[Grip Grip]

First, which plugs and gap for Stage 3 (400WHP) eventually? Typically I go a step colder per 100HP and gap the plugs down to prevent blowout. I'd expect the same with the BMW, but I don't see much info when I search for plug gapping.

Next, I was PM'd that the Big Tom style intercooler was the best design to go with. I believe that's the CX Racing design, that's very inexpensive. Is that a better choice over the VRSF 7"? I'm not interested in spending $950 for a Cobb intercooler. Just isn't gonna happen.

Keep in mind, I love the car, but tend to sell them off every year. As a result, I don't want to throw more money than necessary at mods.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by Grip Grip

First, which plugs and gap for Stage 3 (400WHP) eventually? Typically I go a step colder per 100HP and gap the plugs down to prevent blowout. I'd expect the same with the BMW, but I don't see much info when I search for plug gapping.

Next, I was PM'd that the Big Tom style intercooler was the best design to go with. I believe that's the CX Racing design, that's very inexpensive. Is that a better choice over the VRSF 7"? I'm not interested in spending $950 for a Cobb intercooler. Just isn't gonna happen.

Keep in mind, I love the car, but tend to sell them off every year. As a result, I don't want to throw more money than necessary at mods.

Not sure what your talking about with stage "3". VRSF is the best bangs for the buck FMIC and downpipes. The two brands you mentioned, Big Tom and Map I've never heard of. Not saying their bad but I don't know anyone using them. VRSF however is by far the brand of choice for the guys in the board with dozens using them and no complaints. Charge pipe too. Stock plugs work fine unless your doing major mods like turbo upgrades. Then go with a set of NGK gapped based on which setup you do. Just a juicebox or cob will get you to 400 hp. I'm doing stage 2+ turbos and looking for 600+ Rwhp/ Rwtq. Only thing bigger is a single turbo setup. But you can get close to 500hp pretty easy on stock turbos and stock plugs.
Reading your post about dragging, if you don't want to do a turbo upgrade then FBO, this includes a dual cone intake, 7" intercooler, charge pipe, catless downpipes, throw in a Cobb, juicebox, or both, then consider an LSD and subframe bushings. Also a fuel-it fuel pump will let you run e85, is fairly inexpensive, and give you big gains. Finally, if you haven't had it done have your heads walnut blasted. Hope this helps.

[drewnel22]

Stock plugs are fine like has been said before. VRSF makes some great products for a great price. The 7" will be plenty for what you are doing and the $3-400 difference won't be noticeable enough either performance wise.

[Nitrousbird]

NGK plugs at .022

Start with a JB4 G5, get the BT cable to backend flash and a DCI. Best bangs for your buck. Also considering adding mods to make things more reliable:
- Charge pipe
- Oil Catch Can

Then going on to a down pipe. From there, decide between intercooler/meth/E85 with upgraded low pressure pump as your next mod.

[Grip Grip]

Thanks guys, but just one more question. I bought the car used with DCAI, and the previous owner wasn't the one that installed it. If I datalog boost and only see a peak of 8 psi, can I rest assured the car isn't tuned by a previous owner?

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by Grip Grip

Thanks guys, but just one more question. I bought the car used with DCAI, and the previous owner wasn't the one that installed it. If I datalog boost and only see a peak of 8 psi, can I rest assured the car isn't tuned by a previous owner?

No...They could have taken the tuner off (be it JB4, Cobb, Standalone flash)

[Grip Grip]

Originally Posted by 10splaya22

No...They could have taken the tuner off (be it JB4, Cobb, Standalone flash)

But if I see 8psi boost, wouldn't that indicate a stock file or a low boost file? The car seems faster than it should, so I'm concerned I'll stack tunes and kill the motor,

Call me paranoid, but is it possible for a file to have been loaded on the car that datalogs as low boost when it's actually producing much more?

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by Grip Grip

But if I see 8psi boost, wouldn't that indicate a stock file or a low boost file? The car seems faster than it should, so I'm concerned I'll stack tunes and kill the motor,

Call me paranoid, but is it possible for a file to have been loaded on the car that datalogs as low boost when it's actually producing much more?

8 psi is stock. Maybe possible but not likely. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Fundguy1]

If you have 8psi it's stock now.

[Fundguy1]

If you have 8psi it's stock now.

[335NJ]

If you have 8psi it's stock now.

Seriously though, don't be too paranoid. The N54 can take quite the abuse.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Grip Grip

First, which plugs and gap for Stage 3 (400WHP) eventually? Typically I go a step colder per 100HP and gap the plugs down to prevent blowout. I'd expect the same with the BMW, but I don't see much info when I search for plug gapping.

Next, I was PM'd that the Big Tom style intercooler was the best design to go with. I believe that's the CX Racing design, that's very inexpensive. Is that a better choice over the VRSF 7"? I'm not interested in spending $950 for a Cobb intercooler. Just isn't gonna happen.

Keep in mind, I love the car, but tend to sell them off every year. As a result, I don't want to throw more money than necessary at mods.

Best / Cheapest way for power and 400 whp
JB4
VRSF DP
VRSF FMIC / AA sport FMIC
VRSF CP / ER CP
BMS Intake

Stock spark plugs, injectors are fine. No need to pay extra money for the upgraded ones.

[Grip Grip]

Thanks for the info guys regarding the plugs and mods. I really do search before I ask, and I really appreciate the help.

When I get home tomorrow I'll datalog the car and see what kind of boost it's making. Hopefully its around 8PSI. Next I'll open up the ECU box and look for a JB module.

I was just worried that a JB tune would lie/deceive the ecu into thinking the boost was lower than it actually was. Therefore, my datalogger would read only 8 PSI since it's reading is coming from the OBD2 port, when the actually boost might be twice as much.

I checked for the JB2 signal conditioner on the charge boost sensor and didn't see one.

[Grip Grip]

Looks like my suspicions might have jus been confirmed. I changed the plugs today and found this add-on module in the ECU box. Anyone know what this is exactly. It's clearly tapped into the harness, so must me a signal conditioner of some sort.

[Grip Grip]

Question was answered on another thread. Here's what it is: http://www.tf-works.com/jb2-pinout-n...5i-135i-x6-z4/