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ECIS Intake with Dinan Stage II Software
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Written by:
Cyclone (http://www.E46Fanatics.com) |
April 1, 2001
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Well, I guess I should start from the very beginning. Back when I was born...hehe...just kidding. Anyway, about a week and a half ago I received my ECIS intake from the Store here at E46Fanatics.com (Thanks Sales!). After installing the intake I immediately noticed my car had more pick-up. It seemed like my horsepower had increased by about 5-10 HP. Needless to say it was more than enough for me to notice the difference. The added engine noise and hissing sound took some getting used to. My ears were trained to my former engine sound and every time I started the car it'd sound like something was wrong. I have grown to love the sound of the engine. My wife can't stand the added noise, but I think it sounds nice and aggressive. I ran the intake for about a week and was pretty satisfied with it.
UNTIL....5 days after installation my check engine light appears, much to my surprise. I called the dealer and arranged a service visit for yesterday (Tuesday). I spoke with a couple of people on the board about the problem and someone suggested I try getting the Dinan Stage II software to allow for the extra airflow my engine was now receiving. Besides, I was planning to get this software anyway, wasn't I? Of course! After checking my budget, I decided that this was a reasonable assessment. I called the Momentum Performance Center and arranged for them to pick my car up after its service visit to reset the check engine light. Later, I remembered I had wanted to get the fenders rolled to allow for the 265/30's that I will be getting in the near future. This would save me a trip WAY down to south Houston from the WAY north side. This all total cost me $550 for the software, fenders rolled, and all labor associated.
So, I get a call from Momentum, my car is ready! I drive down to Momentum to pick up my car. After picking it up, while still sitting in the parking lot, I installed my ECIS intake back again (didn't want the dealer charging me to reset my engine light) hehe. (Side note...while installing it an older gentleman approached and we talked about modding cars for a few minutes. Was nice. I mentioned the board to him pointing out the E46fanatics.com stickers I have installed. He may stop by to buy some stuff in the future) Anyway...after reinstalling my intake, back on the road for the long trek back to north Houston.
When I got on the freeway I decided to test the throttle response. MMMmm....! Very responsive goodness. I could not be more pleased with the outcome. Now, if I can keep the check engine light from reappearing, life will be good!!! If you are considering getting an intake for a 2002 3-series, I strongly suggest you get the Dinan Stage II software. Do I think my intake would have worked without the software? Most definitely! So what was the problem then? I believe it was a problem with the installation and/or the fitment of the rubber connector piece provided with the intake. On my 325i, the connector to the engine is about 1/2" larger than the intake tubing itself. This causes there to be a gap when you tighten the screws on the rubber connector. Imagine taking a 1" tube of paper and tighten it on your finger (which is much smaller). Its the same effect. I believe this causes my intake to leak or something similar. This time I REALLY tightened the screws and I think everything is super sealed. I have been debating on whether to put some silicon caulking around the crinkled edge just to make sure its air tight. Haven't decided yet.
Ok, back to what I was saying about the software and the intake. For the 2002 325i's, which lack the power associated with 330's, this combo is a must have! I can only imagine how much better this will be once I get my UUC exhaust (next month!!!). Throttle response has improved, no more delay when I need power. My speed governor has been removed, though I haven't found a safe enough place to even hit the limiter yet. Once of these days, maybe. All in all, a GREAT combination!
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