Induction Kits and chipping

[Adil786]

I'm finally having fun with my 325 now that it's working 100% (for now!!), and was just reading into chipping and induction kits. I've always loved the sound of induction kits. Never so keen on simple chips with no dyno sheets to prove anything!

What do people recommend?

For induction kits, K&N vs pipercross battle goes on! But would be after a decent heat shield - any good ones out there?

As for chipping, do they work?? Doing some maths, power = RPM * torque. So an increase in 500rpm gives you about 500/6200 * 171bhp = +14 bhp from changing the redline (assuming torque remains the same from 6200rpm - 6700rpm).

So do chips do anything to the bottom end ie more torque, smoother curve etc?

[Bob_S]

wouldnt bother with an induction kit, maybe a reliable chip from a reputable dealer

[Dezzy]

BMW air boxes don't restrict air flow. There will be know gain's to be had. Infact induction kits are known to make the car suffer from heat soak. Just a k&n pannel or the likes in the standard box would be my advice

[billgatese30]

I'm finally having fun with my 325 now that it's working 100% (for now!!), and was just reading into chipping and induction kits. I've always loved the sound of induction kits. Never so keen on simple chips with no dyno sheets to prove anything!

What do people recommend?

For induction kits, K&N vs pipercross battle goes on! But would be after a decent heat shield - any good ones out there?

As for chipping, do they work?? Doing some maths, power = RPM * torque. So an increase in 500rpm gives you about 500/6200 * 171bhp = +14 bhp from changing the redline (assuming torque remains the same from 6200rpm - 6700rpm).

So do chips do anything to the bottom end ie more torque, smoother curve etc?

BHP = (628*RPM*lbs.ft)/33000

however, max torque and power aren't necessarily at the current rev limit. iirc for an m20b25 its something like 4200rpm for max torque and 6000 for max power, just by raising the rev limit by 500 rpm won't give you 14bhp

[ShepsEvo3]

BMW air boxes don't restrict air flow. There will be know gain's to be had. Infact induction kits are known to make the car suffer from heat soak. Just a k&n pannel or the likes in the standard box would be my advice

What he said!

Also, they are worth remapping too. But gains vary on condition of the engine and mods done.

[Speedtouch]

As for chipping, do they work??

So do chips do anything to the bottom end ie more torque, smoother curve etc?

A good chip can make a significant difference overall, by eliminating the flat spots in the standard BMW program making for improved driveability, better get up & go/throttle response, improved mpg and of course, a raised rev limit.

I can supply either Mild or Wild for £30 posted for the later 1988-on facelift 325i.

[Nay]

My mate has a chip from Speedtouch and it is a destinctive improvement. Engine is much smoother throughout and delivers the power better.

If going for the induction kits (i like them myself, but people on here refuse to try them!) I'd either make (or possibly buy) a good heatshield and route my induction to a good spot. Otherwise, consider a cold air induction. The ones with a long, flexible tube off the top, and fully inclosed to get cold air from the floor under the engine or routed to a better place. My advice is to nick the wife's tights, and attach it over the end to aviod as much debris as possible. Keep the remains for creating more "filters". Change every now and then. Rubish flying up those tubes is not good.

A standard car (even with a chip) will not really see any benifits though from a (rather expensive) induction kit, and probably just make your car burn a tadd more fuel... but the sound you get is worth it

[fuzzy]

a simple £200 chip gave me a over 70bhp more rolling road proven

[fishingtourer]

ahh the joys of turbo power

[Adil786]

Thanks for the advice. I'll source a panel k&n in that case, and Speedtouch - you have mail!

[Speedtouch]

PM sent

[m666w]

i got a k&n induction kit , i did'nt notice any gains from it , but imo sounds great

[oomz1975]

i got a k&n induction kit , i did'nt notice any gains from it , but imo sounds great

Same here, I am interested in the chip.

[Speedtouch]

PM sent, oomz1975.

Thanks,

[bpowell555]

Speedtouch, me too