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Thread: Learning to drift? My build/rebuild - Austin, TX

  1. #26
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Austin, TX
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    S13, Turbo M3
    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    Benny isn't your ride a 325 sedan too? All I could find was a 1/2" drive socket for an allen that large so who knows.

    So is redline gear oil really as magical as everyone makes it out to be? I'm expecting unicorns or at least fairy dust.
    It seems to be pretty good stuff. If you need some we sell it where I work. I don't make any profit or commission but can get you some in a 1 day turnaround if you PM me. Trans or diff fluid. Lmk! I currently have MT-85 in my transmission, and I'm going to 75w90 in the diff to replace the royal purple crap in there. (Although I can say I haven't had any complains with the RP, I'm just a little nervous about it since everyone seems to think it blows up diffs.)

    Mike
    IG: @mikevanshellenbeck

  2. #27
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    Aug 2005
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    Dicktone Limo
    I had two diffs that failed with RP in them, but they were old as hell anyways. I don't necessarily blame RP at all.

    I have a 318 sedan chassis, not sure if they're different at all. I mean, you only have enough room to barely break the plug, then remove the allen, then unthread it the rest of the way by hand. I can't totally unscrew it with the socket in...but you don't need to.

  3. #28
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    Jul 2004
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    So after starting to get the hang of the clutch kick and after spinning my car multiple times in parking lots I've determined that it's time for some new rear tires... While I see it all the time, are there any real downsides to having mis-matched front and rears wheels? I mean I'm like near-stock M50 power so sliding on some 235 or 225's shouldn't be a difference whether its 17" or 18"?

    I have my eye on some local DS1's with good rubber for a good price so I figure either $80-100 for 2 good used tires vs $250-300 for 4 used tires plus rims seems like a no-brainer

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  4. #29
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    Are your tires chunked/corded?

    Then you don't need new tires lol

    run whatever you can get the most of for the cheapest when you're starting out...there's plenty of time to spend big money on tires.

  5. #30
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    No chunks, both rears bald with one that goes flat every 3-4 days and a hint of cord on the inside of the other. I don't plan on spending big bucks on tires anytime soon, the whole point of getting more wheels is so I can have more options for 17" and 18" used tires!

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  6. #31
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
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    Houston, Tx
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    1990 325i E30
    I see you have a park tool headset wrench, do you ride bikes?

    ps. nice car!

  7. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    So after starting to get the hang of the clutch kick and after spinning my car multiple times in parking lots I've determined that it's time for some new rear tires... While I see it all the time, are there any real downsides to having mis-matched front and rears wheels? I mean I'm like near-stock M50 power so sliding on some 235 or 225's shouldn't be a difference whether its 17" or 18"?

    I have my eye on some local DS1's with good rubber for a good price so I figure either $80-100 for 2 good used tires vs $250-300 for 4 used tires plus rims seems like a no-brainer
    No real issues mismatching tires front and rear, but a 225 or 235 seems pretty large for a stock m50b25. I run a large 215 (close to many 225s) on the street and I think I would have a hard time sustaining drifts with them because of grip. Currently, with my stock m52b25, I run 205s at drift events. With my noob driving and still somewhat heavy car, I understeer some in the front, but the rear feels perfect.

    Also, I think you're wasting time and tires in parking lots. If you're even curious about drifting, you've gotta get out to an event. I've only done 2 events and Aaron Losey's 5-hour drift class and learned more than I could ever figure out by myself on the street/parking lots. The next round of Lone Star Drift is June 9th in Houston and you should try to make it out. Another guy and I will be out there with our 2.5Ls and can share info.

  8. #33
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    Appreciate the insight on tires, I figured 235's were a bit fat but the only other thing I've been running are my bald 225's for comparison!

    The DS1 wheels I'm thinking about getting already have 2 really good 235's on them so I was think about running them on the back until I collect more matching tires, my current fronts have plenty of grip it seems.

    I know it's pretty much just wasting time in parking lots, etc. but it's only like on my way to work and other nearby places there are a couple of "safe" spots to really kick it out. I'm going to try my best to make it out to Houston, sounds awesome.

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  9. #34
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    So I'm going to the LSD event in Houston next month, can't wait. How many tires should I realistically expect to go through? I'm about to buy a backup set of wheels so I have some spares to burn as my current rears are pretty much bald.

    What do you think, 3 hour drive.. Just pack up the car with as many tires, tools, etc as I can? What should I really expect as a first-time driver?

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  10. #35
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    Jan 2012
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    corpus christi, TX
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    1989 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    So I'm going to the LSD event in Houston next month, can't wait. How many tires should I realistically expect to go through? I'm about to buy a backup set of wheels so I have some spares to burn as my current rears are pretty much bald.

    What do you think, 3 hour drive.. Just pack up the car with as many tires, tools, etc as I can? What should I really expect as a first-time driver?
    They don't have a tire machine on site so make sure those tires are mounted before! I have a little ol' m20 and I burned up 2 sets and was about to get on my third when the comp started. GGP doesn't eat tires nearly as bad as our local track down here in Corpus.

    Edit: just saw your driving your car there and back. Bring a pair strictly for driving home and dont touch them during the event, even if you run out! Lol
    Last edited by Texas Toast; 05-19-2013 at 08:49 PM.

  11. #36
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    If you want to run a smaller course first, we have a drift event this weekend in Shreveport.
    - AXIS POWERS - 2JZ E30 Build -
    Interested in Drifting in the ArkLaTex? Join us at ArkLaTexDrift!
    318Racing.org

  12. #37
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    Appreciate the invite but I think I might need some more skills before driving that far for an event! Unless, of course, if a casino visit was involved... Any other events scheduled after this weekend?

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  13. #38
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    Yea we have an event every month. The biggest event of the year is June 22nd, Cajun Drift Matsuri.
    - AXIS POWERS - 2JZ E30 Build -
    Interested in Drifting in the ArkLaTex? Join us at ArkLaTexDrift!
    318Racing.org

  14. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    So I'm going to the LSD event in Houston next month, can't wait. How many tires should I realistically expect to go through? I'm about to buy a backup set of wheels so I have some spares to burn as my current rears are pretty much bald.

    What do you think, 3 hour drive.. Just pack up the car with as many tires, tools, etc as I can? What should I really expect as a first-time driver?
    If I start with fresh tires, a pair will last me all day. I bring another pair to drive home on though.

    My first event was at GGP last fall and I spent the entire first day on the small course. The small course is good in that it is slower speed and a few turns to practice initiating and controlling drifts. Also, you'll be able to practice all day, where the main track is for competition only after 2 pm. The small track is a little frustrating once you start to get some skills, as it is tight with some gravel, so it is hard to link without understeering at least one of the corners. Once I got good enough for the main track, I don't go on the small track anymore. I imagine you'll be the same.

    I'll be out there in a black lifted Dodge Ram and my car, so try to park by me (usually close to Mike) and I might be able to help you out some since we have similar cars and engines.

  15. #40
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    Glad to see more BFC guys going! See you guys there!!



    Mike
    IG: @mikevanshellenbeck

  16. #41
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    evo and e39 m5
    Maybe I should do a classroom session again the day before the event.... Is there interest in one on the Saturday of June 8th across from the track?

  17. #42
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    I was wondering the same about the class. I'm still working on whether I will stay overnight or leave out early for a 3 hour drive to get there at 8am

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  18. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    I was wondering the same about the class. I'm still working on whether I will stay overnight or leave out early for a 3 hour drive to get there at 8am
    If I held a class on Saturday would you 100% come out?

  19. #44
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    I was wondering the same about the class. I'm still working on whether I will stay overnight or leave out early for a 3 hour drive to get there at 8am
    If Aaron has the class, you HAVE to go. It's an insane amount of information that will take a year or so to learn by yourself. Not only does he cover drifting technique, from beginner to tandem, but also covers car setup and answers questions you didn't even know you had. I took the class between the two events I've done and it helped me a ton. I went from just drifting parts of the small track and being frustrated to drifting/linking the whole main course a couple of times and having a blast!

  20. #45
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    I want to go to the class for sure if its being held. Any details on time and price?

    My wife will be with me bringing her Nikon DSLR for pics. She's up to the challenge of shooing moving cars so I'm pretty exited about that, and probably will have a lot of photos to share! Seems like the course will be pretty open, do you see a lot of photographers at these events? Trying to get an idea of how much access she will have to shoot pictures. I'm also trying to talk her into driving a few laps in my car but not sure how the registration works.

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  21. #46
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    I want to go to the class for sure if its being held. Any details on time and price?

    My wife will be with me bringing her Nikon DSLR for pics. She's up to the challenge of shooing moving cars so I'm pretty exited about that, and probably will have a lot of photos to share! Seems like the course will be pretty open, do you see a lot of photographers at these events? Trying to get an idea of how much access she will have to shoot pictures. I'm also trying to talk her into driving a few laps in my car but not sure how the registration works.
    Last time the class was free and was from noon-5.

    There are quite a few photographers out there, but would be nice to have someone focusing on the BMWs so we end up with more pics. She'll be able to take pics from the spectator area, but if she wants to get out near the course, she'll probably need to sign up with Aaron and LSD. They have a meeting with the photographers where they tell them where to stand and such.

    Doubt the wife will be able to drive, as the registration goes with the driver, not the car. Plus, these GGP events are really busy with maybe 40-50 cars, so putting a complete beginner out there might not be the best idea.

  22. #47
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    lol, I'm a beginner too! I'll see what they do about signing up for photography, I really want to help represent the BMW turnout! Class sounds awesome so I'll be there, I'll probably get a hotel room either way. Figured as much about the driver registration.. She's had an e36 328is, e46 323i and a 04 GTI all manual shift so I trust her driving about as much as mine at this point.

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  23. #48
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    First event or so you typically dont go through many tires. I only went through 2 tires at first but id bring a full set just in case if their new tires. If used tires id just bring as many as possible. Hope to see you there!

  24. #49
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    Some updates:

    Bought a set of used style 68 17" wheels and tires, just waiting for shipping. Actually getting a little mad I don't have them yet but whatever. I'll be at the Lone Star Drift GGP event this weekend and I'm really hoping to drive for the first time so unless these show up or I find another spare I'm not sure I'll be able to drive due to bald tires and the need to get back home

    In case you think I may be exaggerating, Here's what I'm working with right now on my daily driver:





    I had the screw hole plugged but it still leaks at the crack! I do have one of these to work with so I'm really trying to find a suitable mate for this guy that I took from our "old" e46, with a pretty decent 225/50/R16 tire:





    Anywho, I just finished my "hobo" whammy bar e-brake handle extension. I borrowed the idea from stadrift11, with my goal for it to be completely removable/reversible and not mod or cut the car. The parts, courtesy of Home Depot and Walmart:



    12" long 3/4" galvanized pipe, 45 degree elbow. Cut it and fit it like so:



    I didn't want to risk messing anything up by drilling through the handle so I studied the handle for a while and got an idea. I decided to notch the end of the extension to fit the bump things already on the handle and also drill a hole in the pipe to line up with the hole that is already there near the release button on the handle so I could put a pin through it:



    It all came together when I happened to find the perfect pin laying in a parking lot!




    Test fit, painted it all black. Decided to return the red grips and went for a stealthy black look:






    Notice how the notch fits against the handle. I got lucky with the grinder and it fit perfect first try:



    I guess it could look better with a bent pipe but this works fine for now. I also put thread lock on the joints so it holds together better. I'm still getting used to parking the car as old habits are hard to "brake" but it's all good...Now I just need to learn when and how to use it!! Luckily while my subframe and stuff was apart I took time to max out the adjustment on the rear drums so it locks up really well for what is probably the original shoes!


    Next, I modified my 3.5" intake system to use the original MAF sensor. My car has a Dinan chip from like 1995 for probably nothing other than higher octane gas so it wasn't exactly ready for the 3.5" setup... it ran really well when it was cold except for the occasional CEL during idle but I lived with it until it started getting hot here in Texas a couple of months back and started throwing the check light every morning. I really want to go with a Miller WAR setup so I can learn tuning and have it grow with my mods but those plans are on hold along with my 42# injectors that are collecting dust... So back to the intake - Just so you know, this can be done pretty easily:



    With the ODBI 540i maf currently on my car, I pulled the sensor out of my old factory M50 3" MAF and it dropped right into the the 3.5" housing, effectively making it a 3.5" intake system that doesn't need a new tune... I'm not sure it it ACTUALLY gained any power but it is definately getting more air and sure sounds nice at WOT!! Plus, at $25-30 for a used 540i MAF this is a pretty cheap mod if you are already considering a 3.5" elbow or if you have a 3.5" MAF with a bad sensor. Look back up earlier if you missed the rest of my homemade intake.

    So back to drifting: Hope to see some of you there Sunday and wish me luck finding a wheel/tire to burn!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Score!!!!

    Last edited by jjjjjjj; 06-12-2013 at 01:01 PM.

    1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40

  25. #50
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    Oakland Park, FL
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjjjjjj View Post
    Some updates:

    Bought a set of used style 68 17" wheels and tires, just waiting for shipping. Actually getting a little mad I don't have them yet but whatever. I'll be at the Lone Star Drift GGP event this weekend and I'm really hoping to drive for the first time so unless these show up or I find another spare I'm not sure I'll be able to drive due to bald tires and the need to get back home

    In case you think I may be exaggerating, Here's what I'm working with right now on my daily driver:





    I had the screw hole plugged but it still leaks at the crack! I do have one of these to work with so I'm really trying to find a suitable mate for this guy that I took from our "old" e46, with a pretty decent 225/50/R16 tire:





    Anywho, I just finished my "hobo" whammy bar e-brake handle extension. I borrowed the idea from stadrift11, with my goal for it to be completely removable/reversible and not mod or cut the car. The parts, courtesy of Home Depot and Walmart:



    12" long 3/4" galvanized pipe, 45 degree elbow. Cut it and fit it like so:



    I didn't want to risk messing anything up by drilling through the handle so I studied the handle for a while and got an idea. I decided to notch the end of the extension to fit the bump things already on the handle and also drill a hole in the pipe to line up with the hole that is already there near the release button on the handle so I could put a pin through it:



    It all came together when I happened to find the perfect pin laying in a parking lot!




    Test fit, painted it all black. Decided to return the red grips and went for a stealthy black look:






    Notice how the notch fits against the handle. I got lucky with the grinder and it fit perfect first try:



    I guess it could look better with a bent pipe but this works fine for now. I also put thread lock on the joints so it holds together better. I'm still getting used to parking the car as old habits are hard to "brake" but it's all good...Now I just need to learn when and how to use it!! Luckily while my subframe and stuff was apart I took time to max out the adjustment on the rear drums so it locks up really well for what is probably the original shoes!


    Next, I modified my 3.5" intake system to use the original MAF sensor. My car has a Dinan chip from like 1995 for probably nothing other than higher octane gas so it wasn't exactly ready for the 3.5" setup... it ran really well when it was cold except for the occasional CEL during idle but I lived with it until it started getting hot here in Texas a couple of months back and started throwing the check light every morning. I really want to go with a Miller WAR setup so I can learn tuning and have it grow with my mods but those plans are on hold along with my 42# injectors that are collecting dust... So back to the intake - Just so you know, this can be done pretty easily:



    With the ODBI 540i maf currently on my car, I pulled the sensor out of my old factory M50 3" MAF and it dropped right into the the 3.5" housing, effectively making it a 3.5" intake system that doesn't need a new tune... I'm not sure it it ACTUALLY gained any power but it is definately getting more air and sure sounds nice at WOT!! Plus, at $25-30 for a used 540i MAF this is a pretty cheap mod if you are already considering a 3.5" elbow or if you have a 3.5" MAF with a bad sensor. Look back up earlier if you missed the rest of my homemade intake.

    So back to drifting: Hope to see some of you there Sunday and wish me luck finding a wheel/tire to burn!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Score!!!!


    Damn dude this car is coming along very nice and its on the way to becoming a drifting machine! That handle is looking nice and I'm liking those little notches at the end of it so that it locks into the handle a little better (Mine had a little bit of play in it because i didnt make those 2 notches). Its always great to see someone improving on a homemade design to make it just a little bit better than it used to be, BTW If you want a slightly cleaner look for mounting the extension to the handle I can send you what I used to secure it. If your looking for a cheap upgrade that will improve your throttle reponse/feel for the M50 then get these billet aluminum throttle body bushings, http://www.meurosport.com/Aluminum_Bushings.php , they're a great little upgrade especially if your throttle body bushings are shot (like mine were).

    Great choice on the 3.23 as I just bought and installed mine over the weekend and it is already a much more noticable difference in the lower gears and I can't wait to go out and slide with it. Keep up the good work, and for reference i have a set of 16x7 spares for drifting and I run either a 205/55 or a 195/55.

    -Taylor

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