Reliable Opinions Please

[ChiTownTy]

First off I'd like to introduce myself, I'm 23 yrs old from Chicago and I have a 1992 535iM (m30 obviously) and I'm in the hunt for more speed this summer. Turbo is the only way to go in my opinion but I need help determining what would be best for me. Trying to save a buck is not really my main focus, I like new parts =) more than anything. From my understanding the main options would be to go with a Cartech or TCD which both would require something like the mega squirt for tuning options? How come I don't hear much about the miller kits, they looks just as reliable and maybe even easier when it comes to tuning...for a while I thought maybe a front clip from a 745 would be a good idea to source but the turbo setup doesn't seem to be very bolt on, and I'm no welder. I will be doin all this work on my drive way.

Overall I'd like to take the most reliable path, with nice installation guidelines, running as much boost as my stock internals can handle on a moderate boost tune. Building my motor can wait for later, I'm keeping this car forever. Fwiw I'm not some fool looking to eBay boost my car over night, I'm patient but I wanna start sourcing parts ASAP. I know with the right opinions I can build something nice.

If anybody has any specific threads I should follow I'd love to read them. I'd like to see some step by step how the tcd kit is installed.... Thanks in advance! I know everyone likes pics so here is my car...

[mooseheadm5]

From my understanding the main options would be to go with a Cartech or TCD which both would require something like the mega squirt for tuning options? How come I don't hear much about the miller kits, they looks just as reliable and maybe even easier when it comes to tuning...for a while I thought maybe a front clip from a 745 would be a good idea to source but the turbo setup doesn't seem to be very bolt on, and I'm no welder. I will be doin all this work on my drive way.

Cartech is pretty much dead. Their "we are reintroducing the kit soon" page has been unmodified since 2005.

Miller doesn't do M30 turbo stuff any more from what I heard.

745i works, but is antiquated and not worth the hassle.

That leaves TCD. Todd will also be able to supply a chip for the ECU. Go with TCD and everything will actually work.

[turbodan]

+1 for TCD. The stock injection works with a chip, injectors and an RRFPR. Makes it much easier to get going. You can do standalone later if you want.

[ChiTownTy]

well that really narrows my options, not what I waas hoping to hear...what happen to miller? Do they still sell MAF conversions? Would that work with a tcd set up...I cant believe im limited to one company for parts...is anyone else in the process of a build here..

[FirstFives Dictator]

well that really narrows my options, not what I waas hoping to hear...

Fortunately the remaining company makes a great product.

The TCD cast manifold is the "Easy Button" for turbo builds. And it runs great.

[T_C_D]

well that really narrows my options, not what I waas hoping to hear...what happen to miller? Do they still sell MAF conversions? Would that work with a tcd set up...I cant believe im limited to one company for parts...is anyone else in the process of a build here..

From 1996-2003 there were no options!

[Nebraska_e28]

First off welcome to the board ChiTownTy! Secondly, I'll say it before someone else chimes in, if you havent already you'll want to get experienced with using the Search button on the forum. There's a plethora of info stored here waited to be found.

Now onto my first hand opinion on the TCD kit. (click the link in my sig to see my build) It is the EASY button like Peter said & is 99.9% bolt on. 1. If you go with a w>a setup, you'll need to design a couple of small brackets mount your heat exchanger up front. 2. Small bracket to mount the electric water pump. 3. I know he can supply the downpipe, but you'll have to check if he has a complete bolt-on exhaust for the e34, otherwise an exhaust shop can do this for you.

I'm quite the novice in the FI world, but installing this kit on my bone stock motor was done in a day. The largest time consuming part of my build came from hand building my MegaSquirt components in addition to building/adapting the e34 wiring harness to my application. HTH

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

Another vote for the TCD kit. You will not find better customer support!

[clongo]

We're fortunate that our 1 option is a great option. Todd's products are top notch and his customer service is great!

[rundatrack]

TCD FTW.

Your getting the best product. Todd is one of the most knowledgable people in the world regarding the platform. Also a great guy.

Give him a call. Everyone is telling you TCD for a reason..

[Nebraska_e28]

Forgot to add... The pics of my setup include the e34 intercooler. In case you're interested.

[ChiTownTy]

Awesome guys thanks a lot. So I'm assuming with all the Tcd votes there manifold is def high quality? And now probably the only one I can find brand new...

Where is Tcd based out of? Are they very helpful on the phone? My car is going in for some paint and body work next week but the week after that I wanna have some parts ordered...would it be the most logical way to buy the entire set out right or source for diff items...

And lastly, does anybody live in Chicagoland area that would be willing to let me take a peak under the hood???

I would love to buy you a bear and talk about cars for a min lol

[Nebraska_e28]

Sometime early spring I may be in Des Moines.

In conjunction to buying/building a turbo setup, I'd strongly advise you to research what all is involved in turbocharging a car, unless you already have prior knowledge. You'll thank yourself later.

[M. Holtmeier]

You don't need a bunch of m30 turbo kit manufacturers when there's TCD! Do a little research and give Todd a call, he's a cool guy and will help you out.

[ChiTownTy]

I've been working Under cars long before I knew how to drive, I'm a avid member on bimmer forums don't let my lack of posts deter you. Most recent Turbo car I had my
Hands on is my good friends s2000 putting down 470 at the wheels...few Sti and Evo before that but never ever turbo a 6 cylinder. My first car was a Nissan 300zx and had I not lost my license shortly after my 17th bday I would have boosted that thing....I really wanna get his build going soon.

[Duke]

Had I not lost my license shortly after my 17th bday I would have boosted that thing....and died in a ball of fire.

Fixed.

[clongo]

TCD willy supply you with everything you need. You don't need to piece it together. Turbo charging a M30 is very straight forward using his kit and install instructions.

[ChiTownTy]

First off welcome to the board ChiTownTy! Secondly, I'll say it before someone else chimes in, if you havent already you'll want to get experienced with using the Search button on the forum. There's a plethora of info stored here waited to be found.

Now onto my first hand opinion on the TCD kit. (click the link in my sig to see my build) It is the EASY button like Peter said & is 99.9% bolt on. 1. If you go with a w>a setup, you'll need to design a couple of small brackets mount your heat exchanger up front. 2. Small bracket to mount the electric water pump. 3. I know he can supply the downpipe, but you'll have to check if he has a complete bolt-on exhaust for the e34, otherwise an exhaust shop can do this for you.

I'm quite the novice in the FI world, but installing this kit on my bone stock motor was done in a day. The largest time consuming part of my build came from hand building my MegaSquirt components in addition to building/adapting the e34 wiring harness to my application. HTH

I dont really see the detailed build thread write up on you car domain page...where am I supposed to look

[mooseheadm5]

Where is Tcd based out of? Are they very helpful on the phone?

He is in NY now. He even posted in this thread (scroll up.) Drop him an email, give him a call, or send him a PM. You'll get what you need and you'll be on your way.

[FirstFives Dictator]

Had I not lost my license shortly after my 17th bday I would have boosted that thing....and died in a ball of fire.

Fixed.

:golfclap:

[ChiTownTy]

There is quite a few of you from Virginia and Nebraska....and Chicago people entusiats out there?

[ChiTownTy]

Has anybody ran or currently running the TCD Hardware with a miller MAF, chip and tune?

[Shadow]

buy this.

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/mega ... p-502.html

[turbodan]

I wouldn't bother with the Miller stuff. Motronic is fine for the 535, and if you want to upgrade for whatever reason you can install Megasquirt.

[Martin in BellevueWA]

Has anybody ran or currently running the TCD Hardware with a miller MAF, chip and tune?

Yea. Go with Todd's chip or better yet, Peter's megasquirt.
The miller stuff works, but I've struggled with those guys; forgetting quotes, changing maf wires to make bmw sensor parts proprietary, and simplified maps that cause the tune to change with the weather. Can go into this more, but would like to keep my posts positive.

[FirstFives Dictator]

Has anybody ran or currently running the TCD Hardware with a miller MAF, chip and tune?

Yea. Go with Todd's chip or better yet, Peter's megasquirt.
The miller stuff works, but I've struggled with those guys; forgetting quotes, changing maf wires to make bmw sensor parts proprietary, and simplified maps that cause the tune to change with the weather. Can go into this more, but would like to keep my posts positive.

Thanks Martin for the mention.
Chi,
I can build you a plug and play that will work with your current harness.

[Bill in MN]

Peter can build anything.

He wears a cape and a big belt buckle.

[ChiTownTy]

Has anybody ran or currently running the TCD Hardware with a miller MAF, chip and tune?

Yea. Go with Todd's chip or better yet, Peter's megasquirt.
The miller stuff works, but I've struggled with those guys; forgetting quotes, changing maf wires to make bmw sensor parts proprietary, and simplified maps that cause the tune to change with the weather. Can go into this more, but would like to keep my posts positive.

Thanks Martin for the mention.
Chi,
I can build you a plug and play that will work with your current harness.

That's what I like to hear!

[ChiTownTy]

It seems like the reversed intake manifold is the way to go...where do you guys find one of these and is it custom?

[clongo]

If you buy a TCD kit you dont need to mess with the intake manifold. With that being said, all of the flipped one's are custom built. Nobody offers them in mass production.