 1997 318i Turbo Project
This would be alot more helpful with images. Maybe I will be allowed to post them soon.
My Brother (Master mechanic, first beemer turbo project) modified a 97 318i with a turbo. The kit was purchased from a seller on eBay has the name Fantasy Motor Sport on it. The physical installation is 90% complete. Only the oil catch can to go.
It starts, it runs and in neutral (park) it revs fine through the whole range. When driving it it "hits the wall" at 30 mph. By hits the wall I mean that it accelerates like you would expect up to that point and then it stops making power, stops accelerating but doesn't die. It does puff some blue smoke when accelerating (didn't do this before).
From what I have reade in these forums I know of a few things that need/desire to be done:
- Replace the MAF sensor with a unit from a 1995 M3
- Remove the butterfly valve in line with the TB (I assume this is the anti- skid cut out)
- Get it tuned!
- Install a turbo timer
- Find out why the boost controller seems to have no effect
Right now the car is in Houston, I am in Uvalde, Texas. The plan is to get it up to speed and then bring to San Antonio.
Questions:
- Is the butterfly valve in line with the TB the skid cutout that should be removed?
- What is the best way to get it tuned? Buy one from someone here? Take to a dyno for a custom job? Or buy a system like the LM-2 and do it myself?
- Is the 1996 M3 MAF the correct one to use? Is this MAF range limitation the reason the engine hits the wall?
- Why is it burning oil now
Its a great looking car, can't wait to share pictures!
Some details (I have a scan of the turbo kit contents to post when I figure out how to load pics):
Car: 1997 318i 194,000miles, engine 38,000 miles, turbo 10 miles
Turbo kit: T3 turbo, 15psi spring installed, 44mm 100-150hp waste gate, 550cc injectors, 2.5" inter-cooler plumbing, OVX #6 L4 turbo manifold, original MAF. original o2
Computer codes:
- P0203 We were getting a #3 injector cylinder #3 before mod. Still do. If you unplug the injector the engines begins to run very rough. Suspect an open or shorted wire. Not sure why it still works or what limitations this puts on how the engine runs.
- P1423 Secondary air injection.
- P0505 Idle control system. This one seems to set if the expected idle is +200 or -100 rpm from expected.
Okay, there it is. I am sure that as soon as this is read I will realize how much detail I left out. If you are interestred I can PM pictures.
I read this forum for a couple weeks before joining the site. The knowledge and courtesy here are a statement to you all. Thanks in advance for your input.
Bob | 
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