TC535i

So, after years of BMW's, I've finally added some american muscle to my stable... a 2000 5-spd GT with a Vortech s/c. Figured I'd better register on here, since I'm sure I'm gonna have to research a project or two... if you guys have any basic tips/suggestions specific to my car, feel free to let me know! It's staying pretty stock, since it'll be my (hopefully very!) reliable daily driver, but I'm not opposed to turning a wrench on the basic bang-for-the-buck mods.

It's certainly a handful, especially with the previous owner's 6 1/2 yr old Dunlops on it! Gotta get some new rubber, but otherwise it's pretty much in order. 50,000 miles or so, Jasper crate motor, flowmaster exhaust... that's all I really know about it!

Without further ado, a couple quick pics I snapped today!

TC535i

Oh, and I'm getting a random slap/click up front, that sounds like an a/c clutch snapping on or something... but it's not. Happens randomly, can sometimes to get it to do it by revving the engine, sometimes I'll just be cruising and it'll clack, sometimes I'll be idling at a light and it'll clack. Is that a timing chain issue or something? It almost sounds like it might just be heat shields expanding/contracting...

isjoining

looks like it still has the stock manifold with the plastic crossover. I would replace that intake manifold with the updated PI with the aluminum crossover or get an aftermarket one. The plastic crossover will crack, it's just a matter of when.

4.698GT

Its kinda hard to say its gonna stay pretty stock when someone has already slapped a vortech on it. Anywho, look into replacing that intake manifold like stated above. Take a look at all of the fluids and freshen anything up that might look a little on the old side. Check the brakes and see if they are in need of any replacement. If your looking for an upgrade in the front, you can always slap the Bullitt/Mach 1/Cobra brake set up on there and throw a good set of pads on the rear. Check out some suspension components like the bushings, balljoints and tie rod ends also and make sure there isnt too much play in them.

TC535i

yeah, it's mechanically sound... went dive-bombing potholes on the test drive, and came up with a nice solid thud each time, no clunks, squeaks, etc. Buddy of mine made all those brake suggestions, linked me to this stuff

http://www.buyfordracing.com/shop/pr..._id=594cPath=6

http://www.buyfordracing.com/shop/pr..._id=477cPath=6

The engine itself makes a ton of heating/cooling noise, maybe that has to do wtih the intake manifold? I'll look into replacing it. And as far as "pretty stock", I'm not doing coilovers, 15 psi, etc... I want it comfortable for daily driving, with a little extra motivation.

Young_Buck

Looks like theres enough beef in that taco. Now you gotta dress it up.

0. MGW short shifter, 185-195, wont reget her.

1. My first suggestion, the Mach 1 lip and grill delete package. muy muy bonito. 185 shipped.

http://www.stangmods.com/Mach-1-Chin...e-p/00901p.htm

2. Move the spoiler back mod, FREE and looks like sex....hot sex.

3. New tires, when they balance them tell em' you dont want magnets outside.
Here are some options.

Kuhmo ASX good all around tire for street use. Run ya about 425-440 for a set to your door. (245 Front 275Rear)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=3

or the falkens, I hear great things about em but way to pricey for my blood.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tir...%2FPerformance

Or the ultimo besides full slicks The DFG DR's (highly recommended) Just watch the rain.

400 shipped for the rear 2. (275's)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=19

maybe some black headlights too, all this after she is in tiptop shape of course.

Welcome to the forums!!!!!

TC535i

ARE YOU IN MY HEAD?!?!


haha... those are EXACTLY the things we've been discussing. He sent me the link to the wing move, I'll probably do that once I get the ***** up to drill fiberglass! I hate the shifter, he said that's a great replacement item, spring to locate it to 3rd gear and far better shifting/location feel. I'd already planned on the ASX's and talked about the Mach 1 lip (I love that look!)

02 Ninja

Def dress up that engine bay. Maybe a new TB & Plenum to go along with the lower intake upgrade. You thought about long tubes? Lowering springs with a set of bullitts with a nice stance. As for the wing, take it off.
Other than that, nice looking car, and welcome.

TC535i

I'm in California, so CARB limits my mods pretty good. Vortech is CARB legal, so I'm fine with that... but headers usually aren't, right? At least that's how they are on BMWs...

Are you saying that intake is upgraded? I really don't know anything about what the kit should look like, what's worth upgrading (aftercooler?), etc. Not looking for crazy power, it's already stupid fast... but yeah, we'll see if I get used to it and go looking for more.

I like the wing, but I think I'll move it back eventually.

Brute03

i thought i was just a regular ol' GT until the last pic hahaha. but def look into a chin spoiler and grill delete and maybe some smoked headlights, that would really freshen up the look