Recent Posts

I just found out what BMW  mean by 'LCI'. Now, I guessed it referred to a facelift of some sort but it actually means  'Life Cycle Impulse', no less !  And seemingly you can get your LCI BMW and then spec it with the ' Ultimate Pack'....


Just saying. 

Good to hear about the box. You should invest in a Delrin gear linkage bush kit as that would transform gear selection. Keep up the good work.

Bookmarked.

Good news! Actually it's great news, the car has been transformed since doing the de-cat.

First off, it boosts quicker and there's no hesitation in getting to max boost (10.5 psi) just before the rev limiter.  The cam change over point is more pronounced, there's even some pops and bangs from the engine on overrun too. The throttle response seems sharper and the Long term fuel trims have moved from -5% to as low as -1.2% when driving hard, they never went that low before.  I'm  presuming the engine is demanding more fuel to make more power thanks to the improved breathing. If it's making a few more BHP great but I couldn't really say in all honesty. my butt dyno says it is. More importantly it's driving much better as in it feels more eager especially up the rev range. 

Now, I'm coming to the conclusion that all this new found life in the engine is not just from a de-cat and an ECU reset but it's very possible that the damaged cat (one of two) might have been causing a blockage?  Regardless of any blockage the engine never preformed as well prior to the cat damage.

If there was a dyno near to me I'd book the car in just for the hell of it even if I know full well max BHP is not the be all or end all, still it would be nice to know the figures.  


The only regret I have is I didn't do a de cat sooner. Anyway, happy days.

Simon, that's a great project. Plenty of nice aftermarket upgrades available too. The style 32's are spot on.   Looking forward to this.

Bookmarked.


P.s. what are you doing to the W202 below?

I've nothing but praise for Bilt Hamber products and their customer service is second to none.

I mentioned previously I hit something on the road and it damaged one of the cats, causing a rattle. Tried the trick of inserting a few long self tappers into the rattling cat but it only did the job for a few days, the rattle came back with a vengeance, worst than ever.

What to do? Well, Merc want over grand for the cats so that's not happening. The offerings from aftermarket suppliers is very limited with only two suppliers at either 500 quid or 67 quid! Now, I always intended to get a de-cat set up while having the cats for the NCT (MOT). I ordered the cheap downpipe with a single cat which is for pre '97 cars. The plan is to chop out that cat and fit it in place of the damaged cat on the original downpipe and that should allow the car to pass it's emissions test. Currently the original d/pipe and new cat are with the local welding guy. This will leave me a downpipe for a de-cat set up.

Original
IMG_20200805_130534965 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

New
IMG_20200806_213616906 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr



Next up was the new downpipe with missing cat. I ordered a straight resonator and pipe reducer along with a few U bolts to make a de-cat pipe. That lot will have to be welded soon. It did the job in reducing back pressure but it's too loud between 2500-3500 rpm, I couldn't live with it. The plan now is to fit another resonator further back where the original resonator use to live (I stupidly had that resonator removed some time back, don't ask!  )


Cat out, resonator in.
IMG_20200817_153252724 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

Temporarily fitted, joints need welding.
IMG_20200817_184745478 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

A little update covering the last two months, nothing exciting really but the majority of items needed to be done.

I replaced the alternator, the original one did well so no complaints and I don't miss the bearing noise at idle.

The O/S/R toe arm bush failed and actually became very bad over the previous 100 miles, you'd think the rear sub frame was cracked when driving. Should have done both of these arms long ago and I've no excuses as I've had the parts for several months! Anyway the car is driving great now after a four wheel alignment, it's handling and grip are a far cry from when I bought it.

The bush almost fell out.
IMG_20200908_124527163 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

I ditched the bonnet vents. Got a bonnet in the same colour from the scrapyard, it's not perfect but better than the original was with no major or many stone chips and no acid stains from bird droppings. Vents will be missed when idling or in slow moving traffic but the simple fact was they made no difference to engine bay heat when driving, so they were of no real use.

Uncovered vents.
InkedI.C. Grill by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

Covered
InkedIMG_20200416_174820433_HDR_LI (2) by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

'New' bonnet
IMG_20200821_172756900 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

I also changed the air intakes for the CAI. I moved the 2nd smaller intake from the bumper to lower down where a spot lamp could be located. Both intakes in the CAI itself been modified with main intake getting baffle plates which are easily removable by a simple wing nut. The smaller intake has a cover with a seal attached. It can be uncovered again by a wing nut with no need to remove the cover itself. So, in theory I've now the best of both worlds - less induction roar and better air flow when I'm going for a blast. Also, there's no chance of the 2nd intake allowing rain in.

In the bumper
49065510533_8a0c0aaa01_w by Johnny Slow, on Flickr   

In the sport lamp location
IMG_20200813_124238354 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

CAI intake outlets with baffle plate and cover
 IMG_20200817_224449252 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

Main intake with baffle plate removed
IMG_20200817_224621595 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

2nd intake open position
IMG_20200817_224519977 by Johnny Slow, on Flickr

I've always had an interest in 156's. Looking forward to more posts.

Bookmarked