M30 3.5 BMW Engine - who's best at tuning this?

[Droptheclutch]

Hi All

I'm in the process of trying to decide who's got the best knowledge/experience with this old (12 valve) lump.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have spoken with a couple (who shall remain nameless at the moment) but feel I may be getting way over sold on how much power they can generate, while remaining reliable.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

DTC

[Droptheclutch]

eliot said:

Syndey Supercharger or Terry the Turbo..?

Those are just two options (I like the turbo best) but I'm also thinking about tuning the lump the traditional way too. Individual throttle bodies, race cam, worked head etc...I just need to find a man who can!

[Droptheclutch]

agent006 said:

Not a huge amount you can do to the M30 unfortunately. Cams and the like will get you 260 at a push but you're into race profiles by then.

Really? I've just been pointed in one direction where the guys say I can get a good reliable 300bhp plus, if the wife/wallet interface doesn't collide! :-)

[Droptheclutch]

mmm-five said:

You could always transplant a e39 M5, e34 M5, or M3 engine into it instead!

Edited by mmm-five on Wednesday 15th August 13:54

Trust me, I've been thinking about that (the E39 M5 option)but me thinks the wife/wallet interface would be unacceptable.

[Droptheclutch]

stevieturbo said:

300+ with forced induction should be a doddle.

n/a and Im sure it can be done, but would be more difficult.

I've found a company in the USA who do (what looks like) a nice turbo kit. Take a peek - http://www.cartech.net/bmwm30turbo.htm

What do you think?

[Droptheclutch]

[quote=stevieturbo]Its not expensive, and no doubt would work fine....

But dont forget, Americans dont have a dirty steering linkage down that side....quote]

Yeah, I thought of that and asked them the verty same thing in the e-mail I sent them yesterday. What I need to do now is learn to read German as I know some crazys over there have developed mad turbo systems for the M30...

[Droptheclutch]

stevieturbo said:

define mad....

how much power do you want...ore more importantly, what is your budget ?

Mad? 900bhp! The turbo on the car is HUGE! I'm not looking for that sort of output, but 400 to 500bhp would do rather nicely :-)

As for budget, I was hoping to spend no more than £2500 to £3000. Do you tink this is reasonable?