Boosting

I run my kit pretty rich to stay safe. My tail pipes are always black as black can be lol.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

I run my kit pretty rich to stay safe. My tail pipes are always black as black can be lol.

DId the software from the FI kit give you this mix or did you "custom" tune the mix to give even a richer mixture?

Originally Posted by djstrachan

DId the software from the FI kit give you this mix or did you "custom" tune the mix to give even a richer mixture?

Custom tune.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

Custom tune.

DId the engineers you worked with suggest that and/or assist?

Just curious as all the companies claim their software all but eliminates detonation risks.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

DId the engineers you worked with suggest that and/or assist?

Just curious as all the companies claim their software all but eliminates detonation risks.

It was custom tune by VF. Although I'm thinkin of ProEFI when I swap the S54 in w/ the supercharger. I asked to run more rich than normal to stay safe. detonation wont really happen as long as things are cooled properly.
A water/meth kit will do justice in that department.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

It was custom tune by VF. Although I'm thinkin of ProEFI when I swap the S54 in w/ the supercharger. I asked to run more rich than normal to stay safe. detonation wont really happen as long as things are cooled properly.
A water/meth kit will do justice in that department.

If I do this, I'm looking at probably going with the VF kit at 6psi and no intercooler. WOuld like to think their software errs on the side of a rich mixture for safety.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

If I do this, I'm looking at probably going with the VF kit at 6psi and no intercooler. WOuld like to think their software errs on the side of a rich mixture for safety.

Yes there software that comes w/ there kit for our cars runs rich. In my opinion it's the safest kit out there.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

Yes there software that comes w/ there kit for our cars runs rich. In my opinion it's the safest kit out there.

Good to know. If the stars align...

Originally Posted by djstrachan

Good to know. If the stars align...

I don't doubt you'll eventually boost your ride. It's just a matter of asking yourself. "Do I really want to spend 2-5k on this?. Or something else?" thats all lol.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

I don't doubt you'll eventually boost your ride. It's just a matter of asking yourself. "Do I really want to spend 2-5k on this?. Or something else?" thats all lol.

So....you think you can do the Stage II kit, with intercooler, water/methyl injection, and all attendant goodies for $5K ? That DO sound mighty attractive....

(Of course, one *would* be tempted to also install a proper 3.46 LSD, adding about $2500 onto the bill....)

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

So....you think you can do the Stage II kit, with intercooler, water/methyl injection, and all attendant goodies for $5K ? That DO sound mighty attractive....

(Of course, one *would* be tempted to also install a proper 3.46 LSD, adding about $2500 onto the bill....)

I could easily piece together a kit for you for around 5k yes. Including the intercooler.
I've learned a lot from my build and I know exactly what needs to be done now in order to get one running properly w/ good cooling. Although the LSD would definitely change the price lol. I like my non LSD 3.64 anyways. I feel like LSD is rather dangerous sometimes.... but thats just me.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

I don't doubt you'll eventually boost your ride. It's just a matter of asking yourself. "Do I really want to spend 2-5k on this?. Or something else?" thats all lol.

It always comes down to a choice...at least for most of us. In my case, it is more a matter of "should" versus "want". THere is no question I "want" to do this.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

It always comes down to a choice...at least for most of us. In my case, it is more a matter of "should" versus "want". THere is no question I "want" to do this.

Well when I did it I looked at a few factors. Since I already owned by car and made no payments on it I didn't want to get a new car w/ payments. But I wanted something faster so I looked at the E39 M5s and E46 M3s. I was VERY close on buying a E46 M3 and it was slightly modded tastefully. I even want to a BMW dealership and was a sign away from a E90 M3 sedan for 55k brand new. Well.... I said you know what I don't want to make payments and in the long run going the FI route is cheaper. So that's what I did.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

Well when I did it I looked at a few factors. Since I already owned by car and made no payments on it I didn't want to get a new car w/ payments. But I wanted something faster so I looked at the E39 M5s and E46 M3s. I was VERY close on buying a E46 M3 and it was slightly modded tastefully. I even want to a BMW dealership and was a sign away from a E90 M3 sedan for 55k brand new. Well.... I said you know what I don't want to make payments and in the long run going the FI route is cheaper. So that's what I did.

I've looked at a few M3s around here too and with teh prices being pretty reasonable, it is an option. Still, if I can get into a moderate FI kit for under $5k, I save a bundle.

Besides, having a lowly 325i with FI and upgraded suspension is a nice little "sleeper" and building something unique (and maintaining it) is a big part of the fun. Any yuppie can buy an M3 and plenty do.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

I've looked at a few M3s around here too and with teh prices being pretty reasonable, it is an option. Still, if I can get into a moderate FI kit for under $5k, I save a bundle.

Besides, having a lowly 325i with FI and upgraded suspension is a nice little "sleeper" and building something unique (and maintaining it) is a big part of the fun. Any yuppie can buy an M3 and plenty do.

EXACTLY!. 100% right on!. Every one and there mom has an M3. I was like F this time to do something unique lol. W/ the 325i engine you could get all sorts of crazy and put in rods, pistons, lower the compression and build a turbo kit for some real crazy power.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

EXACTLY!. 100% right on!. Every one and there mom has an M3. I was like F this time to do something unique lol. W/ the 325i engine you could get all sorts of crazy and put in rods, pistons, lower the compression and build a turbo kit for some real crazy power.

I could, but I'd just hurt myself. 284hp and 250ft lbs torque sounds adequate and "useable" to me

Originally Posted by djstrachan

I could, but I'd just hurt myself. 284hp and 250ft lbs torque sounds adequate and "useable" to me

I suppose your right. I mean with how light our cars weigh it should be more than enough power and torque. Speaking of I need new rear tires asap...

Boost on the M54 is always a good idea I'm with Malibu to be the VF kit (found HERE) is the safest set for price. Also since it was asked earlier. I would also upgrade the brakes (maybe with something like THIS), think about a trans cooler (Mishimoto makes a great one I have them available HERE), limited slip diff.

ECS Tuning

I suppose your right. I mean with how light our cars weigh it should be more than enough power and torque.

For me it would be enough. T be honest, with the MT, I find the 325i is a blast to drive most of the time and meets my needs. My son has a G35 and always razzes me about his HP but he can't keep up to me on the twities and even flat out, he's only .25 seconds quicker to 60mph. I'd blow his doors off with a SC (of course, that's not why I'm considering it.)

Really just looking for more oomph for passing. Safer to have it in some circumstances.

Will the VF system fit a 2004? All the info I see says it stops at 2003 MY cars.

Originally Posted by Scottji

Will the VF system fit a 2004? All the info I see says it stops at 2003 MY cars.

Yes it will fit.

VF's website shows the 325i e46 up to 2005 model year.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

For me it would be enough. T be honest, with the MT, I find the 325i is a blast to drive most of the time and meets my needs. My son has a G35 and always razzes me about his HP but he can't keep up to me on the twities and even flat out, he's only .25 seconds quicker to 60mph. I'd blow his doors off with a SC (of course, that's not why I'm considering it.)

Really just looking for more oomph for passing. Safer to have it in some circumstances.

Yeah the G35 is super slow. I laugh when people in those attempt to rev at me. I just mind my own business, no need to race on a public road w/ some stupid kid.

It's definitely in my opinion much safer to be a bit faster than to be slower. Easy to get out of situations. Not to mention getting onto the fwy is fantastic with the extra power.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

Yeah the G35 is super slow. I laugh when people in those attempt to rev at me. I just mind my own business, no need to race on a public road w/ some stupid kid.

It's definitely in my opinion much safer to be a bit faster than to be slower. Easy to get out of situations. Not to mention getting onto the fwy is fantastic with the extra power.

Well...super slow, is all relative 0-60 in 6.75 is not bad for average folk. You're just spolied!!

I'll tell my wife I want the SC 'cause it's "safer". that ought to convince her

Originally Posted by djstrachan

Well...super slow, is all relative 0-60 in 6.75 is not bad for average folk. You're just spolied!!

I'll tell my wife I want the SC 'cause it's "safer". that ought to convince her

I guess it's not that slow... I do 0-60 in 4 seconds though lol.
You should ask Smolck what he told his wife. One time I accidently texted her about him getting a supercharger and she asked him what's a supercharger?

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

I guess it's no that slow... I do 0-60 in 4 seconds though lol.
You should ask Smolck what he told his wife. One time I accidently texted her about him getting a supercharger and she asked him what's a supercharger?

You probably got her all excited about some libido-enhancing device only to have her hopes dashed.