Jd Kuti's LS Swapped 2008 BMW 335i: A Build Born from Passion

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Jd Kuti - 2008 LS Swapped BMW 335i

Instagram:  @LS_335i

By Donnie Rochin

Photographer/Author:

Instagram: @r0cean11

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Listen To The Podcast: Jd Kutis - 2008 LS Swapped BMW 335i Audi Book

 "Quality is not an act; it is a habit." ~ Jd

 2008 BMW 335i: Precision Meets Passion

"Quality is not an act; it is a habit." This mantra, shared by Jd Kuti, reflects his life and his work. At 38, Jd operates Pinnacle Aircraft Engines, a top-tier FAA-certified repair station specializing in piston aircraft engine overhauls. Based in South Alabama, Jd brings the same dedication and meticulous attention to detail that keeps planes flying safely to his automotive builds.

For Jd, building cars isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion rooted in his upbringing, shaped by years of experience, and fueled by a desire for perfection.

The Early Days: A Lifelong Automotive Journey

Growing up, Jd was immersed in the automotive world. His father and his father's friends were heavily involved in drag racing, which meant countless hours in the shop. This exposure ignited a spark that would lead to a lifetime of building cars.

As a teenager in the early 2000s, Jd witnessed the golden era of car culture. The release of The Fast and the Furious served as a catalyst for the scene, inspiring car enthusiasts nationwide. Events like Ocean City’s Hot Rod Week, Funkmaster Flex Car Shows, H2O, and NOPI Nationals became staples of his calendar, laying the foundation for his automotive passion.

2008 BMW 335i: The Hunt for the Perfect Build

When it came time to choose his next project, Jd wanted a car with sleek lines and robust performance. A Honda would have been his default choice, but his wife vetoed the idea, saying, "You're too old for Hondas now." Thus began the search for something more refined yet equally thrilling, which led him to the 2008 BMW 335i.

Jd has owned many vehicles, and none have remained stock for long. His first car, a 1998 Dodge Durango, was a full-blown custom project, featuring shaved door handles, a Cervini hood, House of Kolor Nova Orange paint, and a killer sound system with four 15-inch Rockford Fosgate subs. From there, he transitioned into Hondas, building multiple CRXs, Del Sols, EG and EK hatchbacks, and an S2000 before moving on to the BMW.

Building for Passion, Not Approval

Jd's philosophy is simple: build for yourself, not for others. While he appreciates positive feedback, he doesn’t let negativity from online commenters bother him. "At the end of the day, I didn’t build it for others; it was built for me," he explains.

Jd respects all builds, even those that don’t align with his style. He believes the car scene’s diversity—shaped by individual experiences, cultures, and influences—is what makes it so captivating.

Advice for Aspiring Car Builders

Jd shares valuable wisdom for those embarking on their own car-building journeys:

1. Take Your Time: A rushed build often leads to mistakes and regrets.

2. Build Within Your Budget: Financial overreach can cause frustration and may lead to abandoning the project.

3. Surround Yourself with Supportive Friends: Having people who motivate and encourage you can make all the difference.

The BMW 335i: A Masterpiece of Customization

Jd’s 2008 BMW 335i is a testament to his dedication, featuring countless one-off parts and meticulous craftsmanship. Every bolt and nut has been replaced with stainless steel Allen heads and Downstar hardware.

2008 BMW 335i: Modifications - 

Exterior -

• Custom built (1 off) Variant Wheels carbon fiber front and rear barrels 17x8.5 +25 17x9.5 +32

• 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

• Custom build M1 Rear Bumper

• Carbon fiber rear diffuser

• M3 Side Skirts

• M3 Fenders with Carbon fiber vents

• Carbon fiber side skirt extensions

• Carbon fiber mirrors

• Reggie Built exhaust trim plates with carbon fiber and titanium

• Reggie Built center hood trim plate with carbon fiber and titanium

• Custom-built full carbon fiber housing headlights

Interior -

• Holley Dash Pack

• Carbon fiber door panels

• Carbon fiber dash (iPad mounted in the center)

• Full Carbon Fiber Center Console

• Suede headliner

• Suede interior panels

• Kevmannz carbon fiber seats (black with red hexagon padding)

• Custom seat rails

• Custom carbon fiber rear seat delete

• Custom carbon fiber trunk panels

• BAF K Brace

• Downstar hardware on everything

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

• Jacks performance stage 5 transmission

• B&M shifter

Suspension -

• All components powder coated

• Downstar hardware on all components

• Powerflex USA bushings

• D2 Airride Suspension

Brakes -

• Custom build 6 piston brake kit built by Rolloface

• Floating rotors with custom honeycomb cut

Jd worked tirelessly on this build, with occasional assistance from friends and Blake Barr of 850Fab, who designed the turbo system and fabricated custom brackets.

Looking Ahead: A Full-Carbon Future

Jd’s vision for 2025 includes converting the BMW into a true full-carbon car. This isn’t an overlay project—he plans to disassemble the vehicle completely and create molds for a complete carbon fiber shell.

Community and Recognition

Being part of the car scene has brought Jd invaluable friendships and memories. He’s proud to be a member of the Stature Crew and the 742 Marketing team, both of which provide a sense of family and support at every event.

Traveling the country with his BMW, Jd cherishes the connections he’s made with people who have followed his build online. Winning awards at major shows alongside some of the industry’s most impressive builds is a humbling experience, especially for a car crafted outside the confines of a high-budget shop.

Dream Car

Jd’s dream car is a late 1980s Porsche 911—a timeless icon of automotive excellence.

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