TCD kit and turbo driveability

[Kyle in NO]

If you can't swing $700, don't attempt forced induction. It will come out all half-assed and like, not fast and stuff...

[EuroShark]

It's not like its all gonna happen this week, but no, I can not swing $700 on a single part unfortunately. Not right now at least... But a sub $100 745i turbo manifold is easily affordable, and since I have access to all of the tools I will need for plumbing the intake and exhaust for the kit, not to mention tubing, that should cut a considerable chunk of the expense... I might consider gathering parts slowly, starting with the 745i manifold, but I'm really trying to get the 335i ready for summer fun so a $700 manifold is a little out there for me

[MXH_RHD]

Well I'm sold, which is why I'm squirelling away money in anticipation of the RHD TCD kits.

So is the power delivery quite predictable without any hairy moments 'coming on song' mid way through a bend for example?
Is it best coupled with a manual gearbox to maintain control or would anyone recommend an auto?
Perhaps the kits don't change the engine characteristics and therefore not a major factor in the manual/auto debate?

All questions are with respect to a daily driver.

Thanks.

[Bill in MN]

MXH

I can only speak for myself but it is a rare occasion that I get into the boost unless on purpose. Over 95% of my daily driving is off boost, probably more. As I mentioned previously, once the novelty wears off, it's in proper tune and driven like any other car it's easy to forget the spinning thingamajigger is up there.

I am using an auto trans. with a revaned converter mated and 3.73 LSD. I don't want to start up the "auto vs. manual" banter again. It's old news and the reality is that most purists wouldn't be caught dead with one.

There's a goodly amount of time and money into my drivetrain to ensure it stays in one piece. My wife drives the car and the truth be told, this was a major reason for keeping it a slushbox. Regardless, it works very, very well. If it were just me using the car I'd probably have the 5sp in it but I must admit it's nice just putting it in Drive and going somewhere. If the desire is to get on it, manual mode is always an option.

[russc]

Well,
I would never buy a manual again. No reason to. And with my commute, it just dosn't make sense not to have a auto. While you give up a tad of performance, its not enough anymore to make me want the manual.

Theres no issue at all with the auto, it will drive like a regular ?E28, until boost. You will want to uprate your suspension, as the extra power will need to get to the ground. But that can wait if your on a budget.

The power delivery is totally perdictable, especially at half throttle. at 4-5psi, the car just scoots like a scaldeed cat. There is some power surge as the engine comes on cam at 4k rpm, but thats at WOT, and you expect that. But the power delivery anywhere is totally controllable and perdictable, IMHO.

RussC

[MXH_RHD]

Bill & Russc

Thanks for your responses.

I too spend 95% of my daily driving in 'real world' conditions where having to change your own gears would be an unnecessary burden and is the main reason I've been driving an E32 735ise auto for the past 5 years. It's so comfortable and so easy to drive. However, there are those few (rare) occasions where I could really use the control of a manual gearbox (and a big dollop of extra power too ). For the turbo project I'm considering a manual E28 (as I've had 528i, M535i & 535ise in the past and really miss them) or an E34 auto (as a less painful departure from the 7).

It's a difficult decision so I really appreciate your knowledgeable/experienced opinions.
It's useful to gain insight on why people choose which horse for which course, if you know what I mean.

Thanks

[Azure]

You're looking at the wrong kit. The stage 1, which is all you'd need for the boost you're talking about is only $3875. Not $5k. FYI!

See? You're saving money already!

lol, well.....

I don't want to sound like an idiot, but if the hack fit system works, then it's ok for me! For now at least... It will give me something to do until school starts in spring I guess. I can cut, weld, shape, etc. so the idea doesn't scare me. I REALLY wish I had the $5k to drop on a TCD kit because it really does look like awesome stuff, but I will have to make due if I want a turbo system I guess!

Or I could just keep the trusty old 108,000 mile M30 just the way it is and concentrate on the E30 335i

[Bill in MN]

Azure's right. For your needs the S1 would be perfect. An S1 will still blow the doors off of a lot of "hot" cars.

Included in the purchase of any TCD kit is a large dose of Perma-Grin...... at no extra charge

[Wiseguy]

Based on your low boost requirement, we would supply 24lb injectors with your kit.

Make sure you send low imp injectors for the 008.

Thanks Duke. What would I do without you?

Spend less money on Diovan?

[EuroShark]

$3875 isn't bad, I must have overlooked that... I could probably make that happen! Thanks guys!

[Patrick McHugh]

I tell you what Todd, when all of us poor folk finally make some money you are going to be a rich man.