Best Performance mods for the buck

[TheyCallMeDale]

OK back on topic i dont want this thred to be closed

[nando]

your question was answered - the only bolt on that really makes a difference is a chip. everything else is looks/sound without serious internal modifications.

[TheyCallMeDale]

i asked another one concerning flywheels, kinda got lost in the argument i guess

[chris_leo]

Just for the record, the gentleman Mrs. Josh was arguing with actually does make those numbers.

In fact, he probably has the best running non-M E30 in Southern California.

Just so you all know he's not making this up.

Anyway, back on topic. There was an article in BMW car a while back where they swapped out the AFM for a MAF unit. After some dyno tuning they recorded a 20lb-ft increase at the rear wheels. I'm looking at the dyno chart they put in the article right now and there is a lot of area under the torque curve. Torque is at 191.1 lb-ft at 4312 RPM. That is up from 172.2 at 4352 rpm. I'd say start with a well running car, then add the MAF setup. From there you can optimize fuel and ignition settings for each subsequent modification- hence getting the most bang for your buck. Edit: These are at the wheel numbers, not crank numbers. Assuming the typical 20% drivetrain loss normally associated with BMWs, those are pretty impressive numbers.

If anyone wants to host the article, I'll scan it so you all can see.

Cheers.

[Jonathan M3]

I'd say the best hp mod you can is a MAF conversion, though a chip is also good but doesn't yield as much of a power increase(except for maybe an ETA).

[F|2eeSTy|e]

I don't want to continue that arguement from earlier in this thread... But, I am curious. I was reading somewhere and it seemed that they too listed 2 different HP... Like bmw_e30 had shown. This isnt wrong, but it would not be accurate to go around saying you have 200hp, if in actuality you only have like 160 at the wheels. Is this statement correct?

I was confused by this earlier when looking at the stock number on our cars... some sites would say like 170 hp and then list another hp... like the rwhp listing? Neither are wrong; but one is more accurate when stating what your car actually puts to the road?

(On Topic) Does the Jim C. chip put out the highest hp, or are they all pretty simular as far as gains?

[chris_leo]

The JC chip is so wonderful because its tuned for partial and full throttle openings. The Dinan chip is tuned for WOT.

I can't recall which has higher peak output though, I'm assuming JC.

As for horsepower, which is just a mathematical equation anyway, you'd be more accurate in telling rwhp.

But if you want to be more accurate, give torque numbers at the wheels.

[TheyCallMeDale]

arent the MAF conversions rediculously expensive? I dont know of anyone who actually has one. Also, if you convert to an MAF or larger m30 afm will your jim c chip still work?

[theberglar]

Calm down everyone, all it takes is a little 7th grade ratio math:

(Stock) 147 rwhp / 168 flywheel hp = (Chip, Intake, Exhaust) 159.6 rwhp / (x) flywheel hp
x = 182 flywheel hp.

Or if you want to think about it this way,
Drivetrain loss = 21 hp / 168hp = 12.5%
159.6 rwhp / 87.5% = 182 flywheel hp

Granted, it wasn't the same car, but it's safe to assume TCD's stock hp is about equal to any 325i stock hp. So, chip, intake, and exhaust add about 14 flywheel hp. There.

[chris_leo]

12.5% drivetrain loss is too low for a BMW.

Think more around 18%-20% loss. I've seen dyno charts, in fact I just saw one on s14.net, that verified my theory.

Anyway, good math.

[TCD]

BMW driveline loss is NOT 18-20% with a manual tranny. 12-14% is more likely. European car claims 14% or less for manual tranny BMWs.
Todd

[bmw_e30]

BMW driveline loss is NOT 18-20% with a manual tranny. 12-14% is more likely. European car claims 14% or less for manual tranny BMWs.
Todd

No. It is closer to 17-18% for 15-20 year old cars. 14 % is for a FWD Honda/Toyota if you are lucky......

Chris_Leo is pretty right on the money.

Just because someone got 147 rwhp on a stock M20 (Which is very high but not impossible) doesn't mean that is the baseline for MY car.

The guy that dynoed my car gave me the figures and said because Dynapacks are pretty accurate compared to other dynos, you use 1.23 for RWD cars instead of 1.21 or 1.22 like you do for Dynojets or Mustangs.

[m42technic]

Wait, are we talking about an ETA here?

[rwh11385]

arent the MAF conversions rediculously expensive? I dont know of anyone who actually has one. Also, if you convert to an MAF or larger m30 afm will your jim c chip still work?

not anymore supposedly. Someone on this forum bought a 328 one for like $50 and used a SMT-6 or whatever. That's what i think.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1591

"I said it first on the BEN and notbody bought in on it, but it is true,

MAF conversions don´t have to cost an arm and a leg, " - gs tuning

[TCD]

I KNOW that my e28 does not consume 18-20% in the driveline and the 325 uses the same tranny.
Todd