Modifying a BMW Z3

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Rick Hunter - 30 Mar 2007 10:23 GMT

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

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Porgy Tirebiter - 30 Mar 2007 17:56 GMT

> Greetings all
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> supercharger kit for this engine - as it would create some insurance
> hassles; but nonetheless may consider it

** Supercharger! HAHAHA..goodbye lower end**

> 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.

**You could improve that pretty easy**

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

**Handle yes,performance no...it needs a real engine**

> Opinions/suggestions?

The Z3 is a "Girl's" car...all show and little go.Designed to look nice, but
no real performance.The car actually LOOKS like a little penis.
(It's OK really....Mazda came out with the Miada,same purpose, same results)
You're not going to take it to the track.....but you want 30% more
horsepower?
Performance wise..it's NOT a performance car. 136 HP is rather wimpy at
best. Tired of getting your a.s kicked by Honda Civic's are you?
You didn't say how many miles you have on this pile of Eurojunk. There is
little you can do to this stylish piece of sh.t, short of putting a REAL
engine it to get performance out of it.You will have to toss a lot of money
into it.
After you are done, it will be worth LESS then when you began, plan on
keeping it forever.
If you want REAL performance, trade it in on a real automobile, not just a
piece of garage candy.
BMW= Big Money Worries
BMW= Built by Mexican Workers (its true)
BMW= Boring to Most Women
If you want cheap and somewhat fast, buy a Mitsu EVO or a head gasket
blowing Subaru.(they are quick when they are not in the garage getting
something fixed)
Most of the Japanese imports will outperform your Z3 hands down. Even the
STOCK Civic has 140 HP! The Mazda 3 has 156, even the dreaded Hyundai
Elantra has more horsepower then the Z3.

Get rid of the piece of sh.t and buy a real automobile, unless you like
getting passed, having trouble passing motorhomes and pouring money into a
car that's worthless.Women might like your car, but men are laughing at you.

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Mike Walsh - 30 Mar 2007 18:30 GMT

A friend of mine put a supercharger on one of these engines. He found it online, from California I think. He raves about the increase in performance.

> Greetings all
>
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
>
> Opinions/suggestions?

Signature

Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.

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