The complete repair, rebuild, repaint, and v8 swap of my early model sedan

[JGood]

Started on the exhaust today. I'm really happy with the progress so far. I've got the front pieces tacked together, ready to make an x-pipe next.

[evandael]

it's always fun to come and check on your build. i can't wait to see the exhaust fabbing complete!

[JGood]

Lots more progress today. I made an X-pipe, and welded the front parts of the exhaust together. This has been really enjoyable so far, I can't believe how miserable it was the first time around. I guess that's the difference between working on an unlimited time budget, vs. trying to have it done yesterday.

[Jurt]

wow nice work! what muffler setup are you going to use?

[JGood]

wow nice work! what muffler setup are you going to use?

Just the same Maganflow 12468 2.5" dual in/out, which I was using before.

[F34R]

Gets better and better.

[JGood]

Finished the exhaust. The car sounds so much better without leaking manifolds, and with the x-pipe. It's got much more of the expected deep v8 rumble. I took it for a 10 minute drive with the o2 sensors hooked up, to see if I finally put the issues to rest that have plagued the car from the start. The car didn't even try to stall at all, which is VERY good news, but I'm not getting my hopes up yet. It still hesitates for a second when getting on the gas after engine braking for a few seconds. I've also got a new engine code coming up, "ignition secondary monitor", which is strange. May be a flaky coil or boot, but I didn't touch any of them, and I've tested/replaced them all during previous troubleshooting. Or maybe the DME is finally throwing a code to hint at what the problem has been all along. Either way, I'll need to track the cause of that down.

I can't say enough good things about the Boost Depot's male/female stainless v-band clamps. Very high quality pieces at an affordable price. I will never use another style exhaust clamp. Not even a normal v-band.










The car and I aren't huge fans of cold weather, so back in the garage we go. I'll wait until a nicer day to put some miles on it and continue troubleshooting and working out the bugs.

[F34R]

Stunning, such hard work and clean finish. Cannot wait to see this car in person.

[Jean]

Bad ass man!

[MR 325]

Awesome work on that exhaust Justin! It's not too loud with no center muffler?

[JGood]

Awesome work on that exhaust Justin! It's not too loud with no center muffler?

Thanks! It's certainly not as quiet as a stock 540i, but I don't think it's too loud to the point where it's obnoxious or anything.

[PROLAZCO]

You should DEFINITELY post a video of the engine running with that new exhaust... I haven't drooled in a while so it would be nice to hear that beast.

[MattAvino]

You should DEFINITELY post a video of the engine running with that new exhaust... I have drooled in a while so it would be nice to hear that beast.

This

[JGood]

I reset the codes for the DME, and took it for a 10 minute drive.

Came back, and the following codes were already thrown:

19 - Ignition coil cyl 1
31 - Ignition coil cyl 2
32 - Ignition coil cyl 3
18 - Ignition coil cyl 4
34 - Ignition coil cyl 5
16 - Ignition coil cyl 7
33 - Ignition coil cyl 8
0f - Ignition secondary monitor


I find it odd that 7 of my 8 coil packs took a shit, as I didn't have any of those codes before removing and reinstalling the engine, and I didn't take anything apart on the actual engine itself. The engine isn't missing or stumbling. If I disconnect a coil pack, I can hear it start missing and running rough. Plug it back in, and it smooths out. So they are working.

And I have no idea what "ignition secondary monitor" means. I can't find any info on it anywhere.

I'm frustrated, to say the least.

[dirty30]

Did you check your engine ground? Just a thought.