Robs E46M BRG Street Build

[robgill]

Long overdue update! Been cranking away on this build and made a ton of progress. With the motor back in and basic programming done I gave the engine a quick test fire. Success!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5qkfJ3JsbR/

After the successful first test fire I got the refinished Evolve airbox with matching valve cover installed along with the Turner Motorsports IAT conversion able that plugs unto the old MAF plug.





Installed a new radiator overflow tank and decided to retain the SAP. Also replaced the windshield cowl and all of the various hood seals.

[nyc951]

Your skills are impressive. It’s like you’ve worked on these cars before 😉

[robgill]

Next up was all of the pulleys and then the power steering system. One weird thing is the OE Geba water pump has some extra aluminum that interferes with the pulley. This has happened to me before so not a huge deal, just trimmed it down with a dremel and all good. Als replace the steering pump and all of the idle pulley and belts.



New power steering reservoir and lines:





New A/C Condensor and power steering cooler back on. No the A/C and Power Steering systems 100% back together!



Last big system was the cooling. Installed a new OE radiator and hoses. The radiator was interesting, apparently OE is now "NRF" which is owned by Modine and made in the Netherlands. It had one fitment issue where a platic tab interfered with the A/C line connections, took some minor trimming:





After some coding to remove the SMG it was ready for a test start. Fired first up first crank! I confirmed the new clutch system was working correctly, then let it fully warm up and changed the oil. All looking good and no leaks 👍.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5qkfJ3JsbR/

[robgill]

Got the motor back in! Feel like I've got this pretty well perfected on Quickjacks. Once I get the subframe bolts lined up the rest goes in pretty easy.





The went after each of the subsystems. Started with the trans/clutch. I had previously started the SMG conversion by cutting out the shifter hole and installing the clutch pedal and lines. Similar to Rosso I went with Rogue Engineering short shifter and new pedals from Pedal Haus.



Also removed the gas pedal "kick down" and installed new Rogue Engineering pedal bushings. So much easier to do all of that by just taking out the entire pedal assembly.



Next was the front suspension and steering. New OE control arms, Rogue street FCABs and steering links attached to refreshed steering rack and powder coated subframe. Also replaced the steering guibo which was actually in pretty good condition.





I'm going to refresh the front knuckle and brake shields when I install new coilovers and brakes (still debating that that solution).

[SUPREM3///]

Damn, great choice on color

[0-60motorsports]

Oh that looks gorgeous

[robgill]

Back from paint!! Picked it up a few weeks back and started the rebuild. Paint looks awesome as expected.







Went with the Uhual dolly again to get it home. Bit of an adventure getting it back into the garage but a neighbor helped me give it a push!



Back at home!



Got right back at it with all of the engine trim. New firewall insulation, steering column guibo and front suspension. Also had the front subframe blasted and powder coated.



After installing new flywheel and clutch, got the trans bolted back on and drivetrain ready to be re-installed!

[Maxima SE]

Oh man what an epic build. cant wait to see the final product !

[Onefastsicilian]

Couple final items before paint. First got the OE CSL trunk installed. Why OE? It fits perfect with no BS. I just lined up the bolts in the same place as the original trunk.



Then swapped the new hood on the track card over to this car. Bye bye Nardo wrap!



For bumpers I decided to go with a new OE rear bumper (no pdc). And for front a Mile End CF bumper!! Super happy to pick one of these up (thanks @Gt4!)





This time around I decided to handle car transport to the body shop on my own. Tow trucks in the Bronx can be a real hassle... Also my street is pretty narrow and I would rather move the car on an off hour with no traffic. So pushed it out of the garage, rolled it down the hill, and loaded it onto a U-Hual dolly 😂. Worked great and only a couple miles to the body shop!





Back at Mamaroneck Auto Body for paint!! In good hands with Mario, Marco and Marco Jr.

Those are great guys there! Nice to see you attack this project

[robgill]

Absolutely gorgeous. But we need pictures of the Z!

Fixed the link above so it goes to the right build thread!

[bavarian3]

that engine is immaculate. can't wait to see this progress

[0-60motorsports]

Nice!! Can't wait to see the interior installed with the OG.

[AWE46M3]

Incredible - such a fun build to follow.

[nyc951]

Absolutely gorgeous. But we need pictures of the Z!

[robgill]

A lot of travel the last few weeks and I also got distracted by a side project; helping my dad restore his 1973 240z. But things are getting ready to ramp up! I should be picking up the car next week and we did a final walk around today. Also stopped by BMW Restore Seats to check in on the interior. Couple preview shots!