Modifying a BMW Z3

Greetings all

Does anyone have any idea as to modifying Bimmers?

FWIW, I have '97 Z3 1.9 4cyl. It's prob worth about $15K (Australian),
and I'm not in the position to upgrade to a newer car anytime soon, as
I'll likely be going overseas in the next 2 years.

Also, sad as it sounds, I've had it since new & have a lot of memories
with the old girl, so whilst the most sensible thing would be to throw
another $10K at it & trade up to the 2.8 6cyl... i've started thinking
about keeping her, and may be modifying it.

Performance-wise, it's a 136hp engine stock, so ideally I'd like to
get about 30% more power. Would this be achievable with simple mods
like a cold air intake, extractor/exhaust work, & ECU remapping?

I'm open to suggestions - I've read/heard a lot of differing
opinions on how much/little that can be done for this engine?

I'm not too keen on forced induction - I've believe there is a
supercharger kit for this engine - as it would create some insurance
hassles; but nonetheless may consider it

Handling wise I was interested in looking uprgrading the springs &
perhaps shock absorbers. I'd also like an opinion on the usefulness of
fitting sway bars/urethane bushes.

I'm not looking at taking the car to the track, just want it to handle
a bit better

Opinions/suggestions?

TIA

R

Rick Hunter > wrote in
:

> Greetings all
>
> Does anyone have any idea as to modifying Bimmers?
>
> FWIW, I have '97 Z3 1.9 4cyl. It's prob worth about $15K (Australian),
> and I'm not in the position to upgrade to a newer car anytime soon, as
> I'll likely be going overseas in the next 2 years.
>
> Also, sad as it sounds, I've had it since new & have a lot of memories
> with the old girl, so whilst the most sensible thing would be to throw
> another $10K at it & trade up to the 2.8 6cyl... i've started thinking
> about keeping her, and may be modifying it.
>
> Performance-wise, it's a 136hp engine stock, so ideally I'd like to
> get about 30% more power. Would this be achievable with simple mods
> like a cold air intake, extractor/exhaust work, & ECU remapping?

Maybe 10%,a turbo would do better.

Your options are
1;CAI/exhaust
2 turbo/supercharger
3 nitrous
4 new cam/engine internals
5 all of the above
6 some of the above.


--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net