GOD'S VENGEANCE - Complete Drivetrain Redux

[Murfinator]

Just searched the shed. Only one of the two harnesses I could find in my storage area had the cover on it. If the one on my car has it (I honestly can't remember) then we'll talk about this one. You want just the cover or the whole harness? I'm concerned about breaking the thing taking it off.

I'd rather take the whole harness than risk breaking something taking it apart. Please send pics when you can. Thanks

[mooseheadm5]

I'd rather take the whole harness than risk breaking something taking it apart. Please send pics when you can. Thanks

Will do tomorrow. No problem selling the whole harness, not as though I need all the spares!

[Murfinator]

With the new motor essentially doubling the power output of the OE motor the stock radiator went bye-bye. I've looked at Griffin, they offer a custom order form but the price is ~$800. Ron Davis built a nice unit for Ken's LH build. Spoke with them and they still have the template from that build; price is $751 + shipping. Got my eyes on VAC Motorsports. They have an E24/28 S38/M88 custom 'race' radiator that appears promising. Cost is comparatively low at $649, and the design is street/track proven. Best of all perhaps is I won't need to do any more cutting and welding to get it to fit, mounting points are the same and the OE shroud will still bolt right up.

Anyone had any experience with VAC and this radiator? Any input regarding aftermarket radiators would be appreciated. Thanks

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---e ... p2643.aspx

[Jelmer538i]

Looks like a E32/E34 radiator to me with the stepped tanks.

[T_C_D]

With the new motor essentially doubling the power output of the OE motor the stock radiator went bye-bye. [/img]

I had no issues with the stock radiator and more than double the HP. Stock e30, e28 and e34 all kept my cars cool on the street, dragstrip and road courses.

That said, I spent $180 on a Griffin radiator that Sweeney modified to fit. $600-800 seems crazy.

[mooseheadm5]

It wouldn't be the radiator in the picture, that's for sure, since that looks nothing like a stock M5 radiator. The stock M5 inlet and outlets are very different from a 535, and since you are using a mix of parts, you should probably figure out which would be best for you to use, especially if you plan on plunking down over 6 bills for it. I'm going to bet that a 535 style radiator will be the way to go here, not an M5 style.

[wkohler]

Ron Davis has a template for the stock 535i radiator as well. I supplied the radiator.

[Murfinator]

Here's VAC's text from their radiator link:

"The E24 M6 / E28 M5 VAC Aluminum Radiator is a premium design of 100% aluminum construction; meaning no weak plastic to burst or crack as is common with the OEM units.
It is designed as a direct-replacement for the OEM radiator and utilizes the factory fan shroud, expansion tank and mounting points but with much greater cooling potential.

When our customers started asking for a solution for these classics, you spoke and we listened. This is a super high efficiency and light weight core at home on the street or the track. Much improved cooling over stock is due to it's higher flow, and superior core technology, as well as higher reliability.
At this this price, with drop in install it can't be beat: no other radiator offers this performance, at this price point; an easy choice for all ///M Owners!

Check out our customer with his awesome M6 and VAC rad: Scott's M6

Radiator core size is 21.5" x 17" x 1.5"
Direct replacement for all: S38 E24 M6 (euro M635 M88) & E28 M5 models.
Proven under duress of high-load (both during racing conditions as well as street conditions)
Fits both M88 and S38 engines
1 Year warranty against defects
Made with pride in the USA!

Tech Note: *Maybe possible to retro fit to 633 & 635 applications, but has not been tested*"

The dimensions of the M5 vs. the 535 radiator I believe are nearly identical. Regardless, it's the same chassis or mounting dimensions. They're both cross-flow radiators with the inlet on the upper drivers side and the outlet on the lower passenger side. Locations of the sensors is less important in my case and I may be going with an aftermarket overflow reservoir.

Yes, I could go with pieces to a Griffin but then I'm left with welding it together. While I'm somewhat proficient with a MIG in the case of a primary component such as an oil pan, throttle body or radiator I'll leave the work to someone with the proper equipment (TIG usually) and better training and more trigger time. My TIG guy is extremely busy and charges $75 per hour which isn't bad but when you add the cost of components plus time $650 becomes more reasonable, especially when you factor in warranty and peace of mind.

Though one may get away with leaving the OE cooling system alone my particular use case is extended WOT or close to WOT in a hot climate at 4,500' AGL with many long climbs up steep interstates and narrow switchback roads. I'll also be retaining AC which put further demands on the cooling system.

The photo VAC is using is the same for all their radiators so the photo is not accurate but only a sample of their offerings.

Chris: Since you supplied the template is it correct to assume you've been using a Ron Davis radiator in one of your 535's? Are all the dimensions nearly identical to the OE unit? Any feedback regarding the radiator or is it just doing the same job as the OE unit?

[wkohler]

For my applications, it was not worth the money when the South-African Behr units work fine for me. A friend looked at it as one thing he hadn't yet upgraded, so I gave them a radiator and a shroud to use (returned when they were done). He tracks his car regularly and drives quite hard. The car does run considerably cooler at the track after the radiator upgrade. His old system worked well, but there was a noticeable improvement. The shroud fit properly and it fit like a stock one. Can't say it's not high quality, that's for sure. Definitely pricey, though.

Personally, I don't see how the M5/M6 radiator would work with a 535i. They're considerably different. The image shown on the VAC site also doesn't look like an M5/M6 radiator, more like the E32/E34 M30 rads, shown here:





That's the M5/M6 one

Here's the 535i:



The thermostats are in wildly different setups, so the upper/lower hoses are in different places as well.

[Murfinator]

Thanks for the info Chris. Called VAC Motorsports and requested more info and photos of the M5 radiator. Their page states they feel it may be used with a 633/635/535. I'm looking for an option which will minimized cutting and modification of the mounting points while providing increased cooling capacity.

Here are some progress photos.

• -Cleaned up the ITB's, new hardware, Note the Moosehead linkage fix installed. Thanks Paul!
  
  -TIG'd up some vacuum ports on the ITB's and plenum, blasted and painted the plenum.
  
  -Ran the Aeroquip TFE lined fuel lines to the engine bay -8 feed and -6 return. Used the same mounting point for the 40 micron fuel filter but with a piece of ABS plastic and the OE rubber mounts. Also used the OE mounting points for the lines. Cut down the threaded body nuts, drilled and tapped them for the Made For You double place T-clamps molded from 6.6 DuPont Zytel aircraft-quality nylon.
  
  -Exhaust run: 3" ID with track pipe (cat will remain in the corner of the garage; no emissions regs locally). Dynomax Ultraflo stainless muffler, 6" OD (P/N 17267 http://www.dynomax.com/mufflers.php?muffler=ultrafloss).

Still waiting for the great Paul Burke to complete fabrication of the fuel rail. Needed some special fitting for the TFE -8 AN hose.

[mooseheadm5]

I'd definitely check with Ron Davis for that 535i radiator. The M5 one does not seem workable given the passenger side connection.

[Murfinator]

Given the modified angle of my thermostat housing port I'm already in a position where I'll need to modify the radiator hoses. I'm thinking silicone couplings at the ports and hard lines in between.

Photos of the VAC Motorsports E28 M5/M6 radiator.

[Murfinator]

I'd definitely check with Ron Davis for that 535i radiator. The M5 one does not seem workable given the passenger side connection.

What I'm hearing is the only issue with using an M5/6 radiator in a 535 is the passenger side connection. Aside from that the driver's side is slightly lower and the sensor ports are also on the driver's side rather than the passenger side where they are located on 535 radiators. Given that the driver's side connections will already have to be modified in my case due to the t-stat housing modification it isn't too much to ask that the passenger side outlet connection be modified also. By modified I'm referring to routing of the hoses, not modification of the radiator itself.

In summary:

• OE 535 radiator: plastic end tanks, designed for use with stock motor. $177 new
  
  OE M5 radiator: plastic end tanks, designed for use with stock motor. $393 new
  
  Ron Davis 535 radiator: connections the same as OE radiator and dimensions the same, no added capacity. Rated for <400hp. $789
  
  Ron Davis M5 radiator: slightly larger than OE capacity: 26"w x 19.28"h x 2" thick. I believe Ken H. is using this particular design in LH which is making 700+ hp. $918
  
  Ron Davis custom radiator: larger capacity 2.8" thickness, all other dimensions and connections same as OE. Must use electric fan. $1,100
  
  Griffin Radiator: no template in-house. Sending build form. Price ???, likely $$$$
  
  VAC Motorsports: M5 unit on the shelf, modification of hoses necessary, designed for use with performance enhanced motor but dimensions are only 21.5" x 17" x 1.5". $649
  
  Wizard Cooling: supplier of VAC Motorsports' radiators but offered $99 cheaper. Looking to have them modify their M5 template and flip the passenger end tank and move the fitting 90 degree to face the rear of the car. $550

[elcrazon]

There's also the all aluminum M5 OE replacement from Wizard Cooling

[mooseheadm5]

Nice avatar, Murph. Illustrated by Moosehead's own Brad Day! We'll have to send you some stuff if we use it on a Tee.

[Murfinator]

Nice avatar, Murph. Illustrated by Moosehead's own Brad Day! We'll have to send you some stuff if we use it on a Tee.

It was time for a change and Brad's art was the perfect opportunity. The illustration was changed to reflect the new lights, cropped and removed the text. Nice to see Moosehead's is a 5erFest sponsor. Any gear from the 2012 meet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Murfinator]

The long awaited Alcon calipers have arrived: 4-piston units to be run with rebuilt 540 rears in matching red powder coat. The rotors are 348mm custom race rotors drilled to match the CNC aluminum rotor hats. No more boat anchors hanging from the struts!



Color matched 540i rear calipers prior to rebuild.

[Murfinator]

There's also the all aluminum M5 OE replacement from Wizard Cooling

Good call. Thanks for the tip.

Spoke with Dave at Wizard Cooling. Looking to have them modify their M5 radiator template to better suit 535's. Price should be ~ $600.

[EuroShark]

You've got the COOLEST STUFF. I'm enjoying the progress.

[Ken H.]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

[Murfinator]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

Been calling two or three times per day and leaving messages and sending emails with no response for going on two months. Wondering whether everything's alright with Paul Burke and Imagineering then he posted the Audi speed record.

This is starting to impede progress.

[Ken H.]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

Been calling two or three times per day and leaving messages and sending emails with no response for going on two months. Wondering whether everything's alright with Paul Burke and Imagineering then he posted the Audi speed record.

This is starting to impede progress.

You, sir, have just been royally f*&ed. Sorry. Time to find a new machinist.

[scarey013]

Is there a problem with Paul? I have a friend who has been having some engine work done at his shop.

[Murfinator]

Is there a problem with Paul? I have a friend who has been having some engine work done at his shop.

Short answer: yes. When you drop off the face of the planet several times per year for months at a time, fail to keep promises and refuse to communicate it becomes a problem when people are counting on you to perform work and ship parts within a certain timeframe. I'm still giving Paul the benefit of the doubt, thinking there may be family or other issues taking up his time...but then he posted the successes with the Audi at Bonneville a few weeks back. Makes me wonder whether he's turned his back on the BMW community.

I'm aggrevated because Paul had the fuel rail 90% complete as of June/July. According to him there was only an hour or so of work remaining till it would be finished. I'm waiting to terminate the fuel lines until I've received the rail and dropped the motor back in place. I need to check clearances and find a good spot for the FPR. Without the rail I'm left to address other areas: fuse box, brakes, ECU, etc...

To make matters worse it seems many automotive parts vendors have lost the sense of customer service, making you feel as though they're doing you a FAVOR in giving them your hard-earned money in return for services and parts. I don't appreciate being held hostage by certain specialists who hold the corner on the market in a certain specialty, take your money then act as though their going out of their way to deliver the promised goods. Thank God there's still some good people out there or I'd have moved on to another project.

[Murfinator]

65# low-z injectors installed.