suspenceful

Some shots from the June Sprints today. Lens was giving me errors all day, 50/50 chance I wouldn't be able to take a picture.
Canada Corner by Eric, on Flickr
Hurry Downs by Eric, on Flickr
Turn 6 by Eric, on Flickr
Carousel by Eric, on Flickr
Kettle Bottoms by Eric, on Flickr
Hurry Downs by Eric, on Flickr
Turn 6 by Eric, on Flickr
 
 

Was looking at Groms on Facebook Marketplace and came across this, lol
I trimmed the video, but c'mon 

Was looking at Groms on Facebook Marketplace and came across this, lol
I trimmed the video, but c'mon 

To think this could have been the 87 325is on stock tires that was gonna run 9's against @GunMetalGrey's car like we talked about.
I still can't believe those rears fit in the stock arches.

If you haven't already noticed, YouTube and Instagram are where I post most of my content. If you aren't already subscribed/following there, you're missing out
That being said, I have exciting news I want to share! I know Brian already posted a thread congratulating me, but it makes sense to share it here too.
First pass on 20psi ran an 11.29 @ 128mph with a 1.94 60ft.
Second pass on 25psi ran a 10.53 @ 137mph with a 1.73 60ft.
Third pass on 28psi ran a 10.36 @ 134mph with a 1.59 60ft.
Log: https://datazap.me/u/suspenceful/1036-13409mph?log=0&data=1-3-4-11-25-26-27-28-29
I actually set a record on my 3rd pass with the 10.36 ET! Currently the fastest manual trans N5X BMW with stock chassis. Ghassan Automotive went 9.6 but they have a custom back-halfed chassis.
I think I can run 9's as I was misfiring during my 10.36 pass, watch the video!

Was looking at Groms on Facebook Marketplace and came across this, lol
I trimmed the video, but c'mon 

Was looking at Groms on Facebook Marketplace and came across this, lol
I trimmed the video, but c'mon 

If you haven't already noticed, YouTube and Instagram are where I post most of my content. If you aren't already subscribed/following there, you're missing out
That being said, I have exciting news I want to share! I know Brian already posted a thread congratulating me, but it makes sense to share it here too.
First pass on 20psi ran an 11.29 @ 128mph with a 1.94 60ft.
Second pass on 25psi ran a 10.53 @ 137mph with a 1.73 60ft.
Third pass on 28psi ran a 10.36 @ 134mph with a 1.59 60ft.
Log: https://datazap.me/u/suspenceful/1036-13409mph?log=0&data=1-3-4-11-25-26-27-28-29
I actually set a record on my 3rd pass with the 10.36 ET! Currently the fastest manual trans N5X BMW with stock chassis. Ghassan Automotive went 9.6 but they have a custom back-halfed chassis.
I think I can run 9's as I was misfiring during my 10.36 pass, watch the video!

Saw a FB memory of the day we picked this up. 4 years ago.
RIP

Haven’t updated in a while. It’s been a wild few months with the world ending and all that ruckus. Car is finally getting close to being drivable! It’s fully painted, I am currently finishing the wet sanding process. The wheels were fully refinished was planned, I had the chrome removed and powder coated the faces and cage to match, and polished the lips of the wheels. I have gotten very close on my fitment I’m desiring. The rear is a little off still due to some tow issues. I am installing offset RTAB bushings tomorrow from Garagtastic and hopefully that will help me get it to where I want it. The interior is almost finished up for now, I am just a few steps away from mounting and wrapping my metal door panels in alcantara suede. Can’t wait to get on the road! Closer and closer everyday. Alignment is next Monday!

Both of us had today off so we did a seats-out interior detail, cleaned the carpets good and vacuumed some broken glass from some previous shattered window, then a wash, clay bar, buff and wax.
The paint was pretty dry from the Florida sun. I am not an expert with a buffer. Kaiser and his gf appear to be much better skilled with a buffer, but at least there is a little less oxidation and a little more moisture and depth in the paint.
 
 
 

 

 


 


 

I apologize for the wall of text, I start writing updates about this car and next thing I know it's an essay.
 
Brought the car back over to Auto Clinic as I had noticed one of the sway bar bushing mount tabs had not been put back into the subframe when they had done the oil pan. I asked if he could do a "PPI" of the car while he was at it. Didn't have to pay for it, but he went over the whole car to essentially give me a break down of things that needed attention right away and things that could maybe wait. Things that needed attention right away, high and low pressure power steering lines from reservoir to pump. I purchased the parts and they did the labor. One reason for this, no space at the shop to do any work...two, car was already there, labor was cheap enough, why not. Also had them replace the reservoir cap and gasket as they were like $5 for both parts. Should take care of my usual drip spots in the garage as I guess these lines were on their last legs. Was trying to source this leak but had a hard time determining the source as they fluid would change colors as it dripped through the dirt and grime on the car.
Things that can wait:
Diff refresh. Needs new output and input shaft seals. Pretty gunky around each of these spots, but it's not anything serious. Asked what this would cost and figured it would be something I could do this winter on my own.
Trans refresh. Input selector shaft seal seems to be the main culprit of this one by my estimation. Whenever it would get pulled, I'd have a complete reseal done in addition to a complete shifter refresh. As well as a rear main seal replacement and anything else that could be taken care of while doing this. I don't want to pay for this to be done, but I'm likely going to have storage unit, don't have a trans dolly, and pulling the trans in the car is just a bitch. Since I don't plan on pulling the motor soon, likely the route I'll have to go.
Exhaust. After the resonator, there are two flanges on the stock exhaust where it meets the axle back portion, one of these is cracked in half. I have a slight exhaust leak, can't smell anything, no obvious leaking sounds, but it's kind of apparent when I drive past a wall or something where I can hear the echo. I'm fine leaving this for now as my plan is to replace the whole exhaust, maybe next spring. Ireland Engineering long tube headers, Vibrant resonator and muffler. Have the same guy that fabbed my S52 exhaust do this one for the M20.
I think the guys at the shop like that I'm taking on ownership of this car because this was in my passenger seat when I picked the car today.
 
I also got to grab a bunch of these PCA magazines from their lobby.

With your history maybe public transit is more your speed.

Also shots from RA were posted 

Gotta give props where they're due. 10 second quarters is fast with any car, especially with a manual. Nice work.

Congrats man. Time to call up black magic for a custom slipper clutch

granny shifting, not double clutching like you should. 

Finally a build update:
I cut the front of my car off, built a tube front, and then everything decided to snowball.

With the tube front done, I decided to do some wheel tubes to keep water/dirt out. I've always wanted to experiment with composites and saw this as an opportunity.
After modeling the entire tube front, I created the wheel tub in solidworks, 3d printed the molds, and created carbon fiber wheel tubs/liners. Also, a special resin was used and the passenger side tube was post heated allowing to withstands 500+ deg temperatures.
 

The tube front moved the position of the oil cooler, therefore a new ducting system had to be designed.

Made up some bumper brackets to adapt the factory crash bar.

Once everything critical was mocked up the bay was painted, finally assembly has started and is beginning to start to look like a car again. I still have to finish painting a few of the brackets and reclear all of the carbon pieces. I know I have missed a lot of small details, hopefully they make it here sooner than later. 

If it was this, it's me: 

Also, as stated, I do also drive a f10 535xi, which just got fresh dampers, H&R springs, new michelins and non-cracked wheel:

 
Where are you located? 

Congrats @suspenceful at dethroning @patsbimmer1 and claiming the title of “Fastest N54 in the World and Wisconsin“!
 
 
You have certainly done more than just a piggyback and FBO to get there. Kudos, would be cool to see single digits.
 

I guess I can FINALLY admit defeat and gracefully pass along my crown.  Congratulations!

Road America was a lot of fun. Surface was slick like usual since the repave. 
 
raw: http://fvscc.com/results/2020_Summer/Event1_raw.htm
class: http://www.fvscc.com/results/2020_Summer/Event1_fin.htm
My fastest run:

It was good seeing @AsparagusMike & @suspenceful out and about. Veggie mikes car sounds great as always and Spence’s ///m looks glorious 

The tires showed up and I mounted them right away! I am thoroughly impressed with the Falken Azenis FK510 tires. Tread pattern is extremely similar to Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the grip is actually better. Not an apples-to-apples comparison because the MPSS tires weren't new and were narrower, but the Azenis are super grippy! Very happy with the look, feel and sound of these tires.
The fitment is perfect IMO. I have since raised the rear by installing the EMD rear spring spacer that I initially left out when installing the lowering springs. It now sits about 1/2" higher than in the video and photos below... will get some updated pictures of that soon. It didn't really rub, but I wanted the extra clearance for when I have a full tank of gas and 5 passengers.
Let me know what you think!
Reminder of the wheel/tire info...
WHEELS:
- Variant Argon wheels: https://variantwheels.com/product-category/wheels/argon/affiliate/jakespence
- Other Variant wheels for your BMW: https://variantwheels.com/cold-forged/affiliate/jakespence
- Use code BIMMERSTREET for 20% off and free shipping!
TIRES (currently on sale!):
- 265/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2ZLOqiH
- 295/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2XGVnP4
Check out my initial impressions video (ignore the clickbaity thumbnail):

well thank God for carmax 7 day grace period. After driving the 528 for the weekend I really thought about it and im going to pick up a 535 today

Funds aren't an issue, it's just the logistics of getting around right now. The person I normally ask to drive me around when my car is broken is sheltering-in-place because her 80yr old father lives with her. I was on my way home from covid testing when the car blew up (been running a mild fever since Wednesday), so that's not gonna work. We have a work-van that I could borrow to go get an engine from my storage unit, but it's an M42, not an M44, should be easy enough to get running though... That's probably the best option, I just don't know if I'm passionate enough about the compact to want to do the work right now. It's never really lived up to my expectations. I got spoiled driving the e34 and the transition to the base-model-AF compact wasn't very satisfying.
Just need to find a ride to Nebraska...

https://lincoln.craigslist.org/cto/d/lincoln-2003-bmw-540i-6-speed-manual/7122073438.html