Dewald Basson
///Member
That brace is so sweet :inlove:
-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
E81 130i story
- Thread starter CA_130
- Start date
CA_130
///Member
Fitting the BMWP intake is incredibly fiddly
To Make life easier its best to remove all fasteners and clips and install everything loosely, as certain parts are basically an interference fit and you won't be able to maneuver them around once you tighten even some of the fasteners
The fist problem is that there isn't much room because of the whacking great airbox and straight 6 right next to it,
Secondly, the BMWP intake is physically bigger in some dimensions which gives far less wiggle room than the standard box lid and 'nostrils?'
Lastly it is made up of more components, the intake behind the nostril(s) is now a 2 piece affair, the lid is a different shape, extended toward the fender line with a 'sound generator' extension to pipe induction sound through the cabin filters to the interior
The airbox is loosely mounted with the rubber grommets, and the sound generator is screwed in place and clips into the firewall upper weather stripping.
Thanks @ Dewald Basson
:thumbs:
To Make life easier its best to remove all fasteners and clips and install everything loosely, as certain parts are basically an interference fit and you won't be able to maneuver them around once you tighten even some of the fasteners
The fist problem is that there isn't much room because of the whacking great airbox and straight 6 right next to it,
Secondly, the BMWP intake is physically bigger in some dimensions which gives far less wiggle room than the standard box lid and 'nostrils?'
Lastly it is made up of more components, the intake behind the nostril(s) is now a 2 piece affair, the lid is a different shape, extended toward the fender line with a 'sound generator' extension to pipe induction sound through the cabin filters to the interior
The airbox is loosely mounted with the rubber grommets, and the sound generator is screwed in place and clips into the firewall upper weather stripping.
Thanks @ Dewald Basson
:thumbs:
gavsadler
///Member
Wow, checked on this thread again and loving the carbon bits - good find.
I've also had it on my to-do list to sort out the airbox lid in carbon fibre, but there's always something else which comes up, lol.
Post a mini-review after driving it for a little bit, keen to hear your thoughts.
I've also had it on my to-do list to sort out the airbox lid in carbon fibre, but there's always something else which comes up, lol.
Post a mini-review after driving it for a little bit, keen to hear your thoughts.
CA_130
///Member
Thanks Gav,
totally agree, I've had the resin and carbon sitting at home for what now feels like a year, its one of those things you just don't get to. And to be honest I think BMW cheated us a bit but not doing the carbon for us, but given the already ludicrous price of BMWP parts, I'm glad they didn't
:roflol:
I've been driving around with the intake for a few months now and there is definitely a difference in sound, a hint of some "Zorrp!" noises when you give it some motivation and the needle cracks 3000 rpm.
I'm still using the standard paper filter which I plan to change soon, but the car revs up more freely, and you can finally hear the 6 cylinder symphony ! it hints at the idea of more power, it encourages you play around corners and flat foot it in the straights, all the while keeping you acquainted with what's happening under the bonnet without looking at the rev counter.
breakfast runs have become a lot more fun, and twisty mountain roads too, and with a man-pedal cog swapper, cycling through the revs and darting around corners is more rewarding.
if you are on the hunt for power, I can't help you there, and there are definitely cheaper ways to get more power, like a decat and software, or building your own intake, but that's not what this intake is for
Yes, it allows more airflow, and yes that will ultimately amount to more power, but the difference isn't haptic or tangible
... its audible
And if a high revving NA engine doesn't do it for you, sorry buddy, I'd recommend you go to men's clinic international.
also, and this could just be me, I did see my fuel consumption go up a tick on average :fencelook::biglol:
I guess more air = more fuel, so I'll just blame it on the math, and not me driving after the sound :smilebounce:
totally agree, I've had the resin and carbon sitting at home for what now feels like a year, its one of those things you just don't get to. And to be honest I think BMW cheated us a bit but not doing the carbon for us, but given the already ludicrous price of BMWP parts, I'm glad they didn't
:roflol:
I've been driving around with the intake for a few months now and there is definitely a difference in sound, a hint of some "Zorrp!" noises when you give it some motivation and the needle cracks 3000 rpm.
I'm still using the standard paper filter which I plan to change soon, but the car revs up more freely, and you can finally hear the 6 cylinder symphony ! it hints at the idea of more power, it encourages you play around corners and flat foot it in the straights, all the while keeping you acquainted with what's happening under the bonnet without looking at the rev counter.
breakfast runs have become a lot more fun, and twisty mountain roads too, and with a man-pedal cog swapper, cycling through the revs and darting around corners is more rewarding.
if you are on the hunt for power, I can't help you there, and there are definitely cheaper ways to get more power, like a decat and software, or building your own intake, but that's not what this intake is for
Yes, it allows more airflow, and yes that will ultimately amount to more power, but the difference isn't haptic or tangible
... its audible
And if a high revving NA engine doesn't do it for you, sorry buddy, I'd recommend you go to men's clinic international.
also, and this could just be me, I did see my fuel consumption go up a tick on average :fencelook::biglol:
I guess more air = more fuel, so I'll just blame it on the math, and not me driving after the sound :smilebounce:
Dewald Basson
///Member
More engine noise also equals more throttle use : tease:
CA_130
///Member
@Dewald Basson
lol,
Back at the ranch, some more time had passed and I found myself sitting idle one Monday morning, and decided it was a good idea to finally offer up the side-skirts before work. I figured, ag man, over enough time, too much time infact !
Those of you with an IQ greater than single digits can guess what kinda happens next :hammerhead::roflol:
Famous last words, And apparently I'm really good at lying to myself :biglol:
but nevertheless, deprived of some good morning bean juice I thought it was a good idea, and continued onward.
I set about first removing the two door sill covers, which clip in and out of place with the helpful persuasion of a terminal screwdriver, for those less than co-operative clips.
I forgot to take any pics of this step as it's rather simple and mundane IMO.
I broke out the 1/4" ratchet set with a torx bit and loosened all the fasteners holding the skirt in place.
I put the two side by side, but unfortunately the difference is hard to see on camera
Fully installed the driver's side with door sill, and repeated the whole process on the passenger side
There we go :smilebounce:
sorted.
at this point time was catching up to me quick, having taken much longer than I thought I would, it was almost time to go to work.
Despite this, I found time and opportunity to test fit the carbon mirror caps I got with the intake and spoiler, the need some repair work, and I wasn't sold on fitting them yet, so a quick test fit might help I thought ?
Like I said they need just a little TLC, but I'm still not 100% convinced. First prize would obviously be 1M mirrors, but given their scarcity and nature of the car scene in South Africa, I know that won't happen any time soon, but a guy can dream hey :=):
until then, its carbon, and until I spruce those up, I'll just keep swimming with my standard mirrors :smilebounce:
lol,
Back at the ranch, some more time had passed and I found myself sitting idle one Monday morning, and decided it was a good idea to finally offer up the side-skirts before work. I figured, ag man, over enough time, too much time infact !
Those of you with an IQ greater than single digits can guess what kinda happens next :hammerhead::roflol:
Famous last words, And apparently I'm really good at lying to myself :biglol:
but nevertheless, deprived of some good morning bean juice I thought it was a good idea, and continued onward.
I set about first removing the two door sill covers, which clip in and out of place with the helpful persuasion of a terminal screwdriver, for those less than co-operative clips.
I forgot to take any pics of this step as it's rather simple and mundane IMO.
I broke out the 1/4" ratchet set with a torx bit and loosened all the fasteners holding the skirt in place.
I put the two side by side, but unfortunately the difference is hard to see on camera
Fully installed the driver's side with door sill, and repeated the whole process on the passenger side
There we go :smilebounce:
sorted.
at this point time was catching up to me quick, having taken much longer than I thought I would, it was almost time to go to work.
Despite this, I found time and opportunity to test fit the carbon mirror caps I got with the intake and spoiler, the need some repair work, and I wasn't sold on fitting them yet, so a quick test fit might help I thought ?
Like I said they need just a little TLC, but I'm still not 100% convinced. First prize would obviously be 1M mirrors, but given their scarcity and nature of the car scene in South Africa, I know that won't happen any time soon, but a guy can dream hey :=):
until then, its carbon, and until I spruce those up, I'll just keep swimming with my standard mirrors :smilebounce:
boost3d
Honorary ///Member
BI have an oem set of M3 mirrors... @hubblyking can give u advice on how to fit them if you're interested..
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=90216
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=90216
CA_130
///Member
Thanks @boost3d
I literally checked all your ads when they were first posted :thumbs: but unfortunately I'm not in the position to be able to spend a few grand on just one aesthetic upgrade, especially where I could be spending it more effectively elsewhere in life.
And I'm sure that there are a few e92 drivers out there that would love to fit those mirrors, and won't appreciate any extra holes drilled by yours truly
Definitely @SubLoaded,
she's keeping me busy even though this thread is retrospective :hammerhead: there's still quite a bit to come but unfortunately it doesn't all make for good pics or reading.
I've got about 30 things waiting in the cupboard and 40 more things to do in/on the car :roflol:
So let's just see what the future hold, and when exactly I'll have some tinker time to myself again :thumbs:
I literally checked all your ads when they were first posted :thumbs: but unfortunately I'm not in the position to be able to spend a few grand on just one aesthetic upgrade, especially where I could be spending it more effectively elsewhere in life.
And I'm sure that there are a few e92 drivers out there that would love to fit those mirrors, and won't appreciate any extra holes drilled by yours truly
Definitely @SubLoaded,
she's keeping me busy even though this thread is retrospective :hammerhead: there's still quite a bit to come but unfortunately it doesn't all make for good pics or reading.
I've got about 30 things waiting in the cupboard and 40 more things to do in/on the car :roflol:
So let's just see what the future hold, and when exactly I'll have some tinker time to myself again :thumbs:
kickasskeegan
Member
First time I've read this post. You have a way with words and story writing!
CA_130
///Member
Thanks @Kyle, yes its a real pita to be frank, and ruins the excited feeling of getting new parts :blueCry:
Thanks @kickasskeegan for the feedback, really appreciated as I never know which way I'm heading in this story :roflol:
I try to make it something informative but entertaining, that shows my thinking and failures/learnings along the way, as I believe this holds more value for people trying to fault find or do something similar in future
Most of what I've posted and learnt has been out of necessity and my own expense as people are generally quite against sharing information and helping one another (usually in the pursuit an odd buck or two), and at the expense of the enthusiast, so I'd like to do my bit for those that follow, and make their lives a little easier.
ah, almost forgot,
seeing as how the original sideskirts were there, I figured it was also as good a time as any to let them have a reunion with the bumpers, before selling them off and breaking up the band, and ended up with this 'inception' masterpiece photo :smilebounce:
all in all it was a rushed morning, of many test fits, and yes, amazingly I was still on time for work :tiptoe:
I have no idea 'how' either :roflol::roflol::roflol:
Thanks @kickasskeegan for the feedback, really appreciated as I never know which way I'm heading in this story :roflol:
I try to make it something informative but entertaining, that shows my thinking and failures/learnings along the way, as I believe this holds more value for people trying to fault find or do something similar in future
Most of what I've posted and learnt has been out of necessity and my own expense as people are generally quite against sharing information and helping one another (usually in the pursuit an odd buck or two), and at the expense of the enthusiast, so I'd like to do my bit for those that follow, and make their lives a little easier.
ah, almost forgot,
seeing as how the original sideskirts were there, I figured it was also as good a time as any to let them have a reunion with the bumpers, before selling them off and breaking up the band, and ended up with this 'inception' masterpiece photo :smilebounce:
all in all it was a rushed morning, of many test fits, and yes, amazingly I was still on time for work :tiptoe:
I have no idea 'how' either :roflol::roflol::roflol:
CA_130
///Member
A few day later I got a voice-note from my BIL to say the diffuser is busy drying :smilebounce:
I finished work a little earlier that day, and swung by to pick it up.
I was a little hesitant about the anthracite before seeing it, as initially, having a black car I wanted to color-match the diffuser fir a sleeker, more sinister look, but I was quite happy with what greeted me when I pulled up and caught a glimpse of it in the sun... as if I was being baited :fencelook:
The color the BIL's roof adds some green into the mix, so here's a partial in pure afternoon sunlight
Its hard to see on camera, but the metalic flake from the BSM paint in the anthracite mix left these stunning red 'shards' of flake interspersed throughout and in the light the just pop !
its like staring don't a fibre optic cable, lol :bravo:
he laid the clear down nice and thick to give a nice buffer when polishing it on the car, and also future proofing for any chips or scratches down the road.
I finished work a little earlier that day, and swung by to pick it up.
I was a little hesitant about the anthracite before seeing it, as initially, having a black car I wanted to color-match the diffuser fir a sleeker, more sinister look, but I was quite happy with what greeted me when I pulled up and caught a glimpse of it in the sun... as if I was being baited :fencelook:
The color the BIL's roof adds some green into the mix, so here's a partial in pure afternoon sunlight
Its hard to see on camera, but the metalic flake from the BSM paint in the anthracite mix left these stunning red 'shards' of flake interspersed throughout and in the light the just pop !
its like staring don't a fibre optic cable, lol :bravo:
he laid the clear down nice and thick to give a nice buffer when polishing it on the car, and also future proofing for any chips or scratches down the road.
CA_130
///Member
hey y'all
Work has been busy lately with the year end rush starting to take hold of everyone and everything, I haven't had much idle time to upload.
I made my way home with my diffuser in hand, and that much closer to having a complete car again :smilebounce:
The song my car plays when it sees me with freshly painted parts:
If you don't get it then we can't be friends :biglol:
Okay, for real now.
I got home and offered up the parts and was super pleased with the results
It might not be to everyone's taste but I like it, as it adds a nice amount of character the rear end
Needless to say at this stage, the car was in some desperate need of a soap bath !
So when the weekend turned finally showed up, I dedicated some time to carwashing :smilebounce:
something I had really started to loath considering the deterioration of the roof paint, but not anymore, I was happy and excited again :blowheart::tiptoe: fresh black paint + car wash = something really sexy
I was looking forward to it, so much so that I went around to my other Brother in Law to fetch my pressure washer I had left by him since getting married and moving out.
I had washed car by him a few times and he had made good use of the washer as well. As a thank you gesture I guess, he went and got the foam cannon attachment for the lance, needless to say, I haven't washed our cars anywhere else but home since then :biglol:
One day I'l have the full car care arsenal, but until I learn more about that, I'll just stick to the basics and use good technique wherever I can.
Some before shots:
and let the cleaning begin !
I first knocked off and away all the loose dirt I could using the pressure washer, and working my way down from the roof to the wheels. Paying special attention to blow out all the brake dust and debris I can from the rotors, calipers and wheel wells
you'll be amazed at the crap that comes out of your brake components when you aim your gun in the right place, not to mention the massive initial bite you ger=t the first 3-4 times you go for the middle pedal :joy:
After that I broke out the foam cannon to give it a go, unfortunately I took a video of this I can't find anymore and no pics, but believe you me it was oh so satisfying.
There are enough videos on youtube of foam cannons to get your fix, so I apologise to the detail-fetishists among us.
Rinsed and dried her off, and there she was in all her svelt, curvaceous glory
Work has been busy lately with the year end rush starting to take hold of everyone and everything, I haven't had much idle time to upload.
I made my way home with my diffuser in hand, and that much closer to having a complete car again :smilebounce:
The song my car plays when it sees me with freshly painted parts:
If you don't get it then we can't be friends :biglol:
Okay, for real now.
I got home and offered up the parts and was super pleased with the results
It might not be to everyone's taste but I like it, as it adds a nice amount of character the rear end
Needless to say at this stage, the car was in some desperate need of a soap bath !
So when the weekend turned finally showed up, I dedicated some time to carwashing :smilebounce:
something I had really started to loath considering the deterioration of the roof paint, but not anymore, I was happy and excited again :blowheart::tiptoe: fresh black paint + car wash = something really sexy
I was looking forward to it, so much so that I went around to my other Brother in Law to fetch my pressure washer I had left by him since getting married and moving out.
I had washed car by him a few times and he had made good use of the washer as well. As a thank you gesture I guess, he went and got the foam cannon attachment for the lance, needless to say, I haven't washed our cars anywhere else but home since then :biglol:
One day I'l have the full car care arsenal, but until I learn more about that, I'll just stick to the basics and use good technique wherever I can.
Some before shots:
and let the cleaning begin !
I first knocked off and away all the loose dirt I could using the pressure washer, and working my way down from the roof to the wheels. Paying special attention to blow out all the brake dust and debris I can from the rotors, calipers and wheel wells
you'll be amazed at the crap that comes out of your brake components when you aim your gun in the right place, not to mention the massive initial bite you ger=t the first 3-4 times you go for the middle pedal :joy:
After that I broke out the foam cannon to give it a go, unfortunately I took a video of this I can't find anymore and no pics, but believe you me it was oh so satisfying.
There are enough videos on youtube of foam cannons to get your fix, so I apologise to the detail-fetishists among us.
Rinsed and dried her off, and there she was in all her svelt, curvaceous glory
CA_130
///Member
While I was at it,
I kept having an intermittent lamp failure on the rear licence lights. I decided I was finally irritated enough and that it was time to sort it out.
Never being one to leave good enough alone, I figured I'd pop some LED's in while I was there, the added light would be appreciated when reversing in dim areas as well, since the rear window was a few shades darker after doing the tint.
The main problem is that the OEM LED's are ludicrously priced :biglol: and aftermarket bulb suffer from a variety of spurious failures, from early burnout, poor fitment, color change and of cause error codes that I didn't feel like dealing with. Also, super bright blue LED's attract the wrong attention, I have spotted friends' cars at night just based on their lighting, and that doesn't do it for me.
especially when I may not exactly be driving the way the law wants me to, but in general I like to stay subtle and have non-descript looks.
So I upped the ante :cartel:
The best 12v LED's builders Warehouse had in stock :roflol:
Just kidding, I actually though about this for quite some time having done something similar on my old car(s). The main issue with LED's is crap quality drivers (early burnout/flicker/fade) and too low consumption (error codes).
These would be able to comfortably deal with both these issues and more, I opted for the warm white as it looks more natural and doesn't draw any extra attention even though it throws tons of light behind the car now
its hard to capture on the phone camera with it auto adjust settings, but trust me they're bright :tiptoe:
I later changed the parks in the headlights and almost blind myself everytime I hit the keyfob :roflol: (ok not really, but its hella bright now)
I should really stop giving away all my hacks, but then what would the purpose of a forum be :hammerhead: :thumbs:
I kept having an intermittent lamp failure on the rear licence lights. I decided I was finally irritated enough and that it was time to sort it out.
Never being one to leave good enough alone, I figured I'd pop some LED's in while I was there, the added light would be appreciated when reversing in dim areas as well, since the rear window was a few shades darker after doing the tint.
The main problem is that the OEM LED's are ludicrously priced :biglol: and aftermarket bulb suffer from a variety of spurious failures, from early burnout, poor fitment, color change and of cause error codes that I didn't feel like dealing with. Also, super bright blue LED's attract the wrong attention, I have spotted friends' cars at night just based on their lighting, and that doesn't do it for me.
especially when I may not exactly be driving the way the law wants me to, but in general I like to stay subtle and have non-descript looks.
So I upped the ante :cartel:
The best 12v LED's builders Warehouse had in stock :roflol:
Just kidding, I actually though about this for quite some time having done something similar on my old car(s). The main issue with LED's is crap quality drivers (early burnout/flicker/fade) and too low consumption (error codes).
These would be able to comfortably deal with both these issues and more, I opted for the warm white as it looks more natural and doesn't draw any extra attention even though it throws tons of light behind the car now
its hard to capture on the phone camera with it auto adjust settings, but trust me they're bright :tiptoe:
I later changed the parks in the headlights and almost blind myself everytime I hit the keyfob :roflol: (ok not really, but its hella bright now)
I should really stop giving away all my hacks, but then what would the purpose of a forum be :hammerhead: :thumbs:
Dewald Basson
///Member
Not polish and no wax? Come now sir you 1/4 into washing the car :tease:
CA_130
///Member
aah come now guys
be gentle, I'll get there one day :roflol:
I just wanted the dirt off at that point, and didn't worry too much about wax or polish, as we still needed to flat and machine polish the fresh parts and whole car respectively.
In other news, slowly building up the car care arsenal, but space in the home is a issue right now, until I can get around to making some better/more cupboards in the coming holidays
be gentle, I'll get there one day :roflol:
I just wanted the dirt off at that point, and didn't worry too much about wax or polish, as we still needed to flat and machine polish the fresh parts and whole car respectively.
In other news, slowly building up the car care arsenal, but space in the home is a issue right now, until I can get around to making some better/more cupboards in the coming holidays
[email protected]
New member
raise:I was not a fan of black cars until I read your thread. Wow you took me on a journey with your writing:bravo:
CA_130
///Member
Wow, thanks a lot Jerry ! :chef:
really appreciate it, thank you for the feedback, and glad you guys are enjoying it.
:thumbs:
as for black cars, I'm happy to hear we have another supporter to the cause :roflol: they are a bit of admin, but I mean come on...
is there any car that doesn't look amazing in Darth Vader drag ?
there's a reason the movie hero always drives a black car :fencelook::cartel:
I'm looking at you Vin Diesel !
Me, I love a good story, and obscure cars with fascinating weird, wild & whack histories.
And because of my affinity for such automotive heroes, misfits and oddballs, I love black cars !
#1. I think they are the sh!t ! they are simultaneously goodlooking and sinister, are easy on the eyes, yet imposing from all angles, especially if you see one in the rear view mirror, like a smiling dictator or sleeping tiger, they don't need to be doing anything to scare you, but at the same time you can't take your eyes off it for the right reasons. And as dangerous as they are, you still want to touch it
:hammerhead::hammerhead::roflol::roflol:
*I do not condone the touching of dictators* tigers, maybe, but whatever happens that's on you.
Exhibit A: the Pope vs every dictator ever
In all fairness to his holiness, he did have a G-wagon at some point, but I think yo get the point.
#2. Black cars are the SH!T ! :roflol::roflol:
Ok I'll stop, I promise.
But seriously, the last truly great beasts to come out of any stable, have been petrol binging, fire breathing "last kick of a dying mule", teeth smashing black cars, they symbolize something, not just the best but, but more. I simply cannot quantify it into words
Go and look at any manufacturer, and their greatest hits, there's always a black option in there somewhere. Don't believe me?
here are some last hooraaah examples !
Focus RS 500
Buick Regal GNX
Pagani Zonda R
and many more, you could add the Lambo sesto elemento, but I feel like that's cheating. not to mention any "black series" mercs, basically the hell-hounds of the AMG skunk works, and probably my favorite and least known of the lot...
The holy grail of American Muscle
The 1970 Plymouth CUDA TX9 !
A one year ONLY body style, with the last big hitter of a Hemi before the oil crisis started choking Americans into Japanese vehicular submission. It wasn't only the limited run body style or gargantuan tyre slaying engine that makes this car a fabled beast... Its actually the paint ! :fencelook:
TX9 is the internal paint code for Chrysler "Tuxedo 9" black (slick name, I know) kinda like my BMW and it "Black Sapphire Metallic 475".
But why you ask ? Well as most people know, black cars are not afraid to show off any flaws in workmanship or attention to details, so if you wanted a tuxedo black Hemi CUDA, an inspector would walk down the finished production line, after a special order had been placed, and choose, by hand, the car with the best body and best finish, pull it from the production line, and it would be rebuilt to spec, and resprayed by hand.A hand built concourse Hooligan.
TLDR, it was the closest you could get to a literally 'perfect' muscle car.
And that's 2 of the reason, and one of the stories, why I love black cars...
really appreciate it, thank you for the feedback, and glad you guys are enjoying it.
:thumbs:
as for black cars, I'm happy to hear we have another supporter to the cause :roflol: they are a bit of admin, but I mean come on...
is there any car that doesn't look amazing in Darth Vader drag ?
there's a reason the movie hero always drives a black car :fencelook::cartel:
I'm looking at you Vin Diesel !
Me, I love a good story, and obscure cars with fascinating weird, wild & whack histories.
And because of my affinity for such automotive heroes, misfits and oddballs, I love black cars !
#1. I think they are the sh!t ! they are simultaneously goodlooking and sinister, are easy on the eyes, yet imposing from all angles, especially if you see one in the rear view mirror, like a smiling dictator or sleeping tiger, they don't need to be doing anything to scare you, but at the same time you can't take your eyes off it for the right reasons. And as dangerous as they are, you still want to touch it
:hammerhead::hammerhead::roflol::roflol:
*I do not condone the touching of dictators* tigers, maybe, but whatever happens that's on you.
Exhibit A: the Pope vs every dictator ever
In all fairness to his holiness, he did have a G-wagon at some point, but I think yo get the point.
#2. Black cars are the SH!T ! :roflol::roflol:
Ok I'll stop, I promise.
But seriously, the last truly great beasts to come out of any stable, have been petrol binging, fire breathing "last kick of a dying mule", teeth smashing black cars, they symbolize something, not just the best but, but more. I simply cannot quantify it into words
Go and look at any manufacturer, and their greatest hits, there's always a black option in there somewhere. Don't believe me?
here are some last hooraaah examples !
Focus RS 500
Buick Regal GNX
Pagani Zonda R
and many more, you could add the Lambo sesto elemento, but I feel like that's cheating. not to mention any "black series" mercs, basically the hell-hounds of the AMG skunk works, and probably my favorite and least known of the lot...
The holy grail of American Muscle
The 1970 Plymouth CUDA TX9 !
A one year ONLY body style, with the last big hitter of a Hemi before the oil crisis started choking Americans into Japanese vehicular submission. It wasn't only the limited run body style or gargantuan tyre slaying engine that makes this car a fabled beast... Its actually the paint ! :fencelook:
TX9 is the internal paint code for Chrysler "Tuxedo 9" black (slick name, I know) kinda like my BMW and it "Black Sapphire Metallic 475".
But why you ask ? Well as most people know, black cars are not afraid to show off any flaws in workmanship or attention to details, so if you wanted a tuxedo black Hemi CUDA, an inspector would walk down the finished production line, after a special order had been placed, and choose, by hand, the car with the best body and best finish, pull it from the production line, and it would be rebuilt to spec, and resprayed by hand.A hand built concourse Hooligan.
TLDR, it was the closest you could get to a literally 'perfect' muscle car.
And that's 2 of the reason, and one of the stories, why I love black cars...
