The need for speed!

[Jon16]

Hi Everyone! I have a 1990 16v which goes very well (even better after recent service) but I still yearn for the sort of poke my old BMW 328i Sport had! (a little optimistic I'll admit!) The car has a full stainless Scorpion exhaust (well all except the manifold) and a K&N filter (in the airbox). My mechanic said the getting a performance exhaust manifold will make quite a big difference, but which one?  Also is there anything else that you recommend that doesn't cost the earth?! THANKS!!!

[golfvr6]

Have you drilled the airbox ? also try some fast road cams.

[Blue MK2]

Ive herd that drilling the airbox is a waste of time?

[Slim Shady]

drilling the airbox is NOT tuning your car - it does little if anything to aid performance.

It just makes induction more audible.

A new air filter is a start but,

would only really be 'performace' if you added a long branch exhaust.

New longer duration cams would be a waste of time - unless you have ported and flowed your head.

Remember:
It's all about getting the fuel and air mixture in and out as quickly and as un obstructed as possible.

If you're feeling flush - why not change the bottom end for a 2litre item

Then to complete the package why not fit a new Management system (Emerald are good) and maybe a quaife box with LSD (assuming you've uprated your suspension).



You can forget all about your 3series chugger after that
 

[golfvr6]

Drilling the front and side(not engine side) on old k-jet cars makes a big difference if combined with a sports air filter. This is because stock air boxes are very restrictive (to keep noise levels down), opening it up stops the depression occurring in the airbox, hence much better throttle response and a little bit of extra power.

[Slim Shady]

I don't think you emphasized the word 'little' enough


It merely makes your car sound louder


like drilling your back box on your mk2 escort back in the day -

 if it adds 1/2 a fallabella pony power I'd be surprised.

[golfvr6]

Well not really mate, i've used k&ns on several cars and they have made a significant improvement. The main gain is mid-range, but there still is more power up top. The mk2 16v engine responded very well to this, as it is known not to be that responsive at low to mid revs.

[Slim Shady]

To be honest it's just the noise making you think it's faster mate.

Still cold air is what an engine likes - and by drilling loads of holes around your airbox all you're gonna create is loads of eddys and the intake plenum is gonna struggle calming all your air down.

[golfvr6]

Whatever works for you mate! i do wonder where you get your info from.

[golfvr6]

Do you do your own work on your car Slim?