[turb0mik3]

Hello e90post,

As a preface, I would like to thank all of the friends and members of bimmerpost who have supported me throughout my entire build. I take extreme pride in the fact that I bought this car new in 2010 and have put my hard earned money, time, and efforts into building for a purpose; racing. I am extremely grateful for all of the advice, praise, and feedback (both positive and negative) that I have received over the past five years.

Over the past couple of years I have really tried to push the limits of the 335i platform. Not in terms of tuning, but in terms of what the 335i can represent in the motorsports community. Yes, it can be a great freeway and mountain carving machine, but can it really compete with the M3s, Corvettes, and Porsches on the racetrack? Every track day is a learning experience, filled with success and failure. I have so much more to learn, but I do find great joy in keeping up with those cars known for their on-track performance compared to my family saloon.

After five long years and almost 50,000 miles, I have made the decision to convert my 335i into a full blown racecar. The car will travel across the nation and compete in various style races ranging from time attacks to professional series. My goal is to win the overall points in the Global Time Attack Pro-Am series and to compete in NASA, SCCA, and BMW CCA clubsport races. In order to achieve these goals, the car will go through a vigorous three stage process. All three stages will be listed below in great detail.

I would like to also thank all of the sponsors (and friends) that have graciously given me discounted prices for products, hours of hard labor, and guidance in my quest to become a better driver.

SPONSORS:
HG Motorsports: Providing all labor, fabrication, labor, transportation, paying for events, car event showcases.
Sabelt: Providing all seats, harnesses, safety equipment components.
BBS: Providing all wheel components
Sparta Evolution: Providing all brake components.
APR Performance: Providing all aerodynamic components.
Motiv Motorsport: Providing all turbocharging/power components
Toyo Tires: Providing the stickiest tires.
Vollkommen Designs: Providing all body panels
Event Sponsors: Speed District, Shift S3ctor, Targa Trophy, Global Time Attack

Here is the stage breakdown as a teaser:
Phase 1:
Cage, weight reduction, safety, communication, aero
Phase 2:
Motiv 750 ST, advanced cooling, intake system, exhaust system
Phase 3:
Suspension overhaul, all adjustable components

PHASE 1:
NASA/BMW CCA Roll Cage
8 point (into firewall)
-X door bar
- Subframe reinforced
- Seat spine
- Longacre roll-cage padding
- Rearview Mirror
- CAE Shifter
Weight Reduction
- Carbon Fiber Roof <IND>
- Lexan
- Electrical system removal
- A/C system removal
Fire Safety
- Sabelt ESMAG-21 system <Sabelt>
Communication
- 5W 2-way Pro-Digital system <SRC>
- 2XR Driver-Codriver kit <SRC>
- Custom ear-buds
Aero
- Rear blown diffuser <APR>
- Front canards/side plates
- Hood vents

















<1/14/2015 Update>
A little more progress...

Car was in a mess of wires for a good week. Finally all wires are sorted and ones that weren't needed were cut out.

Base plate for the cross brace was tig welded in and an opening for the shock tower was created out of a spacer/bracket that my fab guy miraculously found.

Main hoop was created and fits like a glove. IND Carbon roof should be arriving late next week. I went with a 1x1 weave although my splitter and wing are 2x2. Hopefully I won't regret that decision.

IMG_3265 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3264 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3261 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3262 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3258 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3259 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3260 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

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IMG_3272 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3273 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3271 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

And a look at her as she sits...
IMG_3267 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

<Update 1/24/14>

More progress...

Cage is starting to take shape. The main hoop, a pillars, 2 cross sections in the main hoop, halo, rear section, and rear cross bar. I can't emphasis how much progress my fabricator is making; putting some blood sweat and tears into this build!

There are a lot of differences in this cage compared to others for structural rigidity. It's the little differences that make the big differences.

Hope you all enjoy!

IMG_3361 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3362 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3363 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3368 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3369 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3370 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3371 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3372 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3373 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3374 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3375 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3376 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3377 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

IMG_3378 by turb0mik3, on Flickr

<UPDATE 2/17/15>
Door bars and seat are in. All tac welds are full tig welds... Chassis reinforcement up next... she looks good on the ground :-)
IMG_3498 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3499 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3500 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3502 by turb0mik3, on FlickrIMG_3503 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
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IMG_3524 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
image8 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
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image6 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
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image2 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
image1 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3463 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3464 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3465 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
IMG_3520 by turb0mik3, on Flickr
Plate by turb0mik3, on Flickr

[turb0mik3]

Reserved for Stage 2

[turb0mik3]

Reserved for Stage 3

[Dmacc]

Congrats Mike! Looking forward to your build and results!

[ilikebmxbikes]

gonna be good - subscribed.

[Alen E90]

Sub'd
Mike, this is going to be sooooo sickkk. Your car has always been an inspiration for me and I can't wait to see the finished look!!!

[Tony@vargasturbotech]

Cool to see you taking it all the way sir! Your car was always very cool and is now even more so. Looking forward to seeing you progress in the racing circuits!

[335NJ]

Sub'd! Can't wait for more progress pics

[OPe92]

Awwwweeee yeeeeaaaaa

[Spectre]

Awesome!!! You sir, are a pioneer.

[E9TOU]

Seems like this is going to be quite a build. Can't wait to see what you do with this.

[robc1976]

I have one word......RESPECT

[EJ_3]

Ah damn, I thought your car was complete. Can't wait to see this. Wish I had more time and dedication to put in the sport . Can't wait to see it on the track.

[glachhman]

holy moley. on another note, was your carpet black? I'll buy it.

[blackturbo]

This is going to be a exciting thread

[ashmostro]

Subbed... Always been impressed by you and your rig, Mike. Really excited to see not only this build but your progress as a racer. Godspeed.

[miggs]

This is going to be awesome

[mike@x-ph.com]

This is very exciting

[EuroKar]

Hell yeah !! Cant wait for your progress

[HULKNASTY]

Ooooo das nice!

[cotmfk]

Wowsers!!!

[4doorbmwpower]

nice!