Interest in Bolt on Turbo kit?

[bradnic]

How do you think it will compare to the m3 with a better driver running 15 lbs of boost?

With 15 lbs and a 4.10 I suspect you'd be unbeatable. That's a boat-load of boost for a stock M42 though, forged bottom end and all. You'll def need arp studs and a new exhaust setup with that kind of pressure. Def not an 'entry' level setup I'd say.

PO went cheap on my M42 turbo setup, including I suspect not replacing the head bolts when he pulled the head. I had all sorts of oil and coolant leak issues, spent quite a bit on a gorgeous custom 3 piece exhaust setup. I have other E30s and the M3 so decided to go back to stock on this one, at least for now. Reading this thread though so... :-)

[BimmerJones]

Fair enough, it was a teenage kid driving so that may have been a factor, videos are in the works. We ran from 20 to 100 mph so the test was plenty long enough though. Having never driven a e46 m3 I couldn't tell you first hand how they compare so I'll take your word for it. Once I hit full boost in third though I pulled away quite decisively. Once again may have been error on the driver or just a ragged out s54 but needless to say it was a great feeling. How do you think it will compare to the m3 with a better driver running 15 lbs of boost?

[jakeb]

Thanks for the kind words man!! Glad you are digging it. Always happy to help a fellow BMW owner.

Awesome!! Would be cool to have a kit for the M20 also ;) *hint hint*

hehe, a bolt on m20 kit is actually on the list. I need a car tho to build the kit on and then tune. If someone in Michigan or that is close wants to bring me a car I'll build a kit and tune for cost. Or if anyone has a cheap m20 e30 for sale close to michigan I might be into buying one.

[bradnic]

I'm walking stock e46 m3's

I have no doubt your m42 turbo with 9 psi and a 4.10 is plenty quick. But either the M3 car and/or driver was having problems or there's something else going on - test too short, blah blah.

I have an E46 M3. I also just pulled the turbo off my 318is M42 setup running 8 psi about 6-9 months ago. It was damn fast with just that little boost - much faster than the 06 Mini R53 john cooper works we just sold. but no friggin way could it keep up with the M3.

take some vids brah.

[S13_E30]

Awesome!! Would be cool to have a kit for the M20 also ;) *hint hint*

He would probably need another donor car to mock one up.

[ttrreevvoorr]

Awesome!! Would be cool to have a kit for the M20 also ;) *hint hint*

[BimmerJones]

I plan on visiting the dyno as soon as I get the tune squared away for a full bar of boost, right now it's around 9 psi so I can't wait to feel 14.7. Probably about a month or two away. I'm at work but will post pictures tonight.

[beta14ok]

Golly.......that, (^), sound really nice! Thanks for the review. I now wish I had ponied-up when I had the coin earlier this year.....next year I s'pose.

I look forward to pic's and the ever elusive dyno report.

[S13_E30]

This makes me regret selling my E30 :/

[BimmerJones]

This kit is phenomenal.

Hey guys, I have purchased this kit and the car is up and running! I have to say first that Jake is an awesome guy to work with, he has helped me every step of the way, with installation and trouble shooting little miscellaneous issues.

Now to the kit, quality of all the pieces is fantastic, all the welds look great on the manifold and downpipe. The intercooler piping is bead rolled, I had him powder coat mine gloss black, nice finish. I did have to go to the auto parts for a few little things here and there, but anyone with a little more experience than myself could easily knock this out is a weekend. I had some issues from user error installing the injectors and when I let Jake know what was going on he sent me a new set just in case. When I was running into no start issues, Jake sent me another dme with the tune installed, that he checked on his friends car to make sure it was working, now that's customer service.

First impressions with driving the car... It is amazing. The power is just incredible especially after 4,000 rpms, so much torque! It really throws you back in your seat and it has made me fall in love with my e30 all over again. I can't wait to install a fresh head gasket with arp studs and crank up the boost! It the form it's in now, I bolted this kit on to a stock 165k mile motor and it seems to be loving it. I'm walking stock e46 m3's and driving the car is just an absolute blast. I was originally going to buy another e30 to drive daily but this car is so much fun I couldn't imagine not driving it everyday.

I can't stress enough how great of a seller Jake has been to work with and he hasn't shrunk or disappeared at any issue and is continuing to help me out on a daily basis. Anyone on the fence thinking about it, I'm telling you from experience, just go for it. I'll post pictures asap and continue to let you guys know what is happening but it is by far and above the most fun car I have every driven and the power finally matches the handling characteristics of this lovely machine BMW made.

[MF DOOM]

many people are waiting

[mcmahonbj]

many people are waiting

[jakeb]

One of the guys with an installed kit has his car up and running now. He is going to Chime in soon with his first impressions. I could quote what he told me but would rather it come direct from him.

[AustinK425]

Updates?

[rasjgo1]

bump, what's the word