Where's the torque??

[joonsup]

So after driving two of my friends' e30 I realized that I don't have the same amount of torque. One of them has LSD and the other one doesnt. However on both cars I can feel it "pull", especially in 2nd gear. Mine on the other hand feels like there's no torque and does not give me that same feeling of "pull". My friends also confirmed that same feeling or "lack of torque" feeling

A friend of mine suggested a valve adjustement which he did for me this past weekend. The engine is a lot quieter now compared to all the loud ticking noise. However I still don't feel that "torquey" feeling. Any suggestions as what could lead to that or help improve that as far as maintenance wise? Thanks

I've replaced the spark plugs (not wires/ or cap/rotor), did timing belt/water pump after i got the car (4 months ago). Fuel pressure was fine.

Someone suggested that the timing belt be off by a tooth? Or timing belt not properly installed? I don't have a timing gun so I can't check that right away. Vacuum leak somewhere? I tried swapping the AFM with my friend's car and that didn't do anything. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

btw I have a 1990 325i

[kishg]

mileage on motor?

[Erick]

If the timing belt was off by a tooth, your car would sound like a Subaru and run like REAL crap.

Vacuum leak doesn't fit, because once you're full throttle you could slice your intake boot in two and it wouldn't matter.

How many miles on the motor? Does it burn any oil? You sure your buddies don't have a shorter ratio diff?

[ieatpeople]

You sure your buddies don't have a shorter ratio diff?

^this.

[jlevie]

If you feel a loss of power when at WOT, check to see if the WOT switch in the TPS is operating.

[joonsup]

there is 247K miles on it so far. WOT switch? hmmm ok I will have to check that out.

One of my friends has the 4.10 LSD? (sorry if i didn't say it right) The other friend has stock differential. I was under the impression that the 89-91 came with the same open differential? no?

[kishg]

probably needs a rebuild..

[joonsup]

probably needs a rebuild..

could you fill me in as to what that would consist of? thanks

[SpecM]

five-speed 89-91s came with open 3.73's, with LSD as an option. only auto 325i's and most m3s came with a 4.10, LSD in the M3 and optional in the 325i. But, the diffs are an easy and common updrade on five-speed 325i's

replace the cap/rotor, clean out the TB, and check for the operation of the TPS (aka "WOT switch"), and realize that a car with almost a quarter of a million miles on it is probably down on compression a bit

ALSO: what kind of plugs are you running?

[joonsup]

five-speed 89-91s came with open 3.73's, with LSD as an option. only auto 325i's and most m3s came with a 4.10, LSD in the M3 and optional in the 325i. But, the diffs are an easy and common updrade on five-speed 325i's

replace the cap/rotor, clean out the TB, and check for the operation of the TPS (aka "WOT switch"), and realize that a car with almost a quarter of a million miles on it is probably down on compression a bit

ALSO: what kind of plugs are you running?

i just switched plugs to some bosche platinum ones. The 3 dollar ones. I understand that the car has a lot of miles but both my friends' e30 have similar miles. Maybe the top end was rebuilt on theres, i dunno. I'll try to check the TPS. I thought the TPS was separate from the WOT switch. What a newb I am.

[Red88]

i just switched plugs to some bosche platinum ones. The 3 dollar ones. I understand that the car has a lot of miles but both my friends' e30 have similar miles. Maybe the top end was rebuilt on theres, i dunno. I'll try to check the TPS. I thought the TPS was separate from the WOT switch. What a newb I am.

Are you running hot or do you have a rough idle due to the platinum plugs?

[mikegar]

do your friends have by chance etas? etas swapped with 3.73 gearing ratio or a chip?

[nando]

platinum plugs are a no-no on an M20. try NGK BPR5ES instead, gapped to .032

[joonsup]

Are you running hot or do you have a rough idle due to the platinum plugs?

my idle is good right now and my temp is less than half way

do your friends have by chance etas? etas swapped with 3.73 gearing ratio or a chip?

One of my friends has 4.10 lsd but no etas. My other friend I keep making fun of him saying that his car as a super eta or what not, but when he bought his car on craigslist the guy said the top end was rebuilt

platinum plugs are a no-no on an M20. try NGK BPR5ES instead, gapped to .032

oh crap. Ok I'm going to get new plugs tomorrow. are the ones you listed readily available at the local auto store or do i need to order them? Thanks for the information.

[nando]

I got BPR6ES (one heat range colder) at napa for $2 a peice over the counter, so they should have them in stock almost everywhere.

Bosch plugs are OK but I made the switch and I don't think I'll be going back. :)