97 540I vs 79 928
06-16-2010, 09:52 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
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No, don't believe that is true. I think it didn't go interference until 85? Real hazy on this, only ever owned myS4, which is interference. Never monkeyed around with the old ones either
06-16-2010, 10:01 PM
#18
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78-79 cars are all the same, the S didn't come out until 80.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
I wouldn't go that far. The E39 is considered one of the best BMW's of all time. Especially the M5 variant.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
06-16-2010, 10:07 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
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I thought the Euro cams would put me in valve damage range if the TBF. I would seriously consider Euro Cams if this is not the case. One thing I always worried about with my two previous S4's was the ticking time bomb of a TBF.
06-16-2010, 10:08 PM
#20
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Like I stated I made 203rwhp w/ headers. Cams got me to 225rwhp. Thats 15rwhp from a 540. With proper heads I will gain more! I have already broken into the 14s w/ my car. I am a 10th away from a stock 1/4 time of a 540. Then again a 10th is a lot in a race.
Thats why I said from a roll like 60mph I don't think you will be embarressed, you will lose but you won't be destroyed. Sometimes, or for me it's always fun just to compete! I don't care if I lose!
Take him on, lose, then start adding more power!
Thats why I said from a roll like 60mph I don't think you will be embarressed, you will lose but you won't be destroyed. Sometimes, or for me it's always fun just to compete! I don't care if I lose!
Take him on, lose, then start adding more power!
06-16-2010, 10:16 PM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
78-79 cars are all the same, the S didn't come out until 80.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
I wouldn't go that far. The E39 is considered one of the best BMW's of all time. Especially the M5 variant.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
I wouldn't go that far. The E39 is considered one of the best BMW's of all time. Especially the M5 variant.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
I also agree the header and full exhaust is silly fun. Combined with the brakes and suspension and lighter weight I'm running -- it is more fun (for me) then I remember having in both of my S4's or anything else I've ever owned...be them faster, newer or more expensive.
06-16-2010, 10:20 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I agree the E39 is a serious ride. I had '99 E39 sport and it was a beast. But it wasn't a head turner by far. I enjoyed it but never wanted another one. Can't say the same for 928's as this is #3 and my 4th Porsche.
I also agree the header and full exhaust is silly fun. Combined with the brakes and suspension and lighter weight I'm running -- it is more fun (for me) then I remember having in both of my S4's or anything else I've ever owned...be them faster, newer or more expensive.
I also agree the header and full exhaust is silly fun. Combined with the brakes and suspension and lighter weight I'm running -- it is more fun (for me) then I remember having in both of my S4's or anything else I've ever owned...be them faster, newer or more expensive.
06-16-2010, 10:28 PM
#24
Three Wheelin'
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06-16-2010, 10:46 PM
#25
Rest in Peace
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I told you about my friends hopped up M5, that is one bad car.
I have no idea how much he is putting down at the rear wheels, but it is a lot.
I have no idea how much he is putting down at the rear wheels, but it is a lot.
78-79 cars are all the same, the S didn't come out until 80.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
I wouldn't go that far. The E39 is considered one of the best BMW's of all time. Especially the M5 variant.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
Headers / custom exhaust is the single best upgrade for all 16V's.
My stock 79 with headers / 3" exhaust was only 40hp shy of stock S4's at a local dyno day. With a 250+ pound weight advantage over most S4's, makes them a nice driver.
I wouldn't go that far. The E39 is considered one of the best BMW's of all time. Especially the M5 variant.
The 540 is a nice sleeper, especially with a 5-speed.
06-16-2010, 10:47 PM
#26
Drifting
Your 928 looks faster, cooler, meaner and more exotic....540 just looks like everything else. Its sad most manufacturers don't have any original design ideas anymore.
06-16-2010, 11:24 PM
#27
Three Wheelin'
I have a 95 540 M-Sport, one of 135 made for the US market because they didn't bring the M5 in that year. It's basically an M5 with the 4.0L V8 instead of the 3.8L straight six. I've replaced the super expensive EDS suspension with adjustable Konis and Eibachs and sorry to say that in street trim (and even with 265k on the clock) it still outperforms my roger boxed 32V 928 in a straight line or in the twisties. There's little doubt that the E39 variant with it's additional 10% displacement would crush a non-euro 16V car in any competition you could dream up....
BTW, the Getrag six speed transmission in the BMW is a brilliant piece of engineering, over a quarter million miles on mine and not even a hint of synchro wear (had lots of problems with the five speed tranny in the 535i I had previously....)
BTW, the Getrag six speed transmission in the BMW is a brilliant piece of engineering, over a quarter million miles on mine and not even a hint of synchro wear (had lots of problems with the five speed tranny in the 535i I had previously....)
06-16-2010, 11:40 PM
#28
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Wish I could put a Getrag 6 speed in my car.
There is a big difference between a modified 540 or a M variant. He is not talking about racing one of those.
240 at the rear wheels in a 3800lbs car is just that. Simple pyhsics, and gearing of course.
There is a big difference between a modified 540 or a M variant. He is not talking about racing one of those.
240 at the rear wheels in a 3800lbs car is just that. Simple pyhsics, and gearing of course.
06-17-2010, 12:01 AM
#30
Burning Brakes
So my friend just picked up a '97 BMW 540I 5 speed. He goofing on my 928 saying he will blow my doors off. I had a '99 540i Sport once -- and they are indeed nothing to toy with. So the question is will he really smoke me? Here's the stats on his car.....
SPECIFICATIONS
1997 BMW 540iA
Engine Type V8, dual overhead cams, 32 valves
Engine Size 4.4 liters, 268 cu. in.
Horsepower 282 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 3900
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic
Wheelbase / Length 111.4 in. / 188.0 in.
Curb Weight 3803 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.5
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
PERFORMANCE
0 to 60 mph 6.6 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.7 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.31
My '79 has headers, full stainless exhaust with Borla muffler and is a 5 speed. Any idea what HP I'm running with these mods over stock? I have not had it DYNO'd. Guess looking at the stats on the BMW, I should stay quiet or go get a SC
I'm a family man now and not about to really race him so this is just a friendly banter among old friends on what if's. Let me down gently, I think I already know the answer.....I'm toast.
SPECIFICATIONS
1997 BMW 540iA
Engine Type V8, dual overhead cams, 32 valves
Engine Size 4.4 liters, 268 cu. in.
Horsepower 282 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 3900
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic
Wheelbase / Length 111.4 in. / 188.0 in.
Curb Weight 3803 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.5
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
PERFORMANCE
0 to 60 mph 6.6 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.7 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.31
My '79 has headers, full stainless exhaust with Borla muffler and is a 5 speed. Any idea what HP I'm running with these mods over stock? I have not had it DYNO'd. Guess looking at the stats on the BMW, I should stay quiet or go get a SC
I'm a family man now and not about to really race him so this is just a friendly banter among old friends on what if's. Let me down gently, I think I already know the answer.....I'm toast.
I've got to say, I don't get the e39 appearance comments. To me it looks very distrinctive. The front end has a bit of a tiger look to it, and the back end is classic German. I agree that the vast majority of modern cars either look bland or bad, but I don't think this is one of those.