1.9 M44 engine tuning - what are the best mods?
Discussion
That's the 318iS, 318TiS and Z3 (probably more too).
What is there that will increase the BHP?
I've dropped a K&N panel filter in and she breathes a lot more now (lots of induction noise compared to standard). This improved throttle response.
My thoughts are let the gases out now too so get a sports exhaust. The standard exhaust currently gets very very hot even at the tail pipe so it's obviously restrictive.
Anything else without going too mad on an engine rebuild?
Bearing in mind this is my daily runner.
What is there that will increase the BHP?
I've dropped a K&N panel filter in and she breathes a lot more now (lots of induction noise compared to standard). This improved throttle response.
My thoughts are let the gases out now too so get a sports exhaust. The standard exhaust currently gets very very hot even at the tail pipe so it's obviously restrictive.
Anything else without going too mad on an engine rebuild?
Bearing in mind this is my daily runner.
Your car may or may not be affected, but some M44s have an issue with the head gasket - they fail spectacularly and suddenly.
So, if you have not done the head gasket yet, and your engine needs it, while you have the head off, you might do some Schrick cams and/or an exhaust header.
In general modern BMW engines have a more restrictive intake than exhaust. BMW do not leave significant horsepower on the cutting room floor the way GM did in the 60's.
I'm not certain that the exhaust being hot all the way back means it's too restrictive. I would write that off to a properly working cat, and would consider it an advantage as it keeps things dry.
So, if you have not done the head gasket yet, and your engine needs it, while you have the head off, you might do some Schrick cams and/or an exhaust header.
In general modern BMW engines have a more restrictive intake than exhaust. BMW do not leave significant horsepower on the cutting room floor the way GM did in the 60's.
I'm not certain that the exhaust being hot all the way back means it's too restrictive. I would write that off to a properly working cat, and would consider it an advantage as it keeps things dry.
With the K&N already done, likely the next best bang for the buck is a chip. Bear in mind that some chips advance the timing to the "ragged edge" and require best-grade premium fuel be used at all times or you will get pinking. I forget if the M44 has a knock sensor, if it has one then the issue is moot.
You could consider a "cat-back" exhaust system, but keep the original that you take off if it's still good. This can be a lot of work for minor gain but will sound better.
A cam could be next but the install is not exactly a 15 minute job. In general a cam that makes more power at high RPM does it at the expense of lower RPM so for a daily driver you risk spending considerable coin for a mod that you may not really like day-in, day-out.
You could consider a "cat-back" exhaust system, but keep the original that you take off if it's still good. This can be a lot of work for minor gain but will sound better.
A cam could be next but the install is not exactly a 15 minute job. In general a cam that makes more power at high RPM does it at the expense of lower RPM so for a daily driver you risk spending considerable coin for a mod that you may not really like day-in, day-out.
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