediately 30deg sideways, which is the quickest I have ever had a car come out on me. Everything seems to be a go, AFR right around 12 under load for the split second I can hang there. Brought it back in one piece!

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/front34.jpg

http://www.bimmerworld.com/images/touring/rear34.jpg

:worship: :drool:

Congratulations! So close! :buttrock

Sweet!

Video!?!

Please....pretty please :rolleyes :D

:drool:

Yes!!!

Sweet deal!!!

Hey there James....Put some non Egg yoke bulbs in that sucker :D side ones that are bright orange..

I'm Jealous! I have always wanted an E36 M3 Wagon..

Looks dam good!!

Just think of the fun you couls have with that sucker..Makes me giddy, I could just imagine a guy in a new Vette getting his ass handed to him by an old BMW wagon!:buttrock

Man, I am interested to see what kind of numbers you get at 10 psi. What are you planning to run it at when all is said and done?

Hey there James....Put some non Egg yoke bulbs in that sucker :D side ones that are bright orange..

Will likely do. It has the stock Euro stuff in it now, I will spruce it up, but lights aren't as high on my priority list as some :)

Man, I am interested to see what kind of numbers you get at 10 psi. What are you planning to run it at when all is said and done?

Not sure. I will honestly probably not run it full tilt so often. I hope to have it on the track this weekend so I can see how its manners are as I turn it up. We figure somewhere between 18-22 is max, but we need to look at efficency of the manifold/turbo first to really know for sure.

Can you have 8 characters on your plates in VA? If so, I have the perfect plate for you:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/113915994-L.jpg

Can you have 8 characters on your plates in VA? [/img]

We only get 7, but since we can count in VA, that will be enough...

Can you have 8 characters on your plates in VA? If so, I have the perfect plate for you:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/113915994-L.jpg

That is awesome.

We only get 7, but since we can count in VA, that will be enough...

The space counts as a character, genius ;)...

not in Cali (well it counts as a 1/2). You can have that plate in VA or CA as it is only 7 characters and a space. In CA it would be 2 characters 1/2 space and 5 characters.

Thanks
Brad

not in Cali (well it counts as a 1/2). You can have that plate in VA or CA as it is only 7 characters and a space. In CA it would be 2 characters 1/2 space and 5 characters.

Thanks
Brad

Wait, so you're saying we are allowed 7 characters AND a space?!?

not in Cali (well it counts as a 1/2). You can have that plate in VA or CA as it is only 7 characters and a space. In CA it would be 2 characters 1/2 space and 5 characters.

Thanks
Brad


LOL - +1. We get 7 characters and the first space is thrown in for free... ;)