Performance mods, which are best???

[speed]

Now that i've almost got the 330 looking how i want i might do a bit to improve the performance. I'm not going for S/C yet, that's gonna be in a few months. I need to know what are considered to be the best mods for the 330.

The popular mods seem to be :
Spark plugs
Lightweight flywheel
3.46 diff
Gruppe M ram air filter

What else will give me in increase in performance without costing a fortune. I'm quite happy with the exhaust so i don't really want to change it.

[Nu Technique]

i woudnt bother, save the cash for an M3 ;)

oh and nice looking car mate [ok

[peppernick]

If you have the 6-speeder, go for the 3.46 ;)

[lee330sport]

If you have the 6-speeder, go for the 3.46 ;)

Yeah 5 speeder and 3.46 would prob drive you mad. If your after cheap mods then id scrub the GruppeM and get a replica from Teddy (just as good if not better).

Spark plugs dont make much difference if any.

Flywheels make a rattling noise on idle, can also be expensive to fit depending on where you get it done.

TBH the 3.0 is a fairly high strung engine, apart from a SC nothing is gonna give you a huge bump in peformance.

[Lucky Bob]

If you have the 6-speeder, go for the 3.46 ;)

Nick

For those of us who don't know "me" what is the noticeable everyday running difference with changing to this ratio diff, I understand that you will get better acceleration at the cost of top speed which would not bother me,
just would like to know whats its like to live with, does it alter speedo reading :o

Lee330sport, you must have a six speed box have you changed your diff.


Cheers

LB

[lee330sport]

Yes i have the 6 speed with the diff fitted.

The 3.46 diff will lower your ratio by around 15% this will mean your top speed would be lowered to about 130mph.

Its not the speed that would bother me its the high revs on the motorway. I think at 80mph my 5th gear (which is the same as yours) sits over 4000rpm.

Kris D has the 3.23 which might be better for the 5 speed?

[kris d]

Yep, I've got the 3.23diff in and it makes a noticable difference. Easy to live with as it doesn't sit at stupid high rev's on the motorway.
You can spend spend spend on the 330 engine and not get any real noticeable gains, but the diff is different. It's a good mod!
Also, I'd highly recomend you get an SK+ supercharger kit. Nothing gives you this much power for your money.

[Lucky Bob]

lee, Kris

Thanks fellas, yes it seem that the sum of all the possible mods quickly adds up to the cost of a supercharger with 100% results and no if's buts or maybes, I'm not to sure think i'll just bide my time for a while.

The problem with BMW is it's not only a speed / performance thing, they are just all round good quality cars.

Speed sorry for hijacking your thread, and if don't have your 330 yet perhaps you should hang it out for an M3 if it's possible or buy a car already supercharged.

LB

[speed]

From whats been said, it seems like supercharger is definatly the way to go. Just read one of the other threads about getting it fitted in Germany. Is this the best place to go or is there somewhere in the UK which will supply and fit. Also what should i expect to pay.

[Lucky Bob]

Speed

You need to speak to Roy at CA Automotive they are one of the sponsors for this site and sole importer for Active Autowerke SC in Uk , you need to read this months PBMW mag it's right there, " Nice Red M3" but you will get the full details from the fellas on this board who have had them fitted.


LB

[peppernick]

if don't have your 330 yet perhaps you should hang it out for an M3 if it's possible or buy a car already supercharged.

The big part of the fun is getting it supercharged ;) ....it's an adventure, you learn so much about your car and the intricacies of supercharging. Plus if you are adventurous, you can drive across some of the fastest road in Europe and visit exotic tuning arms like Infinitas and experiece some great hospitality [ok

[peppernick]

does it alter speedo reading
No it doesn't. The only 2 things it really alter are the engine speed at any given gear and fuel economy. Cruising at 4500RPM at 85MPH can drop your economy to 18-23MPG.

[lee330sport]

Yep, fuel economy is hit big time with the sc and the 3.46 combined, but if your gonna get an SC fuel shouldnt really be an issue.

[kris d]

Evidentely AA SC's have a very bad reliability record [thumbsdow

ASA/Infinitas SC's however have a 100% reliability record. Never had one break down yet! [bow

[lee330sport]

Evidentely AA SC's have a very bad reliability record [thumbsdow

ASA/Infinitas SC's however have a 100% reliability record. Never had one break down yet! [bow

I think the AA problems have been down to install problems.

And im sure ASA owners have had problems too. ;) .

I think what they mean is that they have had no engine or compressor failures, that they know of.