the modding bug bites... time to turn up the 320i

[luke]

Thanks Jeroen.

Swaps are really common down here due to cheap engines being available, and engine rebuilds on European cars being expensive. A low mileage M54 or M62 is $2k - $2.5k for example with ancillaries, where an M20 rebuild will set you back >$6k if done by a shop. An S14 rebuild would be >$15k.

[Jeroen]

that doesn't leave much of a choice then!

[luke]

Hi all

just thought I'd post pics of new wheels I bought for the e30 - they're 16x7 RG Alpina reps. Rumour is these were fitted to the South African 333i, which is why they have 20 spokes, exactly like the Alpina wheels rather than the 19 that most of the 'kopi' wheels do.

Anyway - they give a nice nod to the M30 lurking under the bonnet.

Cheers
Luke

[Jeroen]

Just restarted the E30 section and there he is! Still really love car and wheels mate. But the wheels could do with some logos, they're a bit naked this way.

[luke]

Thanks Jeroen.

Yes - agreed on the logos. I've been tossing up between BMW Roundels to match the car, or Alpina logos to match the wheels. Ordered the Alpina logos today.

Strangely, the 333i was available with BMW Roundels, Alpina logos, or with no wheel logos from the factory!

[luke]

Hi all

With the 320i coming up to its 3rd birthday since the M30 swap, I lashed out and bought the Miller MAF that I'd been considering from the start (partly because it buys me some extra bonnet clearance, in some situations the AFM would just touch on the bonnet before).

I was fortunate to pick it up cheaply from a member over on the Australian BMW Forums, who'd bought it for their e34, but abandoned the idea. I couldn't be happier. The car is super smooth with the MAF fitted - initially it ran a bit rich, but now that the Motronic has been adjusting itself for about a week on my daily commute to work, it's running great. The old M30 drives like a much newer engine now, with excellent throttle response. No idea whether it's making any extra power - it was already fast - but the extra drivability and smoothness on its own is worthwhile.

Cheers
Luke

[Jeroen]

Nice! The good thing about an M30 engine in any E21 or E30 is that you always have torque aplenty I guess!