Assimilating more BMW parts to a Mazda 13B - Building a 13B Rotary BMW i8: EP11

[@meggaultraglobalcomnet3713]

Criminally under-rated stuff going on here.

[@yatajoris]

Absolutely

[@Copoc10]

yup, this was the first time KZbin suggested the channel to me. Followed!

[@jimmyfleebot]

Yes! This channel is now up there with M539 and ClickSpring for me.

[@NanRobby]

Agreed. There's talent and creativity in "custom" car- building. But this guy takes the customization of engineering to a level not many can appreciate. BMW at that... he said it too, BMW's own techs won't work on it. And he's adding a rotary while upgrading and maximizing all it's functions. BRILLIANT

[@ianp0817]

this build tickles my brain in ways I can't describe

[@medicenchepibe]

scanning his hand with a wrench to check serviceability was insane tho

[@LouiLocke]

Just a little hint : you used Vaseline on the pump oring . Vaseline is ok for elastomers intended for oil and petroleum products however that oring intended to seal the coolant will swell up from the Vaseline . Part of the reason why BMW oil filter housings always leak . Same seal has coolant on one side and oil on the other . Should have two seals next to each other . Elastomer suppliers claim that their elastomers can do that but it's a physics thing . Polar elastomers can seal non polar media and video versa . If both the elastomer and media is polar or unpolar , the media to be sealed will creep into the elastomer and destroy it .

[@jimmyfleebot]

Man I love the KZbin comments sections. Thanks for letting me know about that

[@LouiLocke]

@@jimmyfleebot finally my time to shine. This is also the reason why you need special brake caliper assembly lube when rebuilding calipers. Regular grease on anything intended for sealing brake fluid will destroy the seals .

[@Snowmirage6453]

I'm pretty pissed that youtube didn't show me this until Episode 11!!! Amazing stuff here!

[@CouchBuilt]

I probably need more click bait to entice the algorithm

[@thephranc]

@@CouchBuilt the last 3 havent shown up in my feed.

[@andrewkivela5668]

Same here, just found the series today and binge watched all 11 episodes.

[@madrew2003]

It's amazing how integrated to an OEM level your work is. Fantastic job!

[@mizterwizter]

As an engineering student, I absolutely love your use of CAD and various production methods. Amazing work as always!

[@shept.7736]

This build just blows my mind in all the right ways. I love how you're designing it for the future services in mind. It's almost like you're developing a full fledged kit for it despite it being a one off. Cannot wait to see it running!

[@CouchBuilt]

The nice part is that all the files will be there if it works well enough for a kit some day.

[@b_for_brett]

One of if not the most technically advanced car builds on the KZbin universe. Absolute credit to you sir, can’t wait to see this running and driving!

[@Ayane13b]

This is so wild to stumble upon. For the past 3-4 years I've been saying to my close friends that one day if I ever have the money to do so, I'm going to put a 13b into a BMW I8. Never in a million years did I think someone else would ever end up doing it, but I'm glad you are! Albeit; my plans would have been to completely remove any BMW systems and ditch the hybrid. My thought process was that the I8 usually spends 75% of it's time at the shop, and really isn't that fast, but BOY is it ever sexy! So I would have ditched the hybrid systems, making the I8 weigh significantly less. But keeping the hybrid totally makes sense. You get the torque from the battery, and you get the top end from a relatively light engine. Thank you for doing something I have been dreaming up in my head for years. I'm certain that we are the only two people that have even thought about "13b the I8" haha!

[@CouchBuilt]

For such a wide car, it leaves surprisingly few options for motor fitment.

[@joeb.7791]

This is the type of content I like. The algorithm took a while but I'm glad I'm here. About to binge watch the rest.

[@andli461]

The planning ahead, design work, mix of oem and custom parts…along with very clever things like using hardboard to check accessibility. 👌 The factory look of that intake manifold 😍

[@bullethelldemon]

maybe the most satisfying episode yet, i love seeing all the little things that come together to make a huge impact. and the wrinkle black with exposed lettering is quintessential bmw, looks fantastic.

[@MarbleDuck]

Very happy to have encountered this in the recommendations, and am currently working through the backlog. Technical approach and attention to detail is appreciated.

[@AdamDUrso]

Honestly incredible work taking place here. Great use of aluminium 3d printing and scanning alongside more traditional fabrication. Have a great NYE and looking forward to more progress is 2025.

[@sLim88CPC]

You Sir, are a legend. When I'm after immaculate level of creation, this series is my go-to place. Cannot wait for the next episodes and what 2025 holds for this project. All the best for you and your loved ones, hope all your plans will work out in the upcoming year.

[@elvinvalette9928]

Such a high quality build! Hard to believe it’s just a guy in his garage. Love the music too!

[@thelifenonadic]

Instant sub. Madness that YT doesn't recommend this stuff faster. Insane build.

[@mlgmounted9599]

That logo on top of the intake is pure perfection!

[@thecosmicnebula_]

Absolutely loving this series!

[@GarageAddiction]

Loving this build and especially the attention to detail in the packaging!

[@daviiaco]

I’m so happy I got this in my feed you got yourself a subscriber, amazing use of modern technology to build a very unique car. And having used the 3D printed cardboard to check serviceability is just the cherry on top. Automotive industry should be paying engineers to do that. I’m watching this after working on my 2006 M6 with my forearms all scratched from working in tight spaces that were not intended for a human hand to fit through

[@CouchBuilt]

I've got plenty of scars on my hands and forearms from poor design choice, some of my own, some by the OEMs.

[@malcolmbindon5911]

Mate just caught your vid today now I’ve started watching the whole series from the start . Excellent work and all the best for the new year 🇦🇺👍👍👍

[@ther1kid]

The work you are doing is fantastic. I respect the attention to detail.

[@computiNATEor]

19:41 Ok, that was a highly specific and accurate call out 😂😅

[@mlgmounted9599]

honestly there is almost no channel on YT right now, that im so excited for a new video like here

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks!

[@robertmaynard8619]

Nice to see hexagons adding lightness - Grindhard Plumbing Co. would approve.

[@joell439]

Really cool. Thanks for the hint on the hardboard - that’s sure a handy option I will use in the future.

[@coultl6556]

This is such a legit, engineering forward, build. Awesome work man.

[@TechForumTesla]

Fantastic design and fabrication

[@jondavidmcnabb]

Wow, just wow! Lots of really really cool stuff in this video.

[@violentblue123]

I love finding unique and thoughtfully engineered builds like this. Subscribed

[@markplant6630]

Loving this build and the processes, very skilled 👍

[@quadrapodacone]

Your fabrication process/work is amazing, absolute goals!

[@kungfuclutch2788]

The best rotary build wow you are talented

[@samuelt321]

Yet another inspirational video! Thanks for your hard work!

[@RiyadaNem]

I’ve been following this since the beginning because I’m in the i8 group. I am rooting for you hard. I also live in New England and have an i8 and hoping we can link once you complete your project

[@Syscrush]

That finished intake is one of the most remarkable things I've seen. I hope you're proud of it! I love this build so much. Keep up the great work! Also, I think that this video made much better use of music than some of your past ones.

[@kmw12870]

3d printed parts are really awesome!! KZbin just brought me here and I'm loving it. Keep it going and be safe 👍👍

[@JustinPandelo]

This Channel is Incredible.

[@nswgb69]

Epic project. Well done to you & happy new year.

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks! Same to you.

[@jimf5160]

Excellent build and design work.

[@anidiotinaracingcar]

Love the title

[@S_36_A]

Saw rotary and bmw in the same thumbnail click on subbed and now here we are

[@ldadol]

FYI in the rotary world, a few cases have found that those radial bearing supports sometimes mess with the end-play spec for the eccentric shaft. Something that ought to be checked before final install.

[@CouchBuilt]

Everything will be measured and dry assembled a few times before it gets sealed up.

[@zerodrift1]

Damn - calling me out at the end! Heh - one day the projects will be finished! Speaking of, great video. I enjoy the thought process behind the design.

[@demesisx]

You are incredible. I’m not even that into cars but this was so well executed that I watched attentively for the whole video. Top notch. You’re an absolute pro. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. 🤘🏽

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks! Appreciate it.

[@olliebrown89]

Actually felt like you were talking to me with that cheers. Great series mate, best of luck in 2025.

[@user-bk7to8gn5l]

Damn looks like I got 10 other episodes to binge, can't wait to see this build play out.

[@snow41man]

This is TOP QUALITY Content!!! Love it !!

[@liam821]

Amazing work. Thanks for taking the time to document and film everything.

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks. Filming is definitely time consuming, but seems to be worth the effort.

[@liam821]

@CouchBuilt I’m in the middle of swapping a non-bmw engine (Honda) into a bmw and also with a dct and your videos have given me the confidence to break open Fusion and 3d print metal parts. You’ve also given me a bunch of great tips, thanks!

[@antonjanbrinkvirta2019]

Keep it up man, very Great content and you make it easy to understand and fun🎉 happy new years

[@alexmyers4934]

Looking good as usual

[@Vladidon]

You are a genius. Im going to need this done to my i8

[@BRUH-ne2zf]

HOLY SHIT YOU ARE UNDERRATED. Amazing stuff man

[@BondWarrior]

You've done some beautiful unique work here, well done and a great job, send cut send must be busy s everyone seems to use them

[@Wohren_Oss]

You tube just recommended this video to me and i think it's quite interesting as I'm trying to see if i could do something similar with a new Prius.

[@rkstewart9585]

Just found the channel through researching a new scanner for prototyping, from one fab R&D guy to another, clean work. Funny enough, I've been looking at i8's as well lol. I'll be binging your build series today looks like. Happy New Year's everyone

[@juliocvelez1]

Real cool stuff going on here

[@gafrers]

Fantastic, Love the High Quality of everything on this build. 👏👏👏👏 That Projay water block really looked tarded, so badly designed. As always you improved it. 👍👍

[@mahreeohhhh]

I learned that ear clamps are a thing. Thanks!!

[@malanne1]

Simply amazing!

[@RA-uj3nm]

Beautiful work 👍👍

[@theo10008]

I'm a simple man. I see a couch built video, i hit like

[@J-Eagan]

4:41 Do you have a Part number for the ZF Hall effect sensor? Looks like a great sensor for universal applications!

[@CouchBuilt]

GS100102

[@gar24407]

Love the 3d printed parts. If I ever put a bigger turbo on my STI, I am 3d printing a inlet pipe for sure. You can optimize for diamater, and dodge all oem equipment.

[@CouchBuilt]

It makes things so much easier in tight spaces over just slamming x diameter tube through.

[@hamzawerks]

this is mind boggling stuff

[@J_W97]

Never thought I’d hear the day a home mechanic chooses to use that type of clamp!

[@deciplesteve]

They are less serviceable, but they are far superior in terms of sealing. I use them on fuel lines no matter how much it sucks when it is time to service them.

[@J_W97]

@ what’s the mechanism that makes them superior? More even contact pressure?

[@deciplesteve]

@@J_W97 supremely even contact around the hose, plus an inability to come loose (without catastrophic failure).

[@Abe8816]

happy new year 🎉

[@thijseurlings9742]

Damn your skills are just amazing (again)! Just go on like this

[@pedroKwiecinski]

I wish just the best for your project, doing justice to this car

[@sophiatheodores7985]

how did you know my car is on jackstands and i'm watching youtube!? :(

[@mrflippant]

I feel attacked.

[@CouchBuilt]

Statistically guaranteed

[@daviddetweiler7658]

This is super sick. Project binky quality going on here!

[@willnzsurf]

🔻🔺️Brappy New Year. I found your channel today thanks to the algorithm & have always liked the idea of a ported rotary range extender pulsing away while an electric motor does its thing. Looking forward to more of this, thanks a lot.😎

[@GetUpFalcon]

Not everyday you see an engine capable of many hundreds of horsepower look so diminutive next to a transverse gearbox. Lovely packaging.

[@gouldnj]

Stunning work dude! This is some next-level stuff. Did you do the design work for the 3d printing?

[@CouchBuilt]

Yes, I do all the design work.

[@Futurebilllionaire]

This is sick !!

[@paulmickle1135]

Been following for a while had no idea had a KZbin wow

[@69MazdaR100]

Hi, is it possible to get an oil filter housing like the one you designed? I really like the look and practicality, thank you.

[@LouiLocke]

Here 1 min after the upload 🎉

[@cavallovaporethp5498]

Bravo ! 👍

[@danielcochrane2611]

Hi was just wondering if you can tell me what size drill and tap you used on the rear iron to get rid of the heater hose outlet, thanks your build is looking great.

[@CouchBuilt]

3/4-16UNF is the thread. Hole is sized with a SAE port tool that cuts the o-ring chamfer as well as the bore for the tap.

[@danielcochrane2611]

@CouchBuilt thanks mate

[@AlecMoody]

I know this is armchair feedback to late in the process but did you consider bracketing the charge pipe onto the intake manifold? It's a long cantilevered piece and run so close. A small tab on each and 2 fasteners? Was there a reason not to do that?

[@CouchBuilt]

There’s adjustable threaded supports going underneath that go into the rotor housings. It’s also surprisingly balanced at the flange, more so than I ever would have guessed

[@hiphopapotomas]

Will you be controlling the water pump via LIN bus? Or did you buy this pump before Pierburg stopped shipping with PWM capability?

[@CouchBuilt]

Will be controlling via LIN. While I have my own LIN control for the steering wheel interface, I will likely use the onboard LIN control in the ECUMaster EMU PRO16 for the pump.

[@hiphopapotomas]

@@CouchBuilt Nice! I actually am using this same pump for my build and would love to control via LIN with one of the LIN transceivers on my Macchina M2. Do you already have the messages/info on how to communicate with the pump? Would be amazing if you could share that info if you already have it figured out.

[@devinmack5152]

Where do you send your files off to get 3d printed? Partsbadger PCBway?

[@CouchBuilt]

Craftcloud3D.com is where I do most stuff like aluminum and inconel. With 316ss, I will also use JLC3DP.com

[@evildream67]

Is it possible to run that motor/generator with other controller like ebike controller from Sur-ron or Sabvoton for electric GoKart?

[@CouchBuilt]

As long as the controller matches the motor type and has adequate current capability, no reason it shouldn’t work.

[@Smokkedandslammed]

I wanted to swap my 2010 335i xdrive with a 3 rotor but after looking at 13B and 13B part prices I decided to look elsewhere lol I'd love to 5.0 swap it but I have a LS1 block that I can build up. Im so torn lol

[@CouchBuilt]

Yea, they used to be a cheap platform. These days, not so much, but its the only thing that will make adequate power and let me keep the factory hybrid stuff out back.

[@3toedSloth75]

Its not difficult to fast drain the oil filter on the pedestal the way it is from Mazda. Just poke a hole in the top of it with a screwdriver and hammer or punch or something. Then after ~1min it is empty

[@CouchBuilt]

Then you still need to cut the oil filter apart to inspect for debris. These are just better all around from my perspective.

[@3toedSloth75]

@@CouchBuilt good point. The bypass spring tension is probably good too.

[@ProJektCarModz]

NOICE

[@alimemis3864]

Damn man im really luck that i found this video by luck I work at bmw shop and we have bunch of bmw parts bosh sensors and throttle bodies and i also have an mazda rx7 turbo2 and im about to build that one I bought and haltech kit and i was thinking to use all bmw sensor for my 13b built Good inspiration

[@liamcan3262]

Quick question for ya, what do you do for a living?

[@CouchBuilt]

I'm a Product Manager by day, so mostly just make PowerPoints. I used to own a fabrication shop in a past life for the design/manufacturing side of things.

[@liamcan3262]

@ you are a talented bloke. Have really enjoyed watching the way you build. Just got an einstar to try start building in a similar way.

[@cristianr3712]

Great content, title has to be more descriptive

[@Moccoz]

I would like to reach out to you in regards of a similar project I am undertaking if possible

[@asdfasdfasdfasdeff]

Interesting hack : converting a EV car to ICE in California will allow one to bypass smog. Well, as long as you don't get reffed. But, can they ref a EV car? What a quandary.

[@Syscrush]

I would love a show where you, @ThrottleStopGarage, @benbeames, and @paulbrodie just hang out and talk about cool stuff you've built that you're proud of, what problems you've faced and how you solved them, and your favorite design and fab approaches.

[@RockSolitude]

Adding BMW unreliability to a rotary is a bold move

[@CouchBuilt]

Lateral move

[@johnp4673]

In your professional opinion. Do you think it's possible to k20 swap an i8.

[@CouchBuilt]

I’ll be doing a video on other swaps that fit. Looks like it’ll go without the hybrid stuff in the back. Once I get closer to making that one I’ll need to spend some time on possible fitment.

[@Darkeiser.7]

Hey now, my car is on jack stands because i work 70+ hours a week and I'm only home on the weekends. And i have a family. 3 years though.... I'll finish eventually.

[@carbonmk1]

@19:30 nailed it , hahahhahaa true true

[@tonyza2539]

This build look like OEM come from BMW.

[@coreybrown8678]

Would you be open to working on a simple side project? I have a 2018 Audi TT and the touch points are really crummy. Looking to have certain interior components remade in aluminum (either laser cut, CNC milled, or 3d printed aluminum), but I lack the 3d scanning tools AND CAD skills to achieve satisfactory results. If you are willing, I would gladly ship some of these components to you for scanning and CAD modeling so those could be produced by a third party service like Send-Cut-Send OR Xometry. I would certainly compensate you for your time and effort.

[@CouchBuilt]

Unfortunately, I have my hands full with this project for the foreseeable future.