Best HP value mods?

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by RB1

Short of getting an ESS supercharger, what does everyone recommend as 2 or 3 mods that are the best value for the M? I know seeing the word value and M in the same sentence is a bit of an oxy moron, but I'm looking for a good combo of mods without going over the top. I'd like to get the Akrapovic Evo system, but I'm worried that it won't pass CA smog. I'm also eying the ESS or AA tune, pulleys, intake, and anything else that anyone can turn me onto.

Thanks in advance folks, love the passion and info on the site!

If you can somehow keep your unmolested OEM xpipe and buy a used one, I would say go with a primary cat delete, airfilter and pullies. If you get a tune you will still have issues with readiness status even though the software will turn off the rear 02s. The good news is you don't have to have your car smogged for 5 years in Cali, so you can do all the goodies. Just be prepared to return the car to stock as far as software and xpipe is concerned when the day of reckoning arrives.

I live in LA and I did the TTPs, AFE stg. 2 (love the sound of this, while only a 6rwhp gain), and pullies along with software and Megan cat back. In total I spent $2500 in mods, if you shave off the AFE stg. 2 and just get the airfilter you save an additional $400 with pretty much the same results minus the wonderful noise coming from the airbox.

Dave

[pbonsalb]

Apparently, Evolve now has a tune that preserves readiness monitors on catless cars.

[Nautik]

Some guys have gutted the secondary cat. Not much power to be gained but its free if you do it yourself or very cheap if a shop does it. Gutting the secondary cat has no effect on you passing smog, readiness, or leaving a bad smell (once the primaries are warmed up) as there is no sensor behind it unlike the primary cat.

[KennyPowers]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Apparently, Evolve now has a tune that preserves readiness monitors on catless cars.

Link?

[saeedg48]

primary cat delete (aka test pipes) + akro cel delete or mild tune

[MKE_M3]

OP's talking about passing SMOG tests and everyone is recommending getting rid of his cats. What am I missing?

[cntgetm3]

Im not the most knowledgeable person on this subject but what about the MS stg 2 intake? or am i way off?

[kitw]

Originally Posted by saeedg48

primary cat delete (aka test pipes) + akro cel delete or mild tune

Do not do it like this guy with crappy crush bent piping. The BMW parts are specially designed and hydroformed to allow for enough clearance without significantly narrowing, crush bends are significant restrictions. Hydroformed bends like the stock pipes are NOT crush bends.

[Nautik]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Link?

I doubt this would be advertised as it is illegal.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by kitw

Do not do it like this guy with crappy crush bent piping. The BMW parts are specially designed and hydroformed to allow for enough clearance without significantly narrowing, crush bends are significant restrictions. Hydroformed bends like the stock pipes are NOT crush bends.

Once again Kit..tell us how you really feel I agree...TTPs are only $400.00.

[Raptor251]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

OP's talking about passing SMOG tests and everyone is recommending getting rid of his cats. What am I missing?

If you can take them off then you can put them on! PITA I know but its the price to pay for cheap power

[e92livin]

gintani x pipe + oe tune + 110 octane

[Chriskm3]

Originally Posted by Alex07M3

Turner Motorsport test pipes(400$) + Turner tune (1200$) = 40whp

Plus oem Ecu software update to latest version before tuner tune is done . And drop in air filter.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by e92livin

gintani x pipe + oe tune + 110 octane

Fine for a glory dyno run, but expensive for daily driving. Meth injection will get you most of the same benefit, at a lower price over time.

[Chriskm3]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

OP's talking about passing SMOG tests and everyone is recommending getting rid of his cats. What am I missing?

U can replace the turnwr pipes with stock ones every coupe of years to pass smog test.

[tom @ eas]

Macht Schnell Track Pipes, Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake, Macht Schnell UnderDrive Pulleys and ESS Flash.

Best way to get yourself closer to the 400hp club.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

OP's talking about passing SMOG tests and everyone is recommending getting rid of his cats. What am I missing?

No kidding people.

Without going with a catless set up, best bang for buck is R&P (higher numerical gearing) and a tune. Only a modest power increase with the tune, but the gearing change will allow for quicker acceleration in every gear. Coupled together (gearing + tune), you will feel a significant "seat of your pants" improvement.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Our pulleys are on sale for $350 right now.. Cant beat that bang for the buck.

Also our Green filter for $80 is a nice stocking stuffer.

[nbennettksu]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

OP's talking about passing SMOG tests and everyone is recommending getting rid of his cats. What am I missing?

x2

[kaiv]

See my thread for how I went from ~350 whp to ~380 whp without even getting software yet!

[Denk]

I think painted reflectors are the best value mod. What's wrong with 414 hp?

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by Denk

What's wrong with 414 hp?

uh oh