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I am looking to get an 03 M3 and i was wondering how hard it would be to get 400 RWHP out of it and about how much it might cost with out getting a supercharger or turbo? Thanks
More Power
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1,706 Posts
Supercharging easily yields 400+whp but you will need to upgrade numerous things along with it...
First, supercharging systems
Active Autowerke
VF Engineering
ESS Tuning
Dinan
These are a few of the numerous supercharger systems available out there for the S54.
You will also want to upgrade the following pieces as well in order to bring reliability to the E46 platform as well as stiffen everything up over stock.
Clutch/flywheel
Rear subframe reinforcement
Heavy duty transmission mounts
Rear camber arms - OE are known to bend on high horsepower M3's
Exhaust - for maximum flow but not 100% necessary
Suspension - once again not 100% necesary but upgraded suspensions on supercharged M3's help put power down (particularly in the rear)
Brakes - factory brakes are good, but with 400+whp you're going to want to stop faster
Wider wheels - factory 18x8's with 255 tires are not enough to put the power down. Not 100% necessary but definitely helpful
The list goes on and on but I've hit the major parts.
The total cost on all of this is going to vary, but with most supercharger systems going for $7K+ expect to shell out BIG $$$$
First, supercharging systems
Active Autowerke
VF Engineering
ESS Tuning
Dinan
These are a few of the numerous supercharger systems available out there for the S54.
You will also want to upgrade the following pieces as well in order to bring reliability to the E46 platform as well as stiffen everything up over stock.
Clutch/flywheel
Rear subframe reinforcement
Heavy duty transmission mounts
Rear camber arms - OE are known to bend on high horsepower M3's
Exhaust - for maximum flow but not 100% necessary
Suspension - once again not 100% necesary but upgraded suspensions on supercharged M3's help put power down (particularly in the rear)
Brakes - factory brakes are good, but with 400+whp you're going to want to stop faster
Wider wheels - factory 18x8's with 255 tires are not enough to put the power down. Not 100% necessary but definitely helpful
The list goes on and on but I've hit the major parts.
The total cost on all of this is going to vary, but with most supercharger systems going for $7K+ expect to shell out BIG $$$$
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2,363 Posts
It sounds to me like he is possibly looking for the power WITHOUT FI (supercharging or a Turbo). If that is the case, if it is possible at all, you would need to seriously beef up the engine (or possibly swap it for a more powerful naturally aspirated V-8 engine, remap the ECU, do headers and bore it out significantly. Either with or without FI, thatkind of power would require you get a big brake kit in the front at minimum and likely all around, suspension, plus all the other increases BimmerE39 references which would be one VERY expensive project. If you do go FI, it was my experience when looking for the SC for my Z3 that the kits for the M3 run closer to $10K with the turbos usually running more. Dinan is the most reliable and has the best warranty by far so it may well be worth the extra initial investment. I can tell you that VF for example will, if their product fails under warranty, ONLY do a rebuild for you - not a thing more. That means YOU have to pay to (or do it yourself) the labor to remove the SC, ship it to CA, wait FOREVER, then ship it back to yourself, then pay the reinstall labor. Nice big favor they do for you. Pffft. piitb. :shifty
Bottom line is it is a big and expensive project. In the end, you need to evaluate what you WANT the power for (yes , we all always want the power and it's never enough) but seriously, consider what's involved and then if it's right for you, go for it! Just know what you are getting into.
Bottom line is it is a big and expensive project. In the end, you need to evaluate what you WANT the power for (yes , we all always want the power and it's never enough) but seriously, consider what's involved and then if it's right for you, go for it! Just know what you are getting into.
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20 Posts
sweet thanks for all the help i will def conseder it and thats why i asked that way i kno whats involved in the process
Either way it is going to be costly, but the cheaper way would be a supercharging or turbo charging you current motor. It would be tough to get 400 RWHP out of your stock motor without FI. Even if you could, you would have to beef up everything else too.
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909 Posts
Unless you are going to be racing it, I would keep it stock for the most part. Getting that kind of HP gets too expensive for the results yielded in my mind. But if you are wishing to do this then listen to BimmerE39 and RM. You will need to do a lot to get close to that without FI, and with FI you will need to do most of the stuff you would need to without the FI to get the rest of the car ready for the extra power you are putting in it. It is a personal choice, if you have the money and you want it then don't listen to anyone saying its not worth the money it will take to accomplish. If you are on a limited budget then it will take some serious consideration to decide if it is worth it in the long run to you. Best of luck, let us know what you decide to do and post some pics of the M3 when you get it.
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