320i peformance mods
Moderator: martauto
hi chaps i have a 320i cabby, looking to get some more power out of it, i have serviced it and will be getting a stainless catback exhuast, what else can i do to get more power out of it? i did read on another fourm some mods recommended like chip/larger throttle body/flywheel/colder plugs etc.. just would liek to know other peoples set ups and links to the products if possible
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Cloggy Saint
- Old Skooler
- Posts: 8024
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: zummerzet
This is the fact of the matter unfortunately. You can chuck a lot of time and money at a 320 but you'll never see a reasonable return in power. Enjoy it for what it is or go for a bigger engine.
E30 zone - promoting adult illiteracy since 2004
There's a post of someone selling performance chips!!!
I also have an M20B20 and over time will be putting on mods/renewing components to get the most out of the engine. Just a shame how expensive the dizzy caps and ignition lead sets are!! Those will all be bought new at some point along with the coil. Things like a fresh fuel filter will probably help too.
Also have you had the valve/tappets checked and adjusted recently?
Oh and what catback are you going to get??? I'm interested in seeing the sound comparison vs the stock system. I do have a video of my completely stock system but can't attach it (maybe too large so might make a youtube video for it or edit it down)
I also have an M20B20 and over time will be putting on mods/renewing components to get the most out of the engine. Just a shame how expensive the dizzy caps and ignition lead sets are!! Those will all be bought new at some point along with the coil. Things like a fresh fuel filter will probably help too.
Also have you had the valve/tappets checked and adjusted recently?
Oh and what catback are you going to get??? I'm interested in seeing the sound comparison vs the stock system. I do have a video of my completely stock system but can't attach it (maybe too large so might make a youtube video for it or edit it down)
1990 4-door 320i SE
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
The "best bang per buck", as our transatlantic friends say, is to ensure that your engine is running as it was when it left the factory. You'll get far more return for your money by ensuring that the injectors are working properly, all pipework is sound, and all adjustments are correct, than by spending money on anything exotic.
Having said that, a reasonably priced 'chip', made for the UK market, can make small gains that just about justify its purchase. BMW design their engines for a wide range of conditions, and you're not likely to want to drive at 20,000 feet, in temperatures below -20 or above +40, or to run on very dubious quality fuel in the UK, so the engine parameters can be tweaked to suit UK conditions.
Having said that, a reasonably priced 'chip', made for the UK market, can make small gains that just about justify its purchase. BMW design their engines for a wide range of conditions, and you're not likely to want to drive at 20,000 feet, in temperatures below -20 or above +40, or to run on very dubious quality fuel in the UK, so the engine parameters can be tweaked to suit UK conditions.