Is there difference between a 89' & 90' e30 325i? In terms of performance...

[darkcolor.666]

I currently own a 89' 325i coupe and my buddy has a 90' 325i coupe. Both manual, both stock, both around the 210k miles or so.For some reason when I drive his 90', the engine feels stronger, it revs and sound better. It has a better throttle response. Whereas my 89' is kind of the opposite, it doesn't rev or sound as strong. Also, maybe because my 89' has a more sensitive (or possibly older? Not sure) clutch, it seems to die out pretty easy.

So my question is, is there any difference between the 89' and 90' in terms of the engine? Or is this just a case of poor maintenance on the 89' by the previous owners? If so, what are some good maintenance stuffs to do to get better revving and throttle response in the 89'?

Thanks much

[ButtJuice]

just a case of poor maintenance

[jlevie]

So my question is, is there any difference between the 89' and 90' in terms of the engine? Or is this just a case of poor maintenance on the 89' by the previous owners? If so, what are some good maintenance stuffs to do to get better revving and throttle response in the 89'?

Thanks much

There should be no difference. Assuming compression and leak down numbers from your engine are reasonable for it's mileage the things that you'd do to regain the performance would be:

1)Remove the head and have it rebuilt. Have the cam profiled and replace if worn.
2) Have the injectors professionally cleaned and flow tested.
3) Replace the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires (use the OE parts) and a use fresh set of NGK ZGR5A plugs.
4) Replace the O2 sensor.

[nickmcc92]

Both the same motors. Buy a chip off eBay.
Seafoam seemed to regain performance on both my civic and e30

[darkcolor.666]

Both the same motors. Buy a chip off eBay.
Seafoam seemed to regain performance on both my civic and e30

What's sea foam?


Also will doing the regular tune up help? Like replacing the spark plugs and spark plug wiring?

The above advices are good advices but sounds like those need to be professionally. I want to try doing some stuffs myself first.

[jlevie]

Items (2), (3), and (4) are easily DIY's.

[darkcolor.666]

Items (2), (3), and (4) are easily DIY's.

#2 says 'professionally', how is this done DIY?

[F34R]

#2 says 'professionally', how is this done DIY?

Do not seafoam your car, just sounds like it needs an overhaul. Now take your time and SEARCH, everything you are asking about has been covered already. Go read the DIY section and search, if you desire it enough you can do pretty much all the work. Just take your time and if you have trouble take pictures of each step before you take it apart.

Do not buy an ebay chip, you have no clue what they will do to your car. It cost more but spend money on KNOWN/new parts. Hit up Blunttech.com for all your needed parts. Mark D makes amazing performance chips, you will have no issues. Or the Miller War chip is also a great setup.

It is easy, just takes some effort.

[darkcolor.666]

You see. This is what gets me. I can search all I want. One person says one thing, another days no to it. The sea foam is an example.

What the heck is a overhaul?

Do not seafoam your car, just sounds like it needs an overhaul. Now take your time and SEARCH, everything you are asking about has been covered already. Go read the DIY section and search, if you desire it enough you can do pretty much all the work. Just take your time and if you have trouble take pictures of each step before you take it apart.

Do not buy an ebay chip, you have no clue what they will do to your car. It cost more but spend money on KNOWN/new parts. Hit up Blunttech.com for all your needed parts. Mark D makes amazing performance chips, you will have no issues. Or the Miller War chip is also a great setup.

It is easy, just takes some effort.

[travish325]

Both the same motors. Buy a chip off eBay.
Seafoam seemed to regain performance on both my civic and e30

Ignore this.

[darkcolor.666]

Thanks guy. Just don't get mad at me for being stupid