Turbo'd 1990 525i (M20)???

[luke01]

Just purchased myself a 1990 525i which has an oil leak from the bell-housing (getting checked out on tuesday), and the exhaust is completly rusted and requires replacing. Rather than just buying standard parts, I thought it'd be good to do something diffent - ie. turbo.

I was thinking of getting manifold, dump pipe, and exhaust custom made though i have no idea what this will cost??

Ideas and suggestions of the best way to tackle this project would be greatly appreciated :).

[BigKriss]

http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com

[M20Turbo]

I have 90 525/7 turbo, and I really do enjoy the baby six. Ray Korman did the work http://www.kormanfastbmw.com/turbos.htm Good luck!

[Kobe Diesel]

If you want custom exhaust, I suggest using stainless steel. It will cost more, and outlast the car!

Besides turbocharging, look into supercharging as well.

And for M20 engine ideas, check out www.r3vlimited.com, it's a dedicated E30 3-series forum, but plenty discussion on M20 upgrades, strokers, and super/turbocharging.

[PeterInSTL]

I have 90 525/7 turbo, and I really do enjoy the baby six. Ray Korman did the work http://www.kormanfastbmw.com/turbos.htm Good luck!

How Much did the Kit and Install Cost??

[luke01]

was wanting to keep standard internals, and standard compression - planning to run around 6psi. Would the engine be fine at that boost with standard compression?

also, what rate rising rate fuel pressure regulator would be best, read that someone used 1:4.5, how does this sound?

[Turbo Ready]

Your engine with bone stock internals and stock compression ratio will handle 6 psi without a problem. I turbocharged mine and it was fine at 9 psi. I was running a cheap simple extra injector controller with two extra injectors as the only add on apart from the turbo. I had no other add ons, nada, not even a fuel pump, RRFPR, ignition wires or anything else ignition related.

If you change your injectors with a set delivering a bit more fuel, you can run 9 psi boost and still be safe. At 7psi my m20 jumped to life, never knew the little six could have been so powerful, mind you I have an e30 which is lighter than the e34.

I would be happy to give you any info you need regarding this.

[genphreak]

You're gonna fix the oil leak first tho, right? :D

You won't get much out of upgrading the exhaust (the stock system is better than anyone ever gives it credit for), so if parts of the stock one still good and the money is better spent elsewhere, work on them instead. :) Nick

[Turbo Ready]

I am building a new website with some information. If you click on products here you will see the kit I built

http://www.turboready.com

and if you click here on my hobby site you will see more in detail, also remember to click the colored links at the bottom of the page to see more pics

http://www.torkndork.com/bmw_325is_turbo.htm

[Turbo Ready]

You're gonna fis the oil leak tho, right? :D

You won't get much out of upgrading the exhaust (the stock system is better than anyone ever gives it credit for), so if parts of the stock one still good and the money is better spent elsewhere, work on them instead. :) Nick

Yea, the first thing you should do is get the car running well naturally aspirated first before turbocharging. It eliminates guess work and will help you to sort out any possible bugs easier. Make sure your brakes have been all sorted out as well, you will need good brakes :D

[M20Turbo]

Have you thought about an intercooler?


I am building a new website with some information. If you click on products here you will see the kit I built

http://www.turboready.com

and if you click here on my hobby site you will see more in detail, also remember to click the colored links at the bottom of the page to see more pics

http://www.torkndork.com/bmw_325is_turbo.htm

[luke01]

Will definitely be getting car in good running condition before i begin turbo setup, had it in with a recommended mechanic on tuesday, he left me with a nice list:

2 swaybar link rods
2 caster arms (bushes)
front and rear break pads
2 diff. side seals
power steering hose clamps
engine oil leaks - he believes its likely only leaking out of the T/C (rathen than the previous believed bellhousing, which is good)
3 v belts
timing belt and tensioner
water hose set
major service + tune

taking it back in a week after engine has been steam cleaned and degreased so he can see exactly where the oil is leaking from.

Because its a japanese import, it still isn't complied....they failed it the first time due to vechical verification (which is normal) but also engine oil leaks, exhast, and beaks. Need to get compliance (to register) asap really. so if i can, i'll clean it up, new pads, try and get the exhaust patched, otherwise i'll have to get the rear half of the custom turbo exhaust done. then comply. then fix engine and other problems....then turbo!

[BigKriss]

Are you in Australia?


Because its a japanese import, it still isn't complied....they failed it the first time due to vechical verification (which is normal) but also engine oil leaks, exhast, and beaks. Need to get compliance (to register) asap really. so if i can, i'll clean it up, new pads, try and get the exhaust patched, otherwise i'll have to get the rear half of the custom turbo exhaust done. then comply. then fix engine and other problems....then turbo!

[luke01]

Sure am.

[Nick.Hay]

Hey Bro... I can't wait to see this puppy!!

;)

[luke01]

Oh i hope to have it done as soon as possible :)

by the way nick, found the VIN number, that photo helped, was hiding away well!!

[jjdickm]

It would cost a couple grand for a decent turbo set up

[luke01]

i'm looking at ($AUD)
~$2000 for custom turbo exhaust manifold, exhaust piping, mufflers
$800-$1400 for a turbo
$1000 for intercooler with piping and installation
then the money for the RRFPR or extra injector setup, which i need to decide upon.

[632 Regal]

have you tried the turbonator and that other thing yet?

[jlcool007]

does anyone have vids of the "525i" sixer turbo'd engine????

i've been searchin, no one has em'

all i really want is 220hp, and that trurbo kit satisfies it