Expert: Josh Fields - 1/4/2007

Question
Josh,  I forgot to ask you last night when I asked the questions about the electric top. Is there a "chip" available for the E30 engine to increase power. What would be the increase in power and estimated cost. If not what is available, where would I get it if anything is on the market.  Thanks, Gary

Answer
Gary,
 Yes there are Chips available for these cars.  However they dont give much of an increase.  This engine is called the M20, and it's an old engine.  It was used in the late '70s and its last year was in your car.  in 1993 BMW came out with the M50 which was DOHC (Dual Over-Head Cam) and this went into the next body-style 3-series.

 The M20 doesn't respond well to modifications either.  I've seen people spend thousands of dollars trying to modify this engine to really powerful.  The most you can get from these engines without putting a turbocharger on is about 200hp.  Turbocharging will reduce the longevity of the engine, not to mention all the custom modifications that will be necessary.
 So that being said, if you want the car to be faster it will take a good deal of money.  

 Good luck,
 Josh