View Single Post
      08-24-2015, 08:56 PM   #430
Sean@PSI
Sean@PSI's Avatar
United_States
2133
Rep
5,011
Posts

Drives: 2021 IOMG M3 Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oviedo, FL

iTrader: (0)

Not quite an M3, but mighty close!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean@PSI View Post

The Ghost Chameleon by PSI



Legend tells of a warrior that moved in the shadows, striking at will without warning, only to disappear before the enemy caught even a glimpse. While we here at PSI don't always believe in legends, what we do believe in are diehard enthusiasts with a true passion for BMW and motorsport, and the friends we make within that category. Perhaps one of the clearest examples of this single-minded focus is the owner of this unforgettable E92 335is. Originating from South Florida, they came to us with a simple goal: to create one of the most unique and purposeful cars of its kind in the country. It needed to be fast and effective on a race track or road course while maintaining a level of visual appeal. Only the very best solutions were to be used, enabling the user to slip in and exact the maximum amount of damage before fading into the distance.

It's truly refreshing to have conversations with individuals who think these kinds of terms. Perhaps you know one. We discussed ideas, laid out plans, and worked late into the night to ensure this project came together correctly. PSI doesn't have a reputation of doing things halfway, so when we commit, it's full speed ahead. Immediately we knew that everything had to begin with the chassis. In motorsport, more time and effort is put into the chassis than virtually anywhere else. Steering, braking and suspension are incredibly crucial to quick lap times - especially the latter two. Power is great to have, but without a way to channel that power to the ground on the track, that energy is often lost or dissipated through loss of traction or excess body movement. Similarly, without reliable stopping ability, unwanted seconds are added with increased braking distances and the inability to turn in properly before hitting the apex.

For the perfect ride height while maintaining good compliance, we installed a set of KW Clubsport coilovers that allow for fine-tuning the critical compression and rebound attributes of a suspension setup. In front of those are a complete high-visibility StopTech 355mm/345mm big brake kit with calipers painted in Ithaca Verde for maximum contrast with the body color and wheels. More on that aspect in a moment. These monster units ensure fade-free speed reduction, lap after lap, while the sturdy SPEC Stage 2 clutch and UUC short shifter enable quick, fluid movement between gears. A gorgeous set of Apex EC-7 18" wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05s help reduce weight, look fantastic, and grip like a cat being held over a pool.

We wanted maximum chassis stiffening, so a full bolt-in roll bar was sourced from Fall-Line Motorsports, also painted Ithaca Verde, and a snug set of the venerable Recaro Pole Position seats were fastened down, using Macht Schnell floor mounts. For FIA-level restraints, we turned once again to Sabelt, who delivered an amazing 6-point harness to hold the driver in place while engaged in combat. Behind everything, working in concert with the roll bar, is a new PSI Edition alcantara rear seat delete and closeout with custom stamped aluminum panels. While we have not advertised the PSI Edition line much as of yet, a build on this level requires some truly innovative touches, and this one delivers in spades.

To guide the assault, a BMW M Performance alcantara steering wheel with Ithaca Verde stripe was installed, and a P3 Cars boost vent gauge monitors vital signs. Power is delivered in short order by a BMS JB4 for N54, BMW DCI, and a healthy pair of VRSF catless downpipes. Our good friends and neighbors at Active Autowerke, who have teamed up with us on a great many projects in the past, supplied a charge pipe and BOV, their excellent front-mount intercooler and a full stainless exhaust system. The careful combination of all these parts ensures a never-ending surge of building acceleration off the line and out of each corner.

Last but certainly not least, we addressed the exterior. Again, it was decided to go big or go home, so the entire roof was removed and an OEM E92 M3 carbon fiber roof and headliner replaced it. Needless to say, not only does it look amazing, the functionality of a lower center of gravity serves a significant purpose while cornering. Additionally, OEM E92 M3 side mirrors were painted in Ithaca Verde to match the 335is badges, the BMW Performance carbon fiber rear spoiler’s CRT stripe, and the i8 style front grilles. Completing the aggressive motorsport approach is an Arkym carbon fiber front lower spoiler, adding that extra bit of additional downforce.

While the original paint color was black, we had a matte gray wrap applied by Carbon Wraps Orlando, and the effect is mouthwatering when paired up with the black wheels, carbon fiber roof and those unmistakeable Ithaca Verde accent pieces. In the end, we created a machine designed for relentless attack during competition events, and integrated the highest quality parts with ingenuity and creativity. This is not a BMW for the faint-hearted, and while we don't wish to start a mass panic, perhaps while at your next SCCA or HPDE you may wish to check your surroundings more carefully than usual. A ghostly apparition may suddenly appear, and just like that . . . it will be gone.

MOD LIST

Suspension and Brakes
KW Clubsports
Stoptech BBK F/R (355mm/345mm) in Ithaca Verde
Apex EC-7 18"
Nitto NT05s
SPEC Stage 2 clutch
UUC Short Shift Kit
Motorsport Hardware 75mm Studs/ and race nut conversion

Interior
Fall Line GTR Roll Bar painted Ithaca Verde
RECARO pole positions
Macht Schnell Floor Mounts and Anti Sub Bar
BMW M Performance alcantara steering wheel with Ithaca stripe
Sabelt 6-point competition harnesses
P3 Cars boost vent gauge
PSI EDITION alcantara rear seat delete and closeout with stamped aluminum panels

Performance
BMS JB4 (N54)
BMS DCI
VRSF catless downpipes
AA charge pipe and BOV
AA Sport front mount intercooler
AA full stainless exhaust
Custom coding by Mike Benvo @ BPM Sport

Cosmetic
OEM E92 M3 carbon fiber roof & headliner
OEM E92 M3 side mrrors painted in Ithaca Verde
Matte gray wrap by Carbon Wraps Orlando
i8 style painted front kidney grilles
Ithaca Verde 335is badges
BMW Performance carbon fiber rear spoiler with CRT stripe
Arkym carbon fiber front splitter

Enjoy the photos!























Appreciate 0