Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / e36 m42 tuning options?

« on: October 07, 2011, 07:10:07 AM »

Thanks for the reply Dave,

I'm looking at changing my diff to a 3.15 off a UK 325i, so I can get the Cruising RPMs at 70mph down.

The 3.45 in the car is very very short.

I'm also looking at changing the Cam timing to generate more lowdown torque- enabling me to turn a longer diff.


As for chipping, in the UK where I'm based, the cars are mapped for 91RON from the factory, and the normal petrol is 95 RON, so I dont see a US chip working unfortunately.

I'm looking more for physical modifications that could be carried out to improve torque and drivability below 4000rpm...

does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks

2

Engine + Driveline / e36 m42 tuning options?

« on: October 04, 2011, 03:47:43 PM »

Differential ratio is an easy & cheap way to move the power band further down the scale.  It doens't do anything for the motor, but say a 4.45 nudges everything a few hundred RPM lower.  I went the opposite direction myself...3.73 for me!  Gives slightly better economy instead.

MarkD's 93 octane chip is legendary for these cars as well.  They seem pricey (~240USD on sale) but are worth every penny.

Ideally I'd like more lowdown Torque so I can turn a longer diff (like a 325i 3.15 diff) at the sort of RPM it'd be doing on a motorway..

As for Chipping- the car is a UK model, and mapped to 91 RON- pretty happy with that TBH.

I'm more interested in Mods/changes that can be done to enhance the operation of the engine in my chhosen powerband..if that makes sense?

Thanks for your post- glad to see  I'm thinking along the right lines with the Diff swap:D

3

Engine + Driveline / e36 m42 tuning options?

« on: October 04, 2011, 04:15:46 AM »

Hi,

I currently run a 1994 e36 m42 coupe as a daily driver- so far, over 12000 miles in 9 months, with very few repairs needed:D

Car has returned an average of 39.67 mpg (imperial), circa 33mpg (US), with myself and the girlfriend driving.

The car has been good fun (so far, 1 trackday, and 1 European trip, including Swiss Alpine Passes and the Nurburgring), but I feel the engine could be better..


Firstly, I find the power delivery very "Peaky" (yes I know its a 16v 4pot!) compared to the 6 cylinder BMWs I own.

I know the m42 has good torque and HP, but its a bit high up the rev band to use - the car mainly sits on the motorway at 70mph, turning approx 3000rpm.


So, I'm looking to improve the following things

1.Bottom end torque (1500-3500rpm range)

2.Improved Throttle Response

3.More HP- preferably in the 2500-4000rpm range, rather than up past 5000rpm.


I know this is probably counter intuative to you 16v fellows, but thought I'd ask anyways..

All hints/tips/suggestions/guides are most welcome!

and no, I'm not gonna just buy an m50/52'd car..:p