Euro 535i Build Thread - 4/12 Dyno Update

[T_C_D]

I sold my red 535is Oct 2006 right after it went 12.09 @ 120mph. Since then we have moved further north and added another child to the famly. Things have settled down enough that I decided it was time for another serious e28 build.

I purchased this really pristine euro 535i a few months ago. I am going to build it over the next six months with plans to have it finished when the snow melts and the roads are salt free.

I have learned some valuable lessons from the e24 drag car build (stripped and crushed). That build will heavily influence this one.

Some specs on the car. Bone stock except wheels and sound system.

Bahama Beige
Nutria
Heated comfort seats with armrests
4hp22
electric windows
electric sunroof
cruise control
OBC
heated powered sideview mirrors
a/c
3.07LSD
dirty motor

Some cool things that all euro 535i received.

oil cooler
fender flares
big diff
big diff mount
extension of rear valance pan another 40mm

I weighed it with 7 gallons of fuel. 3225Lbs

It ran 16.04 @ 84mph.

Todd

[BadM535i]

Nice!!! Can't wait to see progress.

[T_C_D]

This post will record starting weight and all parts removed or added until weight when finsihed is achieved.

Starting weight: 3225lbs weighed on a certified scale.

Ending weight: 3080lbs weighed on a certified scale.

Weight removed:

15lbs Sound deadening material under spare tire.
30lbs complete a/c system
6lbs oil cooler lines and cooler
50lbs 5 speed swap
20lbs swap large case to medium case diff
12lbs dot steel removed from front bumper

Weight added
30lbs style 19s and 245/40s

[George]

I have learned some valuable lessons from the e24 drag car build (stripped and crushed). That build will heavily influence this one.

What lessons?

[T_C_D]

I have learned some valuable lessons from the e24 drag car build (stripped and crushed). That build will heavily influence this one.

What lessons?

1. The e24 is a horrible platform to start with. I completely stripped the car down to nothing. Removing the sways, mirrirs, wipers, abs, etc. It weighed 2985lbs. PIG.

2. The 4hp22 is not an ideal transmission to base your drag car around.

3. Custom transmissions cannot be made in 2 weeks or 2 months for that matter. You get the picture.

4. It had 2 seats. I have 3 boys and sometimes their friends who like to go to the track. Only having the ability to bring 1 passenger doesn't work for me.

5. I like street cars not race cars. A street car with slicks works for me.

6. A m30 car on slicks will launch hard enough to suck the fuel pump dry even with 8 gallons of fuel in a 16 gallon tank.

[George]

I look forward to the progress.

[eddycooper]

Are you going to swap out the dirty engine (or maybe just the pistons) for a lower-compression one?

[T_C_D]

Are you going to swap out the dirty engine (or maybe just the pistons) for a lower-compression one?

I am undecided. It's highly likely that I will just swap on a fresh head on the original motor and see how much boost it'll take with 10.0CR. I am just too curious to just yank it out and replace.

[1st 5er]

I'm ignorant when it comes to turbos, but I can sit on the sidelines and watch, and hopefully learn.
Though I doubt seriously I'll ever own a turbo car, the info may still come in handy.

[Good & Tight]

looks like your off to a good start, car looks great.

[M. Holtmeier]

With 10:1 compression, I can't help but wonder what kind of fuel you plan to use.

[T_C_D]

With 10:1 compression, I can't help but wonder what kind of fuel you plan to use.

My math says I can run at least 13psi on 93 octane in moderate ambient temps.

[johnnye23]

Looking forward to following this thread. Thanks for sharing and Damn that's a clean base car to start with .

[wickahead]

...in a good way! I want to see (looking forward to) seeing the results.

Any chance you could take a dyno of the "before"?

//Mark

[T_C_D]

Any chance you could take a dyno of the "before"?

//Mark

The dragstrip was the dyno. It just takes to much time to go to the dyno for a meaningless pull. It's only making 155-160rwhp. It has a US cat and exhaust on it which probably hurts a little. Automatic also sucking some power.

[mooseheadm5]

Is that an L block or just a high compression engine?

[gkrea1]

So what transmission choices are available to you *and by extension, all of us)? Are any of the more common units mated to American small blocks an option? Or is modifying the tunnel and bell housing a nightmare?

Like the rest, I'm going to be sure to follow your progress. What a great project, and high CR, too! Fantastic.

[T_C_D]

So what transmission choices are available to you *and by extension, all of us)? Are any of the more common units mated to American small blocks an option? Or is modifying the tunnel and bell housing a nightmare?

Like the rest, I'm going to be sure to follow your progress. What a great project, and high CR, too! Fantastic.

Currently the 4hp22, G260 and the G265 are the only three available that just bolt up and work with all OEM parts. I have all three availabel for this car.

Because I am such a gluttonf or punishement, the car will likely start out with the 4hp22, 3000 stall and 3.91LSD. I do intened to install the 5 speed pedal box over the winter so that I can change the car from auto to manual in an afternoon.

My wet dream is a modern GM 6 speed automatic with full computer controls. I would settle for a 4L60E though. There is so much aftermarket support that those are the trannies to use.

I had a vendor attempt to make a bellhousing adapter for a Ford C4 but that turned into a nightmare for him, though no fault of his own.

Todd

[1st 5er]

So the 4hp22 is stout enough for turbo torque?

If so then does that mean one will mate to and handle an S38's output?

I told you earlier that I was when it comes to turbos.

[alijonny]

My wet dream is a modern GM 6 speed automatic with full computer controls. I would settle for a 4L60E though. There is so much aftermarket support that those are the trannies to use.

I had a vendor attempt to make a bellhousing adapter for a Ford C4 but that turned into a nightmare for him, though no fault of his own.

Todd

MMMMMM! says the hot rodder in me.

[L_N_Love]

Nice Euro Todd. Looking forward to see how she turns out.

[mooseheadm5]

I do intened to install the 5 speed pedal box over the winter so that I can change the car from auto to manual in an afternoon.

You may not need to install a manual pedal box unless the one that is in there is missing the overcenter spring tab. If it is there, the only thing you need to swap the brake pedal and add the clutch pedal and master.

[Kyle in NO]

The auto boxes are often missing the welded nuts to attach the master with. You could probably use some nuts and bolts, but I would worry about centering it in the hole properly for alignment purposes.

[turbodan]

The auto boxes are often missing the welded nuts to attach the master with. You could probably use some nuts and bolts, but I would worry about centering it in the hole properly for alignment purposes.

I just threw some nuts and bolts in there. That was like three years ago. No problems. I will install the correct pedal bracket someday though.

[Jeremy]

So the 4hp22 is stout enough for turbo torque?

If so then does that mean one will mate to and handle an S38's output?

I told you earlier that I was when it comes to turbos.

The 4hp22 will handle turbo torque. Remember, it came on the e23 745i turbo. However, for big boost, they're not so great.

The 4hp22 would survive behind an s38. The South African 745i had an m88/3 mated to the 4hp22, so it definitely works, but why would anyone want to do such a thing?

Jeremy

[wkohler]

The 4hp22 would survive behind an s38 The South African 745i had an m88/3 mated to the 4hp22, so it definitely works, but why would anyone want to do such a thing?

Jeremy

They only have one leg? Show a little compassion.

[Jeremy]

Show compassion to who? The one that asked the question has a manual transmission car as a daily driver. If one legged driving is your concern, then ok. That'd be one of very few reasons for putting an automatic behind an s38 that I'd definitely approve of personally, but I know that's not why he asked.

Or am I just the resident compassionless asshole of the board due to the recent fiasco with what's-his-face?

[wkohler]

It was a joke. I understand you're not much for humor.

[Jeremy]

I am if it's actually funny.

[wkohler]

I am if it's actually funny.

Whatever.