In addition to the physical maintenance side of being an automotive mechanic, my passion flows through the innovation aspect as well. I sought to create a custom intake setup for the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 BMW put in their X5M. After hours of designing a custom MAF housing in CAD, I then had to decide what material I would print with, that could withstand the heat and discourse of an engine. I resorted to finding not only a strong filament but a heat-resistant one of up to 300+ degrees Fahrenheit, called PET-CF. All of the test prints were made with normal PLA filament, but the final product was constructed out of carbon fiber-infused filament. Once installed with the OEM MAF sensors in place, the car ran like a dream, especially sounding due to a non-atmospheric BOV, that creates a super cool turbo flutter, one of the many positive outcomes including power and faster turbo spooling.
