Palazzo

An LS1 and box was (last time I asked) $12k, a figure which you've already moaned about. Lexus V8s aren't legendary for using 3-4 litres of oil every 10,000km either. Reliability? But hey, whatever floats your (dream) boat. Oh, and remind me, which Ls1 produces 400hp out of the box? An HSV motor? The above $12k was for a stock SS motor, '99 model producing 225kw with a slushbox.

A Supra or Nissan RB25 box, almost certainly, a 328i box, almost certainly for a while.

Lexus 4l V8 with Supra g/box on TradeMe last week, $1750, plus fitting and supercharger. 420 reliable hp is easily achievable with that combo.

Looks like a bargain, if it stays at or near that price.

Hmmmn. You've just confirmed what I was thinking. As usual, hp = $.

Does anyone have any ideas for a bigger throttle body for a 325? I think I read somewhere that one off an M30 will fit? Can the M20 be bored out? Anyone done anything with individual throttle bodies? Andrew, what did you use on the intake side for your race car project? I understand that the standard TB is a limiting factor in producing power and any cam upgrades can be hamstrung by this.

Think they said 91 octane or better fuel, so should be OK, I'm still dubious about the claims, given that there is no other work undertaken.

Go for it, sounds fun. Could be my new favourite after the E34 with the Lexus V8 and stainless headers.

Conforti claims +15hp and +15lb.ft torque on a 325i. I've been contemplating getting one or two, but have no idea on which set up (ECU) I have on the two different cars.

I'd send it straight back, if that's the standard so far, what else have they missed?

So you waited until fuel prices were at their highest, then nearly ran your car out of fuel and just made $100. It could be so much worse. My last tank was $108 at 7c a litre less and I still had 15 litres left in the tank. I think only Martyyn would be feeling worse.

Pissed Ninja. Love it.

Toyota Caldina

Diesel Surf manual, cheap as and everytime you get back in the Bimmer, you'll think you're driving a supercar by comparison.

Good read, I've got the 325i article from the same mag, will try and find it.

It's called C3, phone 0208778 0809 in London. They have them for 185 pounds each.

17s tops. I've got 18s on my Lexus and they are huge.

And in the case of the E30, lowered springs, bilsteins and bigger sway bars (I think) helped it to handle properly, which I seem to remember is handy if you want to try some motorsport. As the kit was all light anyway, I doubt there is much of a difference in weight either. 15x7 Basketweaves with 205/55 tyres would probably count as a handling upgrade over 14" bottletops in my opinion as well.

Have a look in Total BMW magazine (UK based), there's a company advertising near the back that has them listed. Good luck.

I think it's www.fritzsbits.co.uk ? They offer this as a tuning option, it ain't cheap from memory, but would be a fun alternative. Also available for the E32 from I think. . . .

Thanks Andrew, so next question. Why does the convertible have one and the 325iM not.?Has the plug, but seems to have been blanked off, certainly no wiring. Can't read the actual tag until I get under it with some degreaser and a brush.

Have had a hunt on the convertible and can't find the tag, mind you haven't been able to get under it very far. Tried Real OEM, gave me some details on the car, but couldn't figure out how to suss the diff. Will check the other car shortly. Question. What is the electrical connector that attaches to the rear of the diff as shown in Andrews photo and found on the convertible? Speed sensor?

Priceless. And people are bidding on it. Must be attracted by the "Racing Dynamics" engine.

Nothing wakes you up quicker than random explosions from the bottles exploding due to too much sugar. Good if you have nervous house guests.