87 5spd situation......

[IneedaRIDE]

Hey guys I bought an 87 325is 5spd a couple days ago and while I'm taking off in first it feels as if the car is lagging. Not enough umf. Idk if I just can't find the bite point or what (haven't driven stick in a while). There is no grinding or pop outs. Shifts perfect but I feel like a slug taking off :(

So what could be the problem/solution?

Would a different diff work? Upgraded maf? Chip? Maybe a new clutch?
Or do I just need to learn how to drive lol

[randomtask37]

sounds like you need more practice. its possible the AFM is gunked up or something, but i doubt it.

to me it sounds like you are fully engaging the clutch at low rpms- maybe around 750-1000, then hitting the gas and the tq isnt kicking in until 3000ish rpms. to get up and go a little quicker you actually need to let the clutch slip some while keeping the rpms higher.

if you really need to get up and go, get the revs up between 2500-4000 and keep them there while your engaging the clutch. dont just drop the clutch, or you will stall or burn out depending on how much throttle your applying

as you let the clutch out, manipulate the throttle to keep the revs up around 3000+rpms. keep the revs up by adding throttle as you release the clutch.

the goal here is to launch without having the clutch fully engaged below 3000rpms

i dont know if that made any sense, but i tried.

[IneedaRIDE]

Thanks randomtask, That might be the case, but when I do have it up that high it's not very smooth and the revs sound really high. I don't look at the rpm's like I should. Ill try it tomorrow and see how it works out

[jlevie]

Without being able to drive the car it is hard to suggest what it might be. But the first thing that comes to mind is a worn and slipping clutch. My suggestion is to have the car examined by a pro.

[Pdxseth]

Sounds to me like the amf. You pay shipping and I will send you a known good one to try out on there. But I need it back so you're gonna have to find one if that's the problem.

[IneedaRIDE]

What if I up the idle rpm's a little bit? Or would that throw off my shifts between gears?

[Pdxseth]

What does your car idle at?

[IneedaRIDE]

It idles at 1250 rpms.
I finally drove it today to get a soda and it fired right up after a while of not being started
So I start to take off and it take right off.. Just perfect! I felt like a pro lol but like randomtask said I had it up in that rpm range but on a flat area..

[randomtask37]

That idle sounds too high to me. Should be around 700ish

[IneedaRIDE]

is it bad that its at 1250?

[Farwest92]

It's not terrible but it is time to begin the search for vacuum leaks.
This is considered normal maintenance on an E30.
There is plenty of information on the Goog.
Good luck.

[IneedaRIDE]

Ok great. Thanks!

[ELVA164]

As a side note, I never get much above 2000rpm on takeoff and the car picks up just fine. I'll admit that I hate slipping clutches and that I'm not that worried about blazing starts from every stop light, but it shouldn't be an issue to start from ~1500rpm. Helps you work on smoothness, too.

[IneedaRIDE]

I like to go fast that's why I bought a 5spd. Lol
Should there be any other noticeable issues with the vac leak?

[ELVA164]

Vacuum leaks can cause things like an uneven idle/hiccup, stumble at partial or trailing throttle, and reduced fuel mileage. A smoke test is a common diagnostic for this, and if that doesn't find anything I would go to the AFM next.