19-Year-Old Builds SEMA-Ready 2008 BMW 335i Single Turbo N54 Build

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JJ Kuti

BMW 335i Single Turbo N54 Build

Instagram: @jj.kuti

Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin 

IG: @r0cean11 

FB: r0cean11 Photography 

www.r0cean11.com

"There's no better feeling than bringing your vision to life with your own two hands." – JJ Kuti

Young Blood, Big Vision: A Teen's Journey to SEMA

At just 19 years old, JJ Kuti from Fairhope, Alabama, is proving that age has nothing to do with ambition.

By day, he's an aviation engine technician, working with precision machinery built to withstand pressure and speed. By night, that same precision fuels a different kind of horsepower — his SEMA -ready 2008 BMW 335i, a car that blends raw engineering with artistic craftsmanship.

"My dad always had cool cars around growing up," JJ recalls. "Watching him work on them got me hooked early. It's just been in my blood ever since."

Where It All Started: Early BMW Obsession

That family influence quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. When JJ's dad repurchased a BMW 335i in 2017, JJ was captivated. "I instantly fell in love with how it looked," he says. "BMW was so far ahead of their time — the interior, the feel, the way it drove — everything about it just clicked for me."

At 16, JJ got his first BMW — a 2007 328i — and wasted no time putting his stamp on it. "Custom paint, wheels, suspension, even a few power mods. I was learning as I went, and I couldn't get enough."

That early experience laid the groundwork for the monster he drives today.

Why the E90 335i Platform?

For JJ, the 335i was more than a car — it was a vision.

"Ever since my dad brought his home, I could see what it could become," he explains. "The lines, the balance between comfort and aggression — BMW nailed it. I wanted to build one that took everything I loved about the platform and pushed it past what people thought possible."

The result is a 17-year-old chassis re-engineered to modern supercar levels of precision and power — and it's all home-built with his father, JD Kuti (@ls.335i) Jd Kuti's LS Swapped 2008 BMW 335i: A Build Born from Passion.

Behind the Wheel: Raw Power Meets Pride

Ask JJ what it's like behind the wheel, and you'll hear equal parts pride and disbelief.

"It's unreal. The power, the spool, the noise — it's addictive," he says. "But more than that, seeing it parked and realizing what it took to get here? That's the part that hits you. Every bolt, every cut knuckle, every late night — it's all right there in front of you."

At shows, the car draws crowds instantly.

"People don't expect this level of work on an N54 platform," JJ grins. "When they find out my dad and I built it, that's what really gets them. It's not a shop-built car — it's personal."

Complete BMW 335i N54 Build Breakdown

Engine and Drivetrain Modifications

• Closed-deck forged-bottom N54 block
• Ported N53 head for maximum airflow
• Frenchi Fab top-mount single-turbo kit
• 8HP70 automatic transmission swap using Guru Autowerks adapters
• Custom nitrous setup with dual Nitrous Outlet bottles

Suspension Setup and Tuning

• All components are powder-coated and color-matched
• Custom tuning for performance and stance balance

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

• R1 Concepts Forged Series big-brake kit
• Variant Wheels: 19" Aure (front) | 18" Aure Beadlock (rear)
• BFGoodrich Tires for grip and drivability

Interior Upgrades and Custom Work

• Full custom suede headliner, pillars, and trim
• Carbon-fiber steering wheel and DCT sequential shifter
• F80 CS retrofit seats
• Trunk setup: 10" subwoofer, twin nitrous bottles, DeatschWerks surge tank

Audio and Video System

• Apple CarPlay head unit
• Alphasonic 10" subwoofer in custom enclosure

Exterior Modifications and Aero

• M3-style front bumper with GTS carbon fiber lip
• Custom angel-eye headlights by 1VisionPerformance
• M3 carbon hood, CSL trunk, M-Sport rear bumper, and carbon fiber diffuser
• Full XK Glow underglow lighting kit

Father-Son Build: Who Did the Work?

Built entirely by JJ and his father, JD Kuti (@ls.335i).

"It's a father-son project from start to finish," JJ says. "We learned from each other every step of the way."

That teamwork created not just a car but a legacy — a rolling testament to shared passion and endless late nights.

Future Plans for the BMW 335i Build

The 335i isn't done yet.

"Next, I want to dial in the suspension and maybe chase even more power," JJ says. "Bigger turbo, more fuel, more efficiency — we'll see where it takes us."

He's also aiming to return to SEMA 2027 with a brand-new build while enjoying this one at shows across the U.S. in the meantime.

"After SEMA, I just want to drive it — really enjoy what we built before the next chapter begins."

Car Community and Culture Impact

JJ isn't part of any formal clubs — yet — but that doesn't mean he's alone.

"All my friends are into different parts of the car world — drag racing, roll racing, drifting — it's all connected," he says. "Being surrounded by that energy keeps you inspired. It's opened doors and friendships I never expected."

As one of the youngest builders entering SEMA, JJ knows how important it is to represent the next generation. "The car scene gives you a place to belong. It's where creativity and engineering meet. I'm just proud to be part of it."

The SEMA 2025 Journey: Two-Month Build Sprint

For JJ, getting to SEMA 2025 was nothing short of a sprint.

"We started with only two months to go," he admits. "It was long nights, early mornings — basically living in the garage. The goal wasn't just to finish; it was to make a statement."

The entire car was overhauled for SEMA: new drivetrain, forged bottom-end, turbo conversion, brakes, paint, and interior — every inch of it touched within a two-month window.

"It was chaos," JJ laughs. "But the feeling of rolling into Vegas and seeing it under those lights — you forget every headache. It's worth it."

Sponsors and Support

• Dad: JD Kuti (@ls.335i) – "None of this happens without him."
• @VariantWheels – Aure series wheels
• @Downstar – hardware/lugnuts
• @Alphasonik – audio system
• @BFG Tires – performance rubber
• @1VisionPerformance – headlights
• @TheBimmerBin – taillights
• @R1Concepts – brakes
• @GuruAutowerks – 8HP swap kit
• @LSE9X_ – parts sourcing
• @Lux.CustomsOB – window tint
• @Frenchi_Fab – turbo manifold/custom tank
• @742Marketing – SEMA marketing and support
• @DeatschWerks – fueling components/surge tank
• @ColorFittings – hardware fittings
• @XKGlow – underglow system

"Every sponsor believed in me, even with the crazy timeline," JJ says. "They're the reason the dream came together."

Final Thoughts from a Young Builder

Dream Car: Porsche 911 Turbo S
Philosophy: "Dedication and passion can take you anywhere."

At just 19, JJ Kuti has achieved what most builders twice his age are still chasing — a SEMA-level car built entirely by hand, powered by family, precision, and drive.

From aviation engines to boosted Bavarians, JJ Kuti is flying high — proving that when passion meets discipline, the sky's not the limit, it's just the starting line.

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