Whats the best performance upgrade???

[nicky51]

Hello. I just wanted to know what are a few things i can do to give a little bump in power for now until i decide to go with a rebuild and forced or a swap. The car is an 87 cabbie and it runs real good now. Yes, already did timing belt. Thanks..

[PReta]

chip

[StereoInstaller1]

Nothing.

Get a good chip (not ebay bullshit, Mark D or Jim C) and do not waste your money trying to make an M20 "a little bit better", none of us here are smarter than BMW.

[nando]

yeah, there really aren't any worthwhile bolt ons to the m20. You pretty much have to build the whole engine to make a serious improvement.

[lifeiskaos]

megasquirt

[xphiledan]

tuneup

[yert315]

here's some perspective for a bolt-on m20-

I had headers to a single 2.5" catless exhaust, chip, and 19lb injectors. I made 139whp on the dyno (worn spark plug wires, so maybe a couple more with them replaced). If you think spending ~$1000 on those mods is worth the horsepower, go for it.

[FREE30]

I dont know....I saw Richie30's M20 when I picked up a part...and thats what I aspire my M20 to be....:pimp:

[nando]

here's some perspective for a bolt-on m20-

I had headers to a single 2.5" catless exhaust, chip, and 19lb injectors. I made 139whp on the dyno (worn spark plug wires, so maybe a couple more with them replaced). If you think spending ~$1000 on those mods is worth the horsepower, go for it.

your engine must have been tired, the spec E30 guys doing stock rebuilds make 150whp all day long, with stock chips.

and actually megasquirt is a good idea, even on a stock engine. you'll gain a bit more than just a chip since you are ditching the AFM, and if you do actually do any bolt ons you'll be able to tune for them.

[nicky51]

Reply

Thanks for the input so far. I mean is a good chip or the megasquirt thing is a noticible improvement for the money? I agree, if your not going to do a rebuild with pistons and all that than there is only so much you can do. Just looking for the things that are a good bang for the buck Thanks...

[nando]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81434

I'd say you would notice a difference, dyno chart on post #13, and that engine was completely stock.

[Wh33lhop]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81434

I'd say you would notice a difference, dyno chart on post #13, and that engine was completely stock.

That guy only made ~137whp even with the the DIYPNP. :p

(Makes me happy I've finally got an M50 in there)

[ZM Blue Devil]

Mark D chip 19lb injectors 160 hp. Smooths the curve and wakes the engine up. All can be done for sub $300.

[Wh33lhop]

Mark D chip 19lb injectors 160 hp. Smooths the curve and wakes the engine up. All can be done for sub $300.

And a valve adjustment. Don't forget to keep up with regular maintenance.

[Vince30]

Just do a little m50 swap for now ;)