Gotta Get More Power, what should I do?

[Jordan James]

Sup, I have a '98 Bright Red 318ti Automatic MSport package and although I love the way the car handles, I really feel that it is gutless in the current stock state. While I know everything about car bodies and design, I dont know that much about engines and engine mods. Here are my questions: does anyone know of any sites where you can learn about german motors?, or what would be some good mods that could take my HP up past 200 (besides the DA Supercharger and M3 Swap). Thanks, Jordan

[myred318i]

Hey, Jordan! So you're the guy who wants to put in a 2nd engine..... I didn't mean to be so sarcastic, I remember reading the same article about the Jetta. It would be alot of fun to see about doing that to your 'ti, however I doubt that it would be very cost efficient to do so, and wouldn't be much of a daily driver, more of a novelty.
You are asking about mods to get more power out of your engine. You can do several things to your 4-banger, short of the DA Supercharger or the inline-6 swap (M3 or 2.8-) to increase power. It's all about $$. How fast do you want to go? How much money you got?
1. You can chip it - $350-$450 nets about 10-12 HP.
2. You can change the air intake to a free flow design (aka K&N) $150-$175 nets about 3-4 HP.
3. Change the exhaust. Some claim 4-5 HP, most don't change anything but the sound $400-$600.
4. Port & Polish the heads. Don't know the cost, don't know the HP impact. My guess is a few hundred dollars for a few ponies.

I personally can vouch for the chip, minimal cost for most gain in power. Now as far as looking for serious increase in HP (>200); Why wouldn't you consider the supercharger or M3 swap? As far as finding the motors, just look at all the various classifieds on the web. Turner Motorsport classifieds (turnermotorsport.com) has probably had 4-5 motors on there website in the last 2 weeks. Or check out bavengine.com.
I think the supercharger idea is really intriguing. I talked to those people and for the money ($3395) and an afternoon in the garage you come out with 220 HP according to their information. About $42 per horse, vs a swap which I figure to be at least $55-60 per horse (based on 240 hp). And that probably doesn't include all the hidden costs associated with something like that.

I,like you, want to increase the power. Someday, when I have "play" money or I can at least justify to my wife that spending the $$ on a new engine is cheaper than a new car ( What a GREAT argument!!) I will do something. Probably an M3 swap (since it would be cheaper than a new car, you know http://www.happytogether.com/318ti/forum/wink.gif
But..... if I were you, and wanted 200+ hp for I assume the least hassle, the supercharger is the perfect solution. All reports are that it is very reliable, and basically a bolt-on 80 hp mod.

My $.03 (inflation)

[Capone]

where can i get a chip for my 1995 ti

[J!m]

expect 207 hp from the D/A supercharger on a very good condition motor, not 220 (and that's measured at the flywheel, not the tires). Speaking of flywheels, a lightweight flywheel should be good for around 15-20 hp, at about 6-700$. With a Custom chip (modded for the flywheel change & blower) that should be a nice package, but now you are well into the 4-5K$ range (espically if you cannot do the work yourself) but you will have your 220+hp.

Further work would be required to surpass this level. Probably cams and/or head work & free-flow (catless- AKA illegal) exhaust. Custom software designed with your specific mod package from Mr. Conforti would make the most of it all.

I also looked into it VERY seriously before deciding on the M3 swap. Now I have the potential for 300+ hp. Yeah, the motor swap is a bitch, and expensive. AND there is a 150lb. weight penalty for the six. But I START OUT where the 1.9 TOPS OUT with the 3.2...

The four is a great motor. At 1.9 litres, there is little room for power increases without radical work (forced induction and/or big cams).

207hp in a ti is pretty sick. I would recommend doing the blower, and living with it for a while. You can always sell it used later. If you need more speed, gut out the car. That cushey interior and sound-proofing is DEAD WEIGHT. the name of the game is HP:WEIGHT ratio. The old Volkswagen GTI was low power, but also low weight. With 207 on tap in the ti (and no major weight penalty for a 6) you will have LOTS of fun with it.

Think about it...

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"Speed's just a question of money. How fast you 'wanna go?"