re: 325i speed

[jkerouac@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

re: 325i Speed:
To the gentleman in persuit of 140 mph in a 325i:

Please do post your results after your track day.  Let us know what
terminal velocity you reached.
Personally I think the only increase you get from a TriFlow exhaust is
better measured in decibels than torque.
     Power increases due to computer remapping are also miniscule when
translated to top speed available.
     Out here on some of the big long wide open California highways I've
tested my E36 //M3 and find that it takes a considerable streatch of
real estate to hit the limiter at 143.  Even more to hit 150 with top
speed limiter removed.
This is a car with 25% more factory rated torque than your's.  The dyno
test on my //M3 with SuperSprint shows an increase of only 5 hp at the
rear wheels.  Supersprint is one of the two best performance, rather
than noise, oriented street mulfflers I've seen.  The latest factory
//M3 computer mappings are less than half a tenth of a second 60 to 80
in third gear slower than other remaps I've tested.
     So my net conclusion is that your car, if lucky, has 185 pounds of
torque and 195 hp at best.
     Redline Synthetic in the engine, trans, and rear will get another
few percent of that to the rear wheels.  A factory 3.0 liter  //M3
exhaust will give you better improvement than any coffe can noisemaker.
     Lowering the car considerably can reduce drag by a few miles per
hour.
     Race gas may help.
     Removing the air filter and the little air horn in the filter box
will help.
     Fresh Bosch platinum plugs will help.  Also, remove the mechanical
fan and the a/c belt. This will help the engine rev quicker even though
there is no actual power increase.
     Wider tires will slow you down.
     Fresh pads, rotors, brake fluid throughout.  Take no chances.  140
is a lot faster than the 120 you may be occasionally reaching on the
highways.

     What concerns me about a pointed assault on a top speed at a driver
school is the danger being introduced.   Smooth and steady is what every
driver should be persuing.  That is the objective.  In being smooth and
steady you will achieve faster speeds than via testosterone fueled
obsession over a speedometer needle.  5MPH faster entering the straight
can get you 2-3mph faster before you have to brake.
     So if you wat to chase down 140mph, take your car on a vacation to
the middle of Nevada.  If you want to have a good time at a driver
school, then go drive smooth and steady, and enjoy.
Good Luck,
'jk

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