Nice thread and build.
What do you plan to do with the viscous fan? Not a lot on room for 4" intake tubing with it in place. (Pondering that myself.)
Thanks guys, glad you appreciate it!
I am ditching the stock fan for a Zionsville cooling setup with an electric fan, it should give me a bit more clearance and hopefully allow for the 4" intake to fit.
Dinan sells a spacer that allows for the larger intake. I have it, and it does the job. Fan is now closer to the radiator
New drive chain and o-rings for the oil pump
New vanos distribution block gaskets
New chain tensioners
New chain guides, rebuilt vanos units, and gears installed. Timing set (vanos fully c-clockwise) and camshaft bolts torqued. For those uber observant: no, I didn't counterhold the exhaust cam while torquing the intake cam.
New crank hub seal
Lower timing cover installed
Cooling mani with new gaskets and o-rings
New dipstick o-ring
New o-ring for alternator
Took the engine off the stand and hung it on the cherry picker so I could pull the upper oil pan off and replace the gasket.
New water pump + thermostat, valve covers freshly refinished (powder coat) with new gaskets all around.
On the rear of the engine. The upper coolant plate got a new gasket and (not pictured) is a new rear main seal and gasket for that plate. This work on the back of the engine was all done prior to torquing down the main oil pan to avoid any issues, you can see what I am talking about in pic taken from under the engine with the oil pan off (3 pics above).
With deleting the SAP I wanted to trim the fat of stuff I didn't need, the aluminum pipe running along the front of the engine is one of them. I took the pipe, cut off the ends to make plugs. To cap them I took an aluminum plate and cut out some small discs that I pressed into the ends of the pipe and recessed them a few millimeters so I could fill/weld them shut with some low temp brazing rods.
I don't have much experience with metal fab and this was my first time brazing. I used a propane torch and it all worked out; the results were what I was hoping for so I am happy! Of course the plugs got fresh o-rings.
Plugs hiding under the upper timing covers
New belt pulleys and tensioners installed along with the power steering pump, dip stick, knock sensors, and manifold (with new crank case vent tube).
Whats nice is this is what the front of the engine will look like WITHOUT the aluminum pipe for the SAP and without the fan + fan clutch mounted to the water pump pulley. It should look a lot more tidy once installed.
More to come!
Man - what an update! Beautiful work.
1995 BMW M3 (Avus), 1994 BMW 840Ci (Avus), 1994 BMW 740i (Oxford), 2005 BMW X5 4.8iS (Le Mans)
Gone (Too many to mention)
oh yeah...this is amazing. Grand props to you...!
Last edited by adm750; 07-14-2020 at 11:31 AM. Reason: removed signature to reduce footprint on thread
I am moving into a new house and the goal was to get the E39 drivable but time got away from me and I am deep into some garage remodeling that needs to get done before I can move into the space and eventually, continue the build. A little inconvenient to hit pause on a build like this but the upside to being a slow methodical sloth when wrenching is I know exactly where I am at with the build, where everything goes, and where everything is so I expect a smooth transition when the build commences. My garage will be a better space to work in as well.
New console inlay
Modding pedal assembly
Kick down clicker removed from pedal
Vanos oil check valves replaced
Brass fork pivot, one and done!
Went to the local LKQ to get some small parts and not only were there 3 E39 wagons, they were in a row, jackpot!
Headers and oil filter installed
When removing the engine the space was real tight between the steering box and headers, in efforts to make my life simple I tried a new installation method:
- completely drop subframe
- hoist in engine and trans
- loosely bolt in trans support for rough alignment
- bolt in subframe
- lower engine onto engine mounts
- tighten trans mount and remove hoist,
....it was still a tight fit but worked well considering the engine, trans, and headers went in as one unit
With the engine in place I installed the radiator support and temporarily the Zionsville radiator which allowed me to test fit my AFE intake and "custom" 4" piping. fits like a glove between the exp. tank and the cam sensor. I am still on the fence between the AFE or getting a Dinan CAI. If I keep the AFE I will add some extra foil/heat shielding to the current heat shield/air box.
Currently she is a rolling chassis with functional steering and brakes, the engine is in for good but trans will come back out for clutch and flywheel installation. Nonetheless I am pumped to see the build coming together.
As always your work is impeccable!
The updates never, ever, ever disappoint. Incredible work!
1995 BMW M3 (Avus), 1994 BMW 840Ci (Avus), 1994 BMW 740i (Oxford), 2005 BMW X5 4.8iS (Le Mans)
Gone (Too many to mention)
I’ve never once seen an E39 Touring in our local LKQ and I’m a relatively frequent visitor. It must be left coast luck. Car is looking great. Some buyer is going to be thrilled with the work you’ve put into it.
This is outstanding work! How is the build?
Sold: 1997 Arctic M
Hello friend, I am Alvaro Saavedra from Chile.
first congratulations on touring, it's extraordinary.
I have the only e39 touring in Chile.
I have seen that you have a local LKQ.
I need the roof bars, in Chile it is impossible to get them.
Could you give me the LRQ data (website, email), to see if they can send me the roof bars to Chile.
Thank you very much in advance
I am moving into a new house and the goal was to get the E39 drivable but time got away from me and I am deep into some garage remodeling that needs to get done before I can move into the space and eventually, continue the build. A little inconvenient to hit pause on a build like this but the upside to being a slow methodical sloth when wrenching is I know exactly where I am at with the build, where everything goes, and where everything is so I expect a smooth transition when the build commences. My garage will be a better space to work in as well. <br>
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New console inlay<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3effRcTLiVPBh4tnuz59E0fPqmxTgBEc0R8hvUsop3OwNHnMbO VkdgOX9vSkGDjg6ChPzCokluEKfAcC-0r6Yr7YdBs9K6R6UdFSsc74EDnHcW_98BeUUxwfFy7ZjEMlRIY udIXzD-1Izear4CMxr1GKQ=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3f3rodAhWoxqfHCQ6uqrAncel97XRLY1vADfOaDjV3GVN3BN6L uxQZsoX-h2n0RibUA4Tv4y6DSgLL4HmhP7_qK0vEtuTPRSXPjnaoV4GRBq DEBlBiQIMckYYwY5PmvpaQ1LmSroWhBEy1-pppL9qDD4w=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Modding pedal assembly<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3e0CFC_ZcD5aqh-kwibVif4UylYynIeZCz4-zkO0JI9fbb6s2cCe7w1vNFP2YUn9jKq4VOwHoG0b3pZk2zHYWn wdY1p8J52M2AiKyN1ZUWWxNxr13tdGoCosm5k7iWbfR6cbngMH t2vNnIM-CngGyPo2g=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fhVuhixw6WRilJWGR8Vnel7GCEDXz7YpXdRnp_dy-7k4B2XjoDFNGOio89oadKGmSr7VmZL07q_PbEUiTvuQSGMVfAq jYvaH-RXRFaXtegoyFVkiklHyG_oN0TFO9U7QN-cgSri09DkWKaUzwurpGa-Q=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Kick down clicker removed from pedal<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dVVVM6pNKaSL_xsp2Zd68HczAvPL6L36eobymFFuZgO5PS3VL tuVhh4STvmqdzvZbJlEhpRvKtviS-wWQqtIr2UxFUEoGkfOCQExhHG68AAPgQhZJM1FrNLrF8q6Lhc2 OsfOfg_IIxJebp_0oLlWDiBQ=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Vanos oil check valves replaced<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dhY1xsL8MB5D_EZXZxq3w5cj4-pOYMtYPasZ6Wp_32fKT-_UnKle5U2kbTCCj8ay3wM6RT-equpqYqeqDqCPPN5m-mvEi0ftuD0olgvs3M7mry6RKJOU-erQzlXQTSIbKnJo5phz_kXWqCHIM8LFliPw=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dvsIWztQMpN0pMX8G4UFrklEBmp8W-u5Ofc67znuhNsk_uzwW2mu6XunPL8cQgAtkXKOKO_knzpzaRxi ue6xLhPPS4K0yBs6cN0Zzk2fBBlklg3Y08bCNUe1WF0g57vS6l fEf1GUf9QzmlNRLJd9dCMA=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Brass fork pivot, one and done!<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cqCSywDYy8_7QQzKWCWXseXJVCcoO312Gp7ukFsv5zv8mpzy5 vzEnQhfT8Ejjt7SIxuxWcERH-oAZS7ogGPOsJCdJF2sI8l3Hw8CtrF56XWEqofQf2NW3WCaDnsx VKicTUrTP150RR9SOvZn6tbMJPPQ=s978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Went to the local LKQ to get some small parts and not only were there 3 E39 wagons, they were in a row, jackpot!<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3esjC-HLXLcu6VKxj0NtBPdVO9XR2f6xE-9p_3O8r3LbIqz1wk17QQcl_vj4ESTw1ECURgYSEpb2ACroSC5S 0Vwd0K9srl62NMpMVXlcgAtOy68F0oXhwYuDVzKtI4neTspFFh 3q_9Jp-JAAgDBYsdYbQ=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dHfr7EeESWf0n-vYWSUzQYjo8YqviP76XZMtWAKoMB6ZN1raMdoQc7Oq71KptfC-hqOsNZlWi6_h9klJy_LfGkiNkaQAgkood5ECAAFKAJklsq4cMu SEXHFLu0xmm2uvcs2Md9xqunlv5FQ4fL8MP1jg=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Headers and oil filter installed<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3f2ebinmHa32bIexxdJah7EgomMvFakbu0Tl1dMg6MD864LQdB 4o4jklXcPVnCFqhOJNQ6tV9iQgW4StS-45zilsIoVWBXTm1ofyzZ6JsFLQLgQRIUne8ytcQRUXlQ0azhea n72HJkzlYuU6F0lwR785g=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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When removing the engine the space was real tight between the steering box and headers, in efforts to make my life simple I tried a new installation method:<br>
- completely drop subframe<br>
- hoist in engine and trans<br>
- loosely bolt in trans support for rough alignment<br>
- bolt in subframe<br>
- lower engine onto engine mounts<br>
- tighten trans mount and remove hoist,<br>
....it was still a tight fit but worked well considering the engine, trans, and headers went in as one unit<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3ce9VbEbtJxENrlS8pwuS2IrqkeVy1IJdhFdozKEnRoLl780OT 5CvAsVFwQSbIKBvAbrTffWzpykRiw82Ne8l4xM_b_Rery-mBk8J-_9GtoLIDlntJF0QlkO5MWm6TQg31BtqrYryJtqSVJbMyHBbD8G Q=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dqLA4R2ZOQ-7d81wNWC8GOqjkR7mo4Nd8mo3CWyXdWvvNAJTfj05jA4oWqOVm bkfHwWoMtGtoIlZ7k2YgfADQoUHRs5uEGCYJak0W8LH08cIPa8 tPKF7jmXKHsXk0J8WRmfHiaXO8CAurVxXh07zbKEQ=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eV1SBmg0qolij-iRMnZAnmxeEQYv0X-GkzDF1-lLF3Ll2VxQIq41ukm-Xty5iz73NKWzLCz06u389zg86OgoLMj7XCxMOc9PqnN7Rg31wn ezGBvp_lZ98d4y_Mde05RHeiDqPNlakSvTr4-llJt6kQHA=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3egHk41nj8xsvwPJfKEF4GW2uYkJya215xwRNlsnRBBnoiPruJ 4RXJvU2Yfpbse8OYRBGrXfIr5o0f8X-_q8p-gtT2cvrm6RanU3XYKsjs0JtGISyhYILD-1JLTnZpBOWejoMH4gL32UODJ46YNHPDf4Q=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3epHCYDxe8WkK7nH181nGKCeRlyrkYTxOQiixiUot-_3Cor8ayOnKnLkWK9ILnI2HA6Vp-rMa3zih6eBw626d_gfh2gYWooYDv0AByksCLLFEmRM1hx-BZB4P2ONu536pl0o0dZ7F6pOc_0_6fBKMkYmQ=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3c9c979M8s5kUZzL2iradK-BCJD0slcD7ur39qcAxYi_QcIaBjVRtE45md3ArMBjWpqTfN1DE 2JRUBlOnyKy-POmp39fV90Fmp03AtOOZTDwj54tdn1W5fLnrWeW_VRSAXBJrek 1z2jOpfyfvr0xibjqA=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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With the engine in place I installed the radiator support and temporarily the Zionsville radiator which allowed me to test fit my AFE intake and "custom" 4" piping. fits like a glove between the exp. tank and the cam sensor. I am still on the fence between the AFE or getting a Dinan CAI. If I keep the AFE I will add some extra foil/heat shielding to the current heat shield/air box. <br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3d77LX2mfvjLBzXOwnMwoRRZ9ds30k_bQje-Jc0O_AjWBGXqFhJce6YQKLISr4lBBT5WLwxxFOKl0xRFpt6Dge aOhRSju8uJy-qsCzWRaxPsaAekqntPqxje9z29MjHwAO35lt5IgmR_WlyYcGMT smWJA=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3e1jhTE2Ajky1uSbocaDnXlqQ9XTy9wpAQpJR39GolcvfsiKal FWa_2J0CDzu7T8ZKzd6z1KAjH0cFGW6QjxiVrF1eLj3cVulWm-JSab2Y3-T6GUX0dWMk2ijxCg47vlA2r2e5NLHH4OrrCGV7DydJW1Q=w130 4-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fNsaUvN4m8_hsMR7-om_5x1QTibPyeVIQbbeomNdqNQh6AadU-ObXnS5pto10zP_2O0aJozh0Mt1w2eYiaM7-WcFsyHQLWn6wQm4deSGGp_fqfm_ZmjsTpsrGfB59Sdvz9bRBrR 4_xrRG2261DumnPfg=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3czvy18bvZLzXmUu2hhqCryMs-r067aYDEXwtp1Q2YTC-aFZh2LRlP6oQYkj7nPnYbYk8yHhc-m7xVcFq-5GE1ndLB-ZRlkn64JYyCN5-qR9EUdJiwspaEVicFcYjX8MnZ-OeZQlC8pBOD3HrBeYfZ5Pg=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
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Currently she is a rolling chassis with functional steering and brakes, the engine is in for good but trans will come back out for clutch and flywheel installation. Nonetheless I am pumped to see the build coming together.<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cMuURYg4HehigqumAKcGZAh6R0aDeTKMUjB6pyqW7MTDVyWiZ JfmvlUaKe1arNPhEzmT4Rl1QK_UHrLkANN0vfkMnD7TMGB176V lJTF9VfkR_az011co20D3Cp3hIvWaIIrKkzVMeN81fJjzFl44Y EBw=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3f6VQPKndMxclexQfQPVXAAgcMh1ZGqKagbbqiUDzoGia-GcCGeDB4RFf_1stlRH-yHOH3iXrXcbbG3SQEgq-cdqQjRGRyQQhs7xdEeD7krYuhNGOYvC01tBagg1kpRjOR32fyy cVOJTD-iO0m0LibLLw=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3f9OUWv9BvqoclEgJqy4PT8SBz-X8Kj10E7Re91fDVlXLIAyYibuwqxNXtBjyMy3IKlytLEfTGhzn tl2Z2T4sCFrbzo8N7cRJe5ioYYFOdhfon55knyIe-3Tqp7j5kQItdlAvQ4Miapd9SnL4RZ1lT-Qw=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dtNXPJg9-i01r0xE5aO30AsxeTXkTsGk0DglTxhopiR0MpClH-A_fFeAWING5JW-sMAKNqv9Po53tJXN9At9YkA21aTGD7FuxDujCAv0mOjorIMnKM zIp0yCUywL5NOIkRVEnA0atLUM7cf9PqQj581g=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt=""><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eHN7yEjo0FwIpD0Oq_1URgfodsSKb70oSkXAlB0EPtrCRej2e 9wquEDbg0OqCjtVnKOABTP-x5RdKOuWxbTQQemis9tAFun3TEGbA4PWghdSJx2nU0DPVeI_w5 rDLM8GKbbswhOL9zMKqGSv6hAQ1CBg=w1304-h978-no?authuser=0" border="0" alt="">[/QUOTE]<br>
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This thread is epic. I've come to a crossroads of sort with my own 540i Touring and was contemplating selling her, however this thread had really rekindled my interest in keeping the project going. Have got lots of inspiration from even the simple things like removing the plastic engine cover and the garage door seal front lip (most aftermarket lips have been discontinued for th PFL SE bumper as I recently discovered). Thanks for posting.
You've been thinking to sell?
What's wrong with you?
Snap out of it, and fast! re-read Evan's thread and then search out more Touring threads and thoughts like that will be banished from your mind as it seems all those night shifts have made something wobble in there !
Just a few nudges to help re-align your brain after too many night shifts;
I'm sure Evan won't mind these pics as they're actually medicinal therapy for you
Cheers, Dennis!
Cheers Dennis lol.
Yes I have very much snapped out of it and she won't be going anywhere
Any updates?
How did I miss this thread? Your attention to detail is amazing and the pictures are like drugs. Thanks for posting!
Diehard E39 driver.
I'd rather die or take a walk before driving an E60 or any BMW made after Y2K.
"Your momma's so ugly she makes Bangle cars look nice"
No posts for a while now. I hope Evan and the car are OK.
He is. He is on instagram ( I’ll update if I find him again ) - I saw a post of the wagon going to Colorado from Cali.
Thanks!
Thank you
Yes, the wagons were on the west coast
Thanks!
Build has been on pause due to life stuff but I hope to get back to it in a couple months
Hi Alvaro, LKQ sells parts online and but also has yards where you can enter and pull parts yourself. This is their website for the online parts. https://www.lkqonline.com/?gclid=Cj0...UaAinrEALw_wcB
Not sure about international shipping from them, you might have better luck trying to source stuff from Europe. Good luck.
Keep on wrenching!
Yea, it's happening right now! (below)
Thanks for the kind words.
Appreciate the concern. I am fine.
Well, well, well.....
Hello all. Long time.
..I'm BACK!
To catch everyone up on the status of the build...
At the start of the pandemic we bought a house in San Diego and that meant the build had to be paused so I could pack up all my shit and move from our rental house (also in SD). The garage in the house we bought was in rough shape so I wanted to do a slight "refresh" and this refresh turned into a major remodel with installing a sub panel, electrical, relocating a water heater and gas lines, building out the rafters to make attic storage, installing radiant barrier + insulation, smart gable fans, installing a door, drywall, etc. etc. The garage remodel took a long time as I was also knocking out house projects; kitchen refresh, new lighting throughout, etc.
Before I finished all the house projects we got word that we would be moving to Colorado for my wife's work. Our house in Colorado has a much larger garage but it also was in rough shape sooooo you know what that means. Time for another garage remodel! I am about 1/2 through the remodel while my wife continues to pepper me with other house projects. The goal was to have the garage done by winter is next week technically but I would say I am on track to have the garage done by the END of winter.
Although the E39 build has been stagnant for a while now, the end is near and when I am able to start wrenching again the progress should come quickly as my new garage will be much more accommodating to working on cars, *cough* BenPak 2-post life *cough*
Anyway here is the mini update and some pics...
Bon Voyage!
A short trip to N County SD
Here is a photo dump from the SD to Colorado trip. After some shipping/logistical nightmares where I couldn't get a transit company to come pick up and ship my E39 and E61 I took matters into my own hands and drove my E61 out to Colorado in 1 day, 15 hours of driving and with 5 fuel stops/pee breaks. The E61 makes 550whp 500wtq, runs E85, and has a very short M5 LSD in the back so it's not exactly setup to be a long-legged Grand Tourer but I had a very fun and very fast drive. The E61 buzzes along at 3,200rpm at 80mph. lol On a side note, the E61 is so comfortable it really solidified my interest in building an M57 swapped E61 aka 535D. I can extract the same performance from the M57 engine, although the numbers would be more like 500whp and 700wtq but the engine will just burble along in an effortless manner while likely yielding 40+mpg ...and be reliable. What's not to like?
Anyway, after driving the E61 out to Colorado, only the E39 was left in SD so I drove my X5 back out to CA to trailer the E39 back to CO. My father flew out for the trip which was an awesome addition. The X5 got 29mpg CO-CA and an ultra-impressive 20+mpg towing 6,000+lbs from CA-CO up and over the Rockies (11,300ft elevation).
Into your new home!
I had one of my close friends gift me some bad ass wheels he has on his single turbo E90. They are Forged 1 Split 8s, a very rare, very light, and very beautiful forged wheel. I also snagged a local set of Radenergie R10s 20" E60 M5 fitment. Both wheels will get reconditioned and rebuilt. The Forged 1s would look good on anything but they look GREAT on the E39, I threw them on just for fun.
Sounds like several great trips to CO. Cars and wheels look great! Jealous of the high bay doors/lift. Looking forward to following along on the build finish here.
“She’s the last of the V8’s, she sucks nitro...phase 4 heads, twin overhead cams...600 horsepower through the wheels, she’s meanness put to music...”
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