Turbo Experts

GPV///M3 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2002, 10:04 PM

Can anyone with a turbo kit on their car tell me where I could get a BOV, larger injectors, and where to get my ECU programed and tuned so that I can Boost an M3 about 5 psi. I have looked at the staged turbo kits that AA sells, but a local shop that I have come in contact with says that they can make me a custom turbo w/intercooler and piping for a lot less than what AA is charging. So all I would need now is the upgraded fuel system, a BOV, and maybe a new clutch.(with the exception of the turbo timer, boost controller, and other electronics) Also, do you need colder plugs and an AFC like in other cars? Can anyone help me out?? Also, how much will these items cost? I know an external wastegate will cost a Grip! Is there another option? IMPORTANT: What is the compression ratio on the e36 M3, and how high can you boost on stock internals??? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanx
-GPV

BMWGuy206 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 12:07 AM

There are alot of companies that sell BOV. HKS, Greddy, Etc.

I dont know where one can find proper size fuel injectors. Maybe from a Summit Racing Catalog?

ECU tuned/reprogrammed? Not sure who you will go to for that and you may end up using a air/fuel ratio piggy back computer or rising rate fuel pressure regulator unless you can pay lots of cash to have it dyno tuned properly (this can take days). Note that I have seen A/F ratio charts on SC engines with a rising rate fuel pressure regulator and its just way off so stay away from those.

I use one step colder spark plugs (NGK) on my turbocharged engine.

Having an external wastegate will yield better response and control of the exhaust flow and boost wont be erractic. It wont also interfere with the exhaust flow thats coming out of the turbine which can lead to more exhaust backpressure on the internal wastegate design. The only turbo that I know that doesnt use a wastegate is the Aerodyne turbochargers that MechTech uses.

The static compression ratio on a S50USB30 and S52B32 engine is 10.5:1
I can run 9psi (high) safely on stock internals with 91octane and water injection on. Some guy in Canada is running 10psi on stock internals but I do not know the octane rating in his area. A another member on the board has a MechTech turbo kit on his M3 sedan and is pushing out 11psi (high setting) but on 110 race fuel leaded on stock internals.

All in all, you may end up spending the same amount or more than an Active Autowerke TC kit. What kind of M3 do you have and what stage are you interested in.

Where in SoCA do you live?

Vader M3 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 12:27 AM

There were other turbocharged cars there, but I didn't want to be the only AA one this time,

. Can't leave me hangin' there buddy! Just kiddin'. Too bad you couldn't make it; I thought you were going.

BMWGuy206 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 12:30 AM

I forgot that you were going but I was up in Snow Summit taking snowboarding lessons.

GPV///M3 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 01:06 PM

I live in Bakersfield, but I met a guy who lives in Irvine who wants to put a custom T3 turbo kit on my car W/intercooler and piping for hella cheap, but I would still have to buy the upgraded fuel system, BOV, Timers, Boost Controller, wastegate, etc. I thought you had to reprogram your ECU when you put any type of forced induction. I know you have to for a supercharger. In all, the complete kit, with all the electronics, fuel system, and everything else should cost me around $5,000, IF I can get it hooked up the way I think I can, which is a couple thousand less than the AA kit. I don't wanna boost more than 5-6psi, so I would be looking at a Stage 1 if I went with AA. As far as the car that I own...I am currently in the process of looking for/buying an e36 ///M3, 95-99-what ever I can get the best deal on. But right now, I have about $4,500 that I am not putting on a down payment that is going toward either a turbo or a supercharger (turbo prefered) very soon after I get the car.

M3RACER · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 01:19 PM

I know that you can use the injectors off the svt mustangs (like $350-400), but I don't remeber exactly which ones. For reprograming of the ECU trying getting with the guys at AA or maybe Jim Conforti can help you out if you can get a hold of him.

BMWGuy206 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 01:50 PM

Some companies that sell SC or TC kits dont even touch the engine mangement system or fuel injectors and just slap on a rising rate fuel pressure regualtor or an Air/fuel ratio controller. Really a no no to an OBD2 M3 if not tuned correctly.

I think a T3 turbo is way to small for a M3 engine. Are you sure it'll be safe and will not burn up exhaust valves? Who's also gonna make the turbo exhaust manifold and what is it made out of?

I dont think AA will just send you a chip for a custom turbo unless its in their hands on their facility. Same probably goes with Jim Conforti. This will become a liability issue here.

If anything since cost if a factor here, you should get a MechTech kit with the stage 2 upgrade.

GPV///M3 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 05:44 PM

How much is a MechTech kit, and where can I check them out??? Thanx
-GPV

alberto_mg · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 07:48 PM

Unless you have more money than you know what to do with, you might consider a properly developed turbo kit like AA or MechTech.

I've turbo charged quite a few cars before with home made stuff and I can tell you that it can suck in the long run. Think of how much money you will spend rebuilding your motor if your turbo guy doesn't get the appropriate fuel mixture and the car detonates. Building a custom chip isn't easy either. Neither is making a custom exhaust manifold or exhaust system. That is why already developed kits cost a lot of $$.

In the end you usually get what you pay for...