The Phoenix
In this entry, I touch on expectations of OE+ versus Motorsport, and we finally test fit the carbon doors along with the widened carbon fenders. I document the gaps, and body line alignments along with insights on how doors are aligned.
In this journal entry: craftsmen get better with repetition. I unbox my new steering wheel, and compare it to my first commissioned unit back in 2022.
In this entry, I document my DIY installation of the CSL airbox in details and $#!@ at clamps. I look back at the long checklist of hardware along with the little , expensive and egregious things needed to successfully install a CSL airbox.
In this entry, a new kit shows up last minute from half way across the world. I unbox the upper chassis reinforcement kit and chat about its engineering and technical features.
In this entry, BMW gets sued. I touch on the original design flaws, BMW's attempt to fix it and how they fell short until the M3 V8s came around. I used my experience on the Phoenix's restoration to provide insights.
In this entry: BMW once (or twice) recalled bearings - AH! I chat history and variants of bolts. We button up the S54's bulletproofing by replacing the rod bearings with the ACL standard set.
In this entry, money gets shifted: the RTD shifter got bolted & center'ed by InnovAuto and I finally got to fool around to get a feel for it, with video proof.
In this entry, I unbox my new
RTD short shifter, chat specs and discuss what makes this special.
On this entry, we fit one cam, and we wait [...] and wait [...]. I document the little things we did while in there including the notorious valve adjustments.
On this entry, I splurged and got a self of a set of big cams - sort of. We look at what BMW did with the CSL, we sit down for a 101 lesson on cams with the Americans. We move onwards and go bigger: I unbox my Schrick cams.
In this entry, we set out our aesthetics objectives and I cover the preliminary preparation and adjustments to the exterior panel of the 1:1 OE+ carbon doors.
In this entry, I document my unboxing impressions of my 2nd CSL airbox from Haimus: the updated Shadowline trim with a new-to-me gloss finish.
