reply- <E36> Euro HFM dyno results ('95 M3), almost no power gains !!!

[LoweSeaton@xxxxxxx]

Igor opened up a can of worms:

<snip>
I tested my car (93' 325i with 95' M3 engine ) after installing the
Euro HFM / Air Box / JC chip (T506-301) purchased from Turner .

To my surprise, there was almost no gain in Max HP and Torque:
<snip>

I installed the Euro HFM on my '95 M3 in July and also did "before" and
"after" dyno tests.  My results were similar to Igor's.  My peak numbers were
a little higher but the Euro HFM actually lost 2 hp compared to stock.  I did
not post my results because my dyno test was not fair to Turner Motorsport and
Jim Conforti.  The reason Igor and I didn't see any performance gains is the
AIRBOX.  The airbox (Euro airbox too) is restricting airflow.

Answer:  GET RID OF THE AIRBOX

The best air intake system is an open K&N cone filter.  Digest Bimwad Bob S.
suggested using K&N part number RU-1785.  It has a 3.5-inch outlet to match
the Euro HFM diameter.  I haven't had time to fit my M3 with the K&N filter
yet but I am told it is fairly easy.  Be sure to fabricate some kind of heat
shield/fan shield for the filter also.  You can also buy several "ready-made"
K&N filter kits.  And I know of at least one place that you can buy a pre-made
heat shield too.

I've also investigated using Dinan's Cold Air Intake System but I've found out
that it has problems and I don't recommend it.  The best method is an open K&N
filter with a heat shield.

<snip>
The dyno graph for the Euro Hfm looks smoother than stock,
the power 'dip' at 5300rpm is almost gone ...
<snip>

Same for me.  I think Jim Conforti's programming is far superior.  Even with
the airbox strangling the intake, the power curve is better.  I had a Dinan
chip before and I had an immediate 10 ft-lb (5%) drop in torque from 3,800 to
4,000 rpm.  The TMS chip is very smooth throughout the power band.  I've got a
more useful power curve even though the peak hp is slightly less.

<snip>
I called Will Turner and faxed him the dyno results, he
told me that he passed the information to Jim Conforti
but received no reply, this was a month ago.
<snip>

This is hard to believe.  I e-mailed Jim Conforti my results at 1:00 am CDT
and he replied 10 minutes later!  We traded e-mail until after 2:00 am when I
went to bed.  Jim did not have an immediate answer but I must have piqued his
interest because about a week later he e-mailed me and said, "The light
dawned.  Throw that airbox outta there!"  In fact, it is likely that Jim C has
already e-mailed you by now and beat my reply.

Remove the airbox and redo your dyno test.  I am sure you will see a big
improvement.  I plan to retest my Euro HFM if it ever cools off here in Dallas
and post my results.

Lowell Seaton
'95 M3 - Euro HFM, TMS chip, K&N open filter soon
Dallas, TX  (only 93 today!)

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