A Masterclass in Perfection: JD Kuti's 2008 BMW 335i LS Swap

Read JD Kuti's journey in transforming a 2008 BMW 335i into a 1300HP twin-turbo monster with unmatched attention to detail. An automotive masterpiece.

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A Masterclass in Perfection: JD Kuti's 2008 BMW 335i LS Swap

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

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Jd Kuti

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

Instagram: @LS_335i

Photographer: Jeremy Wright, Sam Aldea, Nathaniel Cox

Instagram: @nates.imagery @1_shot_media, @sa.jp.media

Performance Stats: 1300.9HP 1542.9 FTLBS Torque

Listen To JD Kuti’s 1300 HP Twin-Turbo 2008 BMW 335i: Audio Book Feature

Meet JD Kuti: Precision, Passion, and Power

My name is JD Kuti, and I’ve been involved with cars since I was a young kid. I’ve always had a passion for cars and turning wrenches. I own an aircraft engine shop where we overhaul piston aircraft engines. Everything I do on a day-to-day basis requires attention to detail and precise execution. In aviation, a thousandth of an inch can be the difference between airworthy or scrap, go or no go, and even life or death. Our room for error is zero, and we must execute perfection with every maintenance evolution. I take this same mentality into the garage when it comes to building cars. When I’m not working, I enjoy attending car shows and spending time with my family.

This Car Can Be Found In Our Stance Auto Magazine October 2024: Where Customization Meets Innovation. Printed Magazine

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

The Early Influence: A Legacy of Drag Racing

My dad was my biggest influence when it came to cars. I grew up hanging out with him and his friend Norman, known as "Storm Norman," while they worked on their race cars. They were heavily into drag racing—Norman owned the cars, and my dad would drive them. Every year, we attended Hot Rod Weekend in Ocean City, MD, which only deepened my love for cars. At 16, I started building my own cars, focusing more on show cars rather than race cars.

The Break and Return: From Hondas to BMWs

I took about a seven-year break from the car world altogether. Before that, I was really into Hondas and had built a bunch of them. But when I started getting the itch again, I talked with my wife about wanting to build another car. She agreed, as long as it wasn’t another Honda. When I asked why, she said I was too old for them—LOL. So, I started looking into other cars that would fit my mission: building a booth car for SEMA. I really liked the body lines and power of the BMW E90, so I went on the hunt for one in good shape that wouldn’t break the bank.

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

The LS Swap: A Journey of Transformation

Shortly after buying the car, I began modifying it. Within a few months, I started running into issues with the N54 engine. After doing a bunch of homework, I decided I wanted to LS swap the car. It started with the mindset of a basic swap, with plans to continue modifying it. But then, things really snowballed—LOL. Once the engine was out, I decided to paint the engine bay and undercoat the underside while I had everything else apart. At this point, I decided to go ALL in! I stripped the car down to the bones, powder-coated the subframes and all suspension components, replaced all bushings, and swapped out all hardware with Downstar Hardware, some of which are custom-built bolts.

I built a 6.0L LS engine with a 4L80E transmission using all top-of-the-line components, and of course, Downstar hardware on the entire engine and trans. I decided to go with a twin-turbo setup and reached out to Blake Barr with 850Fab to help me with this, as I’m no welder. Blake took my idea of how I wanted the setup done and absolutely nailed it! Once I got the car back from Blake, I decided to start on the exterior.

This Magnificent build is featured in our Modified BMW Magazine, available from Amazon and Etsy

BMW 335i Exterior Customizations: A Unique Blend of Style and Function

I cut the OEM roof out and installed an M3 carbon fiber roof, then painted the car a custom-mixed red. I had full carbon doors custom-built, which was a task since I wanted to retain factory windows and keep them fully functional. As far as I know, I have the only set of full carbon doors with functioning OEM windows for an E90. The front and rear bumpers are custom-built; we took an OEM E90 bumper and a 1M bumper, then cut and molded them together. I also cut the factory hood, made templates for the cutouts, and sent them to Reggie Built for custom carbon fiber and titanium trim plates for the exhaust and intake.

For the wheels, I flew out to Arizona to meet with the guys at Variant Wheels to discuss the design. Within a few hours, they had a hand-drawn design ready and started working on all the CAD drawings. We ended up creating a one-off set of 17-inch 3-piece wheels with carbon fiber inner and outer barrels and a Satin Gunmetal finish on the face.

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

BMW 335i Interior Craftsmanship: Carbon Fiber and Suede Elegance

Once I finished the underside of the car and worked out everything on the exterior, it was time to move to the interior. I installed a carbon fiber dash, door panels, and rear seat delete. The headliner and pillar panels were finished in black suede to wrap up the interior. Every bolt in the car has been changed out to Downstar beauty washers and stainless steel Allen bolts.

The Experience: A Car Like No Other

The attention to detail really sets this car apart. Every time you look at it, you’ll find something you didn’t notice the first time. I took the time to touch every bolt on the car and change them out, even the ones hidden behind panels that people will never see. Owning this car is a blast—it catches everyone’s eye, even when I’m just driving down the road. The intake poking out of the hood and that twin-turbo V8 sound is like nothing else. Unfortunately, I don’t drive the car as much as I’d like to because I’m trying to keep it extremely safe until SEMA, but the power is unreal!

The LS engine in a 2008 LS swapped BMW 335i

BMW 335i Build List:

BMW 335i Exterior:

Custom built (1 off) Variant Wheels carbon fiber front and rear barrels 17x8.5 +25 17x9.5
Toyo Proxes 888R Tires 235/40-17 Front 275/40-17 Rear
Carbon fiber roof
Custom built Carbon Fiber Doors with fully functional OEM windows (only E90 in the
world with this setup)
Carbon fiber CLS trunk
Custom red paint
LT motorsports M1 Front Bumper
Carbon fiber M1 front lip
M1 Rear Bumper
Carbon fiber rear diffuser
M3 Side Skirts
Carbon fiber side skirt extensions
Carbon fiber mirrors
Reggie Built exhaust trim plates carbon fiber and titanium
Reggie Built a center hood trim plate. Carbon fiber and titanium

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i interior

BMW 335i Interior:

Holley Dash Pack
Carbon fiber door panels
Carbon fiber dash
Suede headliner
Suede interior panels
Corbeau seats
Corbeau seat rails
Custom rear seat delete
BAF K Brace

BMW 335i Engine:

Fully Built LS 6.0
Boostline connecting rods
Wiseco pistons
BTR STG3 TT Camshaft
Frankenstein M311 heads
Performance Design carbon fiber intake manifold
Performance Design carbon fiber valve covers
Meziere electric water pump
Full custom built turbo system (hot side and cold side)
Hood exit exhaust
Vs racing twin 70/70 turbos
Vs racing 50mm WG’s
VS racing BOV’s
Bosch 210 fuel injectors
Fuelab fuel Pressure Regulator
Fuelab surge tank with dual fuel pumps
Holley Terminator Max ECU
Condor Solid engine mounts
LSE90 swap engine brackets
LSE90 EKP bypass Harness
LSE90 CanBus
All Downstar hardware and beauty washers

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i wheel shot

BMW 335i Suspension::

All components powder coated
Downstar hardware on all components
Powerflex USA bushings
D2 Airride Suspension

Who Did the Work?

I did 90% of the work myself. Blake Barr with 850Fab did all the custom fabrication and welding on the car, and of course, I had some help from my friends along the way—Josh, Cody, and Travis.

Future Plans: What’s Next for the BMW 335i?

There are a few things on my wish list. I want to install an iPad and improve the car’s audio system—driving without music isn’t ideal. I also need to finish the A/C system because it’s kind of HOT down here in the South! I’m also in communication with Nelson Racing Design to turn the car into a full carbon build next year.

2008 LS swapped BMW 335i