Fairly new to the M line, but what is the max horsepower one can push out of an e46 M3 without forced induction? What would the mods be? Thanks guys.

 

Not much more. Your typical exhaust and intake won't amount much. 333 is still plenty though

The car needs weight reduction and better suspension. Power isn't the problem

 

I have coils and sways on it now. I'm looking to raise the horsepower to max 360-400. There's no way without forced induction? There aren't any companies that increase the displacement or anything? Thanks.

 

The engine is pretty much maxed. Get exhaust and intake for maybe 345 hp. These cars are so cheap now that it isn't worth spending 15-20k in engine mods

 

There are stroker kits, you could port and polish the throttle bodies, intake exhaust etc. still way under 400hp at motor. Thats why 99.9% go forced induction.

 

Stroker kits are priced at roughly 8 grand. I don't see that being too bad

 

I've seen a stroker kit that promises 400-420. Vac for the name drop. I mean it looks cool and sounds like a beast. They say its better for the track, which my car is also used for. Do you think it's worth it?

 

Me personaly no, but its your car do whatever you want. But, 8k for a kit and probably 2,500+ for install doesnt seem that worth it to me for maybe 60whp.

 

I'll be tracking the car too. I'm worried about long term reliability towards forced induction rather than a built motor.

 

Either or will last. It's a question of how deep are your pockets? VAC has built quite a few well over 400 rwhp E46 M3 builds. A handful of 500 builds as well. The 500 ones are pure bred race cars. VAC's builds are excellent in quality and are precisely what it is you're after. However, it depends on how deep your pockets are. A discounted HPF stage 2 kit was selling for $13-14k a month or two ago. Good for 600+ rwhp on pump fuel. A proper 3.5l 400+ rwhp VAC build, would definitely cost in the $20k range. There are ways to get 350-360 rwhp out of them in NA form but its costly. Precisely modifying the air box, header, and the rest of the exhaust and 400 bhp is not out of the question. Add all this up though and you're still looking at roughly $5-6k plus install costs unless you diy. Talk to VAC as they seriously are the best in the business when it comes to these builds. If not them, Bimmerworld or Turner Motorsports, both have extensive knowledge with the S54 platform.

Check out this link: Evolve Tune+Alpha N+Euro Header Dyno, +46 rwhp

 

Here's a link to my build over on M3F

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13632467118892

 

I would get a nice exhaust, drop in K&N, underdrive pulleys, headers, and a good tune. That should put you to the high 3's at the crank

 

For the price of an E46 M3 + $10-15K (kit + machine work and install) you can be in an all around better car.

-Will

 

Bah! Do the work yourself.

As long as your cylinders are in good condition there is no need for machine work for the stroker kit. But you will need bigger lift and duration cams, so even doing the work yourself, you are still slightly north of $10k.

But man, nothing compared to the flat torque of that beautiful inline 6 that pulls stumps at 2k rpm and still revs to 8k.

 

Even with best headers (Supersprint Stepped V1) and tune you are lucky to break much over 300whp.

Add a non-streetable (too loud) Bimmerworld exhaust and no holds barred tune from Epic Motorsports and you will get there though, so if this is track only it is doable.