318i

[folsommike]

I'm a newbie with a 94 318. I know this is down the food chain as far as power, but what I could afford. What are some of the quirks of this engine? Weaknesses? What have some of you done to pump up the power--that's affordable and isn't damaging to the engine? Any advice about this car and engine would be appreciated...

 

[carcus]

Without engine work....not much, new exhaust and a CAI......keeping it real though....not much you can get out of that engine cheap. Engine work is not cheap. Just have fun with it.

 

[cool_coulon]

sell that hunk of shit and get a car with more power then an GEO storm

 

[carcus]

sell that hunk of shit and get a car with more power then an GEO storm

I would not go as far as to say that. Just enjoy it, actually saw one with a M3 engine transplanted in it.

 

[wood_e]

Congrats on the car dude!

Modifying a car is really nebulous. Losing restriction in your intake and exhaust will almost always assure you more power. By how much is heavily debated. The 20 HP claimed gained by an intake upgrade is basically BS to sell a product.

There are other factors than your engine that you should upgrade for "power". Your driveline is just as important. Your rear end gear ratio is important for acceleration as well as top end.

I don't believe the engine has any quirks per se. You should really do maintenance before mods. An out of tune modded car will probably be beaten by a stock car that is in tune. Make sure all of your sensors are within spec and working properly. If a sensor goes out to whack you can (in some cases) cause problems down the road. For instance (on a SHO) if the coolant temp sensor goes then you can be running rich. Running rich can destroy your catalayic converters, clogging your exhaust, robbing you of power, and in extreme cases damange the engine.

In either case make sure you change your oil regularly and make sure your service is up to snuff.

 

[grc]

check out the air box modification section. it could cost under $20. the air intake is very restrictive and can use some help. i really don't think much of the under hood open element CAI(hot air intakes)that cost hundreds. Shawn has a very economical and effective solution.
http://ackthud.com/shawnfogg/

 

[CTBMW]

Enjoy the car, take idiots with a grain of salt, post more than "318I"- or other non-specific post headings ( may save a few people some time while browsing- look at all the views vs. posts! )
You'll find a lot of help here, one of the best sites out there!
Mel

 

[folsommike]

I appreciate the input. I've always been an advocate of good maintenance and it sounds like that's pretty important here. I have read the information on opening up the air intake and that sounds like a great idea for not much money. I did something similar with my Miata which did give it a little more power. Changing the muffler helped, too.

I plan to be a regular reader here. There are not to many "idiots" posting messages--and they stand out pretty clearly. I'm gonna like it! Thanks for all the help!
Mike

 

[carcus]

I appreciate the input. I've always been an advocate of good maintenance and it sounds like that's pretty important here. I have read the information on opening up the air intake and that sounds like a great idea for not much money. I did something similar with my Miata which did give it a little more power. Changing the muffler helped, too.

I plan to be a regular reader here. There are not to many "idiots" posting messages--and they stand out pretty clearly. I'm gonna like it! Thanks for all the help!
Mike

Glad to have you with us. You still have a nice car....just enjoy it. This is a great place to get some good advice....one this is though....do what you want to do....you pay for it. DO what makes you happy. Funny thing about online message posts...some people give advice...and do not even drive a car....nor have they ever owned a BMW. Like that on most message posts.

Take it with a grain of salt. I just enjoy driving cars.....call me a car nut....but I do post as the devils advocate on mods sometimes, some like it, some hate it. I just try to save people money. I also like real DATA and DYNO independent tests....not WEBSITE tests on power. Bang for the buck......that is what we all want.

 

[CTBMW]

Yeah right. Anyway...Good to see another Miata person here. Have you "bumped" the timing? (Miata.net) There is one more Miata person here that I know of.
Mel
Sold my '97 last winter, bought MB190E, sold and now 318I