Can I boost a 170000 mile car?

Kaleb · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:01 PM

I just bought another e36 325 and it has 170000-ish miles on it and I want to turbocharge it but I dont want to blow my motor..Will my motor be able to handle a turbo after running that long w/out or will it matter? Anyway I'm new to the whole turbo scene so any help you can give I will be happy to take..Are there any precautions I should take, Tricks i can use, basically anything that will help me out.

thanks alot-
Kaleb

itsabimmerthing · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:18 PM

It depends on the condition of the bottom end. I have seen and owned turbocharged vehicles with over 200k on the clock, and have managed to drive them hard, and still be reliable.

Kaleb · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:30 PM

ok well what do i need to look for as far as "condition" goes?..What needs to be in good condition and how will i know if its in good or bad condition?

RacerJames666 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:50 PM

Im not the foremost base of knowledge by any means, but 170k miles, and a unknown life up until that point is not a good candidate for forced induction. BMW inline sixers are known in most cases, where abuse was minimal, to hold up fine to 250k before major rebuild time. This is under gentle driving conditions however, and if the motor was "rode hard and put away wet" for all of the aforementioned mileage, something wicked may be on your 325's horizion. Not to say that you CAN'T do it, as surely to god you can! I have faith in you! BUT do remember the cost of building up and refreshing a motor will always be cheaper than slappin on x-brand turbo setup and poppin your motor like a grape....ive popped one...its REALLY depressing....and expensive

I hope this helps in some manner!
JP
(there is always starting off with a pre-built motor if you got the dough! Korman Autoworks High Performance BMW Parts, Accessories and Service )

Kaleb · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 09:01 PM

ahh thanks..i've pretty much decided not to do it based on yours and itsabimmerthing's responses..i REALLY dont want to have to put a new motor in so i dont think im gonna put myself at risk...any idea on how to get some extra power that'll be safer for my motor?..and my wallet

RacerJames666 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 09:16 PM

Full tune up! New belts/hoses/fluids/plugs/coil to plug connectors etc. You'll be glad you did later

there is chipping ecu, intake and exhaust....thats the best bet for easy(cheap)power boost. Beyond that is just more and more money

itsabimmerthing · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 08:55 AM

Kaleb, drop the oil pan and check bearing clearences. That is important, as well as doing a compression test. This is what I am personally doing.
Getting a old M50/2 from a junkyard, or from a private seller, even if it has no pistons etc. Take it, hone it out, bore if needed, forge the bottom end, put new bearings in, do all the needed machining, put in my cams, stuff like that, with a good turbo compression. Put the fresh motor (with new waterpump, pulleys, oil pump, belts....) into the car, then turbo it. And then your ready for high boost too.

CraigMakDaddy · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 02:07 AM

For easy and cheap horse power go for intake and exhaust. If you wanna really go big get a free flow exhaust or straight test pipe. Engine damper will help you get some extra torque too. But yeah, a full tune up and good fluids will probably give you more horse power than anything if it hasn't been kept up well.