I read somewhere that BMW stock intake and exhaust components are pretty well built and that throwing on some aftermarket parts may reduce horsepower. So I guess my question is what are some good aftermarket manufacturers for some the basic staring point (i.e intake, exhaust, etc)?

From what I've read, EAT chip is the way to go with E34s. If you want power, I guess I'll give you the answer I would hate to get. M5. :)

that's true. the stock intake and exhaust are well engineered, and shouldnt really be modified first. the airbox is low restriction, and gets cold outside air. the dual exhuast is also rather free flowing. the myth that you mightve heard about the intake is using a certain K&N filter. some assembly that they make removes the box or something, and basically takes away a fair amount of hp.

the best mod to start is an engine chip. search around, but look for EAT chip, Jim Conforti, and some others. those are the most common chips. its a great deal if you can snag one used. i got mine from a member here for 100 bucks. 22 HP for 100 bucks isnt bad at all.

Best place to look: http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/Recipe.htm

Nice Great information. yeah it was the KnN intake I was talking about. i'll look around for EAT chips. Once again, thanks alot.

yeah no problem. that site [ http://bmwe34.net/E34main.htm ] is a great source for info, a lot of tips and upgrades.

good luck

+1 on chips. See my JC vs. EAT vs. stock comparison.

Starting mods:
1. Chip/MAF
2. Sway bars
3. Short Shift Kit
4. Shocks + Springs

Then it gets expensive...

Starting mods:
1. Chip/MAF
2. Sway bars
3. Short Shift Kit
4. Shocks + Springs

Then it gets expensive...

+1

Although.. when you say mods.. are you talking performance or looks? cuz if looks, I'd do this list..(after chip of course.. )

1. Wheels
2. Drop/suspension
3. body (shadowline, paint lowers, sideskirts)

yeah, moroza, excellent write up. i have the TMS [JC] chip so i wonder if the differences are like that on the M50, vs the M30.

+1

Although.. when you say mods.. are you talking performance or looks? cuz if looks, I'd do this list..(after chip of course.. )

1. Wheels
2. Drop/suspension
3. body (shadowline, paint lowers, sideskirts)

I was thinking purely from a performance standpoint. The stock body roll is too much.

my first mod for any car would be suspension. Its a double whammy, u get looks and performance in one.

my first mod for any car would be suspension. Its a double whammy, u get looks and performance in one.

I think that wheels make the largest visual change and the suspension completes it.

I'm pro chip, since you have to run premium gas anyway.

I'm also a big fan of combining labor, so I tend to mod when I have to address something related, for example, I did the springs/struts when my struts were shot.

I think that wheels make the largest visual change and the suspension completes it.

I'm pro chip, since you have to run premium gas anyway.

I'm also a big fan of combining labor, so I tend to mod when I have to address something related, for example, I did the springs/struts when my struts were shot.

hmm, i think suspension makes the largest visual change and the wheels completes it. after-market wheels looks odd on a vehicle going to go off-road.

as for performance..id just chip it. then it gets challenging; whatever the synonym.

Nah, wheels first, then a drop. Less body roll is a moot point when your 15" skateboard tires squeal at .6G

Wheels made a HUGE visual impact on my car. Doubt anyone would notice a drop.

to the OP, get rid of your ambers :devillook

to the OP, get rid of your ambers :devillook


+1 :evil2

:lol

Gonna have to kick some ass tonight.

haha oh god not the ambers fight again.....

Starting mods:
1. Chip/MAF
2. Sway bars
3. Short Shift Kit
4. Shocks + Springs

Then it gets expensive...

Thats not expensive??!!

Yeah I was thinking of more of performance mods. I'm not a very big fan of bodykits but i love lip kits. i think body kits take too much away from stock body lines. no offense to anyone with a body kit but I don't like it when my car looks like it's got a Halloween mask on. For visuals I was thinking some rims, dark tint, fresh paint and some different tail lights and HID's would be enough for me. Thanks for the info so far, real helpful

Thats not expensive??!!


Nah, you can do all that for <2k.