What is the most effecient way to increase bhp?

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priesty_lfc

priesty_lfc

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priesty_lfc
Right,

I have just joined a racing league and we are running regs of 350bhp with 500pp, We are using 'normal cars' and my weapon of choice is a BMW 135i.

To get to 350bhp there are many different routes but do they all end up equal?

For example I have not made any changes to the engine and I havent fitted a ECU, I have fitted Racing Air filter, a Sports cat, sports manifold, semi racing exhuast and this has got me to 348bhp

However would carrying out enging mods 1 & 2 and appling the ECU be any different? if they both got to the same bhp i'm unsure if that means the actual performance is the same.

Please note we are not allowed to use the restrictor so its not a case of adding all mods then reducing the engine output.

Any info/adv will be much appriciated!!
 
I've been thinking about that myself and wondered this. Are you allowed to add a turbo?
If so, that would clearly have different effect to the car's power in different rev areas.
But I think that it shouldn't have a huge difference since most mods increases torque, etc.

But I'm no expert.
 
I find that FI (Turbo's and Superchargers) will give you the most BHP for your buck, but can give you an odd powerband. The name of the Turbo will tell you when it kicks in and the Supercharger will spoil up in between the low and mid turbo's. Engine tunings will increase power in a way that reflects the stock powerband, and the other odd bolt ons tend to only really increase power up high.
 
Turbo/superchargers are the best bang for your buck. But if you want efficient power output and not just slapping a big blower on the car, then it's better to stick with the filters and exhaust like you have done already. Engine tuning does give you more torque though, but I prefer using the bolt ons in these situations. Plus if you run over 350bhp from mileage, you can drop down to a sports filter or something. :)
 
oopssorryy
I find that FI (Turbo's and Superchargers) will give you the most BHP for your buck, but can give you an odd powerband. The name of the Turbo will tell you when it kicks in and the Supercharger will spoil up in between the low and mid turbo's. Engine tunings will increase power in a way that reflects the stock powerband, and the other odd bolt ons tend to only really increase power up high.
Click to expand...

Yes but that is what I'm asking, its ok slapping a stage 3 turbo onto your car but low to mid range its going to suck and not be effective.

If the exhuast/manifold etc only really come into play higher up that would suggest engine 1 and 2 might be the best option?


* took a while to post as in work so didnt get to see roj's respone before I posted!

Thanks for you post Roj
 
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Sometimes you just have to buy the same car more than once and A-B test them.

When trying to get a car to a specific PP or HP target, I prefer to stay away from turbochargers. They tend to spike HP/Torque at certain points of the power band and can make the car less stable. Like when accelerating out of a corner.

ECU, air, exhaust, and stage tunings are what I prefer.

And, if it's a new car, then remember HP will increase as you break-in the car.
 

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