Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT From a "double" to a DOUBLE

[Purist]

Couple new additions to the garage. Been wanting to overhaul my detailing products sprayer bottles for a while now, so I picked up 6 iK sprayer bottles from Obsessed Garage and matching labels from Lex Garage. Very happy with them and I'll be buying more bottles/labels very shortly to continue this endeavor:

The other thing I did was finally order and mount a tire/wheel storage solution. Went with the unit from Tire Rack and initially, I'm very happy with the quality of it. Considered a few different mounting locations but ultimately decided to put it here. And it clears the tool chest when the top compartment is open!

This allows me to regain a bunch of storage under the stairs, where I'll stash the boys bikes/scooters/etc., among other things:

 

[Mpower5266]

Great updates. The basement came out awesome.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Hey, question for you! So I’m thinking about taking the Swisstrax plunge soon. How well does it hold up to tires turning on it? I shoehorn the Jeep into my back cover on an angle sometimes. And I was thinking of you making the 30-point turn to get your BMW from one bay to the other. Did the flooring shift or buckle or lift at all? I figure If it held up to that, it would be no issue for me.

 

[Purist]

Great updates. The basement came out awesome.

Thanks, man! We are thrilled with the outcome. Got some prints up today (you may have seen on IG), so I’ll have to share those here soon.

Got another auto-inspired decor idea for the angled piece above my desk, aka, here. Hoping to order that this week.




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[Purist]

Hey, question for you! So I’m thinking about taking the Swisstrax plunge soon. How well does it hold up to tires turning on it? I shoehorn the Jeep into my back cover on an angle sometimes. And I was thinking of you making the 30-point turn to get your BMW from one bay to the other. Did the flooring shift or buckle or lift at all? I figure If it held up to that, it would be no issue for me.

As long as you don’t go with the rubbertrax, you’ll be golden! Tiles didn’t so much as make a peep. And that includes sliding the car over on dollies. Absolutely no problem.

I’m going to PM you, FYI.


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[Mr. Roboto]

As long as you don’t go with the rubbertrax, you’ll be golden! Tiles didn’t so much as make a peep. And that includes sliding the car over on dollies. Absolutely no problem.

I’m going to PM you, FYI.


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Sweet, great to know! Thanks for all of the info man, I really appreciate it

 

[Purist]

These are the Thirteen Floor prints that finally came in last week. I initially discovered this company at Comic-Con in Providence 3 or 4 years ago and have been looking for an excuse to order some of their prints. Well, here it is:

Before:

After:

As for the garage, nothing major, but I finally cleaned up the jumper hose from the hose reel to the air compressor. One of those little things that I've been meaning to do, but kept falling down in the pecking order. Very happy with how clean this looks now...up next are the black power wires you see:

 

[Purist]

Sweet, great to know! Thanks for all of the info man, I really appreciate it

Anytime, man.....glad I could help!

 

[Purist]

Oh man, almost forgot, my new coasters for the basement came in a few weeks ago, as well. Ordered them thru Etsy...they're fantastic!:

And we finally settled on a mirror for the basement bathroom, so that room is DONE!

 

[M-technik-3]

Congratulations!

 

[Purist]

Congratulations!

Thank you!

 

[Purist]

Couple things...let's start off with the really exciting part. I placed an order on Friday for something that I've wanted for the M3 since day one. I went back and forth trying to figure out how to spend this money, from a potential exhaust for the M340i, to some fun bits for the M3, to maybe splitting it up and getting some smaller items for both cars.

But in the end, the M3 won out. I decided to order a CSL-style intake. More specifically, what many claim to be the best non-OEM option on the market (I've even seen some claim that it's BETTER than OEM, but that's certainly up for debate). I went with the Karbonius Full Carbon intake. This thing truly is a work of art...unfortunately, they are back-ordered, so my ETA as of now is 8 weeks (which happens to coincide with the beginning of "driving season" here in New England, more or less).

Karbonius is located in Spain, so I'm sure COVID and shipping from overseas isn't going to help my cause much, but I'll use that time to also update some of the cooling system (mainly the water pump and thermostat), since it's much easier to do so when the airbox is out of the car.

Here are a bunch of drool-worthy stock photos of the airbox to feast your eyes on:

And a photo of one installed:

https://scontent-bos3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17629734_10154275544691105_7977367565045972673_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=V1sBzfK0qJoAX8BwI57&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.**&oh=67b11edab2328275a3af2bca85ab51ec&oe=605CD3FD


I realize that power gains will be minimal, but I didn't buy it for power. I bought it for noise. I look forward to hearing this thing each time I drive my car for a long time to come.


As for the other bit of news...much less exciting, but still a good change for the garage. I'm having the attic space above the garage insulated with 9.3" of R30 Open Blow Cellulose Insulation, along with one Wind Shear Vent installed per bay.

I'm only doing the attic for now because, as I've alluded to several times here, I plan on adding a 3rd stall down the road. So I'd hate to spend the money to insulate that far wall only to have it ripped down in a few years. I might have them do the back wall come the fall, but my main focus was the attic space, since that's where the majority of heat loss occurs.

They're actually coming tomorrow, so I'll have to move the M3 temporarily since the attic access is located directly above the old girl. Very exciting to see what sort of temps I can expect to see with the newly added insulation.

Luckily, it never really gets below freezing in there and that's with ZERO insulation. So perhaps another 10 degrees or such, but maybe that's me being way too optimistic. Guess I'll find out.


One last VERY unexciting thing. I FINALLY picked up some flat-bottomed jack stands. Hoping this alleviates the need for me to put a layer between my current jack stands and the Swisstrax to help prevent the sharp corners of the stands from cutting into the tiles. I went with Torin Big Red T43004 jack stands.

Only grabbed one set for now, but will probably end up grabbing another so that I can get a vehicle completely off the ground and up on jack stands if and when need be.

So, yeah, think that's all for now. Cheers!

 

[M-technik-3]

Ah nice piece, I have a a cf box for my e30 M3 the induction noise is fantastico. Much better than any blurble tune.
I imagine your going to be a kid in the candy store when it arrives.
Had not seen that style CF box for S54, did you see this style?

https://classifieds.s14power.com/gr...rbox-and-alpha-n-gb-2020-s14-s50-s54-s65.html

 

[Purist]

Ah nice piece, I have a a cf box for my e30 M3 the induction noise is fantastico. Much better than any blurble tune.
I imagine your going to be a kid in the candy store when it arrives.
Had not seen that style CF box for S54, did you see this style?

https://classifieds.s14power.com/gr...rbox-and-alpha-n-gb-2020-s14-s50-s54-s65.html

Agreed, thanks!

I hadn't seen that style, no, but there are a bunch of variations of it, so I'm not surprised to see one like that. If I ever end up going with a CSL front bumper (aftermarket...I'm not baller enough for OEM), I'll probably grab the CSL snorkel so that the intake ties into the hole in the front bumper to force more air into the intake.

But one thing at a time! Hopefully just another 6 weeks or so at this point until it arrives. Been doing research on the install to make sure I've got everything covered when the time comes.

Fingers crossed!

 

[M-technik-3]

Hope your playing hooky this week or working from home with nice temps going on. Imagine your itching for some comparison time with new M340 vs M3.

 

[Purist]

Hope your playing hooky this week or working from home with nice temps going on. Imagine your itching for some comparison time with new M340 vs M3.

Unfortunately, a busy week for me with meetings, but I did manage to take the afternoon off on Friday. Hoping to get a hand wash in for the M340i!

I need more of the salt washed off the roads before the M3 comes out of her hibernation. At this point, I'll probably just wait until the Karbonius CSL intake arrives and install that (along with some other service-related items I want to get done on the car) before she gets out on the road. She's getting some pampering real soon!!

So aside from the intake, the goal is to address the following:

• brake fluid flush
• diff fluid flush
• partial cooling system update (thermostat, water pump, o-rings, etc.)
• adjust ebrake
• new battery

But, yes, I'm looking forward to being able to drive both cars. And perhaps some photo sessions!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Dang... that intake is a work of art!

 

[TX4runner]

My E92 is up on jacks waiting for time to adjust the hand brake also. Extra steps because of DCT and having converted to wheel studs.

And if you're doing a partial coolant update, you may want to consider an all aluminum radiator as the BMW plastic necks eventually will break.

 

[Purist]

Dang... that intake is a work of art!

Side note, I PM'd you a few XJ questions!

My E92 is up on jacks waiting for time to adjust the hand brake also. Extra steps because of DCT and having converted to wheel studs.

And if you're doing a partial coolant update, you may want to consider an all aluminum radiator as the BMW plastic necks eventually will break.

Ahhh...I'd like to eventually convert to studs, like I had done on my E90, but just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

As for the radiator...I've spoken with a few E46 guys and they all pretty much share the same sentiment. The E36 cooling systems were problematic, so many owners who eventually upgrade to an E46 are somewhat scarred. I'll definitely be inspecting all aspects of the cooling system while I'm in there, but I don't think I'll need to swap out the radiator just yet. (famous last words)

Thanks for the suggestion, man!

 

[Purist]

Here's a little sneak peek at the next bit of decor for the basement....going to go right above my desk; such a perfect spot for it. Hoping to get it mounted today or tomorrow.

 

[Purist]

And mounted (finally):

And my collection of items (referenced in post #1136) for pampering the M3:

I also managed to hand wash the M340i on Friday, as the temps were hovering around 60. This car looks so good clean:

While drying the door jambs, I found that I had almost forgotten how beautiful the CF intake was on this car:

And lastly, I installed the optional european-model only OEM first aid kit on the M3:

 

[Mpower5266]

I am digging that 340I and I love the skate deck.

 

[M-technik-3]

Where did you get the deck? I got mine one garage welt, I ordered a dieselpwr one the other day. Nice simple work space you have there.

 

[thetastelingers]

First off, I just came back in here after a while.

That intake for the M3, is.... just.... ART. I want to rub on it. ********.... (Too much info?)

Also, where did you get the skate deck? I need one for my garage. If you don't mind me having the same one.

 

[Purist]

I am digging that 340I and I love the skate deck.

Thank you, sir!

Where did you get the deck? I got mine one garage welt, I ordered a dieselpwr one the other day. Nice simple work space you have there.

Deckorate.net

Thanks...that was the goal. Other than the hot wheels and Legos, I wanted a relatively "minimalist" look.

First off, I just came back in here after a while.

That intake for the M3, is.... just.... ART. I want to rub on it. ********.... (Too much info?)

Also, where did you get the skate deck? I need one for my garage. If you don't mind me having the same one.

Isn't it?!?! hahaha

As for the deck: Deckorate.net. Looks like only Alpine White and Imola Red are in stock at the moment. And I don't mind at all, man. I don't have a monopoly on wall décor!

 

[Purist]

Went away to NH over the weekend for a little birthday getaway (sans kids), so the boys were very happy to see mom and dad when we picked them up from my parents on Sunday. My oldest wanted to sit in the M340i driver seat, so I happily obliged...then the youngest wanted to sit front passenger:

As for yesterday, I had taken Friday and Monday off, so my wife brought the kids to the playground and as an additional birthday gift, gave me an uninterrupted garage day. So I got to working on the M3. Unfortunately, I had taken a few spills on Saturday while snowboarding (mind you, I hadn't been in about 7 or 8 years), so I'm pretty beat up and moving slower than normal.

I did manage to flush diff fluid and trans fluid, and install new fill/drain plugs for both, as well. I am LOVING these new flat bottom jack stands:

Starting pile:

Took this opportunity to clean up some of the underbody plastics:

This is what's left to do (at least, until the intake arrives!!!):

And stored for the evening:

Going to leave it up on jackstands as I plan to start addressing the cooling system hopefully tomorrow. And I still need to flush the brake fluid. I want to remove the aFe intake so I can get that sold, but debating on waiting in case I need to move the car in/out of the garage in the meantime. I suppose I can reinstall the OEM intake for the time being...we shall see.

Very happy to be knocking these maintenance items off my To Do list and updating my spreadsheet with this info. I try to document ANY modification/service item that I perform to all my vehicles.

Stay tuned for more. Hoping to speak to the plumber in the next week or so to schedule a day for him to hook up the garage sink to my existing lines/drain pipes. Gonna be nice to be able to wash my hands BEFORE going in the house and making a mess of things.

Cheers!

 

[Arclitgold]

Sounds like you had a great day!


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[ZRX61]

I've been using Chemical Guys VRP on that stuff & it looks just ****.

Took this opportunity to clean up some of the underbody plastics:

 

[Purist]

Sounds like you had a great day!


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That I did! My wife kicks ***!

I've been using Chemical Guys VRP on that stuff & it looks just ****.

Good to know. I typically steer clear of most CG products, but I'll keep that in mind. I wasn't too concerned with getting it spotless, or I would have spent way more time on it and used my Adam's Tire & Rubber cleaner on it along with my tuf shine tire brush.

 

[Purist]

Decided to yank the aFe stage 2 intake out of my M3 while I await the arrival of the Karbonius CSL style intake. Gives me a chance to sell the aFe and also get a good look at what I may need to replace in the engine bay while I'm in there.

I still need to do the brake fluid and start on the cooling system, finding time is the issue right now. Maybe tomorrow night.

Not much else to report right now. Plumber is hopefully coming sometime this month to hook up my garage sink so I can start using that, thankfully.

Cheers!

 

[TX4runner]

While your in there lists can get very long. My head gasket parts list for the E36 M3 has at least doubled because of potential things I should be addressing "while I'm in there".

So excited for the arrival of your intake!!

 

[Purist]

While your in there lists can get very long. My head gasket parts list for the E36 M3 has at least doubled because of potential things I should be addressing "while I'm in there".

So excited for the arrival of your intake!!

I believe it! While I was swapping in a new battery on the M3, I actually noticed a decent bit of corrosion in/around the battery tray. So I'll be swapping out the black tray, adding a plug where you can currently see daylight, cleaning the entire area and treating it with POR15, then priming it and probably getting a can of silvery grey metallic aerosol so I can paint match it somewhat. It'll obviously be hidden so as long as the rust is treated, I'll be happy, but might as well make it look halfway decent.

As for the intake, me too!!!! I just emailed Karbonius to ask for an update. This Friday will make it 7 weeks, so hopefully getting really close to having it shipped. They're in Spain, so I probably won't hear back until tomorrow since their work day is over already.

Stay tuned!

 

[fourmotioneer]

I think if you remove the tray and wipe out the area you will find that POR-15 isn't necessary. I would just replace the tray, make sure the battery is venting properly, and wipe out the rusty powder. POR-15 is really better for stuff like a rusty plow

 

[Purist]

I think if you remove the tray and wipe out the area you will find that POR-15 isn't necessary. I would just replace the tray, make sure the battery is venting properly, and wipe out the rusty powder. POR-15 is really better for stuff like a rusty plow

Yeah, honestly, the more I think of it, I hope/think you're right. I don't necessarily think the POR-15 is overkill in the right scenario (many other E46 guys have gone this route), but it might be for me. Need to clean that area up asap.

 

[Purist]

Just heard back from Karbonius and my intake is scheduled to ship next week....so that's exciting!

 

[TX4runner]

Just heard back from Karbonius and my intake is scheduled to ship next week....so that's exciting!

Wasn’t sure who you ordered from but saw IND’s IG feed this morning and was hopefully one of those boxes might be yours.


Soon though it sounds like.


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[Purist]

Wasn’t sure who you ordered from but saw IND’s IG feed this morning and was hopefully one of those boxes might be yours.


Soon though it sounds like.


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Haha, nope. Ordered direct from Karbonius. But thanks for thinking of me!


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[M-technik-3]

You must be getting goosebumps in anticipation of it arriving.

 

[Purist]

You must be getting goosebumps in anticipation of it arriving.

 

[Purist]

I think if you remove the tray and wipe out the area you will find that POR-15 isn't necessary. I would just replace the tray, make sure the battery is venting properly, and wipe out the rusty powder. POR-15 is really better for stuff like a rusty plow

After removing the black tray (but before cleaning), this is how things looked:

After vacuuming up the area, then following with some all-purpose cleaner and towels, this is how it currently looks:

Wondering if I should I leave it, as is. Is it overkill to use some wire brushes to get rid of the remaining rust and perhaps treat the area and primer it? Thoughts?