need more power ... please help

[94318i]

I'm kinda new to the bmw tuning scene, but not to tuning. I've had a multitude of tuned hondas , two miatas,  a mk3 supra(421whp), a 240sx, and a 1995 rx-7. I built all of these vehicles myself with great sucsess. As I,m sure you noticed these were all very small japanese cars . While they provided me with years of tuning pleasure i now have a family of my own and none are worthy family cars.
    I recently bought an 1994 e36 318i which is much more family friendly. Problem is ithas no power! I mean, it runs great but lacks any oomph. I've already modified the intake, exhaust and body (picture coming soon) so   it looks and sounds good but again it has no real power.  
    My question is, should I even bother with the m42 or just do a swap? I'm a fan of fast four cylinder powered cars and my goals are modest. I,m looking to run mid 14 second quarter miles. I'm unfamilliar with tuning these cars ...please help

[hoevesruperd]

how much do you want to spend?
you want to stay NA or go FI ?
check out www.metricmechanic.com

[94318i]

five thousand is the limit. NA would be my ideal but forced induction seems likely to be the easiest way to gain the most power . Question is can the stock m42 stand up to it. A nd again a swap isn't out of the question.

[nuvolarossa]

with five thousand I'd turbo it... the only thing is that there isn't a turbo kit premade for it, but you need to buy all the parts separately and build it.
If you have mechanical skills, turbo experience and TIME (fundamental) you can diy and save a lot of money.
I have pieced my own turbo kit for my m44 but not enough time to do it now, and I don't want to took it to a shop
I have Neukin manifold $650.00 (http://www.neukin.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=neukinbm42bm), but if you do it buy the external wastegate version... I have the internal WG version but as what I see it will go too close to the gearbox (neukin's are bottom mount manifolds).
Neukin build them on demain, so it will take at least 4 weeks to have it.
 
but remember I'm insane... you could simply swap a 325i engine for 1/5 of money of your budget... the decision it's all in you;)
with a turbo and engine built you can go until 612bhp...
a 325 engine can do the same with less money...
high power m42 in N/A form it's all a money question... you can reach 200bhp, but a lot of work is needed. 200bhp with a a turbo can be reached with 0,5 bar/7-8psi without change an internal piece

[94318i]

I ended up buying a 1996 328i for 2grand  it has 235,000 but runs great so now i have two to play with but less money to spend.

[bmw327]

In 2006, the guys at GRM installed one of these on an aged but otherwise good running 1991 318is and got ~187 rwhp. Boost is ca 7 psi. Now THAT would make one sweet sleeper out of my little white sedan.

They quote 6-8 hr for a skilled DIY or 4hr for an experienced pro.

I know where next year's bonus is going...  

Just google Downing Atlanta Supercharger and you'll find them.

[318kid]

In 2006, the guys at GRM installed one of these on an aged but otherwise good running 1991 318is and got ~187 rwhp. Boost is ca 7 psi. Now THAT would make one sweet sleeper out of my little white sedan.

They quote 6-8 hr for a skilled DIY or 4hr for an experienced pro.

I know where next year's bonus is going...  

Just google Downing Atlanta Supercharger and you'll find them.

+1 If you don't want the hassle of having to fab up anything do this!

[futron.sim]

The M42 does have lots of potential if you are willing to spend time and money on it. Metric Mechanics offers lots of custom pistons/conrods. Its afterall a cast iron block and it can take very high boost.

For me, I am currently planning and saving up for a twin charger system. Planning to rebuild the engine to a MM Turbo (using their parts) and an Autronic SM4. Then throw in an Eaton M90 blower and a GT32/35 Turbo unit. dial up the boost to ~20-25PSI.

[94318i]

I did check into the downing atlanta sc but at 4grand it seemed to expensive. I hope I won't be considered a traitor but I have decided to sell the 318i and focus on the 328i. It (the 328i) just drives so much better and has so much more power. I would have to spend thousands to get the 318i up to par with the 328.

[318kid]

I did check into the downing atlanta sc but at 4grand it seemed to expensive. I hope I won't be considered a traitor but I have decided to sell the 318i and focus on the 328i. It (the 328i) just drives so much better and has so much more power. I would have to spend thousands to get the 318i up to par with the 328.

It wouldn't drive "so much better," unless it had new suspension parts! The only thing is the speed. The 318i should have quicker turn in and speed through the bends! But its you're decision. My sister has an E36 325is, although it's pretty fun I still like my m42 better (plus my door panels aren't falling off!)

[P. Kennedy]

I called DASC just the other day to confirm or deny the rumors of their E30 SC kit's death. Talked directly to Jim Goodroe himself, who is the SC man there.

He said the company that originally provided the blowers (not Eaton, I forget who he mentioned) has ceased producing the units, and DA would have some huge re-tooling costs to consider keeping the project alive.

He said they made a business decision to cease it's availability.