MyE28.com

I've been busy this weekend, and thought you all might like a pic.

I began with a M1.3 factory setup, more or less. Started by removing all the factory stuffs. Got MS1 running. Installed new gaskets everywhere that something was removed. Got the TCD manifold, turbo, wastegate, exhaust run to just underneath the passenger seat.

Got the intercooler mounted, charge lines run from the turbocharger to the intercooler inlet. I have not plumbed the intercooler to throttle body yet. Looks like I'll have to relocate the battery to the trunk and put it through the battery tray area. I drilled and tapped the pan for a return, and the filter housing for a supply and ran those lines. It's pretty close to complete.

Just to have a look-see, I trimmed the front bumper as needed (and it killed me to cut on it - but hey, it's do or die time) and test fit it again. All painted and permanently mounted, I think it's going to look good.

Soooo, anyway - I've now got to complete the charge piping to throttle body. I've got to weld in a flange for the BOV, and one for the IAT. Then I've got to finish running the exhaust. After that, I'll crawl inside and run plumbing for the boost gauge, wire in the LC1, and cross my fingers it starts up again!

I'll keep you updated.

DWR

looking good!
Hope you are you having fun
marc

Before you get too much further you should go much bigger on the intercooler. That little feller in there now is going to do a very poor job of keeping IAT down especially in higher gears. About 2x the existing core size would be good.

Also, I don't know if that is where you planned on mounting the air filter (ie - right on the compressor inlet) or it was just there during mockup, but if so, I would highly encourage you to move it as it will only pull very hot air from that location and will do you no favors, especially if the intercooler sizing is less than optimal.

Thanks for the feedback. I would love to run more intercooler, but I haven't got any more room. I went with a bar and plate style cooler hoping out would be of some help in the IAT.

The intake air will be routed properly up toward the back of the passenger headlight area and shrouded. It's there for now in the mockup phase to keep debris out of the turbo.

Brad, do you know what size coupler the throttle body is? I ordered a 3", but it fits loosely over the TB. Sure, I can clamp it down, but it's just another potential boost leak. I won't if it's a 2.75?

Very cool, where in CO are you located-- Grand Junction?

I got the charge pipes tacked today. Also tacked on the flange for the BOV. Once I'm happy with the final routing, I'll finish weeks them all instead of all the couplers everywhere

I really like your pipe routing. Finally someone who didn't just flip the throttle body to the other side, I think this looks much better.

jodystevens wrote:I really like your pipe routing. Finally someone who didn't just flip the throttle body to the other side, I think this looks much better.

Thank you. Admittedly, it is not the best for flow but I also do not like the look pof a flipped throttle body. I'm sure there are a great number of items "wrong" with my build, but I'm happy just to be making some progress. I'm certain I'll be making changes down the road. If really like some kind of sheet metal manifold, but I don't have the time for that right now.

I've been following your e12 build. I really wish I had the funds and time to do the same.

Are you going to be retaining the factory AC system? I used the entire vertical space where the condenser was, which requires some sheet metal modification, and even then it wasn't enough. I needed a second air to air cooler to keep IAT down.

Its hard to understate the importance of sufficient intercooling. It is hugely beneficial at low boost and absolutely essential above that. Plan on upgrading this in the future if you don't want to right now.