Turbo 325e (85), Safe Power Levels/Tuning

[NickAlero]

Hey all,
Looking to add some pep to my 85 325e's step. Its a completely stock 2.7, and I'm not really sure where to start. Not looking for crazy power, just safe levels at this point. Also, what is the preferred tuning suite for these cars?

Thanks all.

Nick

[NickAlero]

no one?

[CW325]

the stock computer can handle low boost setups which is what most people use for daily driving

[ScHpAnKy]

swap the head for an 885 and motronic 1.3 setup, get a turbo manifold and a matching turbo

eta bottom + motronic 1.3 head = turbo monstar

[Hey_You]

Pretty sure the OP doesn't want to swap over the head and convert from 1.1 to 1.3. But that's just my guess.

[Helltime]

I am curious about this myself, i was using a modded 1.8T GTI for summer DD (i know its fwd, thats why i picked up the e30!) and after driving that a low power NA setup leaves much to be desired haha. I have a very nicely running 325e motor i'm about to pull out of my parts car that i am sure would hold up nicely.

[CW325]

swapping an i head onto the eta block isnt much of a hp gain but it does raise the revlimiter

[einstein57]

seems like the eta has a lot of crap you don't want. Al those extra things bolted to the manifold that are intended to only see vacuum.

[Sagaris]

swapping an i head onto the eta block isnt much of a hp gain but it does raise the revlimiter

hp=torque*(RPM/5252)

As long as the airflow through the head is decent above the ETA redline then increasing RPM by swapping an "i" head WILL increase horsepower.

[CW325]

hp=torque*(RPM/5252)

As long as the airflow through the head is decent above the ETA redline then increasing RPM by swapping an "i" head WILL increase horsepower.

thanks for clearing that up

[NickAlero]

I don't mind the headswap, my only problem/curiosity is how I would tune it. I'm honestly looking at going low boost turbo (8-12psi) or ls1 route, I have the means for fabrication either way..

Can the stock ECU support something like a rising fuel pressure regulator? How would a setup like that work?

[CW325]

the stock ecu can handle up to 30 lb injectors iirc

[MR 325]

If you want 8-12 psi then you're going to need aftermarket engine management like Megasquirt. Trying to get it to run right is like making applesauce with lemons. Also, most people don't consider 8-12 psi all that low of boost. ;)

[The Humjet]

Here is my little step by step guide on how I'd approach it.
Step 1: Do the 885 head swap with 1.3 motronics.
Step 2: Get yourself a pnp MS2 box from whodwho his kit makes it very easy to install and tune.
Step 3: Learn to tune with megasquirt while it's still NA
Step 4: Add boost. ;)

Don't play around with rrfpr's and ebay turbo chips. People who tune it right tend to fluke it. You'd want to control fuel AND timing that's what gets you power.

[NickAlero]

If you want 8-12 psi then you're going to need aftermarket engine management like Megasquirt. Trying to get it to run right is like making applesauce with lemons. Also, most people don't consider 8-12 psi all that low of boost. ;)

My last car was a daily driven Mitsubishi Galant Vr-4 (4g63t) at 20-25psi. 8 feels like such a small number! haha

So I could run 5-7psi without engine management? Obviously thats not how you make optimal power, but its doable?