Performance expectations?

[the_boy]

OK, I've decided that I really need to make a decision about where I'm going with my car.

Currently it's running standard except for new NGK 7's fitted about a month ago, a full stainless 3" exhaust (minus a CAT) and an Apexi AVC-R boost controller.

The extra boost is great but it sometimes annoys me due to what I assume is intermittent spark blow out. Always at about 4000rpm taking me back to 3750, very intermittent, some days when it's cold, some when it's warm.

Now to fix this I'm assuming I'll need to change a few things.

So my question is what sort of reliable performance increase can I expect (in addition to what should I be able to match on the road) by fitting these parts. I assume there are people out there with similar setups...

1. RPW downpipes *
2. 3" stainless cat back exhaust *
3. Forge Recirc BOV
4. Bigger intercooler (Evo IX?)
5. Hard pipes
6. Walbro uprated fuel pump
7. Fuel regulator

* Or potentially have a whole system made from scratch

** Possibly at some stage switching from the Apexi to a MAP ECU2 (although I've read some threads about intermittent performance issues which I definately don't want as I'm a long way from Guildford)

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

One of the reasons of the uncertainly on all this is that I keep thinking if I have an accident etc I'd lose all the cash on these mods if the car was written off. And if that's the case perhaps I should cut my losses and sell the car, add the modification funds and a little bit more and switch to an FQ-320 or something similar. Would the car compare similar to a standard one if modified as above?

Been mulling over this stuff for a while now and need

[scott.mohekey]

Is it an auto?

[bradc]

With all of those mods you should be able to get up to about 320-340hp

[the_boy]

Sorry yes it's a facelift automatic estate..

Bradc, is that with out without the remap?
My last car had 340bhp, still got beat by STis off the line...

[scott.mohekey]

Given that it's an auto, the drop in revs COULD be something to do with the torque converter. I'm seeing something similar with mine. My solution, stick a manual in!

[the_boy]

TC seal etc replaced about 15,000 miles ago....she's only done 41,000.

Automatic was one of the reasons I bought her in the first place

[elnevio]

One of the reasons of the uncertainly on all this is that I keep thinking if I have an accident etc I'd lose all the cash on these mods if the car was written off.

A lot of the insurers that the specialist brokers like Sky Insurance use often have (either included or as an add-on) full mods cover. If it really is an issue, have a chat to one of their guys, I'm sure they can advise on the sort of stuff that is available!

The extra boost is great but it sometimes annoys me due to what I assume is intermittent spark blow out. Always at about 4000rpm taking me back to 3750, very intermittent, some days when it's cold, some when it's warm.

Hope I'm, not being dumb here, but this isn't fuel cut, is it?

[Wodjno]

Sorry yes it's a facelift automatic estate..


My last car had 340bhp, still got beat by STis off the line...

What was your last car ?

[the_boy]

Don't know about the insurance, my policy is only 2 months old and although covers mods only has a valuation of £6000.

Don't think it's fuel cut reading posts on here, it's a stutter at 4000 rpms, wouldn't say it was violent. More like a shut off and drop to 3750. If I hit 4000 it does it again. But it's random when it happens.

Could sort it though fueling, cooling so just want to see what benefits I can get from the mods before proceeding or changing cars...

Previous car:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/untitled.jpg

[Wodjno]

Previous car:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/untitled.jpg

No wonder your got your Ass Kicked

[the_boy]

Cheeky mofo

[Nick Mann]

Firstly, you *never* get money back for mods, no matter how wisely you choose them. They don't increase the value of the car.

Secondly, is the VR4 the car you want to stick with? It's difficult to compare it directly to the Evo - the Evo is a much harsher car, and lightness and tunability of it mean it is difficult to win a speed/handling competition when you start with a VR4. However, the VR4 is bigger, more refined and more comfortable.

If you intend to stick with the VR4 then your list of mods is a good one. I personally think that hard pipes give a minimum advantage for a maximum cost. I'd only do it if I had spare cash wth no other projects in mind (unlikely!)or I found a very cheap kit.

You should have a well set up and rapid VR4 for the mods you are listing there. The MAP2 is a good piece of kit - where have you read otherwise? I'm not sure I have seen anyone complain about it. Beating STIs off the lights is dependant on what they have done to the car too, so again difficult to compare. I have close enough all the mods you have listed plus a couple more. I'll have a go at anything!!

[Kenneth]

fuel cut feels like you blew a hose off. VERY violent when accelerating.

Sounds like it could be spark issues. If the plugs are new, ensure they are gapped properly to 0.8mm (or 0.6 if you feel necessary).

Other than that, check the leads and coil packs.

I had the same problem with my previous VR-4 and it was the plugs. They were very old though.

I assume you have the standard intake system?

[bradc]

Mmmm nice wheels on the old E34 were they genuine M-Par's?

[Ryan]

Mmmm nice wheels on the old E34 were they genuine M-Par's?

It is a great example of an E34 isn't it?

[bradc]

Nice colour too, E31 > E34 though

[the_boy]

Cheers for the replies guys!

Previous car:
Yes genuine 18" paralells
It was a 1995 (last year of production E34 M5)

The VR4 has the standard intake system.
Not sure on the gapping TBH as the garage did it for me, although I'm experiencing the same issue with the new plugs as well as the old plugs.

Totally agree on never getting your mod money back, I just don't want to spend X amount of money, get rear ended 2 months later and lose the lot.

BTW would it be better to get a full system made up at somewhere like Sheffield for example or buy the RPW downpipes with a seperate cat back exhaust?

[Subaru ETA]

about the map2 are you refering to mikes thread? (mpau009) he has actually taken his map2 out as he got it tuned and it just wouldnt keep its tune. i think everyone is unsure if it was a ecu, tuner or wiring issue...