We are down to just four days before departure. I am both excited, and anxious. I wouldn't say nervous even though it feels like that sometimes. I keep going through a mental check list for the car. Is it really ready? Have I done everything I can? So far, the build has come together for this car.
We have modified it with help from the lads at DINAN and supporting assistance from Steve Dinan Autotech. She now has a Cold Air Intake, Larger MAFs to suck more air in, software programming to enhance her performance and also a Stage II DINAN suspension to better hold the road. She also had her new exhaust installed for a quieter, smoother driver. It was amazing how much the new exhaust helped smooth things out. She runs so much smoother, acceleration is near enough silky at this point. Goes to show you cannot diminish the effects of exhaust flow.
With support from MEYLE USA / Germany, the entire front end suspension has been rebuilt. New control arms, steering linkage, bushings and the lot. No more shimmy at 55 MPH. We went with their HD line of products to better handling the performance upgrades of the suspension on the car. This will be a great test of this line to see how well it holds up to about 6,000 of driving and probably more.
The wheels were road force balanced at AVN Motorsport to eliminate any and all vibrations for a smooth ride. Replaced the rear tires with 275/40/18 tires. I thought having a taller sidewall will help with the ride, I am not crazy about them as they look crazy big. I will see how they do on the trip, I certainly will be changing them back to the stock 275/35/18 tires upon returning.
Body wise, we added carbon fibre rear diffuser and a front splitter. We also added a rear windshield spoiler. She is boy racer ready alright. To add to the effect, she is now covered in decals and looks like a GT racer or something heading for the 24 Hours Le Mans race. I wonder how she would do in such an event.
With kind support from Liqui-Moly, she has had a recent oil change and filled with Liqui-Moly 10W60 Full Synthetic Oil - the #1 choice of M5 owners all over the world. NGK helped with a supply of their awesome 3199 Plugs which I personally swear by. She seems to be firing fine on all 8 cylinders.
Over the past month, I have replaced the entire exhaust system, tuned the engine and did a bunch of maintenance things. We even added the much sought after leather dash set, as well as leather sun visors... the little things matter :). The whole front end was torn apart and put back together with OEM parts thanks to help from Peter Pan BMW on that. They were always able to help when in a pinch and needing parts immediately. Lord knows I broke enough bits and bobbins here and there.
So.... what else? I can't think of much else to do here. If you read this and notice something I missed, please DO NOT hold your silence, let me know.