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  4. My life in the slow lane: Turning a z71 4x4 335I into something respectable.

My life in the slow lane: Turning a z71 4x4 335I into something respectable.

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  • suspencefulS
    suspencefulS
    suspenceful
    wrote on last edited by
    #10

    Great build. Like Snap said... don't stop posting!

    Are you still auto? If so, I don't think it will last very long. And apparently the Level 10 upgrade hasn't been working too well for the high horsepower folks.

    I'd love to see what that thing puts down on the dyno.

    🎬 YouTube channel (60K+ subs): youtube.com/jakespence135
    📷 Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/jakespence
    🏁 Shop BMW merchandise: bimmerstreet.com

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    • Chris WelterC
      Chris WelterC
      Chris Welter
      wrote on last edited by
      #11

      Snap said:

      The size of that turbo tells me you are trying for 700+hp, is that an accurate assessment?

      And

      Dont

      Stop

      Posting

      That would be a valid assessment.   Didnt really think it out at the time, but it sure is a lot of fun!  😁  I mean, imagine a FBO car, plus a bunch more power and literally 0 tire slip off the line on the street.  Literally feels like a slingsot is hurling you forward.  If the car breaks i'm upping the driveline and I could see a precision 68-70 gen2 in my future with a built engine.

      2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

      2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

      1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • Chris WelterC
        Chris WelterC
        Chris Welter
        wrote on last edited by
        #12

        suspenceful said:

        Great build. Like Snap said... don't stop posting!

        Are you still auto? If so, I don't think it will last very long. And apparently the Level 10 upgrade hasn't been working too well for the high horsepower folks.

        I'd love to see what that thing puts down on the dyno.

        It is still an automatic.  I'm not overly worried since the 4L80E swap will be out soon, but i've done my research.  I have a friend over by chicago that is running the RB's and has close to 600 launches on his xdrive without a single slip.  Rumor mill has it there is something different with the programming, but only time will tell if that is true or not.  Havent seen a slip yet myself either so my fingers are crossed.  Dyno will come once I get it back running right (this spring) and get a trailer to haul it to chicago.

        2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

        2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

        1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • Chris WelterC
          Chris WelterC
          Chris Welter
          wrote on last edited by
          #13

          pic where you can see oil cooler lines.  Ignore the headlight washer cover, it was being a pain for the first couple weeks after I got it together.  Fixed now though.

          IMAG0140.jpg

          2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

          2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

          1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • ClassEC
            ClassEC
            ClassE
            wrote on last edited by
            #14

            Awesome car - it's gotta be a riot to drive!!!

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • jc43089J
              jc43089J
              jc43089
              wrote on last edited by
              #15

              Yes! The launch in this thing is incredible. And the sound is just wild with the screamer pipes. And the best part is that people next to you at a stoplight haven't the slightest idea.

              Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk

              2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
              3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
              '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

              '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

              '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
              '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
              '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • KaiserRollsK
                KaiserRollsK
                KaiserRolls
                wrote on last edited by
                #16

                +1 on the Engine support bar. Mines been hanging for a few months now

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • YoungCRY
                  YoungCRY
                  YoungCR
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #17

                  Curious on the 4l80e swap details. Awesome build! Keep up the posts.

                  Chris Young
                  BMWCCA #458972
                  1986 528e/5  | 1994 530i/5 | 1995 540i/6 | 2013 X5 35d | 1998 C1500 Suburban | 1995 K2500 Suburban

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                  • Chris WelterC
                    Chris WelterC
                    Chris Welter
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #18

                    The 4l80e swap is being done by a relatively small company.  Supposedly there is a Ford 8.8 rear end swap involved as well.  I've tried to get more info from them but all I got was the basics so here it goes....  The kit should use a 4l80e (you supply it) but will come with everything you need to get it running.  I guess the way the system will function is the car will be reprogrammed to think it's a RWD manual (eliminate s all talking to the other controllers) and a 4l80e standalone controller is used.  I believe the kit also adds steering wheel paddles to send shift signals to the trans.  The rear end kit comes with all the custom mounts and dss axles/ custom driveshaft to make that work.  I have been told the xdrive won't work as the tunnel is too small to hold the trans and fit a driveshaft going forward.  So that also leaves me 2 options..  cut front axles and remove the pumpkin ect, or get a $500 rwd front subframe and switch the front end over while removing the xdrive parts.  I would like to do the latter option as it involves no ghetto axles.  But if it breaks my hands are tied.  The other good part about the latter would be the ability to install M3 control arms and suspension bits.  I know my rear end will be getting the m3 arms ect..  I was told the reason for the 8.8 was because gearing options and cheap parts availability while keeping the bmw suspension as it is.  Combine all this with motiv's closed deck motor and all the tuning advancements made and I think we will see the first 1000+whp N54 this year.  As well as the first 8-9second 335i.

                    2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                    2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                    1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • i_love_carsI
                      i_love_carsI
                      i_love_cars
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #19

                      awesome thread, awesome car, IMO, despite the automatic transmission. I think you made the right decision here. Honestly on a car like this with a 7k redline and for what the gear ratios are, if you have a big single turbo and are going to end up making 700+ hp, having a manual transmission just becomes useless, truly. And if you don't care about rowing gears, then who cares. I think your plan of upgrading the transmission to the 4L80e is perfect. 

                      My favorite part of this was reading about people who say that an xDrive 335 is garbage. I personally prefer RWD but honestly, but mainly for track and tossability. How can you argue with a car that's driven on the street, having like 500-700 whp, and having AWD to put it down to the pavement? That's still badass, lol. And it'll put every dumbass Subaru bro kid in their place, to boot. 

                      When you break into 10's I'll take a ride.

                      as an aside, with all these cars in our group being up north, I may need to make some rounds this summer lol. I do some software contracting on the side for a company based in Appleton/neenah area and I'm due for a visit and some drinks with the guys I work with. While I'm up there I want to see some of these vehicles. I'm guess the closest in proximity there would be you and Jake.

                      IMG6593.jpg

                      2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP - ESS 625 supercharged
                      2007 Z4MR 
                      2003 E39 M5
                      2002 E46 M3
                      2021 X5 40i

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      2
                      • ClassEC
                        ClassEC
                        ClassE
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #20

                        Wait-Wait-Wait.... Where are you located Chris?!?!?  I'm in Oshkosh - I had just assumed you were in MKE area? (Don't ask me why - just had assumed as much)

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • B
                          B
                          B C
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #21

                          I can sense a sleepover in the works

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          1
                          • Chris WelterC
                            Chris WelterC
                            Chris Welter
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #22

                            Dubuque IA.. Well really East Dubuque IL.. but I claim platteville area for anyone I talk to in wisconsin.  I would more than be happy to stop out and meet some new friends!

                            2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                            2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                            1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • jc43089J
                              jc43089J
                              jc43089
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #23

                              I started the Bimmer craze at the Hormel plant in Dubuque. Went from just me to half a dozen for a while.

                              Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk

                              2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
                              3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
                              '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

                              '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

                              '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
                              '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
                              '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • Chris WelterC
                                Chris WelterC
                                Chris Welter
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #24

                                jc43089 said:

                                I started the Bimmer craze at the Hormel plant in Dubuque. Went from just me to half a dozen for a while.

                                Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk

                                Pretty much just me now...

                                Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

                                2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                                2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                                1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • jc43089J
                                  jc43089J
                                  jc43089
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #25

                                  Go help Thad put his vert together, I only built the engine 3 years ago.. it's never been fired yet after a full rebuild. The suspense is killing me.

                                  Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk

                                  2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
                                  3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
                                  '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

                                  '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

                                  '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
                                  '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
                                  '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • Chris WelterC
                                    Chris WelterC
                                    Chris Welter
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #26

                                    jc43089 said:

                                    Go help Thad put his vert together, I only built the engine 3 years ago.. it's never been fired yet after a full rebuild. The suspense is killing me.

                                    Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk

                                    I try to buy it from him every time I see him..lol

                                    Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

                                    2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                                    2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                                    1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • Chris WelterC
                                      Chris WelterC
                                      Chris Welter
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #27

                                      Thought of post an update for a few new items and plans. Car is still apart inside garage. I got all my new injectors about a month or so ago, just waiting on good weather to install them. I also got my hands on something I HIGHLY recommend all N54 owners get. I got my RB external PCV kit in the mail last week. I ordered the full kit with head plugs and all. This kit runs dual catch cans (50 micron mishimoto compact at idle and no boost, then transfers over to my BMS can once boost is built. This eliminates any gunk on the valves. Also the head ports are plugged in the process so the factory pcv valves in the head are bypassed and blocked off. This is to keep the valve cover and crankcase under vacuum. I have a friend who lost his engine because one failed and starved the engine of oil, so of rather not take that chance. Ordered the evolution of speed intake with port injection bits so waiting for that to arrive. Also in transmission land, the 4L80E is pushed back to next spring now. Not overly happy about hearing this so I talked to a few people and will most likely go 6MT RWD. Something about less controllers and a proven transmission is a nice thing. I don't drag my car a lot so for roll racing I feel this the better choice. I don't know of anyone here also knows of syvecs? They are releasing a ECU this year for the N54 that is plug and play. Working on getting my hands on one thru group buy. No more piggybacks and tunes fighting the ECU, and more rpms and total control :) Gotta be prepared...lol.. planning out 6MT this summer and syvecs next spring. Heck if I can put enough aside I'll even debate getting an ABR punisher to drop in next year :)

                                      Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

                                      2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                                      2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                                      1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • Chris WelterC
                                        Chris WelterC
                                        Chris Welter
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #28

                                        Tossing in a update.. was able to pull a 1.6X 60 foot on the car at the track. Installed the EOS intake and new JB4 port injection controller module as well. This setup reliably got me up to 28 psi (did this once as I was scared, and dailies @25 psi on e85 no issues). This new jb4 controller is truly remarkable. However the car is getting parted out now and everything is for sale. Check the classifieds for sale posting.

                                        Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

                                        2009 335XI: JB4, DCI, Tein Springs, Custom exhaust, Single Turbo, Port Injection, VRSF 7", ...

                                        2002 Suburban: DD and toy hauler.

                                        1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Come buy this I dont want it anymore!

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • i_love_carsI
                                          i_love_carsI
                                          i_love_cars
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #29

                                          wait, what? why for sale. i don't see a listing on WIBimmers Cars for Sale section.

                                          IMG6593.jpg

                                          2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP - ESS 625 supercharged
                                          2007 Z4MR 
                                          2003 E39 M5
                                          2002 E46 M3
                                          2021 X5 40i

                                          1 Reply Last reply
                                          0

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