Stock M3 vs. 3-Series Turbo

[bust]

Basically I have a 95 M3 with appx 37k miles and as a student, can not afford the 8,000 to shell out for an AA Stage-1 turbo kit. I looked into supercharging, but am more swayed towards turbo. The other day I thought of a way to afford a turbo kit, but I am not sure if it would be worth it in the long run. What I am wondering, is if I were to sell my M3 and purchase a 3 series, either 325i or 323is, basically the 2.5L, what numbers HP, TQ (0-60, 1/4mi) would I be looking at with a turbo kit from either AA (Stage-1) or possibly a supercharger or turbo kit from another manufacturer on the 3-series? In the long run would this be worth it, would the speed/top-end not even compare to the M3? And as far as handling and suspension, would I end up spending way more trying to make the 3 series as nice as my current M3? I would of course do body work, but more importantly is the motor and handling. Any information is appreciated, so those who know all about forced induction, and have turbokits or superchargers of their own, please contact me.

[bust]

But then again.. this kit is fairly inexpensive. It claims about 56% HP increase, so I figure about 100hp extra to the wheels. However, cheap price, cheap parts, some parts are alright, but I'd deffinately look into an AA intercooler set up.. I know it wont be as fast as an AA Stage-1 turbo.. but im not lookign for that right now. I'd be running low boost too. Anyone think this kit might not be all that bad for me?

http://www.turbo-kits.com/m3_turbo_kits.html



BMW M3 Extreme Turbo Kits Include:
- Garrett T25BB Turbo w/ Wastegate
- Cast Exhaust Manifold
- Chrome Heat Shield
- Downpipe w/ Gasket
- Map Unit (Black Box)
- 2 Injectors & Interface Block
- Injection Control Unit w/ Turbo Timer
- Blow Off Valve (BOV)
- High Flow Front-Mount Intercooler
- Polished Aluminum Intercooler Piping
- SS Braided lines for Water Cooling
- SS Braided lines for Oiling
- Return Hose and Fittings for Oil to Pan
- All Hoses & Clamps
- All Necessary Hardware & Fittings
- Generic Install Instructions
- Injector Control System Settings

For Engines: M3 3.0L
Boost: 6 PSI
HP Gain: 56% Increase (safely on stock engine)
Turbo Efficiency: 325+ HP
Direct Bolt-On: Yes
Warranty: 5 Year on Cast, 1 Year Accessories

Brand: TSI
Desc: 92 - 95 BMW M3 3.0L
Type: Extreme Kit
Status: Ready to ship
Price: $3399.00

[RyanJayG]

T25 = way too small for a 3.0L........ IMHO

[bust]

Well I understand the size, and I'm sure I could look into a larger turbo and software elseware, but I am not looking for huge gains and well essentially be running low boost.

[E30GoDz]

holy christ a T25 is too small...

[Titan325]

would a t25 be descent for a 92 325i?

[single]

A T25 is good for about 250rwhp on a 2.0L SR20DET. Our 6 cyl. have quite a bit more exhaust pressure, thus it would overpower that turbo in a heartbeat. PERSONALLY, I think that TDO6 on the AA kit is too small, but I know they ahve tried other turbos'. To me, if you can't retain boost until atleast CLOSE to redline, the turbo is too small...AA dies out at around 6k.

Wes

[Fissionx]

whats the AR of the mitsu TD06?

Wes i am trying to decide between a t3/t4 .82 AR t3 with 50 trim t04e, ceramic ball-bearing, or a .63AR t3 with a 60-1 hifi, maybe even the .82AR with the 60-1. The t60-1 setup would not be BB, and aroudn the same price as the other setup. I really want the t3/t4, but i have the oppertunity to return that t3/t4 i have and some1 is trying to talk me into the 60-1. Im going to be running 10-12 lbs on a 2.8. The T60-1 hifi setup would be nice b/c i can just upgrade exhaust housings for more power, pretty easily, but im worried about the spool, and the .63 AR exhaust housing being too restrictive. They 50trim t04e is said to be able to flow 450whp or so, so im thinking it should be able to flow what i want pretty effiecntly; i dunno if i need the 60-1.
I just wanted to see if you had any input.

[hawaii]

if you could learn how to run a piggy back system and there is a good tunner in you area that does piping then you could put together your own kit

[Sam L]

no offense, but that'd be really dumb to sell your m3 for a 325 just to own a turbocharged car. first off, you aren't done modding the 325 just after a turbo kit...just to get it to the braking/suspension potential of the m3 you have to go aftermarket.

either keep the n/a m3...supercharge it, or sell it and buy a car that comes turbo stock.

[m3racer36]

or buy a used kit from aa for 4500 to5 grand or atp's new kit for 5k dollar cars

[Fujikuro]

if i were to sell the m3 for a lesser car it would be to purchase an m3.. but it was just a thought, id never do it. currently im seriously looking into the ATP kit, but if things dont go well with that (due to tuning, software, etc) then i will just look into a used AA kit under $5k

[Rieger M3]

Keep your M3 and piece together yoru own kit like i am dogin myself-

[Dakin]

imo. supercharge the m3. or leave it alone. if u get a 3 series and turbo it it wont last as long and ur giving up a M! which is just better all around

[Pichuhn]

M3 is the Best keep it.