Jntar's 318is budget Turbo build...no longer on a budget :(

[jntar]

So I was going to wait until I had more to post, but oh well...

I've been collecting parts and pieces for a budget turbo build for almost a year now. I have been back and forth on turbo vs 24v swap. I finally decided to turbo it and be happy.


This will be a budget build. Thus far I have spent roughly $1400 for everything.

1. Greddy TD04-15g w/FMIC
2. Bosch 42lbs gen III injectors
3. Jake's turbo tune (didnt feel like building a stand alone quite yet)
4. M50 manifold cut down, welded and extended to fit the m42 as a top mount
5. 2.5" downpipe and exhaust with high flow cat + magnaflow muffler
6. 3 gauge ashtray area cluster pod (parker performance vinyl covered 3 hole bracket, VDO 15 psi boost, VDO oil pressure, Innovate G5 AFR
7. Kinugawa wastegate actuator with several springs from 0.5 to 1.5 bar

Previous owner's pic of install



Today was supposed to be the day I mount the intercooler, move the coilpacks and get started on removing the exhaust manifold. However, as I started to work on the coilpack I noticed that the car was very low on oil. Found that the valve cover gasket had failed and the spark plug for cyl 3 was filled with oil.

Fixed that, pulled the oil pan to tap into for a return line.

220k miles I was happy to see the condition it was in. Cam lobes show zero wear. Timing gears/equip are very healthy.

[jntar]

Today I got the bumper and valance off, mounted the intercooler, and began working on figuring out pipe routing. The more I look at this intercooler the more I think I should upgrade. Anyone else running around 9psi on this small of a cooler?

[Vivek]

Why are you running a cat on a turbo?

[jntar]

Why are you running a cat on a turbo?

I wont be. It is on there from the previous owner of the exhaust.

[jntar]

Two more pics before I head off to go flying.

[ccsdo5]

sub'd

Good luck with this build! I'm actually turbocharging my 318is at the moment now too! Although my progress isn't moving very fast and I'm fully building my motor :D

This gives me a lot of motivation to work on mine more than I am!!

[bradnic]

Why are you running a cat on a turbo?

what's the issue with running a free flow cat and a turbo?

[bradnic]

you absolutely need a wideband.. and enjoy that exhaust bro. cost a bloody fortune to have built. the guy was an absolute artist but man my wallet hurt.

[jntar]

you absolutely need a wideband.. and enjoy that exhaust bro. cost a bloody fortune to have built. the guy was an absolute artist but man my wallet hurt.

I bought an LC-1 a couple of weeks ago :) It's funny the hardest thing to track down was a pressure sending unit. No one sells the m12 thread units anymore for VDO. I ended up buying an m10 and adapter from Parker performance.

[jntar]

I got the manifold and exhaust off and got the turbo manifold bolted up. Unfortunately, my uncle passed away today and I will not be working on the car much this week.

[capn]

135i in your sig? Pics?

[jntar]

135i in your sig? Pics?

It's a 325i

[Dj Buttchug]

you might have heat soak issues with that baby IC

[jntar]

you might have heat soak issues with that baby IC

Thinking the same thing. Going to wire in an intake temp sensor to get some readings. Make my decision to upgrade after that.


So change of plans on that BOV. After talking to Jake it had to go. I'm still running the stock AFM and didn't want to deal with rich off throttle and shifts. I went ahead and bought a bypass valve and re-circulation couplers. If it doesn't rain tomorrow I will get the turbo bolted up. Monday I need to take the exhaust and downpipe to my local shop to get another o2 bung welded on.

[jntar]

Update:

Raining non-stop so no work has been able to be done. :(

A few things ordered or arrived this week
1)Ordered Bosch bypass valve
2)Ordered Two 2.5" with 1" T shape silicone couplers for the bypass valve
3)Arrived VDO 150psi Oil pressure sending unit with adapter from Parker performance
4)Arrived Jake's turbo chip
5)Ordered NXS Signature Manual boost controller
6)New intercooler


Local friend was selling a 12x24x3 3" inlet intercooler/piping and a couple extra BOVs I wont need. Figured I would go ahead and just upgrade now and just be worry free.