[Nachos23]

Hey;

Just started a new project; an AA Supercharged e46 HPF M3!! Doing many of the engine pieces; including intake manifold!!.

Just started, so only a couple wrapped so far, but I've cut the cloth and prepped the remaining pieces. So after the Superbowl tonight I might wrap another couple of pieces.

I'm doing this in a 1x1 weave which I'm really enjoying. The tighter 1x1 weave provides a more "sturdy" cloth which feels slightly thicker and I'm finding quite nice to wrap with.

His engine bay before the wrapping project:


Below are the parts I'm going to be wrapping being prepped:








First wrapped parts pictures:






I'll be posting new pictures as I wrap new pieces through to completion. Will also post installed pictures as well to complete thread......

[lpphreakx06]

Looks good. Hopefully the heat doesn't melt the resin

[Nachos23]

No issues with heat and the resin. Also, lining bottom of Valve cover with LavaMat to reduce heat transfer significantly!!!

[jonerik26]

looking forward to finish products

[sleepergm]

Looking forward to the pics ... too bad I just bought a carbon fiber engine cover.

[BimmerRob]

How much hp gain by wrapping the engine?

ive been looking for a cheap high mileage e46 s54 to turn into a track car but its hard to find one that hasn't been beat to shit.

[Addicted2Boost]

very nice!

[Nachos23]

Thanks for the compliments. I also am looking forward to getting the manifold and valve cover started tomorrow. Most of these parts I've never wrapped before (with exception of ECU cover and Cabin Air filter cover), so I'm enjoying the challenge and I think I might say; RISING to the challenge.

There is no HP gain from wrapping in CF. These are cosmetic mods, but will make the parts look real sweet (rather than flat black plastic) and for those showing their cars as this one is.... it can be the difference from placing 1st v.s. 2nd in a show! It can also be used to protect the existing parts as the carbon fibre actually strengthens the original parts to a degree.

I hear alot of talk about heat susceptibilitiy and by accident tonight tested that theory. I use a propane heater in the curing booth to dry the resin. I inadvertantly left a piece of CF cloth on top of the unit before firing it up today. In just a couple of minutes the top of the heater causes water to immediately 'bounce' off top. After about 15 minutes, i noticed a slight smell of burning cloth; noticed the CF cloth on tiop of the heater and went to gingerly remove it thinking it would be super hot. It was cool to the touch and the cloth was completely unscarred. The metal lid however now has heat marks and a slight warp as the CF cloth reflected the heat so well, it stayed cool to the touch and caused the metal to warp!!!! Pretty fucking cool!

[Sniz]

HPF? where?

[Nachos23]

Well, according to member, I believe HPF did the ECU tuning for him and there are some HPF parts being used, but not being wrapped. I didn't ask for details as it doen't impact what I'm doing.... but I will find out details!

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by Nachos23

Well, according to member, I believe HPF did the ECU tuning for him and there are some HPF parts being used, but not being wrapped. I didn't ask for details as it doen't impact what I'm doing.... but I will find out details!

cool, interested to find out what HPF parts can be used on a s/c kit.

maybe fueling, spark, or their standalone.

[Nachos23]

Well, I understand the standalone was done by HPF, but not sure what else.....

[Nachos23]

You never gain HP by using CF. You can reduce weight thereby improving the weight to HP ratio improving cars performance. However, the minuscule amount of weight added to parts will have little or no impact on performance (uless you're looking for 100's of a second improvements).

The CF does make the stock OE parts stronger and more resiliant and look better. No different than the guys that buy CF hoods for daily drivers. Those are cosmetic mods only beause they weren't purchased (for the most part) for track cars, but to "dress-up" their street cars!

[BimmerRob]

Originally Posted by Nachos23

You never gain HP by using CF. You can reduce weight thereby improving the weight to HP ratio improving cars performance. However, the minuscule amount of weight added to parts will have little or no impact on performance (uless you're looking for 100's of a second improvements).

The CF does make the stock OE parts stronger and more resiliant and look better. No different than the guys that buy CF hoods for daily drivers. Those are cosmetic mods only beause they weren't purchased (for the most part) for track cars, but to "dress-up" their street cars!

LOL we know, just teasing you

That intake manifold looks like it's going to be tough to wrap! GL and keep us posted

[Nachos23]

You'd be surprised @ some of the questions I've heard and they were serious. I'm mno longer surprised by anything and just answer as I get them..... But thanks for pulling my chain......

Ya, it's gonna be a bitch! But that's half the fun of doing it.... cause, when it comes together it should look spectacular!!!

[JB 007]

Interesting..More pics please...

[Nachos23]

Will try to get more done tonight. Spent last night in hospital with sick mom that was rushed there by ambulance. Heading up there shortly and willtry tonight after I get home to get a couple more pieces done.

[Nachos23]

Time for an update. Urgent family matters took me away from wrapping for a few days. Expect updates to Mercedes set and finishing the RHD e46 coupe set as well in next couple of days. Just m3 updates for the moment:

Intake Manifold - Part 1; Intake Tubes:




ECU Cover




M3 Valve Cover






Part 2 of Intake Manifold tomorrow and finish 2 remaining pieces: Xenon cover and Secondary Air pump cover......

[Nachos23]

Updated Pictures!















They're getting closer. A couple more coats of resin, wet sanding and they'll be ready for clear coat!!!!

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by Nachos23

You never gain HP by using CF. You can reduce weight thereby improving the weight to HP ratio improving cars performance. However, the minuscule amount of weight added to parts will have little or no impact on performance (uless you're looking for 100's of a second improvements).

The CF does make the stock OE parts stronger and more resiliant and look better. No different than the guys that buy CF hoods for daily drivers. Those are cosmetic mods only beause they weren't purchased (for the most part) for track cars, but to "dress-up" their street cars!

[Year's_End]

Kudos for the hard work, and I'm sure it'll look neat when it's done, but I can't stand the use of CF as a wrap for aesthetics. Either the part is molded out of CF to start with or it shouldn't be touched, imo.

Whatever floats your boat though bro.

[Nachos23]

In it's strictest, purest use I would agree. Having said that, the parts aftermarket is comprised of "visual enhancements"; plus the weight savings of buyting a molded CF interior set for instance isn't worth the $$$ when that type of enhancement is purely visual. You'll notice, that I don't wrap hoods and other big exterior parts because those should only be molded pieces, but for the majority of other parts, the gain from going with a pure CF molded part is not worth the cost or fitment issues often associated with such parts..... That's why the wrapping has the same net effect for 99% of CF parts on cars today.....