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This is not going to be a full on blog just minor updates and notes every once in a while on this new project car! So since acquiring the car I have been pondering what I wanted to do with it. My original plan was to create a full CSL replica right down to the finest details in every aspect (why buy one for $148,000 when you can make a replica for cheaper??!! Lol) - I might still do this but with some minor twists. I might even turn it into a full fledge racecar ... I Keep changing my mind about it everyday lol! This however should not stop me from tinkering!!! I have always maintained that the CSL power is 95% software and 5% airbox with the associated noise being 95% airbox and 5% placebo lol!! So in order to test my theory out I decided to CSL the engine management of the car with genuine sensors and CSL dme and software. All wiring done via crimping and no soldering as per BMW wiring repair instructions or in this case additions to the main factory harness with correct bmw wiring salvaged from a loom I had. I like originality so I used everything factory where I could, right down to the Oetiker clamps : ) MAP sensor So how does it drive without the airbox???!!! Mind blowing is all I can say. I have proven my hypothesis above. Might try out the exposed trumpet next .... hmmm decisions ...

OK it's gone...

This. Always. It'll still not be big enough.

Build it bigger than you need.

Sounds like a typical low grade import from these so called "professional" import dealerships. I would definitely rather buy a NZ New example from a private owner than go thru the hassle of getting a grade 2.5 or 3 import that needs to get repairs done (probably at the cheapest possible workshop with the cheapest possible parts). Good thing you got the PPI done, otherwise it sound have cost you heaps to repair all the things in that list.

http://www.pro-wholesale.co.nz/ultra-racing-strut-brace-sway-bar-chassis-bracing-products/e30/

so on the weekend I chopped out some fat. To be fare was only 8kg'ish. But when adding new parts a balance has to be found. note the extra room for the diffuser.

What Westy said. 8 years and no dramas with this off cut of plastic.

Found this hiding in Hawkes Bay....and now they both share the garage together.

Time for a wee update. I've spent the last few months installing a DTM style CF airbox and an Alpha N management system. These bits came in from Germany, made to an incredibly high standard and the quality of the finish is amazing. I went with 18cm runners and my car has 48mm throttle bodies. I really wanted to have a crack doing the install myself to keep costs down and learn a bit in the process. Removed the old airbox and intake manifold which was super easy and I took the front of the car and the grill off. To get the airbox and the intake to fit nicely I needed to move the electric fan for the radiator over 10cms, and then relocate the brake fuid and transmission fluid bottles. All of this I managed to do by modifiying the existing brackets. Wiring the Alpha N into the ECU harness was my biggest worry initally as cutting ECU wires scares me, but in the insructions that came with the kit were great and it was actually very easy. I needed to buy some proper crimpers wire strippers, heat shrink plastic and a few other tools to do a nice professional job. All worth it in the end. I then installed a TechEdge Wideband O2 system/sensor into the exhaust. This works seamlessly with the Alpha N software, so now the factory Lambda sensor has been removed and car is running a full closed loop system. The Alpha N and Techedge modules sit at the back of the glovebox nicely tucked away so you can hardly tell they are there. Plugging in the laptop is a simple procedure. I'm a total novice on engine tuning, but with the help of some of the overseas M3 forum guys and also big thanks to Josh I've got the car to a tune that I am happy with untill Gavin Bellers is back up and running with his dyno and I'm sure wiil be able to tune it to its full potential. Even out of the box with no tuning on the base map there was a noticable improvement in power/pickup and response. And the noise is amazing. I've got a Supersprint backbox - tootling around town its fine, but give it some beans and it sounds like the old DTM car's of old :-) Outstanding ! I couldn't believe it when I turned the key for the first time and it just fired straight up. I was preparing myself for a massive catastrophe, few saftey checks as it warmed up and I was off for the first drive. The Alpha N is only a piggyback system, so to revert the car back to OEM spec would be a very quick procedure indeed. Though I don't know why anyone would. To further clean the engine bay up I've got new washer bottles, wiring harness and fuse box covers. Also had the rocker cover repainted as it was flaking badly and while that was off BM Workshop checked the valve clearances and shims.