[c-m]

Hey everyone,

I figured it was time to make a build thread for my F23. You don't see many of the convertibles get too many mods. I decided to go crazy. We brought her home bone stock with 18k miles on her. She's been transformed and the build isn't finished just yet.

Mods List:
Pure Turbo Stage 2
GFB Diverter+
Fuel-It Stage 2 Walbro LPFP
DXI-60 HPFP
Custom tuned by Cary Jordan on BM3
VMR V804 in Pacific Blue (18x8 +42)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (225/40/18F and 245/35/18R)
VRSF Intake (Beta Tester)
VRSF FMIC
VRSF CP
VRSF DP
VRSF Muffler Delete Race Exhaust
RW Carbon CF GTS style hood
RW Carbon CF mirror caps
RW Carbon CF trunk spoiler
RW Carbon CF front lip
Omega Tuning CF/Titanium exhaust tips
Nardo Grey Wrap
Alcantara CF interior trim kit
Braum Elite-X seats with harnesses

Mods to come:
Custom Roll Cage
3 bar sensor for more boost
Pure Turbo Inlet pipe
H&R Sport Springs
H&R front/rear sway bars
E85 custom tune by Cary Jordan on BM3
Precision Raceworks ignition kit
Custom steering wheel in CF and White


I've attached some photos for your viewing pleasure.

[Brenzo44]

So the important question, is what is it putting down at the wheels HP wise?

[c-m]

Originally Posted by Brenzo44

So the important question, is what is it putting down at the wheels HP wise?

Currently on the pump gas 93 tune and it's about 420ish. I'm limited by the 2 bar sensor that doesn't allow me to go over 20lbs of boost. Installing the 3 bar this winter and getting it re-tuned. I'll have those dyno numbers after that.

[jules_78th]

Looks nice. Get a short antenna stub, I think it looks nicer vs the oem long one. You can look through my history I have it on mine.

I'm also on the same path as you, and was thinking of replacing the hood. But I wanted something more functional in terms of heat dissipation, so CF hood with vents, but the ones I've seen more often are just the OEM hood with cutouts for the vents. Where did you get yours? I'm also looking for a more aggressive side splitters, I have the M performance and I find them to small. Don't get those if you are thinking about it.

Also how are you finding the wheels? I see you went OEM on the size, how are you finding the 245 in the rear? I'm torn between an 18 or 19' setup but at a minimum of 255 in the rear for more tire on the ground, esp with an upcoming tune to match yours?

[Black Sunshine]

Any issues fitting the intercooler?

[c-m]

Originally Posted by jules_78th

Looks nice. Get a short antenna stub, I think it looks nicer vs the oem long one. You can look through my history I have it on mine.

I'm also on the same path as you, and was thinking of replacing the hood. But I wanted something more functional in terms of heat dissipation, so CF hood with vents, but the ones I've seen more often are just the OEM hood with cutouts for the vents. Where did you get yours? I'm also looking for a more aggressive side splitters, I have the M performance and I find them to small. Don't get those if you are thinking about it.

Also how are you finding the wheels? I see you went OEM on the size, how are you finding the 245 in the rear? I'm torn between an 18 or 19' setup but at a minimum of 255 in the rear for more tire on the ground, esp with an upcoming tune to match yours?

I got all my exterior parts from RW Carbon. I had to replace the OEM hood due to some damage. This one has a functional vented scoop so it’s pretty great.

I went with 18s because the car hits a lot of tracks (AutoX, Drag and Road Courses). They’re awesome. Weigh less than the stock wheels and the rear tires being wider he’ll with traction. I still have trouble with traction with the upgraded turbo and custom tune though. Might grab some radials for the Drag strip.

I’d check with RW Carbon in your splitter choices. They make some aggressive options as well.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by Black Sunshine

Any issues fitting the intercooler?

You have to shave the two bars that cross in front of the IC. That’s a known issue with going upgraded FMIC on the convertible. Just part of it!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by c-m

You have to shave the two bars that cross in front of the IC. That’s a known issue with going upgraded FMIC on the convertible. Just part of it!

Just FYI for others the Active Autowerke intercooler works with no modification needed, I'm running one in my F23.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Just FYI for others the Active Autowerke intercooler works with no modification needed, I'm running one in my F23.

That’s good to know! I went with everything from VRSF since I got a deal. It’s a pretty large IC.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by c-m

That’s good to know! I went with everything from VRSF since I got a deal. It’s a pretty large IC.

Yeah I specifically didn't want to modify anything, had Thompson help me figure out what works with stock. I've got DINAN CAI, ER CP, AA FMIC, MPE. Tried DINAN resonator delete but that would not work.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Yeah I specifically didn't want to modify anything, had Thompson help me figure out what works with stock. I've got DINAN CAI, ER CP, AA FMIC, MPE. Tried DINAN resonator delete but that would not work.

Everything else fit just right. I didn’t have to modify anything outside of the FMIC fitment.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by jules_78th

...was thinking of replacing the hood. But I wanted something more functional in terms of heat dissipation, so CF hood with vents

This unit may be another option: https://www.apmotorsport.co.uk/produ...-carbon-bonnet.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by c-m

Everything else fit just right. I didn’t have to modify anything outside of the FMIC fitment.

Didn't mean to imply the rest didn't fit, just listed what I've got (and know fits). Funny convertibles and wagons have the same fitment issues with all the extra bracing - so my F23 and F31 same concerns for parts.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Didn't mean to imply the rest didn't fit, just listed what I've got (and know fits). Funny convertibles and wagons have the same fitment issues with all the extra bracing - so my F23 and F31 same concerns for parts.

No worries. I know exactly what you mean. I have an F39 as well. Luckily for me, they don't have any after market parts just yet. Although, with the release of the M235i Gran Coupe and the new M135i sharing the same B48 motor with the upgraded motor and tune... I assume it won't be long!

[Rocky58]

OP, that is a beautiful car! I love the color and how the black kidney grilles look. You may want to not park it next to that Porsche and Ferrari next time though. If that is your office garage, where the heck do you work?

[c-m]

Originally Posted by Rocky58

OP, that is a beautiful car! I love the color and how the black kidney grilles look. You may want to not park it next to that Porsche and Ferrari next time though. If that is your office garage, where the heck do you work?

Hahahah. It was a local meet up. They parked next to me. 😔

Thanks for the kind words. Love the way that wrap turned out. 🙌

[aakash.shah235]

How do you like the braun seats? How hard was the install. Is it a straight swap. Do the functionalities (heat, adjusting) all still work?

[c-m]

Originally Posted by aakash.shah235

How do you like the braun seats? How hard was the install. Is it a straight swap. Do the functionalities (heat, adjusting) all still work?

You have to buy the brackets for the seats and they mount right up. The functionality is all gone. You do get an SRS warning unless you purchase an emulator. The weight difference in the seats are insane. I believe that the stock seats are 70lbs each and the Braum seats are about 25lbs each.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice

[Maynard]

Interested in how much massaging it took to get the hood to fit, and whether it is really OEM-grade for the detail fit (especially that front edge - some pics look like it may stand above the front cowl a few mm?). The partial wrap is a nice touch that I've not seen elsewhere, and it really looks good.

[c-m]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Interested in how much massaging it took to get the hood to fit, and whether it is really OEM-grade for the detail fit (especially that front edge - some pics look like it may stand above the front cowl a few mm?). The partial wrap is a nice touch that I've not seen elsewhere, and it really looks good.

Thanks man! My wrap guy came up with that. A little exposed CF. I told him to work his magic.

The hood is a perfect fit except the passenger front near the bumper like you mentioned. It’s full CF, so it does change shapes at times depending on the flex and weather. I just adjust the hood pin accordingly and match it up as best as possible. It’s not perfect, but most after market hoods are like that.

[c-m]

I got the BC Coilovers installed and they're fantastic. Had to get Top Gear Solutions to code out my ACSM and EDC stuff. I can drive in sport again!

Installed the R1 Concepts rotors/pads. They work like a champ and they don't break the bank!

More photos if anyone enjoys them. I do!

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