Das Race: My '97 M3/4/5

[Jake]

Mileage: 145,500 (I haven't driven it since I did the last update)

Car wasn't getting fully warm. Needed thermostat. Got a thermostat from DJ and an aluminum t-stat housing from his roommate, Ryan. Bought gaskets from the dealership since nobody had them in stock.

Naturally, the old O-Ring had fused the old t-stat to the block. It took three screwdrivers and a lot of choice words to get it off. I have four busted knuckles, a (lightly) skinned forearm that looks like I got carpet burn but from metal, and a sore back. Boo-frickin-hoo. Oh well.



Stopped by my friend Alex's place after dinner, too. He has a vinyl printer/cutter/magic box and was able to get numbers and letters cut for me, very very last-minute. I didn't read the TT rules until last Thursday, messaged him with an "OMG I need vinyl done can you halp" and he came through. $20 later and I have stickers. Putting them on tonight.

David L sold me his half-used Star Specs, so I took his BBS wheels and my four rear DSIIs to Mach V in Sterling this morning. They're dis-mounting the Star Specs from his BBS's, dis-mounting the all-seasons from my wheels, and re-mounting/balancing the Star Specs, all for $100. Not bad IMO. Also, it is possible to fit 8 17" wheels in a current-gen Ford Focus.



More updates as I continue to prep. Car and I head to VIR on Thursday at 5!