what engine mods are suggested before putting in say a supercharger, besides what comes with the supercharger kit?

Firstly, make sure the rings on the pistons seal. Do a leak down test.

After that, mods on the engine depend on how much boost you ll have.

Basic mods everyone should have:

Short shift kit
Tranny mount enforcers

Then maybe get an exhaust but pick one that works well with FI (AA probably best and most obvious choice).

I can tell you what NOT to get if you are going FI:

Intake
Software

so then are you FI guys running without software or some sort of custom post-FI software?

besides TME's what are some of the engine mods u guys have that increase your boost?

If you buy software before FI, you are wasting your money because you'll need new software with FI.

SSK and TME aren't engine mods but pretty crucial mods, even for the non-modding types.

Suspension mods are also a good way to spend money pre-FI. Also I am extremely happy with my HIDs - not a real performance mod but definitely makes driving my car more pleasurable at night.

The only thing that increases your boost is more boost.

I understand your question as: if I am going FI, what are some less expensive mods to do before I blow my wad on FI? Answer: anything that doesn't involve your engine.

Basic mods include

AAA plus membership
BMWCCA Card
Bentley Manual
Personal BMW tech

If you buy software before FI, you are wasting your money because you'll need new software with FI.

SSK and TME aren't engine mods but pretty crucial mods, even for the non-modding types.

Suspension mods are also a good way to spend money pre-FI. Also I am extremely happy with my HIDs - not a real performance mod but definitely makes driving my car more pleasurable at night.

The only thing that increases your boost is more boost.

I understand your question as: if I am going FI, what are some less expensive mods to do before I blow my wad on FI? Answer: anything that doesn't involve your engine.

my question is if there are necessary engine mods or any other mods one NEEDS to do or otherwise are strongly suggested in order to PREPARE the engine for FI... i have exhaust already so if i were to go in that direction would there be anything else besides the TME and SSK? im getting coilovers and HID's next, but thats because i already want those mods. one could supercharge their car without doing these.

I recommend a Peake Research tool too. I know there are better ones that hook up to a laptop, but it's pretty nice to have that Peake in your glovebox. Lord knows when you go FI, check engine lights become a way of life (at least they were for me for quite a while).

Basically what slvr98M said... you don't NEED to do anything else, although if you do, it would only benefit you (not in all cases). The "kits" are built for "STOCK" cars... you shouldn't have any issues.

Some people do other preventative maintenance while having half the engine apart such as replacing parts of their coolant system while there (aluminum radiator), etc.

If you don't race on the track you'll be fine stock.

Having said that, I'd personally get the following mods (not because of FI, but just in general):

TME's and DSB (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213918).

Can't think of much else off the top of my head. You don't need an SSK or any of that crap... (I have UUC SSK, but not as a result of FI).

So in conclusion: invest in a bentley and make sure your car is mechanically in a tip top shape....

Boris

How about guages for oil temp, pressure, etc.

Peace,
/pkt

I was taking this question a different way and thinking it was about cooling type mods necessary for FI. Like the addition of an oil cooler, possibly a more efficient radiator and a low temp thermostat. I would think as long as the engine is functioning perfectly and the boost stays low, no other mods would be "needed" but with more power you should probably upgrade, at the very least, your brake pads, and possibly do a little suspension work. Although you may want to wait to get the FI then do the suspension work so as to set it up how you want it once the car is changed.

Here's what my car currently has that's gonna stay on when I install ERT's blower soon:

Euro HFM
HIOP headers
AA track pipe
AA GenIII exhaust

I would also recommend AA RTABs or some other company; to keep your ass planted on the ground with all the power you'll be making. Also, as mentioned above, TM and TMEs are very critical as well, simply for their purpose.

Obviously, clutch, brakes, other suspension components, wheels, tires etc.