17 X5 Build Thread: The Dog Car

[TexasRiderBMW]

Can’t wait to see how this build comes out!

I did the OEM fender flares and side skirt on my 35i. Have an Msport bumper on the way. Paint was almost as expensive as the flares/side skirts unfortunately, but very happy with the Msport appearance.

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Interesting. Ours are unpainted and still look as the day I put them on. Wonder if that is owed to the ceramic coating done very soon after?

Gotta help, for sure.

[Cheebs]

I’m new and looking to build my own 35i. After the things you have done what would you change/do different? I want to start my build from the turbo. Is this wrong? Most leave turbo for last. Last question can I do this build without ethanol? There is not a lot near me.

[sukhk527]

3/15/23

After two weeks of testing we determined that the car is struggling for fuel supply at higher boost levels. What that means is that we’re now upgrading the Low Pressure Fuel Pump with a Walbro 450 unit. And while we’re at it and so we don’t run into any further fuel supply issues, we’re upgrading the HPFP from the Dorch Stage 1 to a Nostrum unit.

This will all be installed next month as right now the car is down for the count.

[shimmy23]

ugh man!!! glad you're getting it dialed in further tho!

[FCX5]

I am shocked and saddened to see you had to go through this.

[M302_imola]

Thiefs are the worst! Sorry for you luck bud.

[sukhk527]

3/17/23

Update: final verdict is $3900 worth of damage. Both windows in the door, the outer trim, the entire inner door panel , the seal around the big window, and the outer lower window trim piece. And then some bodywork to fix the door on the outside.

I’m just glad I have homies at the dealer that are being thorough and using all OEM parts through insurance. Still feel violated though.

Oh , and upon inspection they found the rear differential pinion seal leaking so we’re doing that service while they have it (I know I know, dealership pricing but they already have it and are cutting me some slack). Probably from all the launches for dragy times

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by sukhk527

3/17/23

Update: final verdict is $3900 worth of damage. Both windows in the door, the outer trim, the entire inner door panel , the seal around the big window, and the outer lower window trim piece. And then some bodywork to fix the door on the outside.

I’m just glad I have homies at the dealer that are being thorough and using all OEM parts through insurance. Still feel violated though.

Oh , and upon inspection they found the rear differential pinion seal leaking so we’re doing that service while they have it (I know I know, dealership pricing but they already have it and are cutting me some slack). Probably from all the launches for dragy times

Yeah my diff has a small leak. Very small drops accumulating on the garage floor. Interestingly though, I did a drain and fill service on the diff 6 months back and I haven't seen a drop of diff fluid on the garage floor since. Not sure why, but I'm happy.

[X5Brian]

Damn bro, sorry to see and read that happened to your ride. Glad your getting it all fixed up brother. After reading the results from your inlet upgrade, I’m now making my own with aluminum for better flow! Thanks for the information !

[sukhk527]

3/29/23

I’m happy to report we’re back in business with the window repair as well as finally resolving the misfire with new plugs and O2 sensors. I’ll update the turbo thread with my latest data this weekend from tuning but we’re holding 20psi all the way to 6500rpm which feels FAST. This is on 93 octane. A couple more fuel system upgrades incoming to handle full E85 then we really go for it.

[sukhk527]

4/8/23

Turbo testing has been going well, I set a new benchmark for 93 octane so my goal of Jeep Trackhawk 1/4 mile numbers on ethanol seem within reach. Some final hardware tweaks this upcoming week and we’ll begin further testing.

Today we installed a Downstar engine bay dress up kit and fixed the bumper from a recent highway incident that was unavoidable.

Not too shabby.

[titanjc]

I've got to stop following this thread. You keep posting more ways for me to spend money!

I like the looks of the Downstar dress-up kit, can you post any more pics of your engine bay? Which color options did you go with, stainless hardware and blue washers?

[sukhk527]

Originally Posted by titanjc

I've got to stop following this thread. You keep posting more ways for me to spend money!

I like the looks of the Downstar dress-up kit, can you post any more pics of your engine bay? Which color options did you go with, stainless hardware and blue washers?

If I’m emptying my wallet on my F15, I’m making all you mf’ers do it too

One more engine bay photo for you all.

[sukhk527]

4/22/23

Today was eventful. Drove over an hour for 1/4 mile Test N Tune only to find out everybody was limited to 1/8 mile runs only. Not to worry, made the best of it. The car is very consistent.

I had a passenger who wanted to experience the speed on the second run, otherwise notice how close both time and ET are. consistent.

I wasn’t happy with not being able to run 1/4 today so I snuck out tonight and I’m happy to report it’s done. We made a boring 6 cylinder SUV as fast as a supercar/SUV. To say I’m happy is an understatement.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by sukhk527

4/22/23

Today was eventful. Drove over an hour for 1/4 mile Test N Tune only to find out everybody was limited to 1/8 mile runs only. Not to worry, made the best of it. The car is very consistent...

Those are awesome trap times for 1/8 mile.

That thing must be a rocket.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Those are awesome trap times for 1/8 mile.

That thing must be a rocket.

Super impressive! Not a ‘dog car’ any more. 😂

[sukhk527]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Those are awesome trap times for 1/8 mile.

That thing must be a rocket.

It moves out for a big old thing with only 6 cylinders!

Originally Posted by FCX5

Super impressive! Not a ‘dog car’ any more. 😂

It certainly isn’t, so much so that my wife doesn’t even want to ride in it anymore

[sukhk527]

4/24/23

One of my best friends tagged along to the Test N Tune day and snagged these cool photos.

[sukhk527]

5/3/23

As we’re diving deep into move/relocation prep to Chicago, I wanted to give it one last go to see if i could do any better and ran my PB last night.

Full weight, 3/8 tank of E68. Should be an easy mid 11 once we finish calibration on a dyno (booked for late June).

[sukhk527]

6/13/23

Since the move is complete and we’re settled, went to the track last Friday with a local group for a private rental. Set a new personal best. This was on E68 and full kill is E70 so it’s only going to get better in the fall. Full weight by the way.

[sukhk527]

6/25/23

A little OEM+ upgrade today to a 6WA cluster. Purchased used and virginized and coded through RVG Performance.