FAQ for Bolt On and Internal Modifications.

There have been a lot of unnecessary posts in here lately with questions that have been answered many times over. Because of this, and the fact that this forum doesn't have a sticky, I thought I would do an FAQ that will come in two parts. The first part addresses bolt on modifications. The second part, which will come soon, will address more invasive and harder to install modifications such as camshafts, pistons, clutches, flywheels, etc.

Headers

What are my options?
- You have several options as far as brands go. I will go over options in rough order of price. The cheapest will be Ebay headers. Stett Performance headers are a better quality header, with similar design to the Ebay headers, although they are made of thicker steel and are ceramic coated. Schmiedmann headers seem to be of closer, if not equal quality to Active and Technik, but, by all accounts, have been extremely hard to source in the States. Active Autowerke and Technik headers are similarly priced, although the Technik headers aren’t currently in production, so you will likely have to find them second hand. Kromer Kraft headers are extremely high quality, but are also very pricey and have to be assembled (welded). For info on these headers search for PEI330ci and his build thread.

Will I get a check engine light?
- YES, you absolutely will.

What are my options to get rid of the warning light?
- 1) Spark plug non foulers .
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...lug+non-fouler
- 2) Software. If you elect to get upgraded software (AKA a tune), you can have a company such as ESS Tuning, Active Autowerke, etc. can turn off the check engine light, but your car will still not pass emissions.
- 3) O2 Simulator. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...t=o2+simulator

Where can I find out all the information I need about Ebay headers?
- http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...+header+thread

Intakes

Will I gain a lot of horsepower from the installation of a cold air intake?
- No, you will not. Our stock airboxes are a pretty good design. The gains, if even measurable, will be negligible. Your engine, however, will sound different.

What are some of the better brands?
- As far as some of the better quality brands go, your options are ECIS, Conforti, K&N, AFE, and Gruppe M. There are also Gruppe M replicas, such as Simota.

Is there a difference between a 323, 325, 328, and 330 intake?
- Yes, actually, there is. 323s, 325s, and 328s use a 3” diameter MAF, while 330s use a 3.5” diameter MAF.

Exhaust

Will I see significant increases in power?
- In general, no. Because the catalytic converters are located in our exhaust manifolds, or headers, there is no major bottleneck in the exhaust. There will be some increase in power, but mainly you are getting a better exhaust note.

What are my options?
- These days, there are numerous exhaust options for our cars. Bolt on options include offerings from Magnaflow, Rogue Engineering, Borla, Active Autowerke, Eisenmann, UUC, Highline Tuning, and Remus. In addition to these, there are numerous custom options, all these require are your choice of universal muffler and a trip to the muffler shop.

Underdrive Pulleys

Will I see an increase in power?
- Sorry, but by all accounts, the increase in power isn’t very noticeable.

Why would I want them then?
- Cumulatively, these bolt on modifications that don’t have a significantly noticeable effect, are increasingly effective when paired together. Mainly, though, steering feel is increased.

What are my options?
- Quality options for underdrive pulleys are offerings from Rogue Engineering, UUC, and Evosport.

Coming in Part II…
- Clutches, Flywheels, Camshafts, Pistons, Rods, Valves, and Valve springs.

btw, sorry for being a frustration for my posts.. this, is a very good post i must say..

Very nice, thanks for the quick FAQ's.

nice free bump

Bump...

Should I use fuel line magnets on the pressure or return line for maximum performance?

Originally Posted by mrshelley

Should I use fuel line magnets on the pressure or return line for maximum performance?

Absolutely you should, but only if you use them in conjunction with the tornado fuel saver.

I picked up 14 whp with the use of that there tornado doohickey myself..

More please! I really like the way you present the info even if already know it I like reading it hahah!

Originally Posted by SexyDev

More please! I really like the way you present the info even if already know it I like reading it hahah!

Thanks, I tried to make it as easy to follow as possible. I think it is pretty straightforward.

So are headers the only useful bolt on modification in your opinion?

Originally Posted by TitaniumSedan

So are headers the only useful bolt on modification in your opinion?

nope...light rims is a big +, SSK, 3.38 or 3.46 diff

some consider a b30 manifold a bolt on..im doing it next

Originally Posted by E46 S54B32

nope...light rims is a big +, SSK, 3.38 or 3.46 diff

some consider a b30 manifold a bolt on..im doing it next

you should save all the money you are spending to make your car look like an M3 and buy an M3

Originally Posted by 330i ZHP

you should save all the money you are spending to make your car look like an M3 and buy an M3

pointless post

M3 is the easy way out..some people actually like modding there cars

Originally Posted by E46 S54B32

pointless post

M3 is the easy way out..some people actually like modding there cars

no way, really

Yeah, like you know anything about modding....

Originally Posted by 330i ZHP

no way, really

who me, I dont know anything about modding

hmm, I definitely noticed an increase in power with underdrive pulleys. A person off the street probably wouldn't be able to notice it, and it won't win you any races by itself, but there is definite power gain across the whole RPM range.