how much hp

[grk325]

how much HP could the e30 non m chasis handle before it is considerd a straight line car?
Not with stock suspension,engine\so forth.

Like an idea where the car can have its max handling potential.

Thanks

[Jordan]

It can handle more then you can afford. Lets leave it at that.

either way, the almost too much, and too much isnt really a black and white line.

[Digitalwave]

It depends on how much traction you have. Brandon has 400+ hp and he has absolutely no traction, even in a straight line...

[rwh11385]

if you want a straight line car, buy a lighter import or an american muscle.

E30's.....all BMW's in general, are made for turns.

regardless, all our cars are 13+ years old (unless you're draggin a cabrio from 92), and shouldn't really be put through the abuse of the quarter mile like it seems you are asking.

Seriously, if you want a "straight line" car, buy something else. If you want a car that handles likes 8) , do suspension, tires, and a JC chip and be happy.

[Digitalwave]

I think you are missing the point. He doesn't want a straight line car, but he wants to put the car to the limit before it becomes straight line...

[rwh11385]

I think you are missing the point. He doesn't want a straight line car, but he wants to put the car to the limit before it becomes straight line...

Yeah maybe, I'm not really sure. :? Yeah I think you may be right upon a re-read.

- - - - -

I'd say power with balance in mind is key. That and the power curve.
As long as there's traction (suspension/wheels/tires), and the car is balanced (S50 with A/C retained but a gutted trunk would not handle wonderfully), and you got brakes to handle the power, and the power is pretty linear.....there's not much of a limit. The limit on power is the limit to control it.

You'd need wide enough wheels and sticky enough tires to put down the power you could be looking at. (The Hartge H50, M5 in a 3series, just smokes its tires, and that's pretty worthless.)

And brakes.....the power is pretty worthless if you can't bring it to a stop.

- - - -

If you wanting to know how much power an E30 can have and still handle its best, the sky and your pocket book are the limit. PM Stu, his car is putting down 230+rwhp and ask how his car handles. Personally, if you want track/autocross and have a great handling car, be sure to focus significantly on suspension tuning as well as engine.

[Jordan]

It depends on how much traction you have. Brandon has 400+ hp and he has absolutely no traction, even in a straight line...

Well he is also running 712's isnt he?

[Bryson]

hahaha, he is

[Ryan Stewart]

JOrdan is right, more than you can afford.

It doesnt matter how much power you have, its just whether YOU can handle the power.

[matt325is]

I would say if you wanted a track car, you should probably go naturally aspirated. Cause when the boost kicks in on FI cars, the ass it out, unless you have some serious rubber. Yes I have 712's on my alpinas, but my stocker's have Yokohama AVS-intermediates. When those are hot, they stick (plan to use those on track days). I also plan on redoin the suspension this spring (GC coils, Koni yellow's, Urethane bushings throughout, already have sways). It all depends on how much you want to spend. NA cars are quick and responsive, FI cars must be controlled.

matt