The Blue Bastard: 2018 Tanzanite Blue M4 6MT Build

[MJ6]

Received the Bend Calibration Flex Fuel unit with Zeitronix ECA-2 in the mail today.

The idea is to get it installed in preparation for when BM3 drops their flex-fuel update, so when the time comes to dyno tune this bastard I'll already be set

[Spun Crankhub]

Sexy bastard

[MJ6]

Exhaust clip just because:
Topgear Motorworks Equal Length Exhaust w/Magnaflow Resonators

[zorrro]

Beautiful build MJ6 and good call on the 6MT!

Question: what made you lean towards 305/35/19 vs 305/30? 2.5% larger than oem vs 2% smaller? Reason I ask is I need to replace my 305/30s soon and am lowered and don't currently have rubbing issues (and don't want tucked look).

[MJ6]

Originally Posted by zorrro

Beautiful build MJ6 and good call on the 6MT!

Question: what made you lean towards 305/35/19 vs 305/30? 2.5% larger than oem vs 2% smaller? Reason I ask is I need to replace my 305/30s soon and am lowered and don't currently have rubbing issues (and don't want tucked look).

In this case, primarily straight line traction. I wanted to run a drag radial in a 305 profile, and from what I've been reading a higher sidewall lends itself to better acceleration off the line; it may not be a substantial increase, but the theory is sound. As I have no plans to track the car and test the limits of lateral grip, this seemed like a fair trade off given the increased challenge of finding traction when increasing power levels. That and the fact that the NT555RII's I want to run only come in a 305/35 spec for 19" wheels, it was an easy choice, lol.

Rubbing wise, with the Bilstein B6's and Eibach V1's I have a very modest drop, and I feel that a 35 sidewall will better fit the residual wheel gap (with a few mm to spare if my calculations are correct).

[wknd_M]

Awesome build so far, keep up the great work

[zorrro]

Originally Posted by MJ6

In this case, primarily straight line traction. I wanted to run a drag radial in a 305 profile, and from what I've been reading a higher sidewall lends itself to better acceleration off the line; it may not be a substantial increase, but the theory is sound. As I have no plans to track the car and test the limits of lateral grip, this seemed like a fair trade off given the increased challenge of finding traction when increasing power levels. That and the fact that the NT555RII's I want to run only come in a 305/35 spec for 19" wheels, it was an easy choice, lol.

Rubbing wise, with the Bilstein B6's and Eibach V1's I have a very modest drop, and I feel that a 35 sidewall will better fit the residual wheel gap (with a few mm to spare if my calculations are correct).

Got it thanks. Good luck with the rest of the build!

[J-Pizzle]

That's a nice build. The Tanzanite Blue is an amazing color!

[TopJimmy]

Nice build. When you put the Kratos on you're gonna need a port injection kit and probably a secondary LPFP setup to supply the needed E85 volume.

The jury is still deciding if upgraded HPFPs and M5 injectors can fuel big turbos with E85, but I doubt it. Our current math estimates just a 10% fuel delivery increase over stock, with the injector aperture being the bottleneck. Remember that the closer you run an injector to 100% the more likely it is to stick open, especially with alcohol.

Keep having fun, and best of luck!

[MJ6]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

The jury is still deciding if upgraded HPFPs and M5 injectors can fuel big turbos with E85, but I doubt it. Our current math estimates just a 10% fuel delivery increase over stock, with the injector aperture being the bottleneck.

I appreciate the feedback man! The jury is definitely still out on the HPFP's, and at this point it's starting to feel like a CFS situation as is EAS is holding onto the tuning data. I've been in contact with Dorch Engineering however, and it looks like they've been working with Kratos in the testing of their HPFP's with the expectation of announcing availability in early 2021.

Bosch is apparently working on upgraded injectors as well, but it obviously remains to be seen what kind of flow they would offer. Crossing my fingers though, and ready for that guinea pig status if need be, lol

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by MJ6

I appreciate the feedback man! The jury is definitely still out on the HPFP's, and at this point it's starting to feel like a CFS situation as is EAS is holding onto the tuning data. I've been in contact with Dorch Engineering however, and it looks like they've been working with Kratos in the testing of their HPFP's with the expectation of announcing availability in early 2021.

Bosch is apparently working on upgraded injectors as well, but it obviously remains to be seen what kind of flow they would offer. Crossing my fingers though, and ready for that
guinea pig status if need be, lol

Yeah, I got a buddy who is gonna guinea pig for Dorsch, but he still thinks PI will be needed.

[Rich150001]

Great build! Where did you get the VTT Crank Bolt Capture installed - I'm also in Va.

[MJ6]

Originally Posted by Rich150001

Great build! Where did you get the VTT Crank Bolt Capture installed - I'm also in Va.

Appreciate it man!

The Crank Bolt Capture I actually ended up installing myself. It's not overly complicated, but does involve a decent amount of wrenching and the opportune application of four letter words.

If you're looking for a good shop though, Auto Envy Custom Mods in Chesapeake works primarily on BMW's and does great work. The owner Ben has performed a number of full on crank hub fixes and multiple car builds; his shop will be installing my turbos and HPFP's this spring.

[Rich150001]

Originally Posted by MJ6

Appreciate it man!

The Crank Bolt Capture I actually ended up installing myself. It's not overly complicated, but does involve a decent amount of wrenching and the opportune application of four letter words.

If you're looking for a good shop though, Auto Envy Custom Mods in Chesapeake works primarily on BMW's and does great work. The owner Ben has performed a number of full on crank hub fixes and multiple car builds; his shop will be installing my turbos and HPFP's this spring.

Nice work doing it yourself and thanks for the recommendation. I'm closer to DC but don't mind driving for a reputable shop and/or competitive price. Will give them a ring.

[MJ6]

Spent some time today tackling the Mishimoto Heat Exchanger installation. Not overly complicated, but anything worth a DIY is worth the colorful language and bruised knuckles.

Tomorrow the Mosselman Oil Thermostat and Bend Calibration/Zeitronix Flex Fuel kit goes in.

[MJ6]

Bend Calibration kit installed.

Word to the wise: when they mention to check and re-tighten all of the fittings, it's not a passing suggestion. Pressurized 93 octane to the face has a tendency to remind you of that fact very quickly.







The thermostat was a piece of cake, which was only made challenging by the untimely application of Murphy's Law by dropping one of the titanium bolts into the abyss of the engine bay. This was further compounded by the realization that although said bolt was visible, titanium lacks the magnetic properties required to fish said bolt from the bowels of the undertray.

[JagR2611]

Originally Posted by MJ6

So I entered into this platform much in the same way that I'm sure many others have: with the thought that the car is "fine just the way it is". ZCP and Executive packages, CF roof, Parking Assist, Heated Steering, Golden Brown Extended Leather...what more could I want right?

Oh the bliss of naivety.

It didn't take long until I was Stage 1 BM3 with a few cosmetic odds and ends here and there. Moving up to Stage 1 from stock was exhilarating, which if I'm being completely honest was my first mistake. Pretty soon I was researching downpipes and exhaust systems, and quickly thereafter upped the ante to Stage 2. Which is where I once again mused to myself: "this is fine".

Can anyone take a guess as to how long "this is fine" lasted for?

I've never gone full send on a car build before, but my inner caveman was telling me to take my car from the "rousing knock on the front door which wakes you from slumber to announce its presence" level, to one more along the lines of "tearing the door off its hinges, ripping you out of your chair, and calling you a little bitch."

And so here we are.


Current modifications:

Exterior:
- Full Body Suntek Ultra PPF
- CQuartz Pro Ceramic Coating
- M Performance CF Mirror Covers
- M Performance CF Lip
- M Performance CF Deck Spolier
- M Performance Style Replica CF Side-skirts
- 3D Design Replica CF Diffuser
- Shadow Line Euro-spec Tail Lights

Interior:
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH
- ID6 Touch Screen Retrofit
- M Performance Aluminum Shift Knob
- M Performance CF E-brake
- M Performance Floor Mats
- M Performance Stainless Steel Pedals

Suspension:
- Bilstein B6 Dampers
- Eibach V1 Euro Springs

Engine/Exhaust:
- Custom Cary Jordan Stage 2 Tune
- AR Design High Flow Catted Downpipes
- Topgear Motorworks Equal Length Exhaust w/Magnaflow Resonators
- K&N Drop-in Filters
- VSRF Charge Pipes
- Rogue Engineering Transmission Mounts
- VTT Crank Bolt Capture
- Mishimoto Front Mount Heat Exchanger
- Mosselman Oil Thermostat
- Bend Calibration Flex Fuel w/Zeitronix ECA-2

Undercarriage
- Tuner Motorsports Aluminum Skid Plate


Purchased:
Engine
- Kratos KRAS55Bi Turbos
- Mishimoto Charge Cooler

Wheels
- Richland Forged RF-GT4 in Brushed Tinted Dark (19x9.5 et+22, 19x11 et+38)


Planned:
- Mishimoto Charge Pipes
- Custom Flex Fuel Tune from Halim@HCP
- NT555G2 Front Tires 275/35r19
- NT555RII Rear Tires 305/35r19


Suffice to say, to hell with "this is fine".

In my opinion, this paintwork & interior is the best combination BMW offers. Well done!!

[MJ6]

And the Badassitude begins to roll in...

[MJ6]

It's official: I now identify as car-sexual...

[MJ6]

Spring is here, which means I was finally able to mount my new wheels and tires after long anticipation.

Richland Forged RF-GT4 in Brushed Dark Clear:

19 x 9.5 et+22 on NT555G2 275/35r19
19 x 11 et+38 on NT555RII 305/35r19

*WARNING*
The following images may be considered "car porn", and therefore may not be suitable for younger audiences: viewer discretion is advised.

[AllaVodka]

My next car gonna be this exact color combo.

Classy shit sir

[TopJimmy]

MJ6 how's that CM 1000 series clutch working out? I'll probably need a hefty set for my built motor but want smooth operation like the stock unit has.