Teach me m20 performance mods

[Tsweers89]

ving never nodded a m20 I don't know were to start. Intake, chip and all that crap I think is probably not worth the money. I know FI is a good option but does anyone make a bolt on kit? Anyways I have a customer me a very nice 2002 that has a m20 in it that they track with. She is wanting some more power out of it. She was thinking stoker kit. I wouldn't have an issue with FI but then reliability comes into play and I'd want something that she wouldn't have to worry about. Any input would be great. I heard spec e30 guys get quite a bit of hp out of there NA m20s. If I do go stoker it would be with a stroker kit not with just a 2.7 bottom end swap. Would it then in turn need to run a full standalone system?

[nando]

if it's a 2002 I don't think a turbo M20 makes sense. a stroker with a decent head build and some RHD ITBs seems like it would be a better fit.

you can run it on the stock computer but you're better off with something aftermarket. in the US, Megasquirt on an M20 has been done a billion times, and there is good support with things like Whodwho's plug and play kits that are designed specifically for the M20.

[Tsweers89]

if it's a 2002 I don't think a turbo M20 makes sense. a stroker with a decent head build and some RHD ITBs seems like it would be a better fit.

you can run it on the stock computer but you're better off with something aftermarket. in the US, Megasquirt on an M20 has been done a billion times, and there is good support with things like Whodwho's plug and play kits that are designed specifically for the M20.

If possible I would like to stay away from stand alones. The customer isn't really tech savvy and would rather it be easier for him. I know TCD has some kits for the m20 which just add a chip and fuel pressure regulator but I don't know if it will fit in the 2002 platform.

[nando]

that's like 2001 tech. I guess it works but that's not what you do if you want to build a custom motor. a stroker doesn't need a bigger FPR anyway.

If you can get it tuned by somebody experienced there's really no reason to stay away from a standalone. once it's set, you don't really have to mess with it. your customer shouldn't have to touch it (and in fact, I would recommend that they don't).

[Tsweers89]

that's like 2001 tech. I guess it works but that's not what you do if you want to build a custom motor. a stroker doesn't need a bigger FPR anyway.

If you can get it tuned by somebody experienced there's really no reason to stay away from a standalone. once it's set, you don't really have to mess with it. your customer shouldn't have to touch it (and in fact, I would recommend that they don't).

Very true being 2001 tech but for the money vs power increase its worth more then going stroker motor. Also I'd definitely say with a tcd stage 1 it would be quite reliable. We have a meeting next weekend with the customer to go over his goals and such so should have a better idea of what he is looking for. He doesn't seem to know much on the perfomance side of it and doesn't really have a budget in mind but I did say what if it were $7k and he didn't bat an eye over it so I'd say with whatever way we go he is ok with.

[ahrensNW]

Do you really live in Wisconsin? I can't understand your English. Even a stroker won't gain you that much power compared to forced induction, and your main argument for forced induction is reliability. Turbo m20s can be very reliable if done correctly.

[digger]

id rather a nice responsive predictable NA engine in a light car like a 2002 that sees time on the track

[Tsweers89]

Do you really live in Wisconsin? I can't understand your English. Even a stroker won't gain you that much power compared to forced induction, and your main argument for forced induction is reliability. Turbo m20s can be very reliable if done correctly.

Maybe you speak Spanish and that's why you can't understand me??? Anyways FI is out of the question as I called TCD and he stated due to steering linkage that no under mount turbo will work so it would all have to be pretty custom or eBay crap. So back to square one.

[LowR3V'in]

Hey I edited this allot because I reread your post
it's really hard to fully understand if you don't slow down and try to figure out what word u are trying to use.

but tell your costumer to not waste money on chips and dips like u said because non of that stuff is really going to do anything within reason.
3.0. ITB. Headers. Custom intake. 10:1. race only cam that doesn't run right.
Know what I'm saying? Tell her to leave it stock or get a slick nitrous system.

[ahrensNW]

Nope, it really sounds like you are fresh off the boat. Now that your posts have been edited it is much more comprehensible.

Anyways, since a turbo is off the table a stroker build is really your best option. However, the ceiling for a stroked m20 is rather low.

[redlightpete]

You might want to check out the Miller "Pro Street Induction Kit". It is a 'system' of the common m20 bolt-ons. I have no personal experience with it, but if it was way off its claims, I would have expected to see some evidence on this forum. Potentially 1/3 of the gains of a full-tilt stroker at 1/10 of the price.

[digger]

You might want to check out the Miller "Pro Street Induction Kit". It is a 'system' of the common m20 bolt-ons. I have no personal experience with it, but if it was way off its claims, I would have expected to see some evidence on this forum. Potentially 1/3 of the gains of a full-tilt stroker at 1/10 of the price.

Few people prove anything on these forums most don't have the money to spend for power runs, the lack of independent test means the jury is still out IMO.