N54 120i e87 hatch project.

martymil

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Cant tell from pics as its all on the inner guard lip.

Gained about 5 to 10mm, just enough to stop tyres from rubbing.

I could pump them out but trying to retain the factory sleeper look.
 
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martymil

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Put the car through its paces and everything performed flawlessly except the 2nd gear syncro.

Some pics from Bathurst Mount Panorama Circuit.

Had a good mix of cars and this little hatch surprised everybody.


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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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CIC installed, 1m gear knob and boot.

Traction sorted on AD08r's fronts and trofeo rears.

Diabolical in the wet and unbelievable in the dry.

I had them laying around of another build in the shed but after a few heat cycles they came good.

New tyres would be ideal but this was always going to be built to use up all my parts I had laying about
left over from previous projects.

I basically cleaned out all my inventory and my better half is grateful as I finally have the garage, shed and backyard cleaned up
and she is not dodging all the storage boxes and parts everywhere.

This is how an e87 should be and is a hoot to drive and so much fun but if someone offers me enough money for this monster
I might let it go, its a 1m in a hatch body. See how things go.

New gearbox is on order and will be here in 6 to 8 weeks, 2nd gear syncro is stuffed but as most know bmw wont sell us the parts
so i have to buy a reco complete box to replace a 50 dollar part. :rage::rage::rage:

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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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A log from the other day, slight overboostng issue, tune needs a little clean up but otherwise
things look really clean

If you check out and know how to read a log I got rid of a lot of restrictions that plague the RHD n54 design.

The WGDC is sitting at around 50% @21psi and a lot of room left, these turbos are not working hard at all and basically cruising along.

 
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martymil

Major General
Sep 6, 2017
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S65 1m
Mod list ( pending )

Engine mods:

26k km Built motor with forged internals.
PPM rods and low comp pistons
ARP studs
Schrick Stage 1 cams
Vac motorsports style baffled sump
VTT F-RB+ gold turbos
VTT 2 inch inlet pipes
VTT Spline Lock
VTT Crank Bolt Capture
VTT Billet Valve Cover
VTT knock sensors
MAD outlet turbo pipe. (This is not the VTT RHD pipe this is my new design I'm testing)
Plazmaman FF Manifold
Custom Charge Pipe by MAD
Turbosmart Raceport BOV
Custom 4 port catch can by MAD
Extreme twin plate organic clutch
Schrick Stage 1 cams
Stett Vacuum Canisters
Eldor Coils
NGK Spark plugs (one step colder)
#12 injectors
PFS HPFP overdrive
Custom bucketless 595 LPFP with a 15x15 hydramat by MAD
Full custom fuel lines with external Fuel regulator and return line
Speedflow fuel filter.


Driveline:

46k km driveline 1m/m3 full suspension and brakes
Lowered 1.5 inches on the front only.
1m/m3 LSD
1m strut braces
m3 under bonnet cowls.
Custom m5 extra HD drive shaft.
1m gearbox

Exhaust:

AR design 3 inch ceramic coated DP's
1m Mid pipe
Shortened 135i axel back

Interior:

1m steering wheel
1m Shifter and boot
Full black LCI interior including anthracite roof lining

Electronics:

Full CIC stereo
msd81 IKMOS ecu
EKP 3 fuel pump controller
Custom wiring for the n54 transplant.

Exterior:

18x8.5 +45
225/40/18 Yokohama AD08R
245/40/18 Pirelli Trofeo
 
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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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S65 1m
Went to the dragstrip last night, still waiting on the new gearbox as second gear syncro is shot.

I can't change from first to second but can take off in 2nd but it bogs bad so there is a lot of room for improvement.

But what surprised me with a full tank of e20 weighing in at 1521kg with the new wheels it managed 127mph on just 21psi.

Not to shabby for a little fat hatch.

Wind it up to 25psi and some proper slicks and it will do 130mph+ but no point if you cant drive it on the street, it already
lights up the rear tyres at 80mph on boost.

Wanted to find out how the tune was performing and if it needed some tickling, but no issues or problems.

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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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Hopefully a 10 is on the cards once I fix the box.

Haven't decided if I run a dct, auto or sequential but manual is the cheapest option.
 
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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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Procured a dct and F82 dct flywheel for the hatch, install begins next week.

Should hit low 11's to high 10's, cant wait as this is going to be so much fun at the track too.
 
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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
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This latest time is set to tumble a lot more as the second gear syncro is still shot and lost half a second easily on shift, once we get the dct installed this thing is going to hit high 10's easily.

It had a lot of people talking at the track as everybody thought it was a 4 banger and their jaws dropped once you lift the hood.

It's amazing how many people underestimate the BMW platform, had an sti driver talking trash about my car well the only thing he saw is
my tail lights and was sniffing the tail pipe.

People are funny and I don't know why people get so upset who's car is faster, just enjoy your ride and see if the latest round of mods
made any improvement.
 
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martymil

Major General
Sep 6, 2017
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S65 1m
Currently building a new motor, with a new gearbox as we cracked the block during a power cruise session.

Going to wind back the boost a little as its pretty undrivable unless all you want to do is drift on the street, on the prepped track
it has no problem hooking up.

Its quick enough and this little budget toy is becoming not so budget anymore.

n54 life lol.
 
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TheFixer

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Currently building a new motor, with a new gearbox as we cracked the block during a power cruise session.

Going to wind back the boost a little as its pretty undrivable unless all you want to do is drift on the street, on the prepped track
it has no problem hooking up.

Its quick enough and this little budget toy is becoming not so budget anymore.

n54 life lol.
Just seeing this now. Very nice!

Such a nice project build! Great accomplishment!

Man I'm envious how much you can knock out at once. Even with both my kids in school I don't get as much fiddling time as I'd like to. Lol
 
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martymil

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Sep 6, 2017
3,331
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Down Under
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S65 1m
Engine machining is finished and ready for assembly, debating if I put stock cams back in or not.

Going for reliability over power, also got a brand new manual gearbox from bmw as I need the three pedal fix now and then.

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