01-14-2016, 10:03 AM
The headers are in!
Mileage: ~126,000
![[Image: raF60Vi.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/raF60Vi.jpg)
This ended up being another pain in the ass job, mostly because I didn't start with the right tools. I struggled for a long time getting the header nuts off with varying extensions and sockets on a normal sized 3/8 drive ratchet. Turns out, the header nuts aren't on there tight at all so we ended up busting out this miniature 1/4 drive snap on ratchet that was probably 4-5" long. That thing was perfect for this job and I highly recommend it for anyone attempting this in the future. Even with that tiny ratchet, it was more than enough to remove the header nuts and put them back on later.
While everything was out I also took out the clutch delay valve and bled the system. Holy shit I forgot how much of a difference that makes.
Between the clutch delay valve and the new headers/tune, this car drives 10x better. Shifts are nice and smooth now and it doesn't feel like I've never driven a manual car before. The car runs way better when it's cold since I had the tune delete the cold start mode. Torque in the 2-3k range is a lot better as well, which is something this car sorely needed. As far as top end power goes, it's definitely a noticeable increase. 3rd gear feels a lot more like 2nd gear used to feel. I'm completely happy with where this thing is power wise for now so I don't think I'll be doing anymore power mods in the near future. I might try to make it out to Elkton at some point and see what this thing puts down on their dynojet for shits and giggles, but I'm in no rush.
One thing I forgot to mention is that the new tune included the shift lights from the SMG versions of this car. I wasn't sure if I would like these at first just because I didn't really see how they worked based on videos. The shift lights use the normal cold start varying redline lights that are on all e46 m3's. They start to come on at 7k and build up the closer you get to 8k. This actually helps a lot on telling exactly when you need to shift. I also highly recommend this option to anyone considering a tune in the future.
The next big mod is probably going to be some sort of coilover set up. I haven't completely decided on what I want to get yet, but I'm liking the reviews/price on the new Eibach Pro-Street S system so far. It only has adjustable height, not damping, but if I'm realistic I probably wouldn't ever get serious enough to bother messing with the damping anyway. Considering the factory suspension is already a pretty rough ride, I don't want to go with some crazy mostly track setup. This car is going to be 98% a street car so any improvement over stock should be more than good enough for my purposes.
Mileage: ~126,000
This ended up being another pain in the ass job, mostly because I didn't start with the right tools. I struggled for a long time getting the header nuts off with varying extensions and sockets on a normal sized 3/8 drive ratchet. Turns out, the header nuts aren't on there tight at all so we ended up busting out this miniature 1/4 drive snap on ratchet that was probably 4-5" long. That thing was perfect for this job and I highly recommend it for anyone attempting this in the future. Even with that tiny ratchet, it was more than enough to remove the header nuts and put them back on later.
While everything was out I also took out the clutch delay valve and bled the system. Holy shit I forgot how much of a difference that makes.
Between the clutch delay valve and the new headers/tune, this car drives 10x better. Shifts are nice and smooth now and it doesn't feel like I've never driven a manual car before. The car runs way better when it's cold since I had the tune delete the cold start mode. Torque in the 2-3k range is a lot better as well, which is something this car sorely needed. As far as top end power goes, it's definitely a noticeable increase. 3rd gear feels a lot more like 2nd gear used to feel. I'm completely happy with where this thing is power wise for now so I don't think I'll be doing anymore power mods in the near future. I might try to make it out to Elkton at some point and see what this thing puts down on their dynojet for shits and giggles, but I'm in no rush.
One thing I forgot to mention is that the new tune included the shift lights from the SMG versions of this car. I wasn't sure if I would like these at first just because I didn't really see how they worked based on videos. The shift lights use the normal cold start varying redline lights that are on all e46 m3's. They start to come on at 7k and build up the closer you get to 8k. This actually helps a lot on telling exactly when you need to shift. I also highly recommend this option to anyone considering a tune in the future.
The next big mod is probably going to be some sort of coilover set up. I haven't completely decided on what I want to get yet, but I'm liking the reviews/price on the new Eibach Pro-Street S system so far. It only has adjustable height, not damping, but if I'm realistic I probably wouldn't ever get serious enough to bother messing with the damping anyway. Considering the factory suspension is already a pretty rough ride, I don't want to go with some crazy mostly track setup. This car is going to be 98% a street car so any improvement over stock should be more than good enough for my purposes.
2015 VW GTI | 2007 4Runner Sport
SOLD
2010 Nissan 370z | 2003 BMW M3
2005 Subaru WRX | 2010 BMW 135i | 1999 BMW M3
2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 | 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX SE
1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX | 1996 Pontiac Firebird
SOLD
2010 Nissan 370z | 2003 BMW M3
2005 Subaru WRX | 2010 BMW 135i | 1999 BMW M3
2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 | 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX SE
1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX | 1996 Pontiac Firebird