how much torque should I have?

[saxit2me]

I recently purchased a 91 325i convertible.
It is the nicest car I have ever owned. So far I have had the valves adjusted, the water pump and timing belt replaced, and all shocks and struts are new.

My only concern is that this car does not seem to have any tire chirping capability.
Maybe it is not supposed to. It takes off if I hit the gas while underway and even at highway speed, it always has more head jerking thrust to offer. So do these models have off the line torque? or are they top-end oriented? If I am supposed to have more torque inthe bottom end, what can I look for as far as tuning? Thanks for your input
Dan

oh forgot to mention it is automatic

 

[bignate]

Its because its an automatic

 

[AutoXfreak]

AUTOMATIC!!!! oh man

Oh well, take a look at a Jim Conforti Chip. That will give you more performance. However since the auto shifts for you you wont be doing any burnouts. The motor you have dosnt come alive untill about 3000 rpm. My parents have a 91 cabrio but its a 5 spd and you can rip the tires loose when you drop the clutch at ~4000 rpm. Yeha. Happy you like your car though!

 

[epj3]

do not do it a lot, but hold the brake pedal down, push the gas, and then let go of the brake, it'll make some noise.

I can make my tires go crazy doing what autoxfreak said.

 

[jrt67ss350]

Yes, BMWs do not have the torque right off idle needed to spin the tires, especially with an automatic. You won't be doing burnouts in your car, even with the method epj3 described (commonly known as powerbraking or a brake stand) due to the excellent clamping forces of the disc brakes. At least your tires will last longer since you won't be doing burnouts.

 

[bichmgnt]

You might try putting in a LSD with a higher gear ratio . It would lower your top end but give you more torque off the line.

Steve

 

[equate]

2 options

1. Hold the brake down, press the gas pedal, release the brake
2. Put her in neutral, get it up to 4500 rpms, drop into drive





btw dont do #2

 

[saxit2me]

Thank you for the advise. I have been playing with my 72 Chevy malibu and my 67 Grand Prix convertible for a long time, with those there was an option to get a different torque converter that would lock-up at lower RPMs. Have not looked this up for my E30. But on another note I changed the air filter the other day. It was the one that was in it when I bought it (filthy!) now the car responds much better off the line. Still no chirping. As far as power braking or shifting from neutral. I don't think I will resort to that, Sounds undignified for a Proud BMW. Basically you rev-up a few seconds or so before you take off. I'll keep it in mind for a Kia. [headbang]

 

[Ben]

oh man, i did some crazy burnouts in my 325. (manual, of course) i had the tires spinning all the way into 2nd. i also do some in the 944, but thats only on special occasions because i dont have the money for tires right now.