M3Logik's E46 M3 Track Car Project

[M3logik]

Over the last week or two I've been doing a bunch of different things with the project car:

Adjusted the hoodpins, installed the kidney grills (still need to do some adjusting), and installed the CSL scoop that I picked up from a forum member a few weeks back.



Installed side mirrors (new glass too), which were a PITA! Ended up doing an OK job, not too bad. Used 1' M6 bolts instead of the stock bolts.



Created a paper template


Drilled the holes, also took out the Dremel to bore the holes out to fit appropriately.


Completed the install



Going to replace with black washers at some point...



Also installed the polycarbonate rear window

[M3logik]

You will want to use stainless steel fasteners and rivnuts. Steel will eventually rust even if its black oxide coated.

Thanks for the heads up! Swapped the rear window rivnuts to stainless steel and will need to pick up some stainless steel bolts as well. Will replace the current rivnuts with stainless steel ones at some point.

Also, will get them powdercoated black, along with the washers to complete the look.

[bigjae46]

You will want to use stainless steel fasteners and rivnuts. Steel will eventually rust even if its black oxide coated.

[M3logik]

Working on the Fivestar Racecar Bodies Polycarbonate windows. Not too difficult. Ended up using a rivnut tool and M6 bolts all around the window.

Ended up going with black hardware. Need to find some black washers or go through the bluing process to turn my steel washers black to match the bolts.

Also sold the black ARC 8s and installed the ARC-8Rs. I might miss the black wheels???







I still have to spraypaint the side windows. Will probably tackle that tonight.

After that, I'm going to install the rear polycarbonate window and the front bumper. Still need to figure out what I am going to do about the side mirrors as well.

[jet_dogg]

I'm definitely going to organize some meetups in the Laguna Beach area after my whip is drivable.

Down for crystal cove, pch whatever son but it's going to be a few months til my whip is done too.

[M3logik]

Who's down for a meetup at logik's pad when he's done?

I'm definitely going to organize some meetups in the Laguna Beach area after my whip is drivable.

[jet_dogg]

Who's down for a meetup at logik's pad when he's done?

[M3logik]

Thanks brah! Sure is coming along.

I like the look of the OEM snorkel in the engine bay. Do it! If you can get your hands on an OK CSL rep bumper, you may as well do the OEM ducting too.

I ended up removing the flap. So will likely just keep it in that configuration.

Will dynotune it after I get the injectors back from RC Engineering. Maybe in October, based on how the project is going.

Also, currently waiting for some M6 allen bolts and ruvnuts that'll be used to install the polycarbonate windows. Funny how small stuff like bolts will hold up my project.

[skristedja]

Coming along nicely! I see you have the CSL snorkel, were you thinking of adding the H-bridge to your DME to make it functional? I decided I want a more OEM look and am thinking of going that route. Any plans to get it dyno'd? Based on other members' dynos, I'd think it would be close to around 330whp.

[M3logik]

Would you mind taking a few more pictures of the paint line on happybuyitnow's diffuser? I've seen crazy variations on their product where the paint line starts.

This one is unpainted. I'm going to wrap it matte grey to match the rest of the car.

If you are worried about the paint line variations, I'd say buying the unpainted one is best. This doesn't look like a super high quality part. It does get the job done tho!

[mtpktz]

Would you mind taking a few more pictures of the paint line on happybuyitnow's diffuser? I've seen crazy variations on their product where the paint line starts.

[M3logik]

September update:

Picked up the car from Lang Racing and had a ton of work completed.

Install CF Roof
Rod Bearing Job
Valve Adjustment
Beisan Vanos Rebuild
Bimmerworld Oil Cooler Install
Supersprint V1 Header, Straight Pipe Section I, Resonated Section II and Race Exhaust Install
Ground Control Coilover Install
AP Racing Brake Kit Install
Motor Mounts 75D
Transmission Mounts 75D
Turner End Links
Turner Front and Rear Sway Bars
SPL Adjustable Camber Arm
Rewire Mishimoto Fan
Fix Locked ECU, Install Apha N Tune
Aerocatch Locking Hood Pins Install
Replace Power Steering Pulley
Replace Driveshaft Coupler



A picture of my track car and a real racecar on the right. I'm such a poser haha.



Rod bearings didn't look too bad. Only one had copper showing. Glad I've got a new set in there regardless. Also glad I didn't attempt to DIY. Maybe next time.








After I got it back home, the tech came over and replaced the windshield. Was a 20 minute job.



A quick test fit of the "happybuyitnow" CSL diffuser. I'll use this until I am able to get my hands on an OEM unit.

[jet_dogg]

I'm a concrete floor kind of guy myself.

Loving this thread man.

[M3logik]

Had some issues with the tune so I ended up getting a refund. Big props to Evolve for getting the refund processed quickly, without any issues. This is a sign of good customer service in my book. Car is now with my local shop getting sorted out. Going to have some major updates once it is out. Ordered some polycarbonate windows from Bimmerworld a few days ago, so, waiting for those to come in sometime next week.

Epoxy is in and the lift is now set up properly. I am 100% happy with the lift. If you own your home and you are able to fit a lift into your budget, I highly recommend. The epoxy is "OK". If I had to do it over again, I'd go with acid etched concrete with a polished clear coat on top or industrial tile. Will wait till this stuff flakes up before making changes. Also, might do a light gray coat of paint on the walls sometime within the next couple of months.

[M3logik]

Quick garage update:

Waited about 30 days post concrete pour to move on to the next step. Lift has been (mostly) installed. Took about 6 hours for the guys to set it up. Forklift was required! Had to get some longer hoses in order to clear the fittings/PVC conduit between the jack pads. Flush mount kit on the top side needs to be drilled in and installed as well. Overall, I'm really pleased with the progress that has been made. Glad I went with this lift instead of my original two post lift plan. I do lose the ability to have an additional parking space underneath but at least I don't have a pole in the middle of the garage work area. My ceiling is about 11.5 ft so I'm able to use the entire 72' lift travel with the M3 on it. I need to get a few odds and ends, so I'll order a few things this weekend; Oil Drain, Transmission Jack, Lexan Windows, Car Wash Supplies...

Next week, the guys are going come back to run the hoses through the conduit and mount the control unit. A separate crew is coming in to throw down some epoxy on the floors. Then the fun stuff can start.



Started the Airbox Install:

Apparently I have to reflash to a stock tune because the previous owner put some BS (locked) tune on it. Trading emails and tunes with Evolve Tuning in order to get it sorted.