Cams worth it?

[ajatya2]

Im looking to get two new Schrick cam (256degree) for my e36 m42 318is and was wondering if the power gain are worth it? Im trying to see how much power i can get out of it N/A before boosting it. I just think thats one the few things i got left to do with in a decent price range. But is it worth it?:confused:

[///Harlis]

hey, not exactly speaking out of experience here, but why not try adjusting your stock cams first. could save you $$$. From what ive heard schricks arent that much of a gain for the money you pay.

[ajatya2]

I thought about it and advancing the timming but after reading up a little bit on it and also though talking to ppl that have done it with non bmw cars they end out with more problems then power. I do belive your right bc i realy dont think spending $700us would be worth the max 12hp. Have you any ideas and or tips to do if i do go to adjust the cams?

[AcSchnitzer318is]

You could save some money going with delta regrinds.  If I had to buy cams I probably wouldn't, would just boost, but my rebuilt motor came with deltas in it when I purchased it.  I really enjoy the power, however much or little extra it is.  Last dyno I put down 122 at the rear wheels... and that was with some running issues.  I think if I were to dyno it now, I'd see closer to 128 or more after a chip, deleting the parasitic fan, injectors, and a few other minor tune up type things.

[///Harlis]

sorry i haven't adjusted my own cams, so i cant speak from experience. If i were to do it i'd get it done at bmw. I've looked into a DIY guide but haven't had any luck finding one. adjusting them isnt the problem it would be getting the degrees right. besides adjusting the stock ones only changes the power band, and doesnt increase peak hp (so i hear). So stockies= low gains, low cash. schricks= eh...gains, high dollar.


just go FI.

[dcarchitect]

I'm always going through a list of performance mods and calculating the dollar cost ov the mod vs. the horsepower gain.
for example, the Turner/Conforti chip I bought new on ebay for $37 bucks with shipping; if the chip is worth 8 hp, and i can do the labor for free, (yes) then, the mod cost me $4.62 per horsepower.
Do a cold air intake with a cone filer and get 6 hp for about $100 then you have a $16.67 per horsepower mod.
Buy a good muffler, for $60, replace the over 100k catalyst with a hi-flow spun metallic type for $100  and have a good shop weld it all up with a nice smooth pipe between cat and muffler for $75 , plus a 10 muffler tip, and get another 8 horsepower, for $245 and you have a $30 per horsepower mod, and something the old car probably needed anyway. Maybe good plugs ($25) 8mm wires  ($170) and new coils ($180) are worth a few hp for $375, so thats about $100 per hp if you do it yourself, and again you probably need plugs wires and coils with over 100k miles anyway
Schrick Cams?
$449 each from Korman, $900 and I really want a good shop to do this bad boy, since If I F' this up its the motor, so I'm into also a valve cover gasket and ..., this is going to be a $1200 mod, on a car I bought for $2200?
Dude, Did you max out your 401k, your Roth IRA, do you already own your own home, AND snap up a deal on some foreclosed real eastate, Hire a personal trainer to work of the gut we all have, Rent some really fine women buy the hour, AND go to Europe or Asia or Latin America on vacation,
AND AND AND still have money left over to throw $1200 Schrick Cam work at your 19 year old E30is which the dealerships wont give us $1000 in trade for a new BMW128 coupe.
This car costs me as much per month to run and do performance mods as the monthly payments on a new BMW 128i coupe on Euro deliver with the BMW CCA discount ($28,000 with sport suspension)
If I had not lost my business, and credit rating, Thats what I'd be driving NOW.
The E30, 318is is a fun little car, but its not going to ever  get the hot and fancy chicks like a new BMW coupe (or a used boxter or....)
Call me crazy, but;
Hell the economy is in the TOILET, maybe I just wanna hang onto my $1200 for when I get laid off and the rent is due.

[ajatya2]

lmao!
well i got a new exhaust $500, i got my chip $350, I got my cold air intake $200, I got the 8mm wires and coils and i got a butt load of other crap lol and yes working at a autozone getting paid $8.50 an hr realy dose suck. but this e36 is my baby. and not to sound cocky but this thing has a magnetic force tward vagina lol Its a show car, i got two first place best euro awards and a second and third award.granted the shows were not any big thing but still. In conclusion tho  i must say u are right about every thing els lol

[JP 91iS]

Its a good idea to weigh the cost/benefit ratio for any choice, especially ones that are non-essential like car modifications.  You also make a good point to make sure you've got your priorities in order before spending your extra money.  Living within your means is important, more so right now.
But it sounds to me like you've got all the wrong reasons for wanting to spend money on these cars.  The reason most of us are looking to squeeze all the extra hp out is to maximize the fun-factor of driving an E30.

[roundel318]

I think you should save up for some a metric mechanic rally 2100
Or do some boosting project (not a uber low budget one)
Both take two different routes and produce two different results.
This is not meant to redirect the conversation or topic of this thread to the boosted vs n/a debate, just to give my opinion.
I think a lower budget thing would be a pulse chamber intake manifold if you can get one made up. It helps out midrange without sacrificing top end as much. That with a chip (they could maybe even talk to MarkD their chip guy who is a great tuner and do a custom chip that could be tuned with the intake manifold in mind, or whatever else you have done)

Just thoughts for a $1k-$2k mod range, but not doing a budget boost job, or a stroker build of some sort.

[ajatya2]

well absolutly my goal is to squeezy every bit of power i can out of the motor, i will admit i went trough a lame stage were i did just try to make it fancy. but u can have the fancyest looking car in the world but if its not fun who care! Right  now im trying to achieve as much power as possible N/A

[roundel318]

well, then you have to think about your budget.
were you looking to drop over 8k into it?

[ajatya2]

to be honest if i could i would. and with these car and the lack of money i make budget is a big issue. And i am planning on keeping this car for a wile and i know its gona take alot of money to get the amount of power i want out of it but this cars my life lol and every car guy i hang around or work with gives me shit  bc its a 4cyl automatice and thats whats keeping me going with it. To be relistic for the upcoming year i plan on dropping about 3k on it and its gona be boosted. i hope. what ever money i make always goes into the car or the $300 a month insurance for it lol

[roundel318]

if you are going to end up going with a boost project instead, you can do lot's for 3k.
Why not trade it out for a stick and dump the automatic?
Mind as well.....

[ajatya2]

your absolutly right. im just not sure wheather to boost it first or standard tranny first. I realy need to get my prioritys straigh. what do u think i should go with first?

[crazzy_hippo]

I don't think its really necessary to spend the money on schrick cams thought it would be good to have. My e36 cam with schrick cams (from previous owner). The car definitely is lively at high RPM (3K and above) but low end feels dead. Was told its due to the cams. It shifts the power band upwards.

Considering the cams cost around USD1K or more, I think you are better off investing in a DASC etc...