top speed

[318isfc3s]

I've searched some but with nothing I'm quite looking for. I've got a 91 318is with a custom stainless 2.5in free flow exhaust to a borla race muffler, K&N drop in filter and the mark d 91 octane chip.
I was running the car the other day and for the life of me, even on a down hill slope couldn't go over 110. I was in 4th at about 6k, I shifted to fifth gear and it still just sat at 110 around 4k. Any ideas why I can't go over 110?

[Cronopoulos]

Terminal velocity was reached.

[Hey-U]

Find a steeper hill.

[318isfc3s]

I would like educated answers please if you would. I have read about some e30's having governors but, mine does not. The car didn't run out of power either since the car was pulling hard until it just stops at 6k in 4th gear. I also saw a calculation for a 318is where I would just run out of gear at I think was 127. Maybe something with the mark d chip?

[318isfc3s]

bump

[Sagaris]

your car will cease to accelerate when the engine output matches the drag forces (aero drag, friction, rolling resistance etc)

to go faster either

increase engine output:
-your compression could be low, have vacuum leaks or other items which decrease your power output

or

decrease drag:
-make sure the tires are properly inflated, everything is well lubricated (including trans, diff, wheel bearings, etc)



there are numerous components to increasing output or decreasing drag, but those are your fundamentals for increasing your top speed until you become limited by the gear ratios + redline.

[kalib0y]

E30s are not very aerodynamic. Try lowering the car and adding a functional splitter?

[nando]

my '91 E30 had a 125mph governor stock. dunno about the 318is.

[e30trooper]

maybe the m42 is under powered for speed like that? My 325i vert pulls well past 120

[318isfc3s]

The motor is in pretty tip top shape, no issues and good compression. Fresh oil in the motor, trans and rear end. I don't know whats going on. The car pulls pretty hard all the way up to 110 then just stops. A buddy and I were running to work one day and I smoked him til I cut out. He has a chipped 09 ram 2500 megacab.

As far as being aerodynamic and low to the ground, I am on billy sports and h&r race and have 17s with 225/45s.
It's not a big deal I cant go over 110 but for those times I want to I wish I could instead of being shut down.

[dannyyisntt]

That's more or less right for an m42 car.. My 318i would go past 110, but you'd need a LONG stretch of road and the wind at your ass.

[blocke]

Assuming this was done on a public road, why do you need to go faster?

Are you tracking this car?

[Voluted]

Honestly, it may have just been a bit windy. I noticed the same thing when I had the M42. More HP solved that issue.

[AndrewBird]

I've maxed my MK2 Jetta out at 110 down a long steep hill, so given that the bodies are of similar size and weight I would think, but with the M42 having quite a bit more power, I'm curious if there is in fact something else going on.

[SUICIDE109]

130mph confirmed from police car... 88 325is, m20 4:10rear, 2inch drop, no front splitter, regular unleaded. Car just ran out of gear....