E30 325i modifications
Discussion
After a lot of deliberation about whether to keep the E30 or not I have decided she stays!!
But I want to play a bit
The car is completely standard so I am looking for some tips on standard mods or well known mods to do
I was thinking, new Air Filter, maybe an induction kit? Do they like induction?
I have heard before that they like a chip, what gains are to be had and can anyone recommend a chip?
The car will be getting a good service soon, should I fork out for better plugs etc?
Any tips really guys, car has been running a bit rough recently, always starts just sounds a bit rough at first
I will be looking into BTB manifolds but I know they are pricey
Are there any standard body mods that people do that look nice? Freshen up the front end would be nice
Any tips and info greatly appreciated
But I want to play a bit
The car is completely standard so I am looking for some tips on standard mods or well known mods to do
I was thinking, new Air Filter, maybe an induction kit? Do they like induction?
I have heard before that they like a chip, what gains are to be had and can anyone recommend a chip?
The car will be getting a good service soon, should I fork out for better plugs etc?
Any tips really guys, car has been running a bit rough recently, always starts just sounds a bit rough at first
I will be looking into BTB manifolds but I know they are pricey
Are there any standard body mods that people do that look nice? Freshen up the front end would be nice
Any tips and info greatly appreciated
TheEnd said:
You could probably drop on M50 24V 2.5 in there for the price of a BTB manifold.
Regular spark plugs will do, the "better" ones tend to just stay cleaner for longer.
I like your thinking but that'd give you, what, another twenty horses? Would that be worth it vs. no longer original and the effect on resale value? Now, if you could squeeze something in chucking out two hundred plus then...Regular spark plugs will do, the "better" ones tend to just stay cleaner for longer.
Don't get an air filter - the original is best for torque but do think about getting a cotton panel filter for it. £35
Buy a chip off the e30 zone - I went for a 'mild' but they do 'wild' too. the mild pushes the rev limit up to 6,900rpm and you definitely gain in the mid-range. £20.
If you haven't already done so buy 6 spark plugs for the high comp engine (pre-87). They really do make a difference - the performance doesn't tail off at the top. £20
Combine the chip with a lightened flywheel (£100 for one already done off e30zone) or get local 'shop to do it for you.
BTB does make a major difference apparently but I don't have the £££'s for it. The original BMW exhaust from the down pipe on is v good.
You could always buy a stroker kit for your 2.5 and turn it into a 2.7/2.8/2.9 or 3 litre (at a push).
And finally I'd also suggest you buy an enlarged throttle body - that will help it breather better (£120 on an exchange basis off the e30zone). Apart from that I'd buy an LSD (£300). That transforms the car.
Buy a chip off the e30 zone - I went for a 'mild' but they do 'wild' too. the mild pushes the rev limit up to 6,900rpm and you definitely gain in the mid-range. £20.
If you haven't already done so buy 6 spark plugs for the high comp engine (pre-87). They really do make a difference - the performance doesn't tail off at the top. £20
Combine the chip with a lightened flywheel (£100 for one already done off e30zone) or get local 'shop to do it for you.
BTB does make a major difference apparently but I don't have the £££'s for it. The original BMW exhaust from the down pipe on is v good.
You could always buy a stroker kit for your 2.5 and turn it into a 2.7/2.8/2.9 or 3 litre (at a push).
And finally I'd also suggest you buy an enlarged throttle body - that will help it breather better (£120 on an exchange basis off the e30zone). Apart from that I'd buy an LSD (£300). That transforms the car.
Also - get the valves re-set to the correct clearances - they do go out 'off' over time. Makes a difference.
And get the injectors cleaned by Injectortune (he does a deal on e30zone for members). Makes a hell of a difference. £60 plus posting.
But first of all give it a damn good service and change all the filters (apart from the air if you're going to buy a cotton panel from ITG or something). Get it back to when it came out of the BMW factory first then start modding.
My preference?
1. Spark plugs
2. Valve clearances
3. Chip. It's a bit fiddly (I bought an ecu off e30zone to make the change so I knew that no matter what if I f
ked up I'd have the original to put back on the car. an ecu from a 320 will do - it just has to be from a 6 cylinder car).
4. Injectors.
5. Larger throttle body
6. stroker kit. if you're not sure what I mean - go on wikipedia to the e30zone area (or go via e30zone).
7. btb exhaust.
8. turbo the fker!
And get the injectors cleaned by Injectortune (he does a deal on e30zone for members). Makes a hell of a difference. £60 plus posting.
But first of all give it a damn good service and change all the filters (apart from the air if you're going to buy a cotton panel from ITG or something). Get it back to when it came out of the BMW factory first then start modding.
My preference?
1. Spark plugs
2. Valve clearances
3. Chip. It's a bit fiddly (I bought an ecu off e30zone to make the change so I knew that no matter what if I f
ked up I'd have the original to put back on the car. an ecu from a 320 will do - it just has to be from a 6 cylinder car).4. Injectors.
5. Larger throttle body
6. stroker kit. if you're not sure what I mean - go on wikipedia to the e30zone area (or go via e30zone).
7. btb exhaust.
8. turbo the f
ker!Edited by Oi_Oi_Savaloy on Thursday 31st March 14:21
Cheers Saveloy
Yeah first step is to get it serviced, it's overdue then I will work on things in the order you suggested
2 things
Sometimes when I start it and head off it smells quite strongly of petrol, is this normal? (GR may be able to answer this being the previous owner
)
Also on E30Zone I have seen manifolds for £200 odd which I believe are essentially BTTB rip offs, would they be any good considering they are at least genuine 6 branch, so although not maybe the same manufacturing quality it would still allow it to breathe more?
Yeah first step is to get it serviced, it's overdue then I will work on things in the order you suggested
2 things
Sometimes when I start it and head off it smells quite strongly of petrol, is this normal? (GR may be able to answer this being the previous owner
)Also on E30Zone I have seen manifolds for £200 odd which I believe are essentially BTTB rip offs, would they be any good considering they are at least genuine 6 branch, so although not maybe the same manufacturing quality it would still allow it to breathe more?
Greenwich Ross - well I think 240 is about as much as you'd really achieve with an M20 (without major, major modifications). But even with 210bhp it'll be properly quick. Mine's only got the standard 171 (if that tbh) and I think it's able to get along nicely - I'd love it if it had another 40 or so bhp. Don't forget that you'd also get an equivalent jump in torque too.
Keyser. Fettle back to original first. I really wouldn't bother with the rip-of btb manifolds. Save the money and buy the real thing. Fritz bits do a v good manifold too by the way. expensive mind.
And that petrol smell is the tank leaking from corrosion at the top by the inlet pipe or by the connecting pipe. New tank is the cure.
Whilst you're at it you might as well buy an LSD and fit that (along with a new propshaft guibo whilst you're at it) as you have to take the rear axle off to make the job easier (or rather - not off as such but you certainly have to loosen it I understand. Hence me putting up with the odd petrol smell........
Keyser. Fettle back to original first. I really wouldn't bother with the rip-of btb manifolds. Save the money and buy the real thing. Fritz bits do a v good manifold too by the way. expensive mind.
And that petrol smell is the tank leaking from corrosion at the top by the inlet pipe or by the connecting pipe. New tank is the cure.
Whilst you're at it you might as well buy an LSD and fit that (along with a new propshaft guibo whilst you're at it) as you have to take the rear axle off to make the job easier (or rather - not off as such but you certainly have to loosen it I understand. Hence me putting up with the odd petrol smell........
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