The Phoenix: My Build Journal Excerpts

[Epoustouflant]

Are you doing a color change or keep it PY?

When considering the money involved, and the fact this is a keeper, I decided on a color change after all. Considerations for value and numbers matching are out of the window.

My intention is giving the keys to my father as a retirement gift, or rather a lifetime achievement award! He's been the best father I could have asked for - least I can do.

[Gt4]

The previous owner cheaped out - everywhere. He had it Macco'ed respray. Everything on the car, just tape, and no wet sand afterwards - it's overspray, pin holes and orange peel city.

Are you doing a color change or keep it PY?

[Epoustouflant]

Awesome thread. Why the full repaint?

The previous owner cheaped out - everywhere. He had it Macco'ed respray. Everything on the car, just tape, and no wet sand afterwards - it's overspray, pin holes and orange peel city.

[bavarian3]

Awesome thread. Why the full repaint?

[ldmiller78]

Is this Matt from M power?

[Epoustouflant]

Haven't had as much time as I'd like lately to contribute to this, but I figured you would get a kick out of this.

Engine pulled! It took around 4 hours. The car is back at paint & body to get stripped to bare metal.

[LSBNick]

I just ordered a set of these in anticipation of my Karb trunk arriving, the package has 8 in there. I'm going to use 4, so if anyone else needs the other 4, I'll ship them to ya, just DM me. Thanks for the tips Casa!

dm sent

[Epoustouflant]

This thread needs an update!

A chat on Italians; from a diluted one.
Read the extended journal entry here. I cover in details each sections of my configurations: the great, the good, and the not-so-good.

I also experienced a shipping mishaps causing damages - and I'm in the passenger seat to document Supersprint's replacement process.



All the juice with none of the sugar.
Reviewing my configuration.

In my initial Supersprint journal entry, I stated my E46 M3 is a Sunday driver.

It needs to be fun to drive with friends & family.

I was unwilling to sacrifice in smell and comfort for performance. Ever more so considering I'm fitting a CSL airbox along with.

I want to experience the S54 induction noise glory for myself.

I was set on going with the "Complete Catted Sport Kit"

1. 63.5mm Headers
2. 63.5mm HJS Catted Section 1
3. 63.5mm Resonated Section 2
4. Sport Rear Muffler

A small, but heavy change.

After discussing with a few perennial E46 M3 owners with whom I share similar sound tolerances and goals (shoutout to @obioban)..

I decided to switch my rear section selection.

I opted for the EC/TUV Approved, road legal "Strada" / Street rear section. It's essentially an OEM box with straight through internals. It's just as big and I'm guessing just as heavy.

The complete journal entry is here.

[Casa de Mesa]

I just ordered a set of these in anticipation of my Karb trunk arriving, the package has 8 in there. I'm going to use 4, so if anyone else needs the other 4, I'll ship them to ya, just DM me. Thanks for the tips Casa!

Oh wow, mine came with just 2!

Takes a little finesse to screw them in, but they'll go. Put it in on more of an angle than you'd expect. You'll see what I mean when you try it 🤠

[WestBankM4]

Let me find the part number for the GM part and get some pics.

EDIT: Found it:

GM Part number: 10279121

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-s-bumper-10279121

I just ordered a set of these in anticipation of my Karb trunk arriving, the package has 8 in there. I'm going to use 4, so if anyone else needs the other 4, I'll ship them to ya, just DM me. Thanks for the tips Casa!

[Casa de Mesa]

Hey Matt - I have some tips for you on the Karb trunk. Fitment, etc. Have you gotten to the point where you've fitted it? Doesn't look like it.

I'm almost at the point in my build thread where I'm documenting the fitment stuff, just haven't gotten there yet.

For example... the factory rubber trunk stop/bumper doesn't fit into the Karbonius trunk.The holes in the Karb trunk are too small. So after measuring the ID of the hold and then a lot of time with Google, I found a GM part that fits perfectly in the hole. It's a screw-in type that is adjustable just like the factory (very important for proper fitment) and you don't end up with this setup.

Pic #87 here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-m3-coupe-125/



Let me find the part number for the GM part and get some pics.

EDIT: Found it:

GM Part number: 10279121

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-s-bumper-10279121

[Casa de Mesa]

"One man's treasure..." is the only thought popping to my mind! 😁

Nice updates Matt. This should get moved to the build journal sub-forum so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle of the main E46 M3 forum. I actually went looking for this a couple weeks ago and it took some diggin to find it.

[maupineda]

very cool build!!! glad those wheels are coming off :P

[Epoustouflant]

A few updates since then!

We fitted the Recaro seats in the car with electric sliders. I detailed the process here.

The interior should be 90% wrapped up this week as FCP delivers the correct A pillars and new LED inner taillights that were cracked previously. I'm awaiting the carbon trims and carbon consoles later this Summer.

I'm still pondering CSL door panels. CSL bumper and widened fenders are arriving this week! Still missing a few exterior pieces to plan body work.

Mechanical work is planned next by June 22nd:
SC is coming off, CSL airbox is going on.
CF driveshaft, OEM clutch & flywheel and complete rear-end restoration.
CSL wheels with new PS4S are going on.

Still exploring suspension and brake options.

[Epoustouflant]

And we're on: The Phoenix's interior work has started with David @ Recovered Workshop.

It's stunning how this E46 interior decayed over time - yet how easy it is to uninstall & detrim compared to newer gens (except that mirror, oups).

I'll detail the new genuine, aftermarket and restored parts going in future posts.