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I now know why it's hard to sell a turbo car!

Discussion pertaining to positive pressure E28s.
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T_C_D
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I now know why it's hard to sell a turbo car!

Post by T_C_D »

So, I bought the TCD e34 prototype car from Craig in Seattle. I guess he had it fro about a year after buying it from Sweeney's friend Bill.

It arrived Saturday. Had to push it of the truck because it wouldn't start. I do not what happened to it between Seattle and Ohio but it's dumping fuel in excess.

Craig and a unichip piggyback installed and eliminated the fmu. I have checked all the usual suspects for excessive fuel. The car will barely run with fresh plugs but it's not drivable.

Unichip wants $950 for the hardware and software required to communicate with their piggyback (fuck that).

I do NOT blame Craig for any of these problems. Shit just happens. But this is why these turbo cars have little value. Who will fix it when it breaks? Who knows the full history behind the modifications? Even I don't want to deal with this kind of bullshit.

I am going to rip out the piggyback, oem harness, EML (throttle by wire) and install a throttle cable TB, new wiring harness and SEM megasquirt.

I guess that'll make it a S3? :clap:
turbodan
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Post by turbodan »

Without my laptop or the MS code variant and full knowledge of the software, and without knowing what combination of which parts, mine would be untunable and unmaintainable.

I can just imagine some poor bastard trying to source parts for a 1988 528e, or trying to troubleshoot a driveability problem.
rundatrack
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Post by rundatrack »

e34 is a great platform for big power..
T_C_D
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Post by T_C_D »

Image

I have the car running. There was a problem with the wiring harness. :evil:

Now fixing the oil leak from the upper timing cover. Exhaust was falling off. Only one bolt holding the downpipe on! :shock:

Hoping to take it to Mid Ohio in 10 days.
RDAvena
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Post by RDAvena »

turbodan wrote:Without my laptop or the MS code variant and full knowledge of the software, and without knowing what combination of which parts, mine would be untunable and unmaintainable.
But wasn't simplicity the reason why Megasquirt was invented in the first place? With respect to my build, I have built it for ease of troubleshooting, tuneability, and driveability. Anybody that can read the Mega-manual and can use a laptop can tune my car. Why make it harder than it is?
turbodan wrote: I can just imagine some poor bastard trying to source parts for a 1988 528e, or trying to troubleshoot a driveability problem.
The problem with current "poor bastards" is that they do not want to take the time to source he correct parts much less diagnose a problem and find the repair for themselves. The typical "Tell me why my car is doing this" post applies.
Duke
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Post by Duke »

T_C_D wrote:There was a problem with the wiring harness. Now fixing the oil leak from the upper timing cover. Exhaust was falling off. Only one bolt holding the downpipe on!
Wow, that sounds familiar. :rofl: :rofl:

Good Luck :laugh:
turbodan
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Post by turbodan »

RDAvena wrote: But wasn't simplicity the reason why Megasquirt was invented in the first place? With respect to my build, I have built it for ease of troubleshooting, tuneability, and driveability. Anybody that can read the Mega-manual and can use a laptop can tune my car. Why make it harder than it is?

The problem with current "poor bastards" is that they do not want to take the time to source he correct parts much less diagnose a problem and find the repair for themselves. The typical "Tell me why my car is doing this" post applies.
With all the different code variants and Megatune configurations, it would be almost impossible to figure out which code variant the ecu is running on, and to match it to an .ini file for Megatune. I suppose a guy could just reflash the ecu and start over, but that would be pretty rough too. Thats not "making it hard" at all, thats just the way it is.

Troubleshooting with MS and a turbocharged engine is also different than a stock engine would be. I'm still trying to pin down a driveability issue with mine, which I'm beginning to think is an issue with the injectors. Its not something a guy would have a problem with on a stock engine.
Last edited by turbodan on Oct 10, 2007 9:19 PM, edited 1 time in total.
Wiseguy
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Post by Wiseguy »

Duke wrote:
T_C_D wrote:There was a problem with the wiring harness. Now fixing the oil leak from the upper timing cover. Exhaust was falling off. Only one bolt holding the downpipe on!
Wow, that sounds familiar. :rofl: :rofl:

Good Luck :laugh:
That was fucking predictable!
Duke
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Post by Duke »

Wiseguy wrote:That was fucking predictable!
Danka.
FirstFives Dictator
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Post by FirstFives Dictator »

T_C_D wrote: Now fixing the oil leak from the upper timing cover. was falling off.
Hoping to take it to Mid Ohio in 10 days.
Don't forget our conversation regarding TDC sensor bracket bolt and how they can leak.
rundatrack
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Post by rundatrack »

T_C_D wrote:Image

I have the car running. There was a problem with the wiring harness. :evil:

Now fixing the oil leak from the upper timing cover. Exhaust was falling off. Only one bolt holding the downpipe on! :shock:

Hoping to take it to Mid Ohio in 10 days.

Really like that car....


Nice
T_C_D
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Post by T_C_D »

All the e34 needed was some love. :beer:

I replaced the upper timing cover gaskets, replaced all the silicone hoses and lines. Updated the boost signal line to a braided stainless line. Removed the boost controller. Installed a TCD valve cover. Replaced the painted S pipe with a cermaic coated one. Stripped the spray paint from the prototype charge pipes and just cleaned up the bare steel. (will coat later). Replaced the air filter and added T bolt clamps.

Just need to drive it to be sure it isn't a leaker any longer.

Before

Image

After

Image

Image

Image
Ben
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Post by Ben »

Wow, that looks slick.

Auto or 5-speed?
T_C_D
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Post by T_C_D »

Ben wrote:Wow, that looks slick.

Auto or 5-speed?
Thanks. 5 speed.
fries_man
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Post by fries_man »

Very nice job making that engine compartment shine! Reaaal niiice. :D
chrism
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Post by chrism »

Good thing the nusiance repairs were something easy. I guess you know why he sold the car now :rofl:
wkohler
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Post by wkohler »

Just curious why you changed the location of the oil-filler neck on the TCD valve cover versus the BMW one. Not saying I don't like it, just curious. Nice to see the repairs were simple.
Boru
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Post by Boru »

wkohler wrote:Just curious why you changed the location of the oil-filler neck on the TCD valve cover versus the BMW one. Not saying I don't like it, just curious. Nice to see the repairs were simple.
Better access when the E28 intercooler is installed.
wkohler
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Post by wkohler »

Sweeney wrote:
wkohler wrote:Just curious why you changed the location of the oil-filler neck on the TCD valve cover versus the BMW one. Not saying I don't like it, just curious. Nice to see the repairs were simple.
Better access when the E28 intercooler is installed.
I knew there was a practical reason. Thanks! It was one of those "Why do they do that?" things.
red535t
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Post by red535t »

nice placement of the intercooler.
the e34 does have more room for the optional extras.
No dramas with the intercooler radiator in the front?
and does it keep the intake charge under a 100?
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