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07-18-2020, 12:55 AM | #1 |
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Best engine mods while staying CA emissions compliant
I've had my E90 M3 6MT for 4 years, and since my EasyCare warranty is up in a year I'm faced with spending the $$ to do rod bearings and some other preventive maintenance or move on to something else (must be a sedan as I have a 1-year-old).
The only other 4-doors that interest me have problems: current gen E63S wagon (way more than I want to spend/lose), Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio (drove one and loved it, but worried about reliability), and Tesla Model 3 Performance (drove, liked it but feel like it would get old after a while). I do feel the itch for something a little different. I like most things about the car, especially the manual and the fact that it's paid off, haha. I think the main thing missing is a little more power which would make things fresh again. How much power can be made while keeping the car CA emissions compliant, within a fairly reasonably cost (i.e. no Dinan stroker kit)? Ideally I'd get an S/C but don't want to hassle with smog on my daily driver.
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2011.5 E90 M3
White/Red, 6MT, ZCP, slicktop Past: '02 S2000, '01 M5, '98 Integra w/many mods |
07-18-2020, 09:18 AM | #2 |
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pretty much nothing.
just do what you want, but allocate 1/2 day every two years to swap everything back for smog. pretty much everything is very reversible.
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07-18-2020, 11:42 AM | #3 |
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The only thing I’ve found so far is AFE has intakes that are CARB compliant. I doubt they actually add any power but maybe they give a little more intake growl? That and cat back exhausts which only add sound.... isn’t CA awesome?!
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07-18-2020, 02:31 PM | #5 |
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Had that in mind to do for sure, but yeah, doesn't really add any appreciable power. Already have an MPE, which I like but could be a little louder.
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07-18-2020, 02:33 PM | #6 |
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I'm a big fan of weight savings - also own a Lotus Elise and I stripped 250lbs out of my first car ('98 Integra). But I doubt there's enough that I can do that would be noticeable while staying civilized for dailying (within somewhat reasonable cost). I'm due for a battery soon so maybe I'll get a lightweight one.
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07-20-2020, 11:33 AM | #8 |
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07-20-2020, 03:17 PM | #9 |
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If it's power you want while staying SMOG compliant, the most efficient move is to just sell it and buy an F8x M3/M4, M2 comp, or other FI car
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07-20-2020, 03:25 PM | #10 |
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Probably true, without spending a ton on a stroker. As mentioned, I did really like the Alfa but worried about reliability. Have driven an F82 M4 ZCP and was really excited to get back into my E90 after...
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07-20-2020, 04:18 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
You're biggest illegal gain if you were going to do it is something that removes primary cats (test pipes/xpipe) and a tune to support it. |
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07-20-2020, 08:06 PM | #14 |
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i just passed smog in May 2020 with a MS stage 2 intake and a valved exhaust (Bomiz prototype)
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