DASC Upgrade - what else to replace at same time?

[ergnut]

I have 119k miles on my 96 ti. It currently sports H&R springs & bilstein HDs but no other mods. Other than regular service, I haven't had to repair or replace anything (original clutch, water pump, radiator, thermostat,fan switch etc). It has been an incredibly reliable & durable car.

I'm contemplating the DASC upgrade. What other maintainance/upgrades should I consider at the same time toprevent problems. I was thinking:

- coolant flush & hose replacement
- new low temp thermo & switches
- oil cooler
- radiator?
- diifferentail oil change
- clutch replacement (heavy duty?)
- water pump?

Are these appropriate? Anything else?

Outside of the engine, I was thinking 325 calipers & ss brakelines & upgraded pads.

Thanks

[KIRASIR]

Clutch should the first item on the list since it's usually the first thing to give out. Diff oil/coolant changes, pump, etc have be done anyway whether your car is supercharged or not. If you don't get the Stage II or III software then also consider replacing the fuel pump.

SL

I have 119k miles on my 96 ti. It currently sports H&R springs & bilstein HDs but no other mods. Other than regular service, I haven't had to repair or replace anything (original clutch, water pump, radiator, thermostat,fan switch etc). It has been an incredibly reliable & durable car.

I'm contemplating the DASC upgrade. What other maintainance/upgrades should I consider at the same time toprevent problems. I was thinking:

- coolant flush & hose replacement
- new low temp thermo & switches
- oil cooler
- radiator?
- diifferentail oil change
- clutch replacement (heavy duty?)
- water pump?

Are these appropriate? Anything else?

Outside of the engine, I was thinking 325 calipers & ss brakelines & upgraded pads.

Thanks

[bimmer95]

- coolant flush & hose replacement
You must drain the coolant to install the DASC, so that's a good idea.

- new low temp thermo & switches
The stock M44 fan switch is an 80/88C unit already. The thermostat is built in to the thermostat housing, so there are no low temp options. The stock temp runs fine anyway.

- oil cooler
Not really necessary.

- radiator?
- water pump?
- diifferentail oil change
Sure, at your mileage all of those would be a good idea to replace.

- clutch replacement (heavy duty?)
Perfect time to upgrade to a lightweight flywheel with an upgraded clutch.

I was thinking 325 calipers & ss brakelines & upgraded pads.
Good plan, take a hook at the Hawk HPS pads.

[tastade]

I assume the factory fuel pump can handle the extra pressure required by the DASC's rising rate fuel pressure regulator?

[DustenT]

I assume the factory fuel pump can handle the extra pressure required by the DASC's rising rate fuel pressure regulator?

My fuel pump died at 130k miles. I'm running 92psi at the rail without any issues on the stock pump.

[tastade]

I am really thinking of applying my bonus this year towards the purchase of a DASC. However, I am afraid if I do that I will have to spend money on suspension upgrades, etc. Plus I have almost 140k miles, so that makes me leary. I believe my compression is fine, but I do feel that my clutch is a little weak, so I would have to accelerate a little more carefully until I got that replaced with an upgrade.

So my question is, do I buy the DASC or save the ~$3k for the purchase of a different car?

I am happy with my current car, but I like to AutoX, so I don't know if I want to race in street mod class.

[DustenT]

Street Mod is fun, but it's tough to be competitive against super modded Evos. Do a compression test before you make a choice.

I am really thinking of applying my bonus this year towards the purchase of a DASC. However, I am afraid if I do that I will have to spend money on suspension upgrades, etc. Plus I have almost 140k miles, so that makes me leary. I believe my compression is fine, but I do feel that my clutch is a little weak, so I would have to accelerate a little more carefully until I got that replaced with an upgrade.

So my question is, do I buy the DASC or save the ~$3k for the purchase of a different car?

I am happy with my current car, but I like to AutoX, so I don't know if I want to race in street mod class.

[HuGo]

What? I have to drain all the anti freeze outta the engine? Does this say on the DASC manual or what?

[pnosker]

Again with the reading: "You must drain the coolant to install the DASC, so that's a good idea."

About suggestions, what about a low restriction exhaust. AFAIK, you want the least amount of backpressure so the supercharger can run efficiently and provide good boost.

[tastade]

Street Mod is fun, but it's tough to be competitive against super modded Evos. Do a compression test before you make a choice.

Cool, I checked my compression today and it was at about 155 psi on all 4 cylinders at 750 ft elevation, and all were within about 1 or 2 psi of each other. So I assume that is adequate. What exhaust and intake would you go with DustenT? I don't like the exhaust too loud, but a little rumble is okay. No farty sounding exhaust either. If I do go DASC I will probably do those at the same time. I will also do a little searching on the board to see what others use.

[tastade]

I found the other thread for the prelude filter mod, http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11154 so I will use that for the intake.

So what is a good cat. back exhaust for use with the DASC? Again, don't want anything too loud, but I want it to sound good.

I have read this post: http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10816
and it sounds like Stromung is a good way to go? does that go well with the DASC? It looks like it is $510 incl. shipping from understeer. I really like the looks of that one (no coffee can). I also like that it is stainless.

[aceyx]

The stock M44 fan switch is an 80/88C unit already. The thermostat is built in to the thermostat housing, so there are no low temp options. The stock temp runs fine anyway.
I looked at the replacement thermostat I got from Pelican this past week. It looks like you can change the thermostat.

But given the size of the radiator versus the size of the motor, I also think it's unnecessary.

[mohaughn]

Isn't 150 a little low on the compression? Mine are all up around 180. The bentley or haynes manual says to only let it crank 2-3 times, but I noticed that I had to let it turn over 3-5 times to get the compression to it's highest. The first time I did it I thought it was all at 150 then I realized I didn't let it turn over enough. The head gasket on mine was replaced about 2 years ago, so I can only guess that that is why I still have such high compression. Just doublechecked my bentley and 142-156 is the minimum range for compression

I think, I could also be wrong, Dusten said he is still up over 150 after 2 years of running boost. I'm at about 20 feet elevation at my house, so much lower.

Did everybody already get their kits from DA?

[DustenT]

Isn't 150 a little low on the compression?

Dusten said he is still up over 150 after 2 years of running boost. I'm at about 20 feet elevation at my house, so much lower.


I have 180~185psi on all 4 cylinders at 1210 feet above sea level. Everything on the motor is stock. This is after 40k+ miles of boost.

[pdxmotorhead]

Most engines that run under boost have better compression that NA motors. Its because they seat the rings harder, so usually what happens is they run way tighter up until they wear out then they go downhill faster because the rings have more wear. A leakdown test tells the whole story, just a compression test will not.

Cheers.
Dave

[DustenT]

Most engines that run under boost have better compression that NA motors. Its because they seat the rings harder, so usually what happens is they run way tighter up until they wear out then they go downhill faster because the rings have more wear. A leakdown test tells the whole story, just a compression test will not.

Cheers.
Dave

Here is a decent write up on leak down testing: http://www.geocities.com/dsmgrrrl/FAQs/leakdown.htm

[pdxmotorhead]

Just another thought... Does anyone with a DASC have an Oil temperature gauge? I'm curious how hot the oil gets especially on track.

Thanks!
Dave

[tastade]

Does Bentley say what the factory new pressure should be? If the minimum is 142psi, I am not worried at all with my 155 psi. The compression ratio is 10:1 with the M42, so I would expect at least 147 psi. http://www.google.com/search?&q=10+%2a+1+atm+in+psi

Note: There is approximately 3% compression loss / 1000 feet of elevation.

[tastade]

Anyway, I think my question got overlooked, is the stromung exhaust a good choice for a supercharged vehicle? I want something that is stainless steel and bolt on. Not too loud, and a normal sized exhaust tip. Any other recommendations?

[DustenT]

Anyway, I think my question got overlooked, is the stromung exhaust a good choice for a supercharged vehicle? I want something that is stainless steel and bolt on. Not too loud, and a normal sized exhaust tip. Any other recommendations?

That exhaust should be fine. Any kind of free flowing exhaust will help with the supercharger. I don't have any personal experience with the Stromung, but I've heard good things about it.

[mohaughn]

tastade- The Bentley doesn't say what the compression should be from the factory.. Just says what the minimum should be. I'll look in my haynes and see if it says. I thought I read somewhere that 180 is really good.

So, did the folks in the DASC GB get their kits yet? I've not read anything about any getting them installed or even receiving them yet, did it happen?

[HuGo]

yea it went through, just waiting for them to ship.

[mohaughn]

Do you know why they haven't shipped yet? Seems like most other people got their kits in 3-5 days when ordering directly. Just an issue of volume?

[HuGo]

Do you know why they haven't shipped yet? Seems like most other people got their kits in 3-5 days when ordering directly. Just an issue of volume?

They got shipped out yesterday. First they said they need a week to prepare everyones pieces and parts. Then that week they said they had an emergency race or something like that. So they did it this week and shipped em yesterday. They said they wanted to ship everything all together.

[lilflip]

any chance i can get one now for cheap ill pay now?

[black318i]

Again with the reading: "You must drain the coolant to install the DASC, so that's a good idea."




No you don't only a few oz or so will spill out. Top it off and call it good.

[pnosker]

I was quoting another member... I don't have a DASC.

[saintly]

When spending the sort of $ needed to buy a DASC, why skimp on a few $ to save some coolant?

[black318i]

When spending the sort of $ needed to buy a DASC, why skimp on a few $ to save some coolant?

Depends on when it's due. Why spend the time and money if it's not due for a couple years or more? There are a lot of cheap things that can be done at the same time but it all adds up.