1985 318i engine/suspension mods

1985_318i

1985_318i

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#1
What would be some good engine modifications for 1985 318i? I already plan on a header, high-flow cat, and a more free flowing muffler (DTM), and a cold air intake (with custom heat shield of course [:)] ).

Also I would like to lower this car slightly. I am looking at either Eibach or Bavarian Autosport springs. What would you guys recommend? Would I have to get adjustable camber strut mounts?
-Thanks
 
B

bad ass v-dub

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Try a K&N filter. As for springs, I have Eibach springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on my 318is, and they are sweet. The ride is extremely smooth when cruising, but when you corner hard they get tighter because they are variable rate springs. My dad has Bavarian Auto springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on his 318is. By time the springs are done settling in, they lower about 2", and are soft. These springs are like cutting you're stock springs, there good for looks and cruising, but when you go around a corner, they suck.
 
echothreezero

echothreezero

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Chuck in some front and rear sway bars too for extra cornering goodness for relatively little cost.

Engine mods? M20 b25??

Seriously though, spending alot of money on good headers for a 318 is a little silly if you ask me as good headers that actually work well are expensive and the power gains will not be huge. Money would be better spent on removing the cat as you say, getting some cold and clean air in via a aftermarket panel filter like a K&N or a PROPERLY constucted cold air intake system, and then possibly look at maybe an aftermarket chip and/or ecu and chip combo.

Personally I'd be saving for that m20 b25.
 
B

B M W

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m20 is near invincible with only one weakness, timing belt (not chain).

As far as engine mods go I really dont know much about 85 cars. I assume you can still add a chip which will immediately pop up your hp and torque curves. Defintely go with a good CAI w/ heat shield. Good cat back and maybe even track pipe and downpipe. I dont really know what else you can do other than an engine swap, which would really **** up your weight balance and suspension.


As far as suspension goes, Eibach Pro-Kit are some great springs. Also H&R sport (not race) would be mroe ideal for you. Pair these up with some bilstein sport shocks, or if you are feeling saucy and really want a bit more handling then go with some koni adjustable shocks. If you really want to turn this into a true sport car then go with coilovers. I really dont know what brands make them for your car but check out H&R, Tein, and Bilstein.
 
1985_318i

1985_318i

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echothreezero said:
Chuck in some front and rear sway bars too for extra cornering goodness for relatively little cost.

good headers that actually work well are expensive and the power gains will not be huge. then possibly look at maybe an aftermarket chip and/or ecu and chip combo.
Click to expand...
What about the header from Pelican Parts for $190? (Even though its uncoated) [bmwdance]

I don't think they make a chip for the 84-85 318i because it has the L-Jetronic fuel injection which is much like a standalone system, unlike the Motronic used in later cars and the 325's.

Any other ideas? BTW, I would love to put an S50(?) in my car but being a high school senior getting ready for college, my money is a little tight.
 
1985_318i

1985_318i

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1985_318i said:
What about the header from Pelican Parts for $190? (Even though its uncoated) [bmwdance]

BTW, I would love to put an S50(?) in my car but being a high school senior getting ready for college, my money is a little tight.[/QUOTE]

[kick]
Click to expand...
 
L

ldzpstnr

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Go with an M50 or S50. You can find a decent motor and tranny for $1000 or less. One with lots of life left in them. Its what I want to do.

No you cannot get a chip for the older 318i. The fuel injection is not the advanced.... it just keeps the proper mixture. It does not control the engine timing at all.

I did some mods a few years ago to a 85 318i that I had. It was a good and reliable car. My 87 325 is much more fun to drive though. The 318i weighs less, and you can tell. But you cant beat the torque of the 6 cylinder. And my car gets about the same gas mileage too.

Save up your money for the 6 cylinder. It'll be worth it.
 
1985_318i

1985_318i

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equate said:
If you do a s50 swap (or m50 but just go for the s50 eff the m50) you will need to get a new beefy suspension, keep that in mind.
Click to expand...

What all would be required to beef it up? Control arms, springs, etc?

How difficult will it be to install the OBDI in an e30?
 
L

ldzpstnr

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Get the offset urethane control arm bushing. Put good springs and koni or bilstein sport shocks on it. Thicker sway bars front and rear. Maybe put bigger brakes on it like the ones on the m3. Put urethane bushings everywhere you can really, including the rear end. All depends on how much money you want to spend.

The 88-91 cars had OBD1 on them. I would not mess with trying to put OBD1 on your m10 four cylinder. You probably could if you really wanted to throw lots of money and time at it.

How many miles are on your engine? Might want to consider that before you start modifying it and racing it around. Thats a quick way to blow up a tired motor.
 
1985_318i

1985_318i

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I didn't mean OBDI on my M10, I meant installing it in the car.

I really don't know how many miles are on it. When I got it the odometer didn't work.
 
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