Silvia K vs blown 318ti

splinemodel

The air separation tank on my trusty 96 Rx-7 just cracked. For most people, this is an annoyance, but for me. . . IT MEANS IT'S TIME TO GET SERIOUS!



So the 7 is on the way to becoming a car that's mainly used on the track and on weekends. That means that I'll need a second car to drive around town.



I could get something practical, yes, but seriously, I'm a libertarian who has a job doing industrial design. . . what about me is practical. . .



For about 11 grand I can have myself a very nice Silvia K S14 (for those of you who don't know, read some rice mags or play some Gran turismo. . . or hit google). Yes, it would involve some work since I'd have to buy a 240sx and swap out the engine, plus some some other minor work.

A somewhat riced up 240sx turned Silvia



For about 12 grand I can get a supercharged BMW 318ti. It would involve a lot less work, since the supercharger is basically bolt-on. I'd probably improve the radiator though.

A 318ti with disturbingly large wheels



I figured I'd compare two fairly aftermarket cars. Of course, my end product will almost certainly end up with 4 16x8 aluminum Rx-7 wheels. (Well, they are some of the lightest 16x8's out there.)



Anyway, the poll. Cast your vote. I think both would be fun to own and work on. The Silvia might be a tad faster and more unique but at the cost of more work. The BMW is undoubtedly the more classy, since it's not something out of Initial-D.

dmband0026

BMW, just because I love them. That being said, dude, you need a girlfriend.

gon

Of these two, S14 is the car built to *go*. I hear the Silvia turbos benefit from upgrades better than anything else on the mass market. 30% actual power gains with very little upgrades, etc.

Put in the right exhaust, air filter, ECU, boost controller and a new turbo, you can get 200kW at the wheels, and the torque is still smooth and begins low.

(If you're interested, take a look at this Aussie web magazine, they have a mountain of info about tweaking Silvias and other machinery. I bought reading rights to all back issues about half a year ago, it's been very much worth it. http://www.autospeed.com )



This BMW, on the other hand, is an ordinary car, one you see every other minute in traffic. Probably the better winter car (if you have a real winter that is).

In all fairness, it would be easier to compare a tuned Silvia to an (older) stock M3, then the biggest difference would be in price and luxury...

What is the expected performance with the blower?

splinemodel

The Silvia K would be much more fun, yes, and I'm leaning towards it right now. Plus, I don't think I'll see another winter for a long time since I'm moving to Florida, so the bad-weather traction thing is of no importance



As for speed, my Rx-7 is a superior track car by quite a bit. I think on the silvia I'll keept the boost to 9psi or less, though I'll most likely run it through an intercooler. The boost is really just there because I'm spoiled as hell when it comes to speed. I'm more interested in reliable operation, and the SR20DET is quite well made.



As for the girlfriend, I'm working on it.

greggwsmith

Go for the Bimmer but go with a 325 or 328. The 328 is a great car and the motor is pretty much bullet proof. I have a 2000 328i that I am about to add a little vortec magic to.

splinemodel

Quote:

Originally posted by GreggWSmith

Go for the Bimmer but go with a 325 or 328. The 328 is a great car and the motor is pretty much bullet proof. I have a 2000 328i that I am about to add a little vortec magic to.

I hope you're not talking about that little thing that you put in the intake that is supposed to improve airflow. Maybe it works on the 328, but the RX-7 community has done dyno testing that shows that it doesn't really do anything for the 7.



Anyway, a 328 would be great, it's just more expensive. I'd have to decide how much I really want to spend. what did you pay for your 2000 328? I assume it was either new or you bought it after a lease term.