Best performance upgrades for a 316i?

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stefano30
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:21 pm

What is the most benificial way to add a few more BHP to my 316i? Ive heard mixed reviews about chipping, and ive heard swapping parts from an S14 would also be beneficial. I don't want to do a whole engine conversion just now, so bear that in mind.

Any tips, tricks? Also, is chipping worth it?

Thanks again
ross_jsy
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:24 pm

Don't waste your money on it and save up for an m20/50/52 is my advice.

A chip might liven it up a touch but don't expect anything radical. Your best bet is to service it and get it running like new.
Grrrmachine
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:28 pm

There aren't any.

You're driving a BMW. They made it what it is; there isn't any bolt-on bullshit that will yield any power gains, so don't try. You've got a sub-two-litre four-banger; deal with it.

Now that the harsh news is out of the way, what you CAN do is return it to the way BMW intended it. Full service with all new filters and fluids, and pull the injectors to be reconditioned by Injectortune (check the Traders section for info). Claim back as many horses as you can from its factory condition, and your car will thank you for it far more than any Halfrauds bargain bin add-ons would provide.

And stay away from any aftermarket HT leads, cone filters or other crap that promises the earth but never delivers.
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stefano30
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:33 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:There aren't any.

You're driving a BMW. They made it what it is; there isn't any bolt-on bullshit that will yield any power gains, so don't try. You've got a sub-two-litre four-banger; deal with it.

Now that the harsh news is out of the way, what you CAN do is return it to the way BMW intended it. Full service with all new filters and fluids, and pull the injectors to be reconditioned by Injectortune (check the Traders section for info). Claim back as many horses as you can from its factory condition, and your car will thank you for it far more than any Halfrauds bargain bin add-ons would provide.

And stay away from any aftermarket HT leads, cone filters or other crap that promises the earth but never delivers.
Just finished a full service, oils, water pump, belts etc. Anyway, guess ill use if to pretend i'm a drift expert until i can afford a bigger engine.
Grrrmachine
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:39 pm

Like I said, don't underestimate the improvement an injector refurb can bring. I got a 6% gain in fuel flow when I did mine.
DanThe
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 7:52 pm

£50 odd for 4 injectors to be refurbed, you'd be better off putting that money towards a 325i transplant
Grrrmachine
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:17 pm

The kind of person who enquires about performance upgrades on a 316i is the kind that can't afford the insurance on a 325i :wink:
jmc330i
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:44 pm

stefano30 wrote: ive heard swapping parts from an S14 would also be beneficial.
First things that spring to mind are the cylinder head and ITBs.... but only if they are still attached to the rest of the S14 block!

Don't know where you heard that but, I'm not sure there's much that can be swapped.
James
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polsta
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 9:32 pm

316i, performance upgrades 8O :D whatever next, just slam it and fit 17" alpina reps and be done with it
anothere21323i
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 9:36 pm

DanThe wrote:£50 odd for 4 injectors to be refurbed, you'd be better off putting that money towards a 325i transplant
I agree - especially as I know where such a package happens to be residing and for sale at a bargainous price! :D
magpie
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Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:36 pm

an m42 :D
Image
m52 b30 stroker 6-speed 318is Galvanizer
m42 touring
+ a yard full of scrap turds :)
Hyperion
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Fri Nov 29, 2013 1:16 am

Just my 2 cents, not much you can do with the 316i in terms of power. If i were you i would look at suspension mods and weight saving to get a little more out of the car, then maybe an exhaust and some nice 15 inch rims. Then enjoy the car for what it is.
cypriot_boy_2k7
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Fri Nov 29, 2013 2:20 am

Turbo
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andyp
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Fri Nov 29, 2013 7:39 am

start saving for an M42 swap if you cant get insurance for an M20 swap, but don't waste any money on the engine you have.
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