Why is a 31.8IS better then a 32.5I? or is it not?

[no1_jazz]

Hi Guys, I have a 31.8IS of my own and absolutely love it BUT I have been speaking to a lot of people who also own a 32.5I. They all tell me that it’s waste of money trying to improve performance and sped on the 31.8IS.

Clearly working with something smaller would mean more money spending but working with something bigger means less money spending,

After talking to many other who love what we do the 31.8IS I feel good but what dose let me down is that when I speak to 32.5i owners, they give me cold shoulder because they always do make me realise how much more money I would be spending on the 3.18IS so that its just about could give a decent run with the 325i.

The 31.8IS is a well put car that is really fun to drive and again gives the power delivery when you slam on the throttle to the floor.

I mean I love my 31.8IS and I am never going to sell it I just want as much speed and stability out of it as possible. I want to get that power delivery in most importantly in 5th gear when you slam your foot down from around 100mph I want her to fly about up to 130mph with ease and then 145mph – 150mph screaming her nipples off lol

So guys shall I go and get a 2.5 engine conversion or shall I go ahead and keep the 31.8IS and why?

Cheers Jazz

[haledj]

325i's are not fast as you describe, yes they are faster than a 318is but not fast at all by todays standards. It sounds like you need a Camaro or a Mustang. e30's are a different kind of fun.

[ak96ss]

325i's are not fast as you describe, yes they are faster than a 318is but not fast at all by todays standards. It sounds like you need a Camaro or a Mustang. e30's are a different kind of fun.

+1

I have a 2006 Daytona R/T for the 100+ MPH romps. The 318is is all about balance, not power.

[no1_jazz]

so is the 31.8IS a better car? and why?
Jazz

[sheepdog]

Talke a look at the 0-60 and quarter mile times. The 325 guys love to claim they are faster, but in all honesty, the amount is not all that much. Their problem stems from using the Butt Dyno and not knowing how to properly drive our cars.

They get in, sit down, and hit the gas like a 325. They tend to drive at a range below our power band, so of course it feels sluggish. The 318 is about revs, the 325 is about low end power. You have to drive them for the power band they have, which means driving a 318 like you literally stole it. They do not do that and are often worried about what the owner will say. They avoid redline, we live there.


As for what is better, we have less maintenance, higher mileage, slightly better handling.
They have a few more power mods and slightly better acceleration.

Put both on a track and in many cases the 318 will beat the 325 and flat out destroy much more expensive and newer cars.


As for which is better, that is personal opinion.
I have met a few guys who have had both, and while they love the 325's power, especially after modding, all said they longed for the 318 handling and often wish they had kept it. The ones who could afford a Metric Mechanic engine (yes there are a few out here) all wished they had the 318IS with a Metric m42 instead of the Metric M20 as it is a better combo.

Again, all personal preference though. The problem is most people have only driven one of the 2, those who have driven both do not drive both properly so the 318 gets a bad rap.

Personal opinion... I love the 318 better. You can only go so fast on the street anyhow and I prefer the less maintenance and better mileage. In my opinion the M42 offers the best dual purpose, great street handling and mileage, coupled with great spirited driving when you want it. Is it the fastest thing out there? No, but it is plenty fast when you start hitting the corners.

[John W]

They both have their merits. The m20 might be a bit more durable and it is torquier. The m42 saves you a little more weight (I LOVE light weight cars) and loves to rev. For a long time, I debated which one was better for me. When gas prices spiked a couple of years ago, the choice became obvious.

[Lukis]

The 325i is not a bad car and it is faster than a 318is. I have owned a 325i that was in mint condition and since it was "healty" it was much faster than any other 325 I have tryed.

Off cource now I own a 318is and I definently see the benefits of the lighter engine, the turn in is in another world!
I miss the power of the 325, but the difference is not that big that I would give up the handling of the 318.

The milage is not that different. 325 uses a bit more on city driving, but I have had both at 0,67l pr 10km.

[silent lucidity]

Any e30 is slow in a straight line period...if you want to go fast and have alot of power get a faster car. Personally i'm not a big fan of tons of hp, because in reality you never really get to use it..even on the track. For example my last track day I kept up with a 360 modena in the turns, and eventually made him spin out :D they say a stock 318is is the "poor mans E30 M3". I used to own a 325is and that was really fun to drive, but I chose the 318is because it seemed to be more balanced, and raw.

[123willy4]

Having only driven the 318is out of the two, i can safely say ignorance is bliss!

[Shocker]

Any e30 is slow in a straight line period...if you want to go fast and have alot of power get a faster car.


This E30 is fast as hell. :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUomu9EqBkc

[no1_jazz]

Guys to all of you thans alot and sorry for this late reply.

so what shal i do i understand that the IS makes a overall better track car and is more fun to drive as well as more miles to the tank but now talking about preformance and upgrading power delivery with the IS. I mean is it worth it? i tend to keep this car as a street race car no major big racese on tracks and stuff but just a nice fast street car. shall i go ahead and get the 2.5 is im looking for more power or is it worth spending money on the IS

All help much appreciated

Many Thanks
Jazz

[91318isguy]

Hi Jazz,

Looking at this last message from you, it seems like you could care less about cornering ability, agility and the like. It actually sounds like you really don't know what you want, other than all out power. Here is some advice... THINK BEFORE YOU BUY. Think about what you want to do with the car.

Is this going to be a work car, or are you just going to use this car to go to the local cruising spot, pick some road battles and that's pretty much it?

The advise you've gotten on this thread is more than enough to make a decision... based on what you want to do. If you are a young driver, stick with your 318is. Learn the way it eats the curves and craps them out like a greasy hamburger. My buddy who owned one of these before I got one told me that this car will teach you how to drive, and let me tell you, it has.

In a straight line, no, the 18 isn't faster, but unless you live in Kansas where all you have is straight, flat roads, having a car that can handle is just about better than power. If you want power, an impressive idea is call Atlanta Downing and get one of the Super Chargers and strap that on for at least 50 if not more horses with not even a hundred pounds of extra weight.

[tony92ic]

I think the answer is that the M20 325 is not going to provide what you are looking for to any significant degree over the 318is. If you are looking for a significant power boost in your e30 you need to put an M50 or S50 six into it.

Then you can look down your nose at those 325 owners who have been dissin' your 318is, because they aren't going to be able to touch you.

Numbers wise a '93-'95 M50 motor with no other modifications than a chip will put out about 211 hp (compare that to a '93-'97 Mustang GT at 215 hp and 300-400 pounds more weight)

These are common and not too difficult swaps (lots of kits available) and with an M50 transplant you won't spend much more than you would to hop up an M20 motor to get far less hp.

The ultimate of course is the M3's S50 motor. The swap is about identical but the motor will cost you 4 times as much. But now you are talking '95 Cobra power hp levels.

[BrandC]

He actually said he wants his car to "scream its nipples off". I lawl'd just now.

[ScreamerBeemer]

Yes, the M42 is a great motor to wind the snot out of:D

[nicknikolovski]

I take the M42 anyday over a M20.

[Frankie]

Well, my 318is is a track day car and I regularly beat E36 and E30 325's with it on (on track).

[no1_jazz]

Happy New Year to all.

Firstly I would like to apologise for my late reply. I have not been in town. I was away and did not have access to the internet.

Guys I appreciate all your knowledge and help. 91318isguy I do care about the drive stability and handling as that’s more important on the streets and on the track.

Guys I do have a lot of faith in the 31.8IS M42 engine but the money I would be spending on it for a little bit more power on a straight is crazy. What can I do to it so that it gives me that little extra power delivery on the motorway?

Sorry if I am repeating myself but I have decided that I am not going to go through with the 32.5i conversion as I believe that the M42 engine is a work of art that has loads and loads of potential which makes it the dogs dangles lol

Rite guys the questions laid out:

How can I achieve a little more speed on a straight line?

Many Thanks

Jazz

[sheepdog]

How can I achieve a little more speed on a straight line?


There are some options, but none are easy. Some can be somewhat cheap, but not very as these are not Japanese cars. These motors are difficult to get more than a few HP out of.

Take a look in the Swaps, turbo and buildup section.
Stroking, M44, turbos, and blowers are out there, as are home jobs. I am looking into the potential for a cheap 180-190hp setup though. By cheap I am hoping to stay under $1000 for the job, not likely but that is the goal. When I have more I will try and document it. For now, I would say check out that area as there are some interesting ideas there.

[hoevesruperd]

How can I achieve a little more speed on a straight line?

Jazz

there are so many things that would make fun projects

chip
turbo
supercharger
engine rebuild - stroker
lighter flywheel
exhaust
or as simple as removing some useless weight

personaly i would go for a 2.1 stroker on individual throttle bodies with a carbon fiber air box with a simple and quiet exhaust and megasquirt
so i'd keep the original engine bay look and that would be more of an engineering and learning experience than just swapping in a 6

i say you take the time to analyze all the possibilities as there are tons and really find what you really want. high revs hps:turbo or bottom torque: supercharger

[teamgtnfx01]

wow wut a great thread ... i have a 92 318i vert and i today went to look at a 325is from 89 and it felt much quicker but im still contemplating on wut to do with my 318i considering i cant have 2 cars at once because i am only 17yrs old and am under my parents rules as after reading this thread i realize that a swap is the best way to have a fast e30 and i would not like to do a swap in a convertible so i think im gonna go to the m20 for now and deal with the extra wait till i have the knowledge to do a swap myself also i think i can buy a 325 and have left over money after i sell my 318

and someone said that there are kits out there for a full m50 or s50 swap ... where could those be found

[haledj]

and someone said that there are kits out there for a full m50 or s50 swap ... where could those be found


http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/

[hoevesruperd]

wow wut a great thread ... i have a 92 318i vert and i today went to look at a 325is from 89 and it felt much quicker but im still contemplating on wut to do with my 318i considering i cant have 2 cars at once because i am only 17yrs old and am under my parents rules

keep the vert. if you sell you might regret it in a few years as convertibles will go rare and 325i will only lose value. you said you're only 17 so enjoy the bmw you have and earn experience. or else in 30 years you'll be facing the same problem whether you should sell you GT2 to buy an Enzo.

i say. buy a hyundai. you'll appreciate your vert a lot more

[teamgtnfx01]

o man thanks u so much everyone for everyone help ... but as of now im young dumb and full of cum and want to go fast so i would like to do a swap and a vert would not suit a swap like a hard-top would i will keep u guys in mind when i make my decisions

[hoevesruperd]

o man thanks u so much everyone for everyone help ... but as of now im young dumb and full of cum and want to go fast so i would like to do a swap and a vert would not suit a swap like a hard-top would i will keep u guys in mind when i make my decisions

sorry i didnt meant to bring you down.
good luck with your project

[no1_jazz]

there are so many things that would make fun projects

chip
turbo
supercharger
engine rebuild - stroker
lighter flywheel
exhaust
or as simple as removing some useless weight

personaly i would go for a 2.1 stroker on individual throttle bodies with a carbon fiber air box with a simple and quiet exhaust and megasquirt
so i'd keep the original engine bay look and that would be more of an engineering and learning experience than just swapping in a 6

i say you take the time to analyze all the possibilities as there are tons and really find what you really want. high revs hps:turbo or bottom torque: supercharger



Easy lol cheers for the information.

help me out you mentioned you would go for a 2.1 stroker on individual throttle bodie, tell me a bit more about this and whay this option.

i was personally thinking supercharge and turbo the sweety pie if thats possable.

Cheers Jazz

[hoevesruperd]

Easy lol cheers for the information.

help me out you mentioned you would go for a 2.1 stroker on individual throttle bodie, tell me a bit more about this and whay this option.

i was personally thinking supercharge and turbo the sweety pie if thats possable.

Cheers Jazz

the 2.1 stroker would be my project for summer 2009. until then i hope i can earn some knowledge and money.

i know there are a few people on this forum running this engine. tim_s has exaclty the setup i'm looking for

i will do a complete thread when the time will come on the process of building this engine. as university starts tomorow i will have plenty of free time during my boring classes to do some research.

yet i have found that it is possible to bore out 3mm per chamber, using better pistons (still looking for what would be the best ones...M3 or aftermarket). i will also consider new lifters, an M47 crank, new cams, new bearings and more

since the setup will need more gas and the ITB will allow more air, i'm planning on building a megasquirt and a tuned airbox. the ITB and airbox will be my next winter's project as i will be finding a way to machine the adapters . with help from my uni faculty of engineering.

my goal is to get 100hp per liter or more so about 210-220

if you're considering the stroker option check out this website
http://www.metricmechanic.com/
theres a lot of interesting literature available

[pbgd3skier]

Any car no matter how much HP can go fast enough in a straight line to get you speeding tickets and loss of alot of $$$.

So better to think of it this way, how many places in the united states does the straight line speed really limit you? Its plain stupid to drag people at lights, if you are doing that prepare to lose your DL within a few years.

How many places does the top speed not besting 125 really matter? well most tracks aren't big enough for that to be a huge concern in street cars, and on most any highway such excessive speed will get you in an accident or loss of DL... so same deal.

So what matters? The e30 318's handle extremely well, they are a joy to toss around even if the curvy roads near you are only 25 mph turns.

Learn to drive the car that being, with a 318 you want to get it above 3000, preferably 3500 and keep it there. Having driven Porsche 356's which have a similar powerband (but foul out their plugs if you try to accelerate at under 2k rpm or don't get them cleared out) this comes naturally, but you'd be amazed how many people don't understand why the far side of 6K rpm is an acceptable way to drive. Learn to downshift your car at speed to keep it in its powerband, and learn to get into first gear when you can, its amazing how some people cannot shift into first until they are coming to a stop, but if you can get your downshift into 1st gear you will have all the acceleration you need.

Best updates to either the 318 or 325 will be good tires, good brakes, and if the suspension bushing haven't been redone you will be doing this.

It is often cheaper to find a car that has had struts, shocks, bushings etc. sorted out. Because unless you have done this sort of thing before you'd do well to have a professional do it. Bushings often require access to a shop press, struts, tie rod bushings, and some bushings will require an alignment afterwards.

So where as you can find these cars for 200 bucks in bad shape, by the time you get all that sorted you might as well pay more and get a car that's not a basket case.