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In Reply to: Supercharged 325i-Parts Reviews/Impressions (long) posted by Dan in Toronto on August 27, 2000 at 22:07:19:
Been kicking around with the car for a while now, so I thought I'd write some reviews of the various things done to my car -- hope it's useful to someone. If you have any questions or want more detailed information, fire over an e-mail. (The car is a 1992 325i with 115,000km on it.)
ERT Powerdyne Supercharger: Needless to say, at around 4,000rpm the car takes off like a bitch. The feel of the boost (6psi) is not quite at the 300ZX/Supra Twin-Turbo level, but definetly at the Audi S4 level. Verdict: Worthwhile.
TMS Lightwheight Aluminum Flywheel: A *very* noticeable upgrade. The engine revs quicker and feels much "freer" than before. Verdict: Worthwhile.
European-spec Floating Rotor Brakes w/ M3 Calipers: I haven't taken the car to a track yet, but on the street, they stop the car quickly and decisively. If you want M3 braking, get M3 brakes. The floating rotors will give you a bit of an edge in that they won't warp as easily. Verdict: Worthwhile.
Brullen Exhaust: I like the way the DTM tips look, and love the way it sounds. Loud roar when accelerating, and cool-sounding BRAP BRAP BRAP backfire when slowing. Be advised, it's DAMN LOUD - After a 5 hour drive, I got a headache. Having said that, at 2.5-3.5k (RPM) it settles into a fairly quiet manageable drone. It's too bad that to cruise at 140/150km/h, the RPM is up at 4.5, where it's not so quiet. Verdict: If you want loud, get it.
UUC Shortshifter: Lots has been said on this already. I haven't used many others, but this one feels pretty damn good to me. Very fun. Verdict: If you like to drive, it's worth it.
18" Bridgestone Potenza S-02: I've experienced these tires at length on a buddy's 3000GT, and when I put them on my car, I was very happy. They simply kick ass. Dry or wet, at any speed, you have ultimate confidence. Surprisingly, they are nowhere near as harsh as I expected. Verdict: Very much worthwhile.
H&R Coil-Over Suspension: I took these over the standard Bilstein/Koni + H&R spring combo because I live in Canada, and adjusting the ride-height for winter/summer driving is convenient. I don't know whether it's just in my head or not, but they do feel slightly more refined than a shock/spring package. Verdict: Worth it, but had I lived in some sunny warm place, I probably would have gotten non-adjustable shocks/springs.
Plans for Stage 2:
- ellipsoids
- body kit (probably M-technic)
- M3 LTW front splitter
- new coat of paint (the '92 red looks pink by now)
- interior re-upholstery (possibly colour code red + black)
Any suggestions?