M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Swaps, Turbos, Buildups => Topic started by: The Collector on June 23, 2013, 03:36:04 PM

Title: Never done this.
Post by: The Collector on June 23, 2013, 03:36:04 PM

Hello I'm looking to turbo my m42. I'd like around 260 + rear wheel HP. I have never done a turbo build. Please help. Any advice is appreciated.  My M42 is in a 91 318is. The Block has around 300000 miles.  I am in the process of rebuilding my motor so. I wanna do a turbo build for sure. Just need help and advics

Title: Re: Never done this.
Post by: i8ur911 on June 23, 2013, 07:08:53 PM

Rebuild the engine top to bottom with all new bearings first. If you can, buy new lower compression pistons; 8.5:1 or 9:1 would be good. Use a better head gasket than stock. Purchase a stand alone management set up (megasquirt, AEM, VEMS, etc). Buy all turbo components (turbo, intercooler, intercooler piping, injectors, etc). Spend many weeks putting together and many, many more tuning. And try not to blow everything up after finishing :)

Title: Re: Never done this.
Post by: The Collector on June 23, 2013, 11:39:48 PM

What if I was looking at around 10 psi or 30

Title: Re: Never done this.
Post by: wazzu70 on June 24, 2013, 11:10:54 AM

From what turbo? 10psi from different turbos can be a large difference in airflow. Psi in the manifold really does not tell you anything.

You can make that power on the stock rods, but its not worth it IMO. While you have the engine apart upgrade the rods and pistons. I dont think you need to run a different headgasket.

As mentioned previously, tuning is the most crucial part of the puzzle. Figure that out first.

Title: Re: Never done this.
Post by: The Collector on June 24, 2013, 11:12:50 PM

Never done tuneing I am completely new in a world of unknowns. When it comes to turbos tuning etc. I am a tool salesmen during the day mechanic at night. Not a performance builder. I'm looking for advice. Help and anything from fellow m42 enthusiasts. Brands to look into. Tunes ? I do not know

Title: Re: Never done this.
Post by: fumstoo on June 25, 2013, 10:41:13 AM

megasquirt, injectors, meth and call it a day. Im betting you could hit 260whp on a stock m42.

Title: Never done this.
Post by: bme30 on June 25, 2013, 11:30:59 AM

Get the standalone first.. Get the stock motor running.  That will be your baseline tune to build from when you build the boost motor.