induction kits

Andy

Theres alot of feedback on induction kits and various makes. Your model would have a greater option on manufacturers than the later 318iS engine but the three that spring to mind are k&n,pipercross and green.

I fitted mine in about 1hr with a couple of spanners and a screwdriver-quite simple. Its best though, once fitted, to disconnect the cars battery for 30 mins so when its started the ecu reads the new setup and adjusts accordingly.

Theres a theory and a sound one that air in the engine bay is warmer than external air and if this is all the kit breathes in you'll decrease on performance and to this end some of the larger/more expensive kits come with 'sealing' kits. Unless you seal the kit on ALL 4 sides you'll breathe engine bay air in and if its going to be sealed like that theres no point in taking the standard airbox off. However you will need a cold air feed to the cone filter and a heat shield may be a good idea, though I didnt bother with one for mine and it still did what it should.

I put a pipercross kit on but left the orig cold air pipe in place, aimed straight at the cone-I had a diagnostic check done with the car running and the temp going into the kit was 0.5'C over what BM say it should be.

Mine boosted BHP a bit but torque was increased through the gears and you also got a great 'induction roar' at higher revs.

For the kits try places like www.potn.co.uk or www.provenproducts.co.uk or try posting at www.BM3W.co.uk for Hyperturismo.

Unfortunately it is an insurance declaration-my old man had one on his 318 and it didnt alter his insurance but mine went up by approx £80.

Its a cheap and simple upgrade that works when done properly-another route (though bit more £££) might be k&n panel filter with a chip and/or stainless steel exhaust.

Hope that helps.
John

Try www.quikshiftracing.co.uk

there is a couple of tips and comments about induction kits on bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=articles&report=articles&Section=03

I just got a BMC CDA via a group buy on e36coupe.com. Pretty sure there were a couple of 318 troops getting supplied by the same group buy.

John , Having looked at the piperx website , it lists the 318ti , but only for 95-96 models. How did you go about getting them to make one for you, do you have a contact number I could ring? By the way do you still have the 318is? what size are the Alpinas they look the biz. 

Thanks mate , appreciate that. I emailed piperx myself the other day for info , but as yet have had no reply.

Kit seems to be good quality. Bit of a tight squeeze in the 6-pot engine bay. Car feels a little more responsive in the midrange (although I'm not sure whether that's just me looking for some return on my purchase ). Not as loud as my previous PiperX kit in terms of induction roar - but I consider that no bad thing on a BMW. Makes a nice growl from about 4k on.