how much can the engine handle - BMW Forum

TurboB3 · 07-18-2009, 08:20 PM

how much boost can a stock 318 motor handle for a turbo? Im about to do the turbo install and wanna know what it could handle

BimmerE39 · 07-18-2009, 08:24 PM

8 pounds is safe and will also retain longevity. The M40/M44 engine is really strong. I met someone locally who built a turbo system for his E30 318 and it was a quick little bastard.

carguy13 · 07-19-2009, 03:48 AM

turbo on stock internals....watch out!

lol.

nukeduster · 07-19-2009, 05:35 PM

300whp is common on what I've seen. Most people dont really push the envelope with that engine from what I've been able to find. But, most bmw i-6 engines can make 600-800whp with only a thick HG. The myth that stock internals are weak is just that, a myth.

BimmerE39 · 07-19-2009, 06:16 PM

Yes, you're right nukeduster on the thicker head gasket. That's definitely something that is overlooked. I would also look into some heavy duty head studs and bolts (it can only help prevent lift of the head off of the block). The real key here is tuning everything so it works correctly and safely.

///M Power · 07-20-2009, 05:49 AM

You'll be happy to make 240 rwhp. Don't be stupid, and don't push it beyond 8 pounds. Where do you live? Everything here has to do with tuning. Since you're asking such a vague question I am willing to bet you have spent anywhere from 0-1.5 minutes ever talking to someone who knows how to tune your car.

TurboB3 · 07-20-2009, 10:04 AM

I live near Philly. I have a lot of people that know what theyre doing but I just wanted to make sure what was safe. I dont want to go too crazy yet

carguy13 · 07-20-2009, 02:02 PM

well if you want to tune it and keep it safe there are several other alternatives...

you know, the typical bolt-on parts...

if you don't have big plans for the car, i think turbocharging would be a bad place to start...

something a little safer might be a supercharger, they tend to run lower levels of boost.