help me tune a 320i

[dazzaboy]

can any one point me in the right direction with tuning a 320i, i am after performance but i dont want to spend mega money, please help

[Davenotouring]

I would honestly suggest getting a 2.5 engine to drop in. (Prop, gearbox, ECU, and diff)

That's what I did. You aren't gonna get the gains per pound in a 320i that you would with putting in a 2.5 engine. 40bhp+ for £400 +-£100

[ed325i]

Put a 325 inlet maifold and throttle body on it, Chip the ECU.

[mark320i]

or drop the whole thing in! just done it to my 320i, got it
running the other day and took it up the road. . .holy shit!
pulls like a train! 3rd gear is an absolute monster! running it off
the 2.0ltr box and diff, off the mark its quick as!

[daimlerman]

Get a 525e short motor,mine cost 100 quid,uses no more fuel but goes like s**t of a shovel(so the wife says)

[Theo]

Or if you dont fancy the hassle of removing and replacing an engine, buy a 325i inlet manifold and throttle body, will make a big difference to the car.

[mark320i]

at first i was recluctant to rip my engine out just for a bit more power, especially
as it was a sound engine! lol, all i can say is that im so glad ive done it!

[dan_emaps]

Does the 325i inlet and bbtb make a fairly noticeable difference on a 320?

[Jhonno]

Does the 325i inlet and bbtb make a fairly noticeable difference on a 320?

yes

Better to leave the 2.5 attached tho

[dazzaboy]

thanks lads, i think i will go for the inlet manifold and throttle body mod for now as it has to be a lot cheaper, any more tips will be greatly apprietiated

[cliffybabe]

thanks lads, i think i will go for the inlet manifold and throttle body mod for now as it has to be a lot cheaper, any more tips will be greatly apprietiated

Big Bore Throtle Body for a 325 and inlet manifold and a ITG zone filter, also I would get a chip of Ant aswell that should spice it up a bit

[mikey-t]

how much increase are we talking with those mods or is it just better reaction / driveability

[StuBeeDoo]

how much increase are we talking with those mods or is it just better reaction / driveability

Personally, I find it a driveability thing. But, there has been talk of 145+bhp with a 325i TB and a 'Zone chip. How true it is, I don't know.
Mine's definately got a lot more mid-range and top-end now, but I haven't had it on any rollers yet.
"Argos" (Andy Everett) or "Templ8e30" (Ian) may have more of an idea about power figures.

[mikey-t]

im still debating wether to buy scrap yard 320i block and do the above or save for 325, if it is quite an increase i wont bother

[Jhonno]

im still debating wether to buy scrap yard 320i block and do the above or save for 325, if it is quite an increase i wont bother

EH?!!

2.5 anyday of the weekl

[mikey-t]

but theres the cost the effort the waititng with a knackred engine!~ then the fact im clueless, and have a drive thats on a 45` angle! not a good look for changing the engine

[Jhonno]

ok im really confused now.. your talking bout putting another 320i block in no? = as much work as dropping a 2.5 in

[e30bmlover]

as brian moore once said... if you are going to put a 325i throttle body on a 320, leave it attatched to the 325i engine.. loveing the sig.

[mikey-t]

oooo i forgot about the diff, thats more expense added to my conversion,

[StuBeeDoo]

You'll also need a chip in the ECU, waste of time doing all this without a chip. Ant will be able to do one although I used a chip from *plug* which was very good.

How fast? On the back straight of the 'Ring, my 320i with these mods and a mega tall 325i 3.64 diff was fast enough for a 325i to need some beans to get by. With the 4.1 standard diff it would have really flown. About 140+ bhp and a worthwhile improvement. Still a bit flat low down but it really frees up the top end.

......And Andy's chipped ECU is now in my Touring. I've got a 3.64 diff in too. Several people have commented that if they hadn't been told, they'd have thought it's a 2.5, the way it drives.