ROAD TRIP! Oh man, I am getting chills up my spine. Feeling the magic

[thomas824]

Queue up AC/DC intro to "For those about to rock (we salute you)"

The M5 is going to be pushed our of her winter storage garage 1st week of March

She is heading over to Motorworkswest in Wycoff NJ for fresh liquids, a few minor adjustments, a few tests, a fresh tank of gas, Then I will be arriving into NJ on March 16th (finally leaving Kabul!!!!!!!)

Once I have the keys I am driving from North Jersey down to New Orleans. visiting family, Then on to Austin Texas.

I am more excited about driving the car than I have been in a while.


Old Pics, taken by Mr. Grant, New ones will be taken once I am on the road.

[cmgreensr]

Make it home safe! Love the interior. Would love to take a road trip in that.

[thomas824]

Thanks, I can not wait for some spirited driving opportunities. I remember when I drove up to New Jersey in 2009. It was a very nice drive. The car was immaculate and pulled when I wanted her to and it braked when I needed it to. It was a dream machine. The engine purred and the exhaust notes were unbelievable.

One area of note from the trip was in Pennsylvania, I came across one of those new Infiniti G37S cars and the guy kept racing up to my side and braking hard. over and over. He was getting on my nerves, Possibly causing a wreck had he continued. I guess we were doing about 75-80. I was in 5th gear. I downshifted (god that car sounds and responds so good at high RPM) I quickly hit 4th and was at a speed I had not anticipated, The actual speed is as important as the feeling. By the time I hit 5th, that little G37 was trying so hard, but fading fast. It felt so good to get away from that car so quickly. I slowed down in fear of a ticket, My heart was pumping and I just felt this overall rush of energy, but wanted to relax at the same time. I want at least one of those experiences on this road trip. I simply can not wait TO BE IN THE USA!!!!!!

[NikosX]

Thanks, I can not wait for some spirited driving opportunities. I remember when I drove up to New Jersey in 2009. It was a very nice drive. The car was immaculate and pulled when I wanted her to and it braked when I needed it to. It was a dream machine. The engine purred and the exhaust notes were unbelievable.

One area of note from the trip was in Pennsylvania, I came across one of those new Infiniti G37S cars and the guy kept racing up to my side and braking hard. over and over. He was getting on my nerves, Possibly causing a wreck had he continued. I guess we were doing about 75-80. I was in 5th gear. I downshifted (god that car sounds and responds so good at high RPM) I quickly hit 4th and was at a speed I had not anticipated, The actual speed is as important as the feeling. By the time I hit 5th, that little G37 was trying so hard, but fading fast. It felt so good to get away from that car so quickly. I slowed down in fear of a ticket, My heart was pumping and I just felt this overall rush of energy, but wanted to relax at the same time. I want at least one of those experiences on this road trip. I simply can not wait TO BE IN THE USA!!!!!!

As I recall from my experience driving the car, that it has a stock exhaust?

Also, in order to waste a G37 you would have needed every OUNCE of 3rd gear at 75mph considering the G has 330 hp.


Otherwise, I recall the car being absolutely stunning. Those polished M systems really set off the covers.

[thomas824]

As I recall from my experience driving the car, that it has a stock exhaust?

Also, in order to waste a G37 you would have needed every OUNCE of 3rd gear at 75mph considering the G has 330 hp.


Otherwise, I recall the car being absolutely stunning. Those polished M systems really set off the covers.

It is a complete new stock exhaust system. The one that was on it was removed and installed in another E34M5. I have put quite a bit into since I have purchased it.

I have added the Dinan Chip,Which they claim adds 37 at 7000rpm
http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D900-3631E-Performance-Engine-Chip.aspx#page=1

I have added the Dinan performance cam sprocket which they claim adds 54 horsepower at 5500rpm
http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D520-5008-Performance-Cam-Sprocket-Kit.aspx#page=1

I took out the notchy SSK and replaced it with the smoother Dinan SSK

I have done so much to the car in terms of maintenance and replacing older parts I can not even recall everything complete New suspension being one of them, (including subframe, bushings, steering, etc..etc... New exhaust, obviously all annual adjustments and tests. etc..

The car drives and handles like a completely different car from when you drove it. Much quicker and way more responsive. It has about 358HP according to some tests motorworkswest did. Torque was around 320lbs per foot all at about 5600rpm.

[M Quick]

I have added the Dinan Chip,Which they claim adds 37 at 7000rpm
http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D900-3631E-Performance-Engine-Chip.aspx#page=1

I have added the Dinan performance cam sprocket which they claim adds 54 horsepower at 5500rpm
http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D520-5008-Performance-Cam-Sprocket-Kit.aspx#page=1



Does that make it 54hp for both those mods togheter?


Beautiful car none the less! Impressed by it's condition!

[thomas824]

Does that make it 54hp for both those mods togheter?


Beautiful car none the less! Impressed by it's condition!

Yes

Max HP Gain 54 @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque Gain 52 lb/ft @ 5000 rpm

These gains are with both installed.

[NikosX]

Need to see dyno charts. If it puts over 300 whp, you just emptied my wallet. :(

Here's a video from the day I drove your car and ran against it.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/NikosxM5/th_DSCF3885-1.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/NikosxM5/?action=view&current=DSCF3885-1.mp4)

I was only around 280 whp at that time. I want to be over 300.

[thomas824]

Need to see dyno charts. If it puts over 300 whp, you just emptied my wallet. :(

Here's a video from that day.




You have a 540 correct? I believe the sprocket is only available on the M5. But the 200 dollar Dinan chip can offer you a little bit. from around 282 to 296
and torque from around 277 to 292

My car is a "little" faster than that now. hehe

[NikosX]

Actually I'd be shopping for my M5. The M5 running your car in the video clip.

[thomas824]

Actually I'd be shopping for my M5. The M5 running your car in the video clip.

A few years and a couple of thousand dollars makes a big difference. I believe I will take the leash from you, and you can put the collar on. haha, just kidding.

The chip and sprocket make the car feel like an E46 M3. Not that drastic in reality but the feel is there.

here is the route i am taking if anyone wants to meet up.

[NikosX]

How many miles on the lump at this point?


A few years and a couple of thousand dollars makes a big difference. I believe I will take the leash from you, and you can put the collar on. haha, just kidding.

The chip and sprocket make the car feel like an E46 M3. Not that drastic in reality but the feel is there.

here is the route i am taking if anyone wants to meet up.

Well, then it would definitely be a good run these days as back when that video was taken, I had no difficulty walking E46 M3s between 2nd and 4th gear.

[thomas824]

How many miles on the lump at this point?



Well, then it would definitely be a good run these days as back when that video was taken, I had no difficulty walking E46 M3s between 2nd and 4th gear.

My cousin has an 05 M3 and he tries so hard, You are right, 2nd thru 4th are where it is at. It has 157,000 now. If you have an M5 you are shopping for you should already be over 300 from factory no?

I had an 03 M3 and when I 1st got this E34 I was a little let down. Then the chip and sprocket, Feels so good. Just go for it! You will be happy you did. What mods have you done on your car?

[NikosX]

The US E34 M5 runs 311 flywheel hp. Traditionally that translates to about 260-270 wheel horsepower (the power that the car actually puts to the ground).

Back in 08 my car put IIRC 282hp to the wheel. Which, roughly, equals about 325 flywheel/crank hp. I had a Conforti chip and B&B triflow cat-back exhaust.

The car had 78k miles on it at the time of that run. It has a tick over 83k on it today.

Btw, being a 92, it has the 3.73LSD which hampers its off the line performance a bit as you can see. 1st and early 2nd gear don't yank as hard as the 3.91LSD cars do. (1991)

[thomas824]

At home I have the charts that show the horsepower at around 358 maybe a little more but I have not seen the paperwork since 09. I do know it was at 5600RPM. I will scan and email you for reference. I do not recall that portion of what I had done being very expensive. I believe 1400 or so including parts. I have no idea what all that translates to when it hits 7000rpm or whatever it is to the wheel. I know I have spent about 13,000 after the purchase price. Lots of cosmetic stuff in that as well. not all performance parts. I did not do all of the work myself. probably about half, what was in my skill set. The other stuff was by the master BMW only mechanics at motorworkswest. They have really set the car up nice.

[NikosX]

I wish I could see it. I remember it being a show stopper then. Now, its gotta be breathtaking.

[thomas824]

There were just a few things to be done cosmetically, unfortunately they were expensive. All new windows, New oem shadowline and oem euro bumper trim have really set the car off nicely. I will be on the road, come on down to Austin :) all new hoses under the hood, new gas tank, new fuel delivery system, New front bumper. I seriously could go on and on.

I have a brand new set of rims and throwing stars without the polished lip. I was thinking of selling the polished lip rims I have. Not sure yet. I think that without the chrome window trim the polished lips pop a little too much.

[e34moneypit]

Hmmmm..... 35 min to Wycoff... Might have to go see this one.

[thomas824]

Hmmmm..... 35 min to Wycoff... Might have to go see this one.


We land at JFK at 735am on March 16th. I am going directly to Wyckoff. I imagine after customs etc.etc. I should be leaving the airport and then pending traffic arriving at MotorWorksWest around 9am. Come on over. WOuld love to show you the car and introduce to the team at motorworkswest. They are an awesome bunch.

[Tj Hunter]

What color is that?

[Layne]

I'm in Bryan, TX if you want to stop in or need any assistance while in the area. If you need a place to stay in Houston, I can get you in touch with a friend there (also an M5 owner).

[ross1]

Congratulations on leaving and thanks for serving.
Something you may wish to make part of your route;http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2285/

Great driving road that tempts but watch out for the fuzz.

[thomas824]

What color is that?

Sebring Grey metallic (229 / BMW INDIVIDUAL)


I'm in Bryan, TX if you want to stop in or need any assistance while in the area. If you need a place to stay in Houston, I can get you in touch with a friend there (also an M5 owner).

Wow, Thanks so much. My mother and father in law live there so I am covered but thank you so much! When I am in Houston I will post it up here. maybe a small meet!


Congratulations on leaving and thanks for serving.
Something you may wish to make part of your route;http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2285/

Great driving road that tempts but watch out for the fuzz.

I will look this up, Thanks!

[Grim Reaper]

I seem to make it to Austin about once every other month and now that the weather is turning to the positive it would be cool to get a M5 / E34 meet in Austin...

Keep us posted on the trip....

[thomas824]

I will only be in Austin for a few days. My home is Louisiana and will be heading there 1st. then a drive over to Houston, then from houston a weekend trip to Austin. We are looking for houses, maybe houston, maybe Austin.. I will take pics all along the way. I am really looking forward to it.