Seriously time to be serious about turbocharging

[photogenic]

Hey so I know this has been talked about all around but I want a threat that consolidates all the information ANYONE needs to turbocharge their car.

Now I have a little bit of mechanical knowledge but I have two friends who are basically brothers to me who take apart and rebuild and hotrod old mustangs for fun. Hell they even have races to see who can put one together faster. (nerds)

I also have a few people who turbocharge their cars so they know all about tuning it themselves. I also have a garage and plenty of time.


What I would need following:
1. Custom TD06 turbo for a larger CFM airflow
2. Cast turbo manifold with high nickel content for strength and extended wastegate (in most cases)
3. Large front mounted intercooler
4. All mandrel bent piping
5. Silicone high temp hoses
6. Stainless steel clamps
7. Low restriction air filter
8. hi-flow fuel injectors
9. stand alone system possibly***
10. BOV
11. exhaust

Where I would find it:
1. Either off a Mitsubishi or shoot, ill find a different turbo t3/t4 turbo.
2. According to Oshin, who i really admire, used a e36 manifold. and wastegate will be in the same place i found my turbo
3.ebay
4. College mandrel bending machine.
5. Internet
6. Lowes or probably an auto parts clamps and bolts and all that jazz store
7. easy to find
8. Internet
9. AEM which haha i learned from oshin also credit to pei330ci
10. BOV which i can find off ebay
11. straight pipe. I've heard this before. and the turbo makes a really good muffler. if i want to put an exhaust on it to quiet her down then alright.

I want to have the turbo mounted under the car. I don't care for show. Intercooler is all I want. I know some people have warranties on their car but I mean seriously. I really think people here have the initiative to turbocharge their cars. I am sorry ESS and AA for doing this and not buying your system. But once i get better money I will be on you all like black strips on a white zebra... or white stripes on a black zebra. But seriously.

I will totally make a website devoted to this project if all of you inform me enough to make purchases. I've seen it done to e36, e30s and m cars but i think its bout time for more e46 3ers to get in on the fun. btw. I don't plan on running more than 6-8 psi until i upgrade bottom end.*

(after this my next thing to do is swap some parts from a 330) but that is in the future.

You all tell me... I've got the ideas, i've got the locations, ive got the garage and the crew of people who stand before me. i've got the time, and i CAN make the money.

so all that is left to say is...

Am I proactive or am i just plain stupid....

[photogenic]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=425320&highlight=bmw+stand+system

Just for anyone who wants a good read on this subject. Stand alone is gonna be hard but I am sure we can get through it.



Also for the people who are pessimistic and are "where is this 17 year old and his friends gonna get the money from"

Well there is this perfectly good car that got in an accident.. and because of a banged up door he doesn't drive it anymore. I am planning to fix that and sell it. Then I'm selling my PDA and my paintball gun. Also my photography business will help a bit and i might get an internship at a local photography studio. Wish me luck people.

[nite-stalker]

I am sorry ESS and AA for doing this and not buying your system. But once i get better money I will be on you all like black strips on a white zebra... or white stripes on a black zebra. But seriously.

Am I proactive or am i just plain stupid....

I cheer for your enthusiasm.

Have you tried turbocharging a car from scratch before?

Gathering parts, fabricating custom piping could take months if you are doing it alone. And if you don't plan it properly and do it directly on your car, that would mean the car can be down for weeks/months, and you won't be able to enjoy the car.

That's the easy part.

Standalone/ECU programming is the tougher part. Once you have spent weeks trying to find why your car cannot start , you will spend more weeks tuning that thing. And if you are doing it the right way, on a dyno, then $$$. Once you get it running right, prepare to fix stuff every few weeks or so. Wires/piping getting loose, etc etc.

Now, imagine calling AA/ESS/others and ordering a $5000 system. Even put it on a credit card and pay it off in months. You can put it in in a few days, and get some support when things go wrong. Once you get it running, it possibly will run better than a diy kit. It probably requires as much care and maintenance but chances are maybe less.

Of course you won't get to learn/enjoy the process as much as a diy kit.

It comes down to

Pain/great learning experience/saving some $$$/satisfaction

vs

Easy/spending more $$$/less headache.

Good Luck!

PS: I am not sure how much boost you intend to push thru the inline-6, but something like a newer GT25 is pretty good. You won't be able to lay zebra stripes or what not, but you will be able to drive it on the street.

[photogenic]

I cheer for your enthusiaisam.

Have you tried turbocharging a car from scratch before?

Gathering parts, fabricating custom piping could take months if you are doing it alone. And if you don't plan it properly and do it directly on your car, that would mean the car can be down for weeks/months, and you won't be able to enjoy the car.

Thats the easy part.

Standalone/ECU programming is the tougher part. Once you have spent weeks trying to find why your car cannot start , you will spend more weeks tuning that thing. And if you are doing it the right way, on a dyno, then $$$. Once you get it running right, prepare to fix stuff every few weeks or so. Wires/piping getting loose, etc etc.

Now, imagine calling AA/ESS/others and ordering a $5000 system. Even put it on a credit card and pay it off in months. You can put it in in a few days, and get some support when things go wrong. Once you get it running, it possibly will run better than a diy kit. It probably requires as much care and maintainence but chances are maybe less.

Of course you won't get to learn/enjoy the process as much as a diy kit.

It comes down to

Pain/great learning experience/saving some $$$/satisfaction

vs

Easy/spending more $$$/less headache.

Good Luck!

Hey thanks for the reply. You are right about it. There is gonna be some headaches. But I've got 4-5 people here in Greensboro who have tuned their own cars and about 1-2 have stand alones. And 2 buddies that build and rebuild motors. I don't have a credit card. I've got a bunch of people here to help me. I need a ballpark figure of how much its gonna cost to tune it. If i have a goal and the determination I cam get to it. Thanks for your input. You are right about a lot of things. But I seriously want the experience and I'll be willing to work my butt off for it. :)

-rotha


ohh btw I forgot to answer your question. I am planning to run low boost. 6-7-8 psi. And i don't plan on running more than that until i upgrade bottom end.

again, thanks for the input.

[pei330ci]

I usually pass right by these threads, but I thought it would be a nice change to throw out some ideas for a few people interested in this.

#1 - Be prepared to have your car completely immobile for long periods of time. Not only is the work time consuming, but anything "custom" takes even more time.

#2 - Before you buy ANYTHING, price out every part you think you will need to get a feel for the total project cost. Don't pester people with questions like "what do you think I should get?", because if you are building a truely custom system, NO ONE KNOWS the answer to that without trying. Once you have a ballpark figure, double it....you'll now be close to what the project will actually cost.

#3 - Are you a member of AAA? No? Well you now qualify for their "Gold Membership". Creating custom parts is all about being inventive and testing your out ideas. There will be failures.

#4 - This is a little more specific, but tuning a modern BMW ain't easy. The following engines are in order of difficulty to tune:

1 - Turbo
2 - Supercharger
3 - Nitrous
4 - Naturally Aspirated

There is a reason why E46 BMWs STILL don't have a comercially available turbo "kit". (I don't want to expand on that one LOL)

If any of the above comments offend you, your skin isn't thick enough to even consider starting this type of project.

There are more important things in life than HP...

[GIO_21]

Have fun hopefully you dont kill yourself during all that tuning....btw you will have to do the tuning on a standalone n piggyback everything because tuning on a stock ECU will take your over a year or you will prolly never get it done....will be a LONG project goodluck

[photogenic]

I usually pass right by these threads, but I thought it would be a nice change to throw out some ideas for a few people interested in this.

#1 - Be prepared to have your car completely immobile for long periods of time. Not only is the work time consuming, but anything "custom" takes even more time.

#2 - Before you buy ANYTHING, price out every part you think you will need to get a feel for the total project cost. Don't pester people with questions like "what do you think I should get?", because if you are building a truely custom system, NO ONE KNOWS the answer to that without trying. Once you have a ballpark figure, double it....you'll now be close to what the project will actually cost.

#3 - Are you a member of AAA? No? Well you now qualify for their "Gold Membership". Creating custom parts is all about being inventive and testing your out ideas. There will be failures.

#4 - This is a little more specific, but tuning a modern BMW ain't easy. The following engines are in order of difficulty to tune:

1 - Turbo
2 - Supercharger
3 - Nitrous
4 - Naturally Aspirated

There is a reason why E46 BMWs STILL don't have a comercially available turbo "kit". (I don't want to expand on that one LOL)

If any of the above comments offend you, your skin isn't thick enough to even consider starting this type of project.

There are more important things in life than HP...

None of those things that you said offend me. It really really gave me a differnt perspective on the subject!

But HP isn't the only thing on my mind here. What is on my mind is to be the only, I am not really sure, to be the only one with a turbocharged e46 bmw wagon. Also to be one of the pioneers of a more affordable alternative to supercharging. I don't plan to get rich off this or anything. I am still enthusiastic about this idea. Very enthusiastic. I just have a sense of fear of failure and other stuff now. The only thing that scares me the most is tuning. Dead honest tuning. But this isnt something im gonna take on today. I will reserch tuning and ill go to M motorsports one day near here and talk to them Ill go to performance shops Ill go on different forums.

I know not many people know about this subject, but for the people that do. I hope you all will back me up on this. and thanks a lot pei330ci for your input. It's greatly appreciated


btw happy new years eve. i hope you have a kickin time

[photogenic]

Have fun hopefully you dont kill yourself during all that tuning....btw you will have to do the tuning on a standalone n piggyback everything because tuning on a stock ECU will take your over a year or you will prolly never get it done....will be a LONG project goodluck

Yeah, i am planning to get AEM piggy back. I know its gonna take a long time. but wouldnt it be the shizz for me to get this right? and thanks for the goodluck wish. I am gonna need it :)

Happy new years eve

[photogenic]

:bump:

[GodSendsDeath]

Here is a heads up you might already know. My friend tried to turbo his 2000 328i and ended up boiling his block. When he removed the head the bolt threads came with. Watch the temps. And also i wish you luck as this would truly be cool. Hope everything goes your way and keep us posted. Happy new yers as well.

[photogenic]

Here is a heads up you might already know. My friend tried to turbo his 2000 328i and ended up boiling his block. When he removed the head the bolt threads came with. Watch the temps. And also i wish you luck as this would truly be cool. Hope everything goes your way and keep us posted. Happy new yers as well.

See this is what im talkin bout. a good quality heads up. not that im saying everyone else wasn't a help but this is a big help. Yeah turbos can get hot and heat up that engine. I saw a turbo glow today at a new years party after him showing me what his A4 can do. nice car. Finally met someone in Greensboro that knows something about cars.

I relaly appreciate the comment. You have a happy new year buddy :D

[ritos530i]

I am a true supporter of doing it alone or should i say taking the initiative to get things done. I am a E60 owner that has gotten little help or support from most. What i found is that when you become co dependent of others to tell you what they know, it will not happen. At least not in the way you want them too. Now once you show people what you can do, the line will be as long as from NC to SC of people praising you for a job well done. Just do your research keeping it low, not letting anyone discourage you of your idea. You put enough effort into what you are doing and someone will step in to save.

Good Luck And have a great year.

oh I am just down the road from you so feel free to contact me. I don't have the knowledge of most but i do have other benefits that i am sure you would be interested in.

Thanks

[photogenic]

I am a true supporter of doing it alone or should i say taking the initiative to get things done. I am a E60 owner that has gotten little help or support from most. What i found is that when you become co dependent of others to tell you what they know, it will not happen. At least not in the way you want them too. Now once you show people what you can do, the line will be as long as from NC to SC of people praising you for a job well done. Just do your research keeping it low, not letting anyone discourage you of your idea. You put enough effort into what you are doing and someone will step in to save.

Good Luck And have a great year.

oh I am just down the road from you so feel free to contact me. I don't have the knowledge of most but i do have other benefits that i am sure you would be interested in.

Thanks


Wow. Thank you so much for the encouragement. This was a great thing to wake up to in 2007! Before new years eve for the past 3-4 nights i had been on this forum and online from 10 till 5 am non stop reading about people's projects. Not many e46's but for the most part. I understand the mechanical aspects and the equipment I need. One thing that hasn't been touched yet is the piggyback system for the e46 and its obdII. There are people on this forum that im waiting for to just come on and tell me and help me out with this more of a dark place. but then again like someone said.. we cant just come on here and ask about things that no one has tread over the idea.

You are a great inspiration and I will start planning this out more indepth and then start buying parts and stuff in February. But still giving this forum tiem to soak up any knowledge left to soak up from anyone who is willing to offer so therefore....

:bump: BUMP
lol

[GodSendsDeath]

PM if you want i can give you a number from a privat shop in chicago that guys is a guru when it comes to BMW's and porsches its this guy Andy his shop is called Eurocar tune, its lame name but he builds some sick as BMWs.

[photogenic]

PM if you want i can give you a number from a privat shop in chicago that guys is a guru when it comes to BMW's and porsches its this guy Andy his shop is called Eurocar tune, its lame name but he builds some sick as BMWs.

You've got PM!

[ritos530i]

You are on the right track. Again i found this site to be the best site out there for performance mods and other ideas. But of coarse you will have to do some leg work on your own. By nature people are optimistic and tend to only the ones that have proven themselves. Go ahead and prove them wrong. Most of them are scared to try this on their own considering our cars are not cheap and parts are not plentiful yet.

[willyd]

wow... good luck man...
sounds like it'll be a long and painful process... but hopefully it turns out.
i'm guessing that it will end up costing much much more than a production supercharger kit... and this project won't just end after you get the car running after a few months/a year... the project will continue every day that you drive your car.
in my honest opinion, i wouldn't use the car as a daily driver after this operation... to be the only car with a full turbo from scratch would be awesome, but to subject it to wear and tear that is associated with everyday driving, not to mention what a collision would do, would really suck.
good luck dude, i hope it all works out, and keep us posted

[photogenic]

wow... good luck man...
sounds like it'll be a long and painful process... but hopefully it turns out.
i'm guessing that it will end up costing much much more than a production supercharger kit... and this project won't just end after you get the car running after a few months/a year... the project will continue every day that you drive your car.
in my honest opinion, i wouldn't use the car as a daily driver after this operation... to be the only car with a full turbo from scratch would be awesome, but to subject it to wear and tear that is associated with everyday driving, not to mention what a collision would do, would really suck.
good luck dude, i hope it all works out, and keep us posted

Yeah.. Collision.. haha been through that. and learned my lesson only to be stupid at a race track. I plan to have this car for a long time. I have a very nice grasp of computers and motors thanks to my friends and everyone here. I am in a planning stage which i will plan and it will probably take 1-2-3 months. I will plan everything down and worry about everything to the T. Thanks for the encouragement and the advice


You are on the right track. Again i found this site to be the best site out there for performance mods and other ideas. But of coarse you will have to do some leg work on your own. By nature people are optimistic and tend to only the ones that have proven themselves. Go ahead and prove them wrong. Most of them are scared to try this on their own considering our cars are not cheap and parts are not plentiful yet.

Yeah. you are a great encouragement. Once I get this trhing done I wont ever forget the people on this thread that has pushed me forward. :D

[cowmoo32]

Try searching for Kromex, he had one of the first turbo'd e46s that I can remember. Also, you might want to talk to DA Motorsport, I know they've done it. And there's one other guy with a turbo widebody, but I can't remember his name.

Good to see another NC fanatic on here, we're few and far between.

[photogenic]

Try searching for Kromex, he had one of the first turbo'd e46s that I can remember. Also, you might want to talk to DA Motorsport, I know they've done it. And there's one other guy with a turbo widebody, but I can't remember his name.

Good to see another NC fanatic on here, we're few and far between.

hey hey hey! yeah i barely see any bmws that is modified for performance here in Greensboro. I do see a lot of bmws with rims and 20s and stupid **** like that.

That is some good info. I'll totally look for Kromex. There is a Mann Motorsports that i will visit today that i could stop by and maybe they could help me with some info or offer me some tuning advice. :thumbup:

It's nice to know that there is a person that is relatively close that I can talk to.

[pei330ci]

You've got a unique project in front of you.

I too have searched forums for hours looking for specific information...it often gives you a broader view on a subject than asking a specific question.

There are a few people on this board that have unique projects on the go, not all of them are into sharing them openly until they are done. Some people are low key...respect that and you'd be surprised the kind of information pops up on your lap. (Especially once you actually start physically building something)

Rito would be a good person to talk to IMO.

Regards,

Adam

[cowmoo32]

You also might want to call Motorsport Connections (winston), Black Forest Industries (Cary), and Valley Motorworks (winston). Motorsport Connections is strictly BMW, although I'm not sure how much, if any, turbo work they've done. Black Forest does a lot Audi's, VW's, and BMWs, so I know they know about turbos. At least call Valley Motorworks (I think that's their name, might want to look it up so make sure I'm right); they do engine work, but I'm not sure about turbos. Also, you might want to join NCEuro, there's a guy on there with a turbo'd 328is who could probably be of some help.

[ritos530i]

You have one thing I do not have, which is a ring of people locally willing to help. If you stick close to them with a low-key type profile, gather all the information you can, you would be surprise at how much information you will gain. This is the best approach, which gives you some advantages. People do not feel threaten by your presents and willingly give out information. I know I am kind of repeating what Adam as said but we probably speak from experience in dealing with these ourselves. Good luck and hopefully we meet one day.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Rito<o:p></o:p>

[photogenic]

You also might want to call Motorsport Connections (winston), Black Forest Industries (Cary), and Valley Motorworks (winston). Motorsport Connections is strictly BMW, although I'm not sure how much, if any, turbo work they've done. Black Forest does a lot Audi's, VW's, and BMWs, so I know they know about turbos. At least call Valley Motorworks (I think that's their name, might want to look it up so make sure I'm right); they do engine work, but I'm not sure about turbos. Also, you might want to join NCEuro, there's a guy on there with a turbo'd 328is who could probably be of some help.

YES This is totally what I wanted! GREAT STUFF here. There is a Mann Motorsports here in Greensboro. But I'll make some calls this Friday and see what everyone has to say. This is awesome. Thanks so much. BTW i joined NCEuro. Great place it is!

You have one thing I do not have, which is a ring of people locally willing to help. If you stick close to them with a low-key type profile, gather all the information you can, you would be surprise at how much information you will gain. This is the best approach, which gives you some advantages. People do not feel threaten by your presents and willingly give out information. I know I am kind of repeating what Adam as said but we probably speak from experience in dealing with these ourselves. Good luck and hopefully we meet one day.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Rito<o:p></o:p>

Yeah I need to respect low key profiles of people. I know somone always has a secret project to pop up and to ruin somone's surprise would be devastating. so therefore... anyone with any info PM me or e-mail me or hell... CALL ME. PM me to get my number. I would love to learn anything at all.

You've got a unique project in front of you.

I too have searched forums for hours looking for specific information...it often gives you a broader view on a subject than asking a specific question.

There are a few people on this board that have unique projects on the go, not all of them are into sharing them openly until they are done. Some people are low key...respect that and you'd be surprised the kind of information pops up on your lap. (Especially once you actually start physically building something)

Rito would be a good person to talk to IMO.

Regards,

Adam

Yeah one great thing that i would liek to experience is to be in a ring of secret people doing secret stuff to surprise everyone in the end. That is a dream. Im makin friends and i've got freinds behind me. This is great and I will keep doing research. I've only scratched the surface. :thumbsup:

Also. rito.. he is on this forum right? if so ill try and find this person tomrrow when i am not so swamped with work.



Everyone- Thanks so much for everything. I hope to keep this going. This is going on my bulletin board.

[pei330ci]

Rito = ritos530i

[Tyler@UniqueDesign]

Rito = ritos530i

:rofl:

Check bimmerforums as well, there are a lotof turboed E36's - although different it may be the closest bretherin you can get info on->don't forget we got iron blocks and you got aluminum.

You might invest in some extra gauges for the tuning. Head temp gauges would be a priority, an oil temp and pressure gauge, a boost gauge, and a coolant temp gauge.

Try to buy the best you can up front. You may find yourself upgrading from a cheaper clamp to a V-band, from a T3 to a GT35 - > get the right parts up front to save hassle.

Don't JUST look at AEM for stand alone/piggy back options. There are a LOT of piggybacks out there to choose from, AEM has a great unit but it may not be the best for your application. For example, its not what Vishnu used on the 335 (to great success). Learn to solder VERY well - there are a lot of wires and a cold joint could really make trouble shooting difficult. Wiring will be a pain, do it right from the beginning so you don't have issues later. You should probably get a copy of all the wiring diagrams from your car, whether it be from the BMW software, or from the Bentley manual. Make copies, notate any changes on them so that when you have to troubleshoot in the future you will have some basis to start from (and others can help you).

If you don't have another car to use - don't try this project - not to discourage you, but it will have a lot of down time.

There is so much you can learn from people that you can't even begin to learn online. Make decisions wisely, watch who you buy from and who you depend on - you might get lucky even and get a base file to work with if you pick the right parts (and people to buy from) - its common in e36's running standalones....which is a reason I say to pick parts wisely. If you tune this yourself it may not be a big deal, if you ask a tuner to help you he (or she) may have a preference on what electronics you have.

I think its a great idea, but don't plan on funding this by selling a paintball gun and depending on a paycheck. Try to have as much up front as possible or you will end up taking loans and getting a CC to pay for everything which is not a good idea with a custom setup. Have a reserve fund for emergencies, and be very thankful for the help your friends will give you. Its hard to budget for unforseen obstacles, but I wouldn't try this without 5 grand in the bank, I'd want to have more just to be safe, as little things add up REALLY fast. Screws and bolts that are only $1 a piece will QUICKLY add up.

Good luck and keep us posted (unless you want to become one of those secrete projects).

FWIW - You might try talking to some people who have done this on E36's. The costs may be about the same and you can get some better ideas since there are more E36's running turbos.

-Tyler

[ritos530i]

Just a quick note!
Depending how extreme you want to go, parts alone it will cost anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000.
I have seen guys do this for much lesser on other cars but for some reason when you mention BMW people want to charge you more. Based on my own project (secret) I have been realizing most of this stuff that they send to you in the kit can be purchase at walmart(wiring connectors), Lowes/Home Depot (pipes, bolts and clamps) Autozone(blow off valve). Now when you purchase the turbo unit go with the best. Also the same with piggyback. Those two things alone can run you 5-6k. I am sure you can get a very good turbo from Ebay believe it or not. I do mean new not some used crap. Try and find a very dependable welder who knows his/her stuff. What i mean by this is someone who is creative and not just a cut and dry kind of guy. Once you have all parts and fitments together, go to work on the fabrication. This should not take much time. Your next step would be ECU tuning/piggyback. Unless you have an engineer that does this kind of thing on BMW in your back pocket, go with a piggyback. Again you will need a good tech that knows your car or you will be stuck just trying to figure out where to wire things just as myself. Order the WDS off of Ebay. I order this and way too late in the process and i am paying for it now.

You will find that the most difficult part will not be the fabrication but the tunning the piggyback and getting rid of the sel (service engine light).

OK this is just a basic understanding and by no means all the specifics. You will have to do some homework to iron out the details left off.

Rito

[photogenic]

:rofl:

Check bimmerforums as well, there are a lotof turboed E36's - although different it may be the closest bretherin you can get info on->don't forget we got iron blocks and you got aluminum.

You might invest in some extra gauges for the tuning. Head temp gauges would be a priority, an oil temp and pressure gauge, a boost gauge, and a coolant temp gauge.

Try to buy the best you can up front. You may find yourself upgrading from a cheaper clamp to a V-band, from a T3 to a GT35 - > get the right parts up front to save hassle.

Don't JUST look at AEM for stand alone/piggy back options. There are a LOT of piggybacks out there to choose from, AEM has a great unit but it may not be the best for your application. For example, its not what Vishnu used on the 335 (to great success). Learn to solder VERY well - there are a lot of wires and a cold joint could really make trouble shooting difficult. Wiring will be a pain, do it right from the beginning so you don't have issues later. You should probably get a copy of all the wiring diagrams from your car, whether it be from the BMW software, or from the Bentley manual. Make copies, notate any changes on them so that when you have to troubleshoot in the future you will have some basis to start from (and others can help you).

If you don't have another car to use - don't try this project - not to discourage you, but it will have a lot of down time.

There is so much you can learn from people that you can't even begin to learn online. Make decisions wisely, watch who you buy from and who you depend on - you might get lucky even and get a base file to work with if you pick the right parts (and people to buy from) - its common in e36's running standalones....which is a reason I say to pick parts wisely. If you tune this yourself it may not be a big deal, if you ask a tuner to help you he (or she) may have a preference on what electronics you have.

I think its a great idea, but don't plan on funding this by selling a paintball gun and depending on a paycheck. Try to have as much up front as possible or you will end up taking loans and getting a CC to pay for everything which is not a good idea with a custom setup. Have a reserve fund for emergencies, and be very thankful for the help your friends will give you. Its hard to budget for unforseen obstacles, but I wouldn't try this without 5 grand in the bank, I'd want to have more just to be safe, as little things add up REALLY fast. Screws and bolts that are only $1 a piece will QUICKLY add up.

Good luck and keep us posted (unless you want to become one of those secrete projects).

FWIW - You might try talking to some people who have done this on E36's. The costs may be about the same and you can get some better ideas since there are more E36's running turbos.

-Tyler

Just a quick note!
Depending how extreme you want to go, parts alone it will cost anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000.
I have seen guys do this for much lesser on other cars but for some reason when you mention BMW people want to charge you more. Based on my own project (secret) I have been realizing most of this stuff that they send to you in the kit can be purchase at walmart(wiring connectors), Lowes/Home Depot (pipes, bolts and clamps) Autozone(blow off valve). Now when you purchase the turbo unit go with the best. Also the same with piggyback. Those two things alone can run you 5-6k. I am sure you can get a very good turbo from Ebay believe it or not. I do mean new not some used crap. Try and find a very dependable welder who knows his/her stuff. What i mean by this is someone who is creative and not just a cut and dry kind of guy. Once you have all parts and fitments together, go to work on the fabrication. This should not take much time. Your next step would be ECU tuning/piggyback. Unless you have an engineer that does this kind of thing on BMW in your back pocket, go with a piggyback. Again you will need a good tech that knows your car or you will be stuck just trying to figure out where to wire things just as myself. Order the WDS off of Ebay. I order this and way too late in the process and i am paying for it now.

You will find that the most difficult part will not be the fabrication but the tunning the piggyback and getting rid of the sel (service engine light).

OK this is just a basic understanding and by no means all the specifics. You will have to do some homework to iron out the details left off.

Rito



BY FAR THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE GOTTEN IN THIS FORUM! Yeah but I didn't know autozone sell BOVs. Umm Also Well the car that got in an accident that has 4 messed up doors. I can replace the doors for 100 a door from the junkyard and repaint the whole car for about 300-400 and ill sell it for about 5000+ to someone i know. Not bad for a kid in high school no? But yeah I've met with some tuners right here in the Greensboro Area. btw Other cars of simliar integrity and more miles run for about 10gs so yeah. I mean shoot.

rito I am sorry I didn't know you were rito. I didn't really look at your User Name but instead remembered you by your sigpic.

Yeah ill get a membership to bimmerforums. Some people are afraid of sounding stupid... but that is one thing i don't care about looking when it comes to something I want to accomplish. Excuse my typing. I cannot see what I am typing cause of a windows problem.

I've looked at Haltec... Which has been good for other e46 bimmers. so yeah I'll keep looking but I really like haltech right now. I know I can get every part I need for about 2000 or less and the Engine management is about 3000+.

What I am planning to do is literally have everything and every part and everything at one time. Start in the early morning at the garage. Then work throughout the weekend. Then start tunning on a weekday so that I can call for help from the professionals.

Regarding the blocks. Because I have aluminum. 6-7-8 PSI won't really harm anything will it? Because that is what most the superchargers run. I don't plan running more than that until I upgrade bottom end. or if i don't get tuning right. I will hold on on boost past 7-8 psi.

Gauges. Yes I need to look into that. I really do. It's great advice.

Rito... secret project huh? Sounds awesome. I am even more glad that you are helping me :P

Vishnu is on these forums right? if so ill search for his name and read up.

I've got my buddies ready for this thing to start. Even one of my buddies stopped rebuilding his motor cause his uncle was getting pissed he was doing it for fun... lol

Also just in case. Do you think anyone could supply me with a list of tuners I could call? Like people on this forum or someone in this area. Just in case. I need as much info on my wall.

I've got an audi tech that I can add to one of my lifelines.

So yeah. A list of some damn good tuners would be great. I am gonna go search for vishnu and read up on haltec. Get a membership to bimmer forums and start reading up there...

\Then ill do homework :rofl: :ben:

Thank you so much everyone. Rito, tyler, pei, everyone. Tyler you say appreciate all my friends? Well damn, I can't show my appreciation more. If i get this working I'll figure out a way of getting you all dinner. :drool: lol

[photogenic]

Rito = ritos530i

I guess you can say that im defending myself with this statement. But I'll start being quiet about it and relying on the people I know when I start building. But for now I just need to gather up a group of friends if you know what I mean. btw this pertains to the post where you say there are some people who are more low key. :D. Thanks pei for your input. I really appreciate it buddy.

[Lay2Low]

Good luck with the project! Sounds like you are getting a lot of useful info!

My car has been turbo'd for about 4k miles now. I have not had any significant problems with the turbo system, and daily drive it at about 5psi. Cold starts are a little rough, but no problems at all once the car starts to get warm. I have taken the car to about 8psi, and it pulls very hard, lots of fun :evil:

As for advice: Just be patient with the process. Even simple things are more complicated than one thinks, so just be patient and allow a lot of time for the work to be completed. Like stated above, be prepared to not run the car for a long period of time, while the turbo is being done.

Good luck!!! :thumbsup:

[photogenic]

Good luck with the project! Sounds like you are getting a lot of useful info!

My car has been turbo'd for about 4k miles now. I have not had any significant problems with the turbo system, and daily drive it at about 5psi. Cold starts are a little rough, but no problems at all once the car starts to get warm. I have taken the car to about 8psi, and it pulls very hard, lots of fun :evil:

As for advice: Just be patient with the process. Even simple things are more complicated than one thinks, so just be patient and allow a lot of time for the work to be completed. Like stated above, be prepared to not run the car for a long period of time, while the turbo is being done.

Good luck!!! :thumbsup:



yer gonna get PM :D :D :D

[sTiZZiT]

Okay i'll bite...

First you'll want to know my experience and qualifications. I have an Integra that i've been through several iterations of modification with. It went from a stock engine to a stock turboed engine to a built engine to a built turbo engine to a fully built turbod engine with all vbands, 3" side exit exhaust running on an AEM EMS. It has a fully built tranny with custom LSD preload shims and carbon coated syncros. The best part is I did all the electronics work, all the head porting, all the engine building, all the port maching, and all the welding both aluminum and stainless steel. I could continue but i wont. Now that you know im not just some internet poser we can continue on to the important stuff...

If i had the turbo parts and a stock of mandrel bends I could fabricate up the entire kit in a week to two weeks without question. This would be a one off kit not for production so I wouldn't have to do some of the extra steps required by people like HPF, ESS, etc. The reason I tell you this is because it is the EASIEST part!!! The next hardest part will be getting the car idling and running OFF boost (if you use a standalone) on large injectors. Once you figure out how much fuel you need for say 5psi, tuning for 10psi isn't any harder. The hardest part of tuning for boost is ignition timing. There are lots of rule of thumbs but if you get cocky say good bye to your motor (by the time you realize you're being too liberal with the sparky spark it'll be way too late). Best way to tune timing is on a dyno with one or more EGT gauges and patience. Experience helps too ;).


Engine Management:
My idea was to start with a piggy back like DA motorsports was using or something like the Greddy Emanage. I have played with one on my friend's turbo maxima (i didn't tune it) and it seemed like a pretty nice piece. This device intercepts the signal between the OEM ecu and the injectors/ignition then modifies it and finally sends it out to the injectors/coils.

The advantage to this is the car is tuned off boost because its running from the factory ECU. This is how HPF maintains their stock drivability on their M3. When the emanage sees boost it modifies the ignition and injector signals to add the fuel and timing that you specify in the maps. This is great because as boost increase, fuel increases linearly (in an ideal world i.e. if you're not using fuel to cool the chambers) and ignition retard is easy to calculate. Ignition isn't linear (at least not the way i tune) but its not hard if you have a rule of thumb and arn't trying to extract the last 10hp. The other advantages are that you wont have to mess with the variable cam timing (vanos) or the throttle by wire and you'll maintain the stock traction control, knock sensing, and all the idle controls (trust me, controlling idle can be a *****).

If you choose to try an standalone I can only wish you good luck. If the emanage dosen't work, your best bet is to befriend a EE (i am one myself but no im not volunteering) and have a cusom solution designed that takes up the slack where the emanage lacks.

So I hope i helped somewhat.

Did i mention you'll need a daily driver, LOTS of money, and even more patience? Good luck and I hope you do go through with it!! :thumbsup:

[Tyler@UniqueDesign]

Regarding the blocks. Because I have aluminum. 6-7-8 PSI won't really harm anything will it? Because that is what most the superchargers run. I don't plan running more than that until I upgrade bottom end. or if i don't get tuning right. I will hold on on boost past 7-8 psi.

I just meant to be weary because the E36's have a lot of differences even though the engines may appear similar. You can get some ideas from them, but don't try to make direct correlations. You should be fine on even 10 psi if the car is tuned right, I wouldn't start at more than 4 or 5 so you can get a bit of tuning practice first.

Honestly I get the feeling you are forgetting a lot of components you'll end up getting later, a boost controller, possibly a turbo timer, little things like the exhaust tips, etc.

It all seriously adds up so don't underestimate it. And if you got it fabbed together in a weekend I'd be stunned, most guys install a premade kit in a weekend, much less put together a custom setup.

[photogenic]

I just meant to be weary because the E36's have a lot of differences even though the engines may appear similar. You can get some ideas from them, but don't try to make direct correlations. You should be fine on even 10 psi if the car is tuned right, I wouldn't start at more than 4 or 5 so you can get a bit of tuning practice first.

Honestly I get the feeling you are forgetting a lot of components you'll end up getting later, a boost controller, possibly a turbo timer, little things like the exhaust tips, etc.

It all seriously adds up so don't underestimate it. And if you got it fabbed together in a weekend I'd be stunned, most guys install a premade kit in a weekend, much less put together a custom setup.

Well I have smaller things like that in a list somewhere eon my computer. I need to compile a complete list together to show you what I have on my mind. How i am going to do things and just basically EVERYTHING including contingency funds and stuff. That is gonna be some time o. Things like the turbo timer. is already pre-installed in my car with my after market alarm system so yeah i mean just give me some time and a little bit of faith okay?:thumbup: :D

**edit no im not gonna have everything fabbed and stuff in a weekend. that is crazy I was saying if i had all the parts already laying on the floor of the garage with all the tools and stuff. that we could get everything installed and adjusted in that weekend. before we go for tuning. lol fab a kit in a weekend :rofl:

[e90power]

I hear Hung pushing 350 on Merts kit.

[photogenic]

Okay i'll bite...

First you'll want to know my experience and qualifications. I have an Integra that i've been through several iterations of modification with. It went from a stock engine to a stock turboed engine to a built engine to a built turbo engine to a fully built turbod engine with all vbands, 3" side exit exhaust running on an AEM EMS. It has a fully built tranny with custom LSD preload shims and carbon coated syncros. The best part is I did all the electronics work, all the head porting, all the engine building, all the port maching, and all the welding both aluminum and stainless steel. I could continue but i wont. Now that you know im not just some internet poser we can continue on to the important stuff...

If i had the turbo parts and a stock of mandrel bends I could fabricate up the entire kit in a week to two weeks without question. This would be a one off kit not for production so I wouldn't have to do some of the extra steps required by people like HPF, ESS, etc. The reason I tell you this is because it is the EASIEST part!!! The next hardest part will be getting the car idling and running OFF boost (if you use a standalone) on large injectors. Once you figure out how much fuel you need for say 5psi, tuning for 10psi isn't any harder. The hardest part of tuning for boost is ignition timing. There are lots of rule of thumbs but if you get cocky say good bye to your motor (by the time you realize you're being too liberal with the sparky spark it'll be way too late). Best way to tune timing is on a dyno with one or more EGT gauges and patience. Experience helps too ;).


Engine Management:
My idea was to start with a piggy back like DA motorsports was using or something like the Greddy Emanage. I have played with one on my friend's turbo maxima (i didn't tune it) and it seemed like a pretty nice piece. This device intercepts the signal between the OEM ecu and the injectors/ignition then modifies it and finally sends it out to the injectors/coils.

The advantage to this is the car is tuned off boost because its running from the factory ECU. This is how HPF maintains their stock drivability on their M3. When the emanage sees boost it modifies the ignition and injector signals to add the fuel and timing that you specify in the maps. This is great because as boost increase, fuel increases linearly (in an ideal world i.e. if you're not using fuel to cool the chambers) and ignition retard is easy to calculate. Ignition isn't linear (at least not the way i tune) but its not hard if you have a rule of thumb and arn't trying to extract the last 10hp. The other advantages are that you wont have to mess with the variable cam timing (vanos) or the throttle by wire and you'll maintain the stock traction control, knock sensing, and all the idle controls (trust me, controlling idle can be a *****).

If you choose to try an standalone I can only wish you good luck. If the emanage dosen't work, your best bet is to befriend a EE (i am one myself but no im not volunteering) and have a cusom solution designed that takes up the slack where the emanage lacks.

So I hope i helped somewhat.

Did i mention you'll need a daily driver, LOTS of money, and even more patience? Good luck and I hope you do go through with it!! :thumbsup:


Of all people i am one of the least people you have to prove yourself or show qualifications to. I believe you when you say that you are the real deal.

This maybe a stupid question but I don't know what EE stands for.

Also I really do think That I am also underestimating the costs. Umm, when it comes to the dynos and the times that i will probably have to try and retry and oh man. I better have at least an extra grand or two after the install. Hell im not sure if that would be enough.

you are really right about being too cocky and messing up with the
timing spark. I am going to need someone professional beside me when it is time to get this right.

Some good info there you got for me. Thank you so much What you gave is a great deal of help. more insight into the EMS world is exactly what I need. Thank you. I will make sure i keep in contact during the planning process if that is okay with you?

BTW during this tuning process should I run rich just incase? I was rereading what you said a couple more times and I was thinking... I should run rich until i find the threshold for correct tuning. whell sheeze. after i finish my power point i am gonna google up me some EMs'. You know.. for the past 6 days ive bee on thiss site looking around and reading and just absorbing info from 10 till sometime around 4 am? I am kinda fried right now. but i will plan the process during this weekend. I will also get a photoshoot of my car. photography eases stress. so be prepared for some new photos. again thak you so much for the info. knowledge is power and i just got sharked :rofl:

[pei330ci]

I've invested probably $500 in tuning books over the past year. NOT ONE of them was a waist of money.

The best information I've picked up on tuning engines was from books.

The best information on tuning I've picked up over the internet, was what books to read.

One thing with projects like these, is that it's often hard to find the motivation to finish. When things are going well, you are always keen to start the next step. When things aren't going well, you will loath picking up a wrench (or most likely a multimeter) to fix a problem. I find I get motivated to tackle problems by walking away and taking a good break from a project.

Remember that time thing I was talking about before....the above is an example of how stuff can drag on....

[sTiZZiT]

Dont have much time but...

Leave the tuning to someone with experience OR go to this class
http://www.efi101.com/

I've heard its very good. Ideally you'd do both classes and have someone with experience mentor you through the process.

I learned the hard and expensive way.

[e90power]

100 bucks that this project will never be started or finished.

[photogenic]

100 bucks that this project will never be started or finished.

Look all you have been is a person that has been no help on this forum. What have you done? what have you plannined. probably nothing. you jsut go out and sell out for a n e90 335i then come on this forum with your 8 posts and just put people down. Hell if i had money id do the same thing you are doing but maybe i like messing wtih my car. maybe im not daddy's little girl or some rich investor. if you arnt gonna help just read the forum and go away and keep your own pessimistic thoughts to yourself. either that was something that a jackass would say or this is as ecret attempt at motivation. ill take it as a blunt way of motivating me but if yopu arnt gonna help. go shell out money for some other expensive car you jerk

Dont have much time but...

Leave the tuning to someone with experience OR go to this class
http://www.efi101.com/

I've heard its very good. Ideally you'd do both classes and have someone with experience mentor you through the process.

I learned the hard and expensive way.

I've invested probably $500 in tuning books over the past year. NOT ONE of them was a waist of money.

The best information I've picked up on tuning engines was from books.

The best information on tuning I've picked up over the internet, was what books to read.

One thing with projects like these, is that it's often hard to find the motivation to finish. When things are going well, you are always keen to start the next step. When things aren't going well, you will loath picking up a wrench (or most likely a multimeter) to fix a problem. I find I get motivated to tackle problems by walking away and taking a good break from a project.

Remember that time thing I was talking about before....the above is an example of how stuff can drag on....

thinking of it now. I am gonna get somone experienced to tune it. to help prevent the risk of fux0ring it up. hell ill shell out the money if i have to. but ill get somone experienced to tune it. but in the mean time im gonna go to barnes and noble and go get a tuning book. thanks fellas. you know things may go bad but i dont get discouraged either. so wish me luck. **** it. im going to barnes and nobles now. and seeing if they have anything. otherwise ill look online for some good books. thanks everyone. except for that lame rich ****

[zeshon]

Has anyone tried talking with HPF to see if they are going to sell their piggyback system? It plugs directly into the wiring harness for the ECU, and has thusfar eliminated all CELs, and is putting down 700BHP. I wonder if they would ever sell their piggyback for a lesser car like a 330 (or a 328. Wink)

[pei330ci]

Has anyone tried talking with HPF to see if they are going to sell their piggyback system? It plugs directly into the wiring harness for the ECU, and has thusfar eliminated all CELs, and is putting down 700BHP. I wonder if they would ever sell their piggyback for a lesser car like a 330 (or a 328. Wink)

There are 2 other piggybacks available that would cost less, and you can order them right NOW. Both have been proven on other BMW FI projects.

[photogenic]

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3760/scan0001eq3.jpg

I'm on this like white on rice. Its a pretty dang good book. still not in depth enough though. any other suggestions?

[pei330ci]

I've got that book. :)

It's more a buyers guide, than a "how to tune" book. It basically goes through different engine management systems on the market at the time it was written and details the features of each.

That said, the author is one of the best tuning educators in the US. Believe what he writes.

[photogenic]

I've got that book. :)

It's more a buyers guide, than a "how to tune" book. It basically goes through different engine management systems on the market at the time it was written and details the features of each.

That said, the author is one of the best tuning educators in the US. Believe what he writes.


Yeah, It is pretty good so far. Very down to earth. Umm, I plan on calling AEM and talking to them about their system. Oshin says that it would be beneficial to me because of my location that there could be a lot more AEM tuners that could help me than maybe MoTec. Also I now plan to go stand alone. I am putting out the money so you know lets go for it for Christ's sake.

I've got to order a "How To tune" book. But maybe an AEM instruction manual will help a bit :D

Keep on truckin lol

[shady3one3]

Im embarking on a similar project, little bit different tho. I'm borrowing profiles/maps/programs from an M54 TT race car to run with motec EMS. Im hoping that having 'em as a base to work off will cut some of the tuning costs and times down.

[zeshon]

http://www.amazon.com/Street-TurbochargingHP1488-Installation-High-Performance-Turbocharger/dp/1557884889/sr=1-1/qid=1169089006/ref=sr_1_1/002-7556350-0369639?ie=UTF8&s=books

I bought and read this book. It is sooooooooooo informative. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about turboing. It's very interesting.

[photogenic]

http://www.amazon.com/Street-TurbochargingHP1488-Installation-High-Performance-Turbocharger/dp/1557884889/sr=1-1/qid=1169089006/ref=sr_1_1/002-7556350-0369639?ie=UTF8&s=books

I bought and read this book. It is sooooooooooo informative. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about turboing. It's very interesting.

i was literally looking through that while shopping for the book i have now. i chose mine over that. thanks for the advice. i am pretty set still on AEM

[aja342]

Still can't believe that there is no programing software comercially available for modern BMWs. I am 99% sure there is one out there somewhere. Probably in German and only available to BMW approved vendors.

[Bkm6231]

Good luck. Nice to see someone with motivation. Just make sure you know what you are getting into but you seem to be doing good so far.

[pei330ci]

Still can't believe that there is no programing software comercially available for modern BMWs. I am 99% sure there is one out there somewhere. Probably in German and only available to BMW approved vendors.


You are correct, there is one. It's liscensed through Jim Conforti, and it costs $$$.

Aside from that, there are a couple of companies that have cracked the BMW code, but they use their tools exclusively for their product line.

[dirsh]

Good luck on this project if you decide to go with it. I wish I could turbo my car.

[photogenic]

I am currently working on the car to sell and make the money. someone has told me they are willing to buy it for 4000 dollars. so i would be really making 3200 after repairs and stuff.

So that is a start.

[photogenic]

Does anyone know of a tuning place with a dyno and a pro tuner in North Carolina?

I've talked to Korman BMW. The person I talked to was more into NA engines, but then again he wasn't one of the mechanics anyway. He dissed my FI idea.

Yeah. e-mail me or tell me here. ksaphotography2@aol.com

[cowmoo32]

I'm pretty sure Black Forest Industries in Cary (about an hour from you) has a dyno, give them a call. If they dont have one, I'm sure someone there can tell you who does.

I started a thread on NCEuro about your confirmation email problem. I couldn't find out who the mods were to PM, but the thread should get their attention.

[ritos530i]

Photogenic,
i am working on a tuner but he is in South Carolina.
He currently does tuner cars and the word is he can do just about anything. I spoke with him briefly at the shop but this guy is high demand, so i am not sure how well i can influence him. Keep your fingers crossed.

[photogenic]

Photogenic,
i am working on a tuner but he is in South Carolina.
He currently does tuner cars and the word is he can do just about anything. I spoke with him briefly at the shop but this guy is high demand, so i am not sure how well i can influence him. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm pretty sure Black Forest Industries in Cary (about an hour from you) has a dyno, give them a call. If they dont have one, I'm sure someone there can tell you who does.

I started a thread on NCEuro about your confirmation email problem. I couldn't find out who the mods were to PM, but the thread should get their attention.


I can always count on you fellas. :D

[ritos530i]

Are you selling the car in the photo for 4k?

[photogenic]

btw ritos, can he tune that specific kit with stock ECU or do i have to get AEM?


oh and cowmoo, there is a dyno here right in front of the BMW dealership. There is also an engine dyno. I just doubt their knowledge of tuning. is all. i also doubt my man's knowledge of tuning. Then again he didin't get a base map. but still. its my engine and id rather someone else tuned it. :D

[photogenic]

Are you selling the car in the photo for 4k?

that is my car ritos. lol im not selling it. The car i am selling is a 1994 dodge neon. red.

[ritos530i]

I was about to say it looks really nice and you are asking 4k for it. LOL
he will be looking at my car for tuning. He will be tuning my car with my current setup and if he does a good job I will get him involved with the tuning for what we were speaking of.
He does how every tune turbo cars all day and everyday. He has about four cars of his own and one is pushing well over 700hp. His everyday driver is pushing over 600hp at the wrhp and that is his slowest car. Everyone in town talks about him. I am getting really personal with this guy.

[photogenic]

I was about to say it looks really nice and you are asking 4k for it. LOL
he will be looking at my car for tuning. He will be tuning my car with my current setup and if he does a good job I will get him involved with the tuning for what we were speaking of.
He does how every tune turbo cars all day and everyday. He has about four cars of his own and one is pushing well over 700hp. His everyday driver is pushing over 600hp at the wrhp and that is his slowest car. Everyone in town talks about him. I am getting really personal with this guy.

man... talk about some skills. ill tow my car down there if i have to. lol

[ritos530i]

He is doing this on 4 cylinders and 6.

[cowmoo32]

photogenic, what username did you try to use? they're saying there was no attempt to create an account with your email :dunno:

[photogenic]

photogenic, what username did you try to use? they're saying there was no attempt to create an account with your email :dunno:

my username was photogenic

i mean i tried a couple times see if they find any of these

rothaksa@gmail.com
rothaksa@hotmail.com
ksaphotography2@aol.com

SNS:
rothaksa
photogenic
and i dont remember one of them. but it could have been photogenic1 cause i tried again.

[photogenic]

Hey ritos. I have a question to ask you about my current project. I am thinking about adding a certain aspect to it. So... I am just asking if you have time one day to call and talk to me. Tomorrow 1/27/06 from 8-12 ill be in a courtroom taking pictures and what not. So Try and call me anytime after that. After 12 im working on that car i got and a different car wanted me to patch up some holes for him so I was wondering if i could call you then.

Sunday I have church and a photoshoot. Basically I just want to know if i can call you past noon on both days.

[ritos530i]

Sure give me a call. I am in NC for the weekend.
Fayetteville

[photogenic]

Sure give me a call. I am in NC for the weekend.
Fayetteville

Hey can you PM me an e-mail address? I have a file to attach, a notepad file.

[cowmoo32]

Any update?

[photogenic]

Any update?

well yeah, ummm i am going to get my car up to a 330 over spring break. doing that transplant and then getting bilsteins and brakes, cause all those our worn. I am kind spending on money to make my car stable first. This summer I've got a great internship, also my money is coming out of CD. So yeah. Sorry. But I am still very excited.

I just have a lot of stuff to fix before i can start hot rodding. i hope you understand.

[photogenic]

I got a question to ask. Let's say that I plan to stroke and do a 330i upgrade. and i run low compression pistons so that it wouldn't be a waste of money to get new stuff when i start this project.

What should I expect to happen during this time of transition, for example, loss of hp? etc. Chime in!

Also umm i read something on BMWPSI about MAF delete. it wasn't really in depth and ill do a search later but anyone got any idea how it works?

[cowmoo32]

I would imagine getting rid of the MAF would cause instant engine failure. Even if you get that thing dirty it's going to screw something up.