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Is FI worth it?
Posted: Dec 20, 2011 10:20 AM
by Cactus
I have a 535i, currently bone stock. I'm going to cage it and turn it into a track toy. Is it worth the hassle for me to take the turbo setup and b34 block/b35 head out of my parts car and drop it in? I already have all the parts so it's merely a matter of time and elbow grease. Sure more power would drop my laptimes, but I can perfect my driving technique just as easily (probably more) with a more reliable NA car. I have a set of b35 pistons and a b35 head I could bolt onto my b34, add a 533 flywheel and I could have a very nice (if modest) NA build for roughly the same effort and price. The big difference is that I wouldn't be constanly messing with the electronics. I'd install motronic 1.3, chip it, and leave it to do its thing. Reliability is awesome in a car that I need to drive home after the track day.
Anyway, what's your take for your own car? Obviously there are some nice bragging rights, and it's the key to real power, but you could easily sink another car's worth of dinero into a turbo setup. What's it worth to you?
Posted: Dec 20, 2011 10:28 AM
by Mark 88/M5 Houston
1. Build and sort the car.
2. Learn how to drive it (to it's and your maximum potential).
3. Then add power.
Posted: Dec 20, 2011 5:51 PM
by Ken H.
Mark 88/M5 Houston wrote:1. Build and sort the car.
2. Learn how to drive it (to it's and your maximum potential).
Do this ^^^ and TCD will go sulk.
Posted: Dec 20, 2011 7:07 PM
by Cactus
I'm already in the process of building the car, the engine is the last thing I'm messing with. I think I'll just keep it stock for at least a few track days. Eventually I'll feel the need for more power, I'll address that problem when it comes.
Posted: Dec 20, 2011 8:25 PM
by Ken H.
Posted: Dec 21, 2011 12:53 AM
by wkohler
I've been saying that for years. Hell, that was the point of my 535is.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that you should find your limits in a completely stock, but well sorted car.
Posted: Dec 21, 2011 1:04 AM
by alijonny
wkohler wrote:
I've been saying that for years. Hell, that was the point of my 535is.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that you should find your limits in a completely stock, but well sorted car.
I agree since I didn't win the TCD manifold.
Posted: Dec 21, 2011 8:32 AM
by Brad D.
alijonny wrote:wkohler wrote:
I've been saying that for years. Hell, that was the point of my 535is.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that you should find your limits in a completely stock, but well sorted car.
I agree since I didn't win the TCD manifold.
All that being said, with the ridiculous amount of fun I've had in the turbo car, I'd say it was worth it and I'd do it again.
Posted: Dec 22, 2011 6:58 AM
by Cactus
alijonny wrote:wkohler wrote:
I've been saying that for years. Hell, that was the point of my 535is.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that you should find your limits in a completely stock, but well sorted car.
I agree since I didn't win the TCD manifold.
My 528e is still getting a turbo. That's going to happen regardless. I just have to find a turbo. I've done the math, and I need one from a mustang svo, I just can't freaking find one. Junkyards here are worthless.
I've decided my 535 should eventually get a snail, but that's a long term project. I'll deal with that sometime after the roll cage, coilovers, brakes, weight reduction, bushings, sway bars, differential....
