GOD'S VENGEANCE - Complete Drivetrain Redux

[Murfinator]

Nice avatar, Murph. Illustrated by Moosehead's own Brad Day! We'll have to send you some stuff if we use it on a Tee.

It was time for a change and Brad's art was the perfect opportunity. The illustration was changed to reflect the new lights, cropped and removed the text. Nice to see Moosehead's is a 5erFest sponsor. Any gear from the 2012 meet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Murfinator]

The long awaited Alcon calipers have arrived: 4-piston units to be run with rebuilt 540 rears in matching red powder coat. The rotors are 348mm custom race rotors drilled to match the CNC aluminum rotor hats. No more boat anchors hanging from the struts!



Color matched 540i rear calipers prior to rebuild.

[Murfinator]

There's also the all aluminum M5 OE replacement from Wizard Cooling

Good call. Thanks for the tip.

Spoke with Dave at Wizard Cooling. Looking to have them modify their M5 radiator template to better suit 535's. Price should be ~ $600.

[EuroShark]

You've got the COOLEST STUFF. I'm enjoying the progress.

[Ken H.]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

[Murfinator]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

Been calling two or three times per day and leaving messages and sending emails with no response for going on two months. Wondering whether everything's alright with Paul Burke and Imagineering then he posted the Audi speed record.

This is starting to impede progress.

[Ken H.]

Any more news re. the fuel rail from the great Paul Burke?

Been calling two or three times per day and leaving messages and sending emails with no response for going on two months. Wondering whether everything's alright with Paul Burke and Imagineering then he posted the Audi speed record.

This is starting to impede progress.

You, sir, have just been royally f*&ed. Sorry. Time to find a new machinist.

[scarey013]

Is there a problem with Paul? I have a friend who has been having some engine work done at his shop.

[Murfinator]

Is there a problem with Paul? I have a friend who has been having some engine work done at his shop.

Short answer: yes. When you drop off the face of the planet several times per year for months at a time, fail to keep promises and refuse to communicate it becomes a problem when people are counting on you to perform work and ship parts within a certain timeframe. I'm still giving Paul the benefit of the doubt, thinking there may be family or other issues taking up his time...but then he posted the successes with the Audi at Bonneville a few weeks back. Makes me wonder whether he's turned his back on the BMW community.

I'm aggrevated because Paul had the fuel rail 90% complete as of June/July. According to him there was only an hour or so of work remaining till it would be finished. I'm waiting to terminate the fuel lines until I've received the rail and dropped the motor back in place. I need to check clearances and find a good spot for the FPR. Without the rail I'm left to address other areas: fuse box, brakes, ECU, etc...

To make matters worse it seems many automotive parts vendors have lost the sense of customer service, making you feel as though they're doing you a FAVOR in giving them your hard-earned money in return for services and parts. I don't appreciate being held hostage by certain specialists who hold the corner on the market in a certain specialty, take your money then act as though their going out of their way to deliver the promised goods. Thank God there's still some good people out there or I'd have moved on to another project.

[Murfinator]

65# low-z injectors installed.

[wkohler]

So, I take it you got your fuel rail and all is good with Mr. Burke?

[Brad D.]

I like the fuel rail. This is coming together nicely.

[skip535i]

This engine is a real piece of art. Nicely planned/executed, Murf!

[Murfinator]

So, I take it you got your fuel rail and all is good with Mr. Burke?

Sadly, no. The package did not contain several other items Paul has been preparing for the past year. Imagineering must be very busy: no answer any time of the day, no response to emails for months at a time and no desire for new work. I've turned at least a half dozen jobs away because Paul explicitly stated he doesn't have time. This is unfortunate since I believe Paul's parts: adjustable cam gear, pistons, cams and his machine work are exceptional but there's only so much time in the day.

[paul burke]

So, I take it you got your fuel rail and all is good with Mr. Burke?

Not so much with me!

Admittedly I am slow at getting some things out in a timely manner but as I've explained numerous times to ALL my BMW customers THIS IS NOT MY ONLY BUSINESS in fact it doesn't even pay for itself.

I started offering custom made one-off parts to help raise the performance potential of these older BMWs that we all have a passion for.

I have invested more than $18,000.00 in camshaft blanks just to be able to provide an alternative camshaft source, again to try to raise the level.

I have NEVER charged anyone an engineering fee for producing custom one off pistons which I sell at ridiculously low prices.


Mike,
As far as customer service goes..
How many Vendors have spent numerous hours going over assembly, explaining to a third party machine shop how to do the job correctly and on and on.

If you remember correctly I DID NOT cash your check for the fuel rail because it was taking so long, and you were never charged for the thermostat housing.

No holding anyone's money hostage here.

I could have simply said, I choose not to produce these pieces but instead I followed through even when it cost me money and time.

Paul

[skip535i]

Admittedly I am slow at getting some things out in a timely manner but as I've explained numerous times to ALL my BMW customers THIS IS NOT MY ONLY BUSINESS in fact it doesn't even pay for itself.

I started offering custom made one-off parts to help raise the performance potential of these older BMWs that we all have a passion for.

I have invested more than $18,000.00 in camshaft blanks just to be able to provide an alternative camshaft source, again to try to raise the level.

I have NEVER charged anyone an engineering fee for producing custom one off pistons which I sell at ridiculously low prices.


Mike,
Has far as customer service goes..
How many Vendors have spent numerous hours going over assembly, explaining to a third party machine shop how to do the job correctly and on and on.

So why do yo continue to accept work if you admittedly don't have the time to do it?

Or, why don't you just raise the prices and start charging fees that justify your time?

Sounds to me like you're telling people you can do something and then getting frustrated with them when they hold you accountable to what you said you could do...not the best business practice.

[paul burke]

Admittedly I am slow at getting some things out in a timely manner but as I've explained numerous times to ALL my BMW customers THIS IS NOT MY ONLY BUSINESS in fact it doesn't even pay for itself.

I started offering custom made one-off parts to help raise the performance potential of these older BMWs that we all have a passion for.

I have invested more than $18,000.00 in camshaft blanks just to be able to provide an alternative camshaft source, again to try to raise the level.

I have NEVER charged anyone an engineering fee for producing custom one off pistons which I sell at ridiculously low prices.


Mike,
Has far as customer service goes..
How many Vendors have spent numerous hours going over assembly, explaining to a third party machine shop how to do the job correctly and on and on.

So why do yo continue to accept work if you admittedly don't have the time to do it?

Or, why don't you just raise the prices and start charging fees that justify your time?

Sounds to me like you're telling people you can do something and then getting frustrated with them when they hold you accountable to what you said you could do...not the best business practice.

Skip, you are partially correct.

Not many people purchase the kinds of parts I make and because they are all considered "custom" if you will,
I cannot for the most part keep anything in stock.

I was trying to offer parts that were not previously available, things I thought people would be interested in, the unfortunate part is the time it takes me to make some of this stuff.

I knew pretty much going into this it wasn't going to make money, saw it more as a "service".

I have now stopped saying "YES" and will accommodate only what I am capable of producing in a timely manner.

Paul

[paul burke]

So, I take it you got your fuel rail and all is good with Mr. Burke?

Sadly, no. The package did not contain several other items Paul has been preparing for the past year. Imagineering must be very busy: no answer any time of the day, no response to emails for months at a time and no desire for new work. I've turned at least a half dozen jobs away because Paul explicitly stated he doesn't have time. This is unfortunate since I believe Paul's parts: adjustable cam gear, pistons, cams and his machine work are exceptional but there's only so much time in the day.

Your ONE remaining item (thermostat housing) is in the mail.

Paul

[skip535i]

Admittedly I am slow at getting some things out in a timely manner but as I've explained numerous times to ALL my BMW customers THIS IS NOT MY ONLY BUSINESS in fact it doesn't even pay for itself.

I started offering custom made one-off parts to help raise the performance potential of these older BMWs that we all have a passion for.

I have invested more than $18,000.00 in camshaft blanks just to be able to provide an alternative camshaft source, again to try to raise the level.

I have NEVER charged anyone an engineering fee for producing custom one off pistons which I sell at ridiculously low prices.


Mike,
Has far as customer service goes..
How many Vendors have spent numerous hours going over assembly, explaining to a third party machine shop how to do the job correctly and on and on.

So why do yo continue to accept work if you admittedly don't have the time to do it?

Or, why don't you just raise the prices and start charging fees that justify your time?

Sounds to me like you're telling people you can do something and then getting frustrated with them when they hold you accountable to what you said you could do...not the best business practice.

Skip, you are partially correct.

Not many people purchase the kinds of parts I make and because they are all considered "custom" if you will,
I cannot for the most part keep anything in stock.

I was trying to offer parts that were not previously available, things I thought people would be interested in, the unfortunate part is the time it takes me to make some of this stuff.

I new pretty much going into this it wasn't going to make money, saw it more as a "service".

I have now stopped saying "YES" and will accomodate only what I am capable of producing in a timely manner.

Paul

Thanks for the response. I for one, constantly drool at the quality and craftsmanship of your products.

Regarding business practices, "No good deed goes unpunished...." I hope nothing but the best for you and your future success with helping out us old bimmer owners. Good luck with the balancing act

[paul burke]

Admittedly I am slow at getting some things out in a timely manner but as I've explained numerous times to ALL my BMW customers THIS IS NOT MY ONLY BUSINESS in fact it doesn't even pay for itself.

I started offering custom made one-off parts to help raise the performance potential of these older BMWs that we all have a passion for.

I have invested more than $18,000.00 in camshaft blanks just to be able to provide an alternative camshaft source, again to try to raise the level.

I have NEVER charged anyone an engineering fee for producing custom one off pistons which I sell at ridiculously low prices.


Mike,
Has far as customer service goes..
How many Vendors have spent numerous hours going over assembly, explaining to a third party machine shop how to do the job correctly and on and on.

So why do yo continue to accept work if you admittedly don't have the time to do it?

Or, why don't you just raise the prices and start charging fees that justify your time?

Sounds to me like you're telling people you can do something and then getting frustrated with them when they hold you accountable to what you said you could do...not the best business practice.

Skip, you are partially correct.

Not many people purchase the kinds of parts I make and because they are all considered "custom" if you will,
I cannot for the most part keep anything in stock.

I was trying to offer parts that were not previously available, things I thought people would be interested in, the unfortunate part is the time it takes me to make some of this stuff.

I new pretty much going into this it wasn't going to make money, saw it more as a "service".

I have now stopped saying "YES" and will accomodate only what I am capable of producing in a timely manner.

Paul

Thanks for the response. I for one, constantly drool at the quality and craftsmanship of your products.

Regarding business practices, "No good deed goes unpunished...." I hope nothing but the best for you and your future success with helping out us old bimmer owners. Good luck with the balancing act

Thanks, No worries just life.

Paul

[Murfinator]

Your ONE remaining item (thermostat housing) is in the mail.

Paul

Thank you. I was about to start cutting up the one I have. During the early stages of this build my researches all led to Paul Burke for the highest quality parts and workmanship. He's one of a kind. Yes, I'm getting a bit impatient and that turns into worry and frustration when I receive no response for extended periods. This frustration has been exacerbated by other vendors who make promises (e.g. yeah, there's a three week lead time and I need the $$$$ up front. Nine months later and it's the SOS) and repeatedly fail to come through.

Paul and I have probably spent ~12 hours discussing my particular build; even the aspects which he will not be a direct part of: suspension tuning, tire selection, exhaust, turbo selection, engine management, ignition systems, exhaust manifold design, etc... NO other vendor has spent more than an hour with me on the phone (only Ron Davis, Dave @ Wizard Cooling and Jesse Ohara come to mind as coming close.). On the enthusiast side there's been Jon Ackerman RE: brakes and especially Ken Hawkins whose Lucifer's Hammer build has been a major inspiration (a major contributor was of course Paul Burke), in my mind setting the benchmark for aesthetics, design and performance of these cars.

I believe the finished product will be well worth the wait.

Thanks again Paul.

[Brian D]

Wow.

For the record, I just want to state to anyone reading this thread that I am having an engine built by Paul, I have never had any problem contacting him, and he has been a professional in every step of our dealings. There's a lot of bullshit being thrown around this forum, but I have no complaints and would recommend Paul to anyone serious about having an engine built.

Brian Damschroder.

[unt0uchable]

Your ONE remaining item (thermostat housing) is in the mail.

Paul

Thank you. I was about to start cutting up the one I have. During the early stages of this build my researches all led to Paul Burke for the highest quality parts and workmanship. He's one of a kind. Yes, I'm getting a bit impatient and that turns into worry and frustration when I receive no response for extended periods. This frustration has been exacerbated by other vendors who make promises (e.g. yeah, there's a three week lead time and I need the $$$$ up front. Nine months later and it's the SOS) and repeatedly fail to come through.

Paul and I have probably spent ~12 hours discussing my particular build; even the aspects which he will not be a direct part of: suspension tuning, tire selection, exhaust, turbo selection, engine management, ignition systems, exhaust manifold design, etc... NO other vendor has spent more than an hour with me on the phone (only Ron Davis, Dave @ Wizard Cooling and Jesse Ohara come to mind as coming close.). On the enthusiast side there's been Jon Ackerman RE: brakes and especially Ken Hawkins whose Lucifer's Hammer build has been a major inspiration (a major contributor was of course Paul Burke), in my mind setting the benchmark for aesthetics, design and performance of these cars.

I believe the finished product will be well worth the wait.

Thanks again Paul.

/Threadjack

I bought an m42 off of Jon Ackerman last summer. Drove from Detroit to Louisville on a Saturday by myself. He has a nice Alpina e30 in his garage. If this is the same guy, damn it's a small BMW world...

[Murfinator]

/Threadjack

I bought an m42 off of Jon Ackerman last summer. Drove from Detroit to Louisville on a Saturday by myself. He has a nice Alpina e30 in his garage. If this is the same guy, damn it's a small BMW world...

I believe the Jon Ackerman I spoke of lives in Washington state and owns an gorgeous E24.

[Murfinator]

The modified thermostat housing turned out very nicely. The radiator hose will need to be routed ~45 degrees down before the 90 degree bend to the radiator.

[Murfinator]

[Murfinator]

Going with Wizard Cooling for the radiator. They offer an OE replacement (same mounting tabs and shroud) with a dual 1" core and oil cooler. This will save me the hassle of finding an alternate location for another heat exchanger. I'll build new lines attaching the ports on the oil filter head to those on the passenger side end tank. The OE oil cooler and lines have been sold; need the room for the intercooler which will sit just behind and below the bumper.

The radiator design of the 535 OE radiator is superior to the M5 OE radiator since the inlet/outlet ports are oriented at a diagonal rather than nearly parallel laterally. This allows more efficient use of the entire cooling surface rather than limiting fluid flow across the bottom portion of the radiator. I could have modified the hoses to use the M5-style radiator but why limit cooling efficiency? Still debating rebuilding and modifying the A/C system vs. removing it entirely. My original compressor is shot. I'll likely use the OE fan shroud with a slim pull-through electric fan.

[Murfinator]

Final fitment of 304 stainless twin scroll exhaust manifold prior to complete TIG purge welds and ceramic coating. Dual TiAL F38 wastegates with .7 bar springs: one mounted forward and high and the other to the rear and low via smooth transition between collectors and flange. Equal length primaries to triple merge collectors. Divided T4 flange. Garrett ball bearing GT4088R, 11-blade billet compressor, 1.06 A/R divided exhaust housing.

Pictured -10AN 90deg fittings are: turbo oil drain back to oil pan, crankcase evac to downpipe (Vibrant scavenger) and integrated oil cooler in Wizard radiator (arrived three weeks from initial design).

[Good & Tight]

Looks great, any reason why you have the exhaust housing so close to the valve cover?

[Murfinator]

Otis: That's one of the areas I noted during the mock-up. The turbo sits a bit high (the hood does shut) and is a bit too close to the valve cover. I'll move it rearward also with the final product.