much better handling

[mallards]

first off ... just wanted to thank MrElussive for the tire pressure recommendations he made in another thread a while back ...

running my tires at 32 in the front and 37 in the back (up from 28/front ... 33/back) really helped the handling and improved my gas mileage from 29 mpg to 31 mpg

second,

has anyone heard rumors of performance filters (specifically K&N's) not being able to filter dirt, etc as well as a stock filter?

i read on some board that replacing the stock filter with a k&n is detrimental to your engine ... the guy claimed it lets in almost 200% more dirt?

any comments?

Ben

 

[MrElussive]

No problem, Ben.
As for the K&N air filter, this is true. K&N's claim to fame is that they allow better air flow into the engine...how do they do this? By letting more air flow into the engine, the air filter also allows more dust and dirt into the engine. I don't know how much more dust/dirt it lets into the engine, but I can tell you this is very true. The question is, how bad is this for your engine (even if it does let in the claimed 200% more dirt)? Personally, I have never read or heard of any stories involving engine damage due to the use of a K&N air filter, so I think it is pretty safe to use. If you do decide to take the plunge, it will only set you back about $40, installation is very simple, and you will see about a 1-2hp gain, if that.
My advice to you is, do it if it makes you feel comfortable. Car mods are essentially all about how they make you feel...how it affects the drivability and how you feel with that mod in your car. If you are not comfortable with the mod and feel it may harm your engine, then don't do it. If you really want to do it and you think it is worth it, then go for it.

 

[Kirby]

running my tires at 32 in the front and 37 in the back (up from 28/front ... 33/back) really helped the handling and improved my gas mileage from 29 mpg to 31 mpg

Ben

Just be aware that it MIGHT create faster tire wear in the center of the tread. You might want to put a straight edge against the tire. If you see a significant bulge (more that 1/8" or so) you will probably wear out the center tread prematurely.

I used to race go carts, and we routinely over inflated the tires for certain courses. Those tires always wore out quickly in the center.

 

[bahnstormer]

yup if u over inflate a tire the center will wear faster than the rest of the car
if u underinflate then the outsides wear faster...also don't overload your car with 6 people
at those tires pressures

 

[mallards]

the manual recommends (on 03' 325i w/ 225/45/r17):

Normal Loads (4 people max no luggage): 30 psi front / 35 psi back

Full Loads (5 people max w/ luggage) : 35 psi front / 40 psi back

so i think i am still well within acceptable limits ...

Ben