[WhiteBeard]

Hey yall!
Help a noob here. I decided to build a fast 335 for track and 1/4 - first thing I'm wondering what body to start with?
What is the lightest body and I'm assuming 6MT is the only option to go if I'm looking at max hp/tq correct?
I'm assuming mileage doesn't mater in this case and even condition of turbos don't matter, as I'm probably will be replacing them with something more powerful later. Still I am wondering if there are some specific things to look for when buying cheap 335 for this project? I'm thinking any 335 with n54, but anything else? Were there any changes in n54 in late production years that will limit me in this build?

Just a note, it will be my slow going project, I already have my 328 as a daily driver, so I don't have any limits or restrictions in terms of body choice. I would like to avoid salvage cars as body work is something I'm less familiar with to do on my own, but any other wrenching is ok for me

Thank you

[Banana Clipper]

First thing you start with is MAINTENANCE

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by Banana Clipper

First thing you start with is MAINTENANCE

Of course! That goes without saying. That's what I'm going to do after I buy 335.

Still first thing I need is to settle down on which body to start with and 6MT or AT? I've seen high 10's in 1/4 set by e90 AT (at 700hp) which is surprising for me as I thought only 6MT can handle that much power

[Ozzie335i]

What about an LS from a totaled Chevy?.

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

What about an LS from a totaled Chevy?.

You mean an engine swap? I appreciate your offer, but I'm looking only at n54
Tho I've seen a thread where an engineer guy put LS1 in e90 body - he had access to his work machines and such - I won't be able to go to such extremes

[fmoua916]

First do some research

[limitdown]

Money, and lots of it.

Age and mileage don't matter. As long as cylinders each hold 150psi and leak test is ok.
If you want 600whp, be prepared to spend $25k, just on repairs and mods
Above ~650whp and the engine is on borrowed time
700whp+ will require a fully built engine

6AT you'll be ok at around 600whp/600wtq
6MT, Tony just did 850hwp+ at shift sector, you can guesstimate wtq.
The weight difference between the 2dr E92 and 4dr E90 is negligible. Literally like 20lbs difference.

I have a 6AT E93 convertible. The vert weighs 400+ lbs more.

If you're unlucky like me, you'll get some less common problems. Transmission solenoids, differential grind, fully fried DME, fully fried footwell module, driveshaft dented. This is many thousands including the "BMW tax"
The common failure areas are too many to list. Together, they'll cost $5 to10k+ to rectify

Check this writeup by Chris in getting to 600whp

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1360838

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by fmoua916

First do some research

Thanks. I did, tho not as extensive. Any specific threads I should look for?
So far I found that weight differences between e92 and e90 are 23lbs - so it's basically negligible. Which is good - more options on the market to choose car out of.
I'm probably going to go with 6MT. Just not sure about i or xi - xi gives way better 60' times and all weather performance, tho it adds weight
Ideally 335xi 6MT could be a good choice, if xi can hold a lot of hp/tq. I'll try to research that next

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by limitdown

Money, and lots of it.

Age and mileage don't matter. As long as cylinders each hold 150psi and leak test is ok.
If you want 600whp, be prepared to spend $25k, just on repairs and mods
Above ~650whp and the engine is on borrowed time
700whp+ will require a fully built engine

6AT you'll be ok at around 600whp/600wtq
6MT, Tony just did 850hwp+ at shift sector, you can guesstimate wtq.
The weight difference between the 2dr E92 and 4dr E90 is negligible. Literally like 20lbs difference.

I have a 6AT E93 convertible. The vert weighs 400+ lbs more.

If you're unlucky like me, you'll get some less common problems. Transmission solenoids, differential grind, fully fried DME, fully fried footwell module, driveshaft dented. This is many thousands including the "BMW tax"
The common failure areas are too many to list. Together, they'll cost $5 to10k+ to rectify

Check this writeup by Chris in getting to 600whp

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1360838

Wow, thanks man! I guess that link answers all my questions. Gone reading

[redEYEjedi]

1. Maintenance
2. Suspension (and not just coilovers or springs)
3. FBO

In that order.

[WhiteBeard]

So preliminary results I have so far are a bit surprising to me: it turns out xi can handle a lot of power (even 700hp) if power is delivered smoothly at the start. Another surprising thing is that with 6MT I'm looking at single mass flywheel and another clutch, while ZF AT can handle same power with just a flush (Alpina or a new upcoming one).
I may be wrong, but it looks like 335xi AT looks like a winner for me - less upgrades needed and more choice on the market (6MT is harder to find for cheap), on top I'll get better launch times and all weather performance

In terms of money: for 500hp - I only need $1.5-2k, but for let's say 600whp - money needed for upgrades skyrocket. Something to think about for me. Not sure I'm willing to spend $25K

[feuer]

Track and 1/4 mile require two different vehicles! From drivetrain and suspension to wheels, tired and brakes. If I'm building a track dedicated car I would stay away from n54, or any turbo engine for that matter. For 1/4 miles yes , sure, and would go for STMT with GM AT. Regarding XI I think what I think in general about glorious dyno runs in controlled conditions. XI breaks the TC at factory output. Add sticky tires make hard launches and boom. Same sith the factory MT and AT. They will all handle the increased power but for how long?

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by feuer

Track and 1/4 mile require two different vehicles! From drivetrain and suspension to wheels, tired and brakes. If I'm building a track dedicated car I would stay away from n54, or any turbo engine for that matter. For 1/4 miles yes , sure, and would go for STMT with GM AT. Regarding XI I think what I think in general about glorious dyno runs in controlled conditions. XI breaks the TC at factory output. Add sticky tires make hard launches and boom. Same sith the factory MT and AT. They will all handle the increased power but for how long?

You are right, I need to narrow it down - it's 1/4 for me, but I will change suspension too, tho I won't go to extremes that track car requires - I think my track driving skills are far below the level what factory sport suspension can offer.
I'm surprised about xi breaking TC even at factory stock output. I glanced over xi forum and some members there swear by xi and achieved a descent 1/4 results without issues, but I guess there are more unlucky ones that we rarely hear about

[MJ80.]

Dont get the xi lol all the half decent quarter runs and record holders at any point in time are rwd n54s lol.

Big single, built box either way, or go a glide like the current wr holder, some fab to get some slicks in there, fueling as req. Take a look at duck101s thread in the Australian section, thats the fastest e9X car in the world, and it has 9s in it lol it broke the record not even close to full potential.

[Chris@VargasTurboTech]

Someone was kind enough to link to the article I wrote -thank you for that. It should clear up some things, or at least get you started.

Any questions -shoot me a PM or email, would be happy to show you what VTT can do to help you reach your goals.

Chris

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by MJ80.

Dont get the xi lol all the half decent quarter runs and record holders at any point in time are rwd n54s lol.

Big single, built box either way, or go a glide like the current wr holder, some fab to get some slicks in there, fueling as req. Take a look at duck101s thread in the Australian section, thats the fastest e9X car in the world, and it has 9s in it lol it broke the record not even close to full potential.

9s that is amazing. Thank you, I will definitely check his threads. Interesting how he was able to achieve that.

I got you, it appears RWD is a safer bet afterall, tho 60' times for AWD are delicious too. I assume LSD would be a must then for a RWD?

[JuniorB]

You don't need Awd to get you down the track, you need Hp and traction. Setting up a rear suspension is key, nitrous is also a big help if the turbo you run starts to fall off the 3-4k mark. An auto will give you quicker 0-60 , if its taking dc are of. Have fun doing it!

[cortez08]

If you are looking for fast quarter mile times you need to go auto and while AWD makes sense for great 60 foot times you better be prepared for big problems if you do multiple hard launches.

Upgraded clutch MT will hold the big HP but the manual shift on this car is slow and MT quarter mile times show it. Research shift bog threads. There has been some progress on MT shift bog as of lately.

[BSM n54iS]

Why are you even looking at a 335 then if you want the lightest N54 for 1/4 mile?! The 135i should be your starting point

[marcvtec]

Originally Posted by WhiteBeard

So preliminary results I have so far are a bit surprising to me: it turns out xi can handle a lot of power (even 700hp) if power is delivered smoothly at the start. Another surprising thing is that with 6MT I'm looking at single mass flywheel and another clutch, while ZF AT can handle same power with just a flush (Alpina or a new upcoming one).
I may be wrong, but it looks like 335xi AT looks like a winner for me - less upgrades needed and more choice on the market (6MT is harder to find for cheap), on top I'll get better launch times and all weather performance

In terms of money: for 500hp - I only need $1.5-2k, but for let's say 600whp - money needed for upgrades skyrocket. Something to think about for me. Not sure I'm willing to spend $25K

uhhh, for 2K you'll get the maintenance done for another 2K, maybe400hp/400tq, # close thread.
Geez people get excited.

What is your budget ?

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

Why are you even looking at a 335 then if you want the lightest N54 for 1/4 mile?! The 135i should be your starting point

Haven't thought about it - but it's a interesting idea. I need to read more about it

[WhiteBeard]

Originally Posted by marcvtec

uhhh, for 2K you'll get the maintenance done for another 2K, maybe400hp/400tq, # close thread.
Geez people get excited.

What is your budget ?

Besides the car itself and maintenance I'll have around $5K on top of that - which is not much I know, but I was thinking to start with that and then gradually add as my time/money will allow me

The $1.5K figure for 500hp I took from some article, can't find it now, but it was broken down each step and how to get to 500hp and what parts to use. Tho I agree, it was very economical and they saved on every component - that approach probably will not work in the long run