no big gains for a ZHP, it's only a slightly larger bore
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I tinkered with some Plasti-Dip...
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps64b1a158.jpg
On the Dinan TB, the butt dyno tells me there's a difference, haven't had a chance to get it on a dyno yet. After the Magnaflow catback was installed and everything else stock, the car dyno'ed at 203.5 HP & 206 ft-lbs. Preston wants to get his custom tune before going back on the dyno, we're discussing which tune right now but he's leaning toward Active Autowerks. I did stop by and talk to Reese at our local authorized Dinan dealer, he said the combination of the better flowing exhaust, the AFE CAI, the TB, and a custom tune should yield about a 20-25 HP gain at the wheel. He also estimated the already installed exhaust probably accounts for 5-6 hp of that gain, so we're expect 15+ more HP after tuning.
For those in the DC area, the Dinan dealer in Fairfax is owned/run by Reese, he's been there over 25 years, I found him to be a very decent guy. He obviously sells Dinan products but doesn't push them on you exclusively, I.e., he doesn't bad mouth other's aftermarket items. He made a comment that the AFE CAI was a good one and also that a full catback system would breathe better than what he offers for the e46 (just a Dinan performance muffler because you're still going through the 2 stock resonators which are restrictive). He said the Dinan TB is 9-10% more air flow than stock, that doesn't equate to the same % of HP gain, but if you tune it you will maximize your overall benefit. He recommended their Stage 3 SW upgrade but again didn't push it, he said others offer comparable tunes.
And no Jon, I didn't buy Stuart's TB, was too late. This one came out of San Antonio. I thought that I felt enough difference that I found another one this weekend. Not sure which car I'll install it on, but wanted to grab it since they come up so rarely.
:roundel I finally was able to drop the ZHP off today at the dealership where my dad works. Getting the front resprayed, the side mirror cover painted and installed, and recovering the driver seat bolsters. I'm pretty excited. I will pick it up on Friday.
Just received my March issue of Roundel. On page 58, my M3 is featured in the background of the 2002 tii to the right side at the Jack Cavanaugh Clean Car Contest in Shelter Island.