What power can it handle

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Irish_chris
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What power can it handle

Post by Irish_chris »

ok so planning on doing an engine conversion on my 1980 316 e21

is the chassiss etc able to handle 180-200bhp?

brakes etc will be upgraded also just afraid of trailing arms ripping the floor out as is common in e46s


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Jeroen
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Re: What power can it handle

Post by Jeroen »

Shouldn't be an issue, many guys here installed M50 engines or worse and there were never problems with the 200-218 BHP Alpina versions either. The occasional driveshaft gives up but I expect worn universal joints are most likely to be the cause. A set of urethane all round may be advisable though!
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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nas80
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Re: What power can it handle

Post by nas80 »

What he said.

If I was you id stick a strut brace on . It really does make a difference.
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luke
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Re: What power can it handle

Post by luke »

Agreed - best chassis / suspension mod you can do to an e21.
Irish_chris
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My E21(s): 81 318, 83 316t
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Re: What power can it handle

Post by Irish_chris »

funny you should day that, i was intending to fit a strut brace, can anyone point me in the direction of a good value but decent one?

drive shafts shouldnt be a problem ive a feww spare here

thanks lads
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PeteK
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Re: What power can it handle

Post by PeteK »

More stopping power should always come before more going power!
Pete K
'79 323i (for good times)
'81 M535i (for collecting)
'75 520i (track machine)
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'97 Laser
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Irish_chris
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My E21(s): 81 318, 83 316t
Location: Newry NI

Re: What power can it handle

Post by Irish_chris »

PeteK wrote:More stopping power should always come before more going power!
completely agree

ill be fitting wilwoods at the same time
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