Supercharger

[San Diego 328]

Would it still be worth the money to supercharge my 98 328I with 120,000 miles?
I recently put Bilstein Sport Shocks and Lowering Springs, new cntrol arm and M3 solid offset bushings, a X-brace, uuc sway barbarians, and an M3 muffler, with a Z3 shifter.
Please avise.

 

[chief]

Your question is purely subjective. I installed a RMS SuperCharger and Aftercooler in my '96 328i two months ago. What the SC did was reveal that i had an intake manifold gasket leak. Cost to repair: $1000. 22.
Also, it forced me to replace the fuel pressure regulator that was not working properly (had oil in it thus vaccuum was nil) and the resulting excess fuel fouled 2 new O2 sensors of which i am replacing this coming week.

In the wise words of my brother (has a GN and a Lotus 7) :"anytime you build a hot rod expect to keep putting money into it, i know, i am.

Cheers and good luck,

 

[wood_e]

If you know what you are doing go for it. Usually when you boost a car that is older you find all sorts of crap wrong with it after you spent thousands of dollars on it. I say if you do it be prepared for the consequences.... Personally I wouldn't do it, not worth risking huge expenses over going faster...

wow....

Did I just say that?

 

[San Diego 328]

Did you like the results of the supercharging?

 

[frolf]

dude post a pic of your car, it sounds sick.

my opinion? do a motor swap (s52, which bolts right in) and THEN do an s/c if you want, plus if you get an S52 (us spec) they are only like 2500-3000 with low mileage.

 

[grc]

$1000 for an intake gasket? a screwdriver and a wrench would've been a lot less.

 

[chief]

Intake Gasket $1000.22:That's what it turned out to be. But perhaps the R&R of the aftercooler, replacement of the Oil Diffuser gasket(which was torn), the R&R of the idle air control valve also contributed to the cost, doth thow thinkith?

 

[San Diego 328]

Aren't the s52 motors a bitch to find?

 

[frolf]

not at all, the Euro spec S52 (the actual S52) is, but that motor is nutso, the M52 (US spec S52 B32) is a damn fine motor, i have a friend with an E30 and a M52 rolled back to OBD1 and man oh man does that thing scream. best part is its all motor power, you don't need to worry about blowing things up if you over boost or anything. and like i said, you'd have loewr miles AND could sell your old motor!!!