05-13-2024, 04:40 PM | #1 |
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X3/X4 M40 engine brace kit
Hey everyone,
Introduction: I wanted to share an exciting project I've been working on for the X3/X4M40 community. This is just the start, many more projects to come! Goal: My primary goal with this project is to offer an engine brace kit that doesn’t require any retrofitting and uses the stock mounting locations while offering a bit of pop to the engine bay. Design Phase After about 30 revisions and 3 separate designs with the opinions of many shops, Rottweiler and Burr001 I have finally decided on a design that works without the need to retrofit any parts and it looks good! The design uses all the stock bracing mounting points and will come with upgraded bolts. Current phase: Prototype Testing: Now that the design phase is complete I'll be moving on to the prototyping phase. This will involve 3D printing prototypes to test the fitment and looks of the design in the engine bay. This step is crucial to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and precision. I just got my 3D printer this weekend and will start printing the parts this week. Will post pictures as they come along. Community Involvement: I'm genuinely excited about this project and eager to involve the community every step of the way. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts. Closing: Stay tuned for further updates as this project progresses! I'll be sharing more details, including photos and videos, as we move through the various stages of development. Once I get closer to production I will be adding the price! Looking forward to your continued support and involvement, Ashtonpjt
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-13-2024, 04:49 PM | #2 |
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Awesome. Are you planning to mill flat/bar stock? I know a lot of "cheaper" braces end up being flattened tube stock that is crimped at the ends and drilled for attachment points.
In terms or bracing for rigidity, I'm curious about why y'all decided to go with elongated mounting holes versus more precision mount points. Is there some degree of adjustability that one could glean from a half inch of mounting point slide?
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05-13-2024, 04:54 PM | #3 | |
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-15-2024, 10:28 PM | #4 |
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3d printing phase has started! Will update with pictures as parts are finished
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 07:20 AM | #5 |
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You want a cross brace to spread the load over more than one strut tower screw. Most I've seen usually span over 2 screws minimum, most have a circular mount that screws into all the strut bolts to properly distribute the load.
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05-17-2024, 07:29 AM | #6 |
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The side struts can function with just a single bolt on each end but the primary strut base that goes between the struts needs to bolt down to at least 2 of the strut bolts, preferably have a ring that bolts across the entire strut top using all the bolts to distribute the load evenly across the strut.
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05-17-2024, 08:28 AM | #7 |
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Looks intriguing.
I am very in intrigued by this strut plate. It looks to take over the engine bay but it may provide good rigidity as it spans across. https://www.blackhawkjapan.com/products/cpm-csrp-b401 With that said can you make the strut instead of 3 parts one piece? I guess for profitability you can sell the sides and the "main" bar separate but I think it removes some of the rigidity. Leem40i has some very good points. AshtonPJT where in Florida are you in case you need another X3 to test fit |
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05-17-2024, 08:55 AM | #8 | |
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Other option would be I could use the Side cross braces then add a bar across the front of the engine bay. Then create a bracket to use the strut mounts
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 08:59 AM | #9 | |
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 09:40 AM | #11 | |
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I have LCI. You are way in the North while I am all the way down south by Miami. |
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05-17-2024, 09:52 AM | #12 | |
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Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind changing my design that’s the whole point of this project is to come up with something easy to install and looks good while adding rigidity to the chassis. The cost will definitely be more once we switch to strut tower mounts. Right now with the design above the price is cheaper than buying the x3m retrofit and upgraded cross braces.
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 12:58 PM | #13 | |
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Last edited by deviation01; 05-17-2024 at 04:05 PM.. |
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05-17-2024, 01:07 PM | #14 | |
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The brace will also be made from billet 6061-t6 aluminum so plenty strong and won’t flex and bend like the cheap sheet metal options from Ali. I think the current design will provide plenty of rigidity while being easy to install without the need to take apart half the engine bay, 5 minute install max!
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 04:30 PM | #15 | |
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Apart from jokes the final product will be nice |
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05-17-2024, 04:32 PM | #16 |
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😂😂😂 start a competition who ever installs the fastest gets $100 back or 25% off another product
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-17-2024, 05:31 PM | #17 | |
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You can pm me if interested |
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05-18-2024, 04:24 PM | #18 |
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05-18-2024, 04:51 PM | #19 |
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6 pack would definitely be better on the wallet😂😂
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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deviation01155.50 |
05-20-2024, 05:18 PM | #20 |
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Finally got everything 3d printed and test fitted! Install was all of about a minute.
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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05-20-2024, 05:21 PM | #21 |
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Any reason why this wouldn’t fit the 30i?
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05-20-2024, 05:22 PM | #22 |
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It most likely would just don’t have one to test fit the design on
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2019 BMW X3M40I
Paul Johnson Tunes/ACX Solutions Shop/Development Car, XHP stage 3 with custom settings, CTS Downpipe, intake, Chargepipe, turbo inlet, coils, Nostrum Stage 1 Injectors and Nostrum Big Bore HPFP, Vargas PCV and Oil cap, HnR springs, ACX Rear poly bushing, ACX Intake scoop |
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