Florida ZHP Project Log

[rtotten407]

Officially starting my project and maint. log for my 2005 Monaco Blue 6MT ZHP. When I picked it up, she had 75xxx miles, some rough sun damage on the roof and trunk lid, and just needed a little TLC. Since then, I vinyl wrapped the roof to protect what is left of the paint, looks good, and I can save the couple hundred bucks on maint. and other mods for now. Truck and pillars will be painted next week. Just received a new CSF non-M aluminum radiator from BimmerWorld, and will get the cooling system overhauled at my local shop. Next up as well I will be ordering H&R springs and Bilstein shocks and struts for all four corners. I will post pics as things happen! Thank you all for your input and help in advance.
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[Vas]

Subscribed.

Monaco Blue is a nice rare color. Thumbs up

BTW let us know the fitment of that radiator and how the install is. Maybe post a review about it.

[johnrando]

GL!

[fredo]

Interested on this project. GL !

[BMWCurves]

Nice, I really like the color. Very similar to mine. Excited to see what you have done!

[rtotten407]

Just ordered a Bilstein/H&R shock and spring kit from Turner! Will post pics when I get them and they are installed. Cooling system overhaul happens Wednesday, will post after.


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[rtotten407]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/2a36c8e7492d11353d68d56e1e2f99f2.jpg more pics when the car comes back from radiator/water pump/expansion tank install. eBay leather, feels good for the price and I needed to replace the cracked armrest so I replaced the cracked leather on the new one and the ebrake leather as well.


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[johnrando]

Really like that boot!

[rtotten407]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/024d4010b3a47cdb71243569199b47bc.jpg
Radiator, expansion tank, hoses, thermostat housing, water pump, and two pulleys replaced. Mileage is at almost 78k, CSF rad looks great, was a pain getting it in but it fits! Very happy that I won't have to worry about the cooling system too much for a while!

Bilstein/H&R suspension kit comes in today, may have to wait for my next paycheck to put them on.. How hard is it to do myself? I can figure it out I'm sure, but my patience and sanity will break first... Should I just pay someone to do it? Anyone know of a good install thread?


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[Vas]

Can you elaborate on the fitment issues with the radiator?

As far as the suspension, is it all pre-assembled?

[rtotten407]

The dimensions just weren't precise I think, took some loving to get it in, but no modification needed to make it fit.

As far as the suspension.. I'm not sure, the front should be pre-assembled, but I'm not sure how the back comes. Got the kit from Turner


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[Vas]

The dimensions just weren't precise I think, took some loving to get it in, but no modification needed to make it fit.

As far as the suspension.. I'm not sure, the front should be pre-assembled, but I'm not sure how the back comes. Got the kit from Turner


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If you got this kit,
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4795-e46-325330ici-04-06-assembled-hrbilstein-sport-suspension-package.aspx

Then install will be simple.

[danewilson77]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/024d4010b3a47cdb71243569199b47bc.jpg
Radiator, expansion tank, hoses, thermostat housing, water pump, and two pulleys replaced. Mileage is at almost 78k, CSF rad looks great, was a pain getting it in but it fits! Very happy that I won't have to worry about the cooling system too much for a while!

Bilstein/H&R suspension kit comes in today, may have to wait for my next paycheck to put them on.. How hard is it to do myself? I can figure it out I'm sure, but my patience and sanity will break first... Should I just pay someone to do it? Anyone know of a good install thread?


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Looking good. DIY the suspension for sure.

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[BMWCurves]

The dimensions just weren't precise I think, took some loving to get it in, but no modification needed to make it fit.

When I did my cooling system overhaul I definitely had to struggle with the radiator even with an OEM replacement. Tolerances weren't perfect and made for a curse-filled hour.

If you did get the kit like Vas linked, it should be easy. If not, you'll need spring compressors for the struts in the front, but the rears should be easy to do on your own.

[rtotten407]

I appreciate all the input everyone, I did not get the fully assembled package, just the shocks/struts/springs, so I figured on the spring compressors, but is there anything else I should look for? I did coil overs on my truck, so I'm not sure how much more complicated this is


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[brettbimmer]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/024d4010b3a47cdb71243569199b47bc.jpg
Radiator, expansion tank, hoses, thermostat housing, water pump, and two pulleys replaced. Mileage is at almost 78k, CSF rad looks great, was a pain getting it in but it fits! Very happy that I won't have to worry about the cooling system too much for a while!

Bilstein/H&R suspension kit comes in today, may have to wait for my next paycheck to put them on.. How hard is it to do myself? I can figure it out I'm sure, but my patience and sanity will break first... Should I just pay someone to do it? Anyone know of a good install thread?


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I appreciate all the input everyone, I did not get the fully assembled package, just the shocks/struts/springs, so I figured on the spring compressors, but is there anything else I should look for? I did coil overs on my truck, so I'm not sure how much more complicated this is


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I did the H&R Sport/Koni Yellow swap on my zhp with the only special tools being the spring compressors for the front assemblies. I opted to buy the Schwaben ones for about $30 or so for peace of mind they were in good condition and that I wouldn't shoot a spring across the garage in the process. Take your time working logically and you shouldn't be swearing...too much. 😜

[rtotten407]

She's done! Had a mechanic friend help with the install. The Bilsteins and H&R ride so well, it makes me think the stock suspension was worn out. Much tighter in the corners, dampening on the small bumps is awesome, and the car sits exactly where I want it. Overall couldn't be happier with my decision. Looks like spacers on sale from TMS might be a good investment to push the wheels to the edge of the fenders, as they are a bit tucked in for my taste. Also looking to replace the exterior lights with LEDs for a cleaner look in the future. Let me know what you guys think! Also I may put the stock springs up for sale soon.

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[rtotten407]

P.S. I keep going back and forth on painting the sun beaten trunk lid or using the money for a CSL trunk... Problem is the side supports of my roof also need painted... Any input?


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[Vas]

Looks good. And I say paint.

[FL116]

How much lower is the car on new suspension?

[rtotten407]

It's been about a month so here we go... Front is about .75" lower and the rear is around .5", perfect height in my opinion. Not to low, but still looks modified. Rides great also, very sporty, not race-spring stiff. I ended up vinyl wrapping the trunk a dark blue which matches the paint well, and the spoiler is satin black to match the roof. I will repaint everything eventually, I just can't justify it over everything else there is to do... Speaking of everything else: just installed TMS-Stoptech drilled and slotted, figured I might as well get the combo rotors for auto cross later on, plus stop tech street performance pads. Just the from are done, back I'll wait on for now.


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[rtotten407]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/8d69865898dfa3a1c576baadae8e3df5.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/fbd61272d79692dd4a954630c9e85dd4.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/328b2da4ef1ddf7794a2d1c1eec88471.jpg


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[Oli77]

^ paint bucket is a nice touch to hold the caliper!

[rtotten407]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/09/c34d817f1dd1d3657f91002e6c7a6f7e.jpg
Out watching the SCCA qualifying today in Daytona. Thanks, that paint can definitely helped haha I think a Eurocharge is next on my list... How do I get Mafia Pricing? Is there a link or code?


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[BMWCurves]

Thanks, that paint can definitely helped haha I think a Eurocharge is next on my list... How do I get Mafia Pricing? Is there a link or code?

Talk to Seth (username UdubBadger).

[FL116]

20631

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I want that windshield banner lol

[rtotten407]

I want that windshield banner lol

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/13/0508a84c37ac45b72a184b03fe6163db.jpg

I used an exact I knife and some patience and remove the black surrounding vinyl, looks 100x better in my opinion, but Florida rain and windshield wiper usage aren't very friendly...


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[BMWCurves]

Whose Alfa?

[rtotten407]

Whose Alfa?
Track regular whom I met a few months ago, that thing catches a few eyes, I'm not sure how much I like it though...

[rtotten407]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/21/88451d38ce99cd07737e18db6716d33a.jpg
Windshield banner started to tear while I was on the highway in a down pour... So I was forced to remove it. Raining everyday in FL, pretty hard to keep her clean.


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[BMWCurves]

Looks good, sorry to hear about the sticker. I'd kill for some rain, we've had the hottest year on record (most days over 90 degrees) and it looks like it's only going to keep going.