My 535is Turbo Buildup Thread! - update 11/26//09

George · Post by **George** » Oct 31, 2008 2:22 AM

Hey Jeff, Glad to see you found the wealth of knowledge.

FYI, if you want to do any fabrication down in Baltimore, I just got new TIG and MIG welders and a plasma cutter. I need something to try them out on. I've got hammers too so we can test the welds

jbd5015 · Post by **jbd5015** » Oct 31, 2008 4:03 AM

thesixerkid wrote:Hey Jeff, Glad to see you found the wealth of knowledge.

FYI, if you want to do any fabrication down in Baltimore, I just got new TIG and MIG welders and a plasma cutter. I need something to try them out on. I've got hammers too so we can test the welds

The only welding ive done has been stick welding. So ill have to brush up on my MIG welding next semester! But hammers are definitely more in my expertise of fabricating. I think the saying goes,"It doesnt fit? Get a bigger hammer!!!"

Definitely looking forward to checking out this section of the site some more. Its always been a good one to browse for parts!

-Jeff

Post by **Brad D.** » Oct 31, 2008 9:23 AM

Your e24 would be even sweeter with some boost. Buidling your own turbo setup is quite rewarding as it is quite satisfying to be able to enjoy something you built and tuned with your own hands. There is plently to be learned on this forum and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

babisbabou · Post by **babisbabou** » Nov 01, 2008 4:40 PM

BBR i am happy for NOT using a cat myself

thesixerkid wrote:Hey Jeff, Glad to see you found the wealth of knowledge.

FYI, if you want to do any fabrication down in Baltimore, I just got new TIG and MIG welders and a plasma cutter. I need something to try them out on. I've got hammers too so we can test the welds

Can i come?

freeriden · Post by **freeriden** » Dec 06, 2008 11:11 PM

I have about a week until I start my e34 M30 build, just out of curiosity, what made you decide to go with a bypass valve instead of a blow off valve?

Post by **Brad D.** » Dec 06, 2008 11:55 PM

freeriden wrote:I have about a week until I start my e34 M30 build, just out of curiosity, what made you decide to go with a bypass valve instead of a blow off valve?

No particular reason other than I got the bypass valve for a good price. I also didn't really want the loud sound of a BOV. I run one on my 240sx but wanted a bit more stealth on the Bimmer. Also, unless you are running a speed density system like MS a BOV is not recommended as lowing off metered air will cause a rich condition that can lead to stalling.

Post by **Brad D.** » Dec 07, 2008 3:41 PM

Dyno results here.

freeriden · Post by **freeriden** » Dec 08, 2008 8:30 PM

Nice to see those results! I will also be running Megasquirt. When you made the Y pipe adapter for the manifold, does the side that bolts up to the stock manifold just use the universal 3 bolt exhaust flange? The reason I ask is because I am currently drawing up all of flanges in MasterCam so when I go home I can go and cut them. If it is, then the dimensions won't be too hard to find. Thanks!

Post by **Brad D.** » May 20, 2009 11:36 PM

Tonight I finished my heat shield for my intake. I wanted to prevent the intake from ingesting hot, underhood air so I fabbed up a nice little heat shield from some sheet metal and sprayed it with plastidip and trimmed it with some vacuum tubing. It looks pretty decent. I have some insulation I may add to the outside of the box, but I'll see how this does. I have some new stainless hardware to replace the crusty bolts on the compressor cover, I just didn't get around to it.

BATESY · Post by **BATESY** » May 21, 2009 2:10 AM

nice, i like it.

BATES

babisbabou · Post by **babisbabou** » May 21, 2009 2:27 AM

Nice looking should work just fine Brad!

George · Post by **George** » May 21, 2009 2:56 AM

Looks nicer than my homemade CAI

Post by **Brad D.** » Sep 21, 2009 1:09 PM

09/09/21 Update:

It's been a while since I have updated this thread even though I have done a fair amount of work to the car. I just thought I would compile some of my mods here for future reference in this thread. I just completed my wasted spark install which was highly successful and a very worthwhile mod. A few months ago I added Homelink to the car so I can get rid of all of the openers that were scattered around my car. I also updated the two gauge dash pod I had to a three gauge pod, but I don't have any good pics of this mod yet.
Some upcoming mods include poly UCABs and poly subframe bushings for Ireland Engineering. I will also be modifying the rear subframe so that camber and toe are adjustable.

jbd5015 · Post by **jbd5015** » Sep 21, 2009 2:56 PM

all these mods make the engine bay look really clean! Ive only seen one other person do this, but i like the look and ease of your set-up much better.

-Jeff

Post by **Brad D.** » Nov 28, 2009 12:03 AM

09/11/26 Update

Today I installed my S3.25 that I found at the local PnP. The fluid that was in it was super clean and the magnet had almost no accumulation on it. I also replaced all of the half shaft bolts. It was filled with M1 75W-90 LS synth gear oil. It went in very smoothly and took about an hour.

Impressions:
For reference I am changing out my S3.73 that I was running.
I am going to get a speeding ticket. I am used to cruising at almost 3000rpm at 70mph, and now I am under 2500rpm. It just doesn't "sound" or feel like I'm going as fast as a I am.
First gear is usable again. Second gear pulls almost as hard as before but is much more usable. It still has massive wheelspin, but since you get more time in gear, I think it is actually faster. Third is awesome and it feels like it just wants to pull forever. Cruising is must nicer too as it's like I actually have an overdrive gear again.

I can't wait to get my new Clutchmasters clutch from Todd so I can turn the boost up and see what I can get out of this turbo and injectors. This diff will suit more power very nicely and is a huge improvement over the short 3.73.

1st 5er · Post by **1st 5er** » Nov 29, 2009 12:17 AM

Sounds like fun...

Now you can really blow hoods off... or is that doors, of other people's cars.

P.S. I want a demo ride or dare I ask, drive...

Shadow · Post by **Shadow** » Nov 29, 2009 4:24 AM

The 3.73 is ridiculous.
Congrats on the upgrade! Maybe think about upgrading again to a 2.93 when you get that clutch put in.

skip535i · Post by **skip535i** » Nov 29, 2009 2:50 PM

Seriously...have you considered a 2.93 or 2.79 LSD? Might make an even bigger improvement

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Nov 29, 2009 2:57 PM

skip535i wrote:Seriously...have you considered a 2.93 or 2.79 LSD? Might make an even bigger improvement

I would imagine he would enjoy what I call the "daily speed" of the 3.25lsd

skip535i · Post by **skip535i** » Nov 29, 2009 3:29 PM

Scottinva wrote:
skip535i wrote:Seriously...have you considered a 2.93 or 2.79 LSD? Might make an even bigger improvement
I would imagine he would enjoy what I call the "daily speed" of the 3.25lsd

Touche, but he won't be complaining when he's not spinning the cords off his tires through all of 2nd gear too...

freeriden · Post by **freeriden** » Nov 29, 2009 5:01 PM

looks nice man! Where did you end up mounting your catch can? I can't for the life of me figure out how you mounted it so discreetly.

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Nov 29, 2009 5:58 PM

skip535i wrote:
Scottinva wrote:
skip535i wrote:Seriously...have you considered a 2.93 or 2.79 LSD? Might make an even bigger improvement
I would imagine he would enjoy what I call the "daily speed" of the 3.25lsd
Touche, but he won't be complaining when he's not spinning the cords off his tires through all of 2nd gear too...

Brad and I actually had a conversation about this exact topic, I told him I thought the 3.25lsd would be the best compromise between dailying, and putting the power down. Once he turns up the boost or even know he could spin through 2nd with a 2.95. It's all a compromise. We figured this was the best of both worlds. If you goal was fastest quarter mile, I wouldn't disagree with the decision to go to a 2.95 or what have you.

T_C_D · Post by **T_C_D** » Nov 29, 2009 6:06 PM

i have run 2.93, 3.07, 3.25, and 3.46 in boosted m30s. It's really about preference and power levels. One isn't better than another.

Low boost level car still want more gear. 3.46 or 3.73 both work fine. It depends how you drive the car.

My personal preference is a 3.25 for 350rwhp, and 3.07 or 2.93 for 400rwhp.

Todd

OldgreenE34 · Post by **OldgreenE34** » Nov 29, 2009 6:38 PM

and just for fun, I run a tight variable ramp 3.91 big box diff built by Dan at diffsonline.com on the track and love it. Because the car pulls HARD. But the 'R' compound tires need to be warm before the car will hook up.

Dave

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Nov 29, 2009 6:54 PM

I run the equivalent of a 4.22 in my honda. it revvvsssss. (autocross)

Post by **Brad D.** » Nov 29, 2009 8:09 PM

skip535i wrote:Touche, but he won't be complaining when he's not spinning the cords off his tires through all of 2nd gear too...

Hell, with the 3.73 is was roasting the tires through 3rd.

freeriden wrote:looks nice man! Where did you end up mounting your catch can? I can't for the life of me figure out how you mounted it so discreetly.

It's mounted on the left side of the radiator core support over the battery.

T_C_D wrote:i have run 2.93, 3.07, 3.25, and 3.46 in boosted m30s. It's really about preference and power levels. One isn't better than another.

Low boost level car still want more gear. 3.46 or 3.73 both work fine. It depends how you drive the car.

My personal preference is a 3.25 for 350rwhp, and 3.07 or 2.93 for 400rwhp.

Todd

That's what I was figuring. I do feel like I lost a bit of the "edge", but I'll get it back when I get the clutch in the car and can turn the boost up. 350whp is the target.

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Nov 29, 2009 11:24 PM

Big Bronze Rim wrote:
skip535i wrote:Touche, but he won't be complaining when he's not spinning the cords off his tires through all of 2nd gear too...
Hell, with the 3.73 is was roasting the tires through 3rd.

That seems excessive for 323ft-lbs. What kind of tires?

Post by **Brad D.** » Nov 29, 2009 11:30 PM

255/40/17 Sumitomo HTRZ2.It's more prone to do it when it's cool out. It's running a bit more boost now than when it was dyno'd.

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Nov 29, 2009 11:38 PM

Just for fun, what kind of psi are you running in them?

Post by **Brad D.** » Nov 29, 2009 11:49 PM

I usually run around 30psi in the rear.

Good & Tight · Post by **Good & Tight** » Dec 01, 2009 9:21 AM

I guess i'm the only fool running the 3.73 with over 400rwhp

Try lowering the tire pressure to 25psi it should help a little.

T_C_D · Post by **T_C_D** » Dec 01, 2009 9:23 AM

Good & Tight wrote:I guess i'm the only fool running the 3.73 with over 400rwhp

Try lowering the tire pressure to 25psi it should help a little.

It's suites your hwy racing just fine.

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Dec 01, 2009 10:22 AM

Good & Tight wrote:I guess i'm the only fool running the 3.73 with over 400rwhp

Try lowering the tire pressure to 25psi it should help a little.

I'm sure that 5 psi will make the difference.

Post by **Brad D.** » Dec 01, 2009 11:30 AM

I have another observation that is worth noting. The diff loads the engine differently and spools the turbo much sooner. In 4th gear, almost 500 rpm sooner. In 5th it's almost 800rpm sooner. This has led to me having to retune a portion of my fuel map as there was never any boost in that area before. It's definitely a problem I can deal with.

e30-m30_kid89 · Post by **e30-m30_kid89** » Dec 01, 2009 11:58 AM

Great to hear you like the 3.25 and don't regret swapping out the 3.73...We both have very similar goals in power (i'm aiming for 350whp+ @ 1bar) and thinking of out swapping out my 3.73 but damn otis and hes evo-rapeing e30 make me think twice. In all the turbo glory i forget that i built my e30 to be a track/street car which makes it tough to drop the 3.73. Maybe if i just cant put down the power coming out of turns i'll go lower but i'll give the 3.73 a whirl and report back.

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Dec 01, 2009 12:34 PM

It depends what you are trying to do with the car. There is a lot of personal preference and what the car is doing, Otis seems to enjoy his highway pulls, which i'm sure a 3.73 would be great at since traction isn't a major concern. Dan is running a what 2.95? Which I would assume is great for getting all the power down possible, which is great for drag racing. So you go somewhere in between, also the 3.25lsd isn't hard to get your hands on.

Post by **Brad D.** » Dec 01, 2009 1:11 PM

Part of me misses the 3.73. It's not quite as "violent" as with the 3.25, but with a bit more power I think it will be spot on. I don't really do crazy freeway pulls like Otis, so the 3.73 was becoming a traction concern in 1-3rd. I do like the quicker spoolup though with the taller diff.

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Dec 01, 2009 3:35 PM

I figured the 3.25 would be the all around best. It's pretty available, the "N/A" accel would be decent. It would help your traction issues, and give you a longer torque feel.

Post by **Brad D.** » Dec 01, 2009 5:21 PM

Now I need to see what it takes to make this clutch slip. 12psi?

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Dec 01, 2009 5:24 PM

What are your running on it now? It's already way past what it's posted torque limit is, which was 250 when i looked it up.

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

My 535is Turbo Buildup Thread! - update 11/26//09